Wish I was there . . .

Act Three????

2011-08-17T09:58:00.000-05:00

So the kids are back in school . . . and I'm floundering. I had two plans. One involved revising my resume and submitting it for some adjunct teaching - which I did - only to have no response. I've called but it appears there is no room at the inn for now. Plan two is more far fetched, less likely to have any success, and requires me to jump off a hypothetical cliff with no safety harness in sight. I thought I could it, but I appear frozen at the precipice.

So how does one go about creating Act III? I can't work full time as my parenting services are needed, but I need something. The all encompassing question of "what do I want to be when I grow up" looms frightfully before me. I am so damn fortunate that I have this choice at this time; so I just need to slide on my big girl panties and jump.

It's Hot

2011-08-03T09:25:00.001-05:00

I'm trying to ignore it by planning trips for the fall and preparing the kids to return to school next week, BUT IT"S HOT!!!!! AND HUMID!!!! AND MISERABLE!!!!!

As the wretched weather had melted my brain, that's all I've got . . .

Lake Sunapee Hike

2011-08-01T12:10:00.000-05:00

A summer hike in New Hampshire's Mount Sunapee.

Only two miles up to the top!

Of course the kids would have rather rode up, but alas it was not open when we were there. Maybe we'll have to visit again in the winter.

From above, a view of Lake Sunapee and Little lake Sunapee, and two tired hikers!

Mount Sunapee (or Sunapee Mountain on federal maps) is a 5-mile (8.0 km)-long mountain ridge in the towns of Newbury and Goshen in western New Hampshire. Its highest peak, at the north end of the mountain, is 2,726 feet (831 m) above sea level. The mountain has three secondary peaks, White Ledges at 2,716 ft (828 m); North Peak at 2,280 ft (695 m); and South Peak at 2,608 ft (795 m). The north end of the mountain, including the summit, is within Mount Sunapee State Park, which encompasses 3.85 square miles (10.0 km²). . . .
The entire mountain ridge is traversed by the Monadnock-Sunapee Greenway, a hiking trail that links the summit of Sunapee with that of Mount Monadnock, 50 miles (80 km) to the south in the town of Jaffrey, New Hampshire. Also crossing the summit in an east-west route is a section of the Sunapee-Ragged-Kearsarge Greenway, a 75-mile (121 km) trail linking ten towns in west-central New Hampshire as it circles the Lake Sunapee region and crosses the summits of the three mountains for which it is named. The two Greenway trails meet at Lake Solitude and use the same trail to the summit.

-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Sunapee

Fly Away Friday

2011-07-29T09:50:00.000-05:00

Route de Vin

Kaysersberg, France

2006

Hansi, the famous Alsatian artist, said the following of Kaysersberg: "The situation of Kaysersberg, its unusual silhouette and its numerous ancient constructions make it the prettiest city on the Wine Road". The high fortress that dominates the city serves as a reminder of its strategic importance and its violent past. However, today Kaysersberg seems more appropriate as the perfect setting for an Alsatian festival with its medieval atmosphere created by the pretty half-timbered houses that have been well preserved. Vines also surround the city and to insure that we do not forget their importance there is an old stone well with an interesting inscription:

"Do you drink water at the table ?
It will chill your stomach.
Drink with moderation old and subtil wine.
I advise you to do as such and as for me, leave the water to the side..."

-http://www.visit-alsace.com/kaysersberg/index.html

Breathe In Slowly

2011-07-28T08:34:00.000-05:00

Merano, Italy 2008

Hoping that the mountain pictures will help me to breathe in slowly

before dealing with pre-teen with bad attitude.

What Kind of Parents . . .

2011-07-26T12:11:00.000-05:00

. . . would take their children to a place where heads are stuck on tree tops?

And scary masks hang from trees?

Monsters jump out from behind rocks. . .

. . .Throwing up their arms to yell "BOO!!!!!!"

And waving an angry fist?

All the while, unfriendly trolls stared down from tree tops?

Causing their children to run and hide in tunnels?

What kind of parent would do such a thing ;)

I'm Back

2011-07-25T15:13:00.000-05:00

I didn't really mean to disapear - it's just summer, home with the kids, some health stuff, a trip to Maine, a crazy trip to Norway, and just life. However, summer is drawing to an end here (only in the sense that the kids return to school in a little over two weeks). And I need to return to my life - plug in and get going.

Norway has been on our mind a lot since last Friday. Our trip there in May was very stressful and we eventually had to laugh and accept that everything was not going to go according to plan. Now our problems seem so trivial. The pictures below are a tribute to the beauty of Norway and wishes for healing.

Bergen, Norway

May 2011

A Break in Rain

2011-05-19T09:22:00.000-05:00

Bergen, Norway

19 May 2011

Puye Cliff Dwelling

2011-04-03T21:15:00.000-05:00

A Few Clues

2011-04-02T19:14:00.000-05:00

Any guesses?

Running Away

2011-03-31T08:40:00.000-05:00

I am running away to join an old friend for the weekend. This could not have come at a better time. After a week of spring break and running the kids here, there, and everywhere, my husband came down with pneumonia. He is much better now, but it was a long ten days of taking over everything so he could rest. Plus my MIL is arriving tonight for the weekend and sadly (insert grin here) I had already made the plane reservation when she decided to come visit. I'm not telling you where I am going but I will post some pictures on arrival and I know you can figure it out. Until then, for my family in the North who are bracing for yet another Nor'Easter . . .

Your birds are enjoying the lovely sunsets

The flowers are coming in nicely.

The garden has started to grow.

And Spring is Here.

Which type of person are you . . .

2011-03-23T11:04:00.002-05:00

Black and White?

Or Color?

Somewhere in Duette, Floirda

March 18, 2011
Click on them for a better view.

And a month has flown by

2011-03-12T20:13:00.003-05:00

I am not sure where the past month went. Thanks to those who inquired about the sale of the farm. Miraculously, we have a contract from the young couple. While the foreign offer was interesting, in the end it was the young couple who were more reasonable. We are now just waiting for the snow to melt so that the septic can be inspected and I am crossing my fingers that we close before I leave for Norway in mid-May.

Also in this month, I have firm offers on all of the antique cars. I have drafted more sales contracts in a week then a auto dealership. These should all be at their new homes by mid-April. Another thing off the list. Tax information is to the attorney and I can almost see the end if (and this is a big if) we make it through inspection.

I also have been a little busy on my own stuff these past couple weeks. Having now wrapped my head around the fact that we are staying put in Florida, hubby and I began looking at some beach property nearby. We live right in the middle of the state - the butt ugly part of Florida. Yet less then two hours away is the Gulf Coast. FIL has a beach condo that we have been lucky to use, but it is only two queen beds which is pain with the kids. So, with the housing crisis and our moving nest egg, we are in a position to find a vacation home that we can use part of the year and then rent out. And I found a place and the owner and local bank accepted our offer. However, the property is a foreclosure . . .well, pre-foreclosure but the bank has locked the owners out after the owners stripped the place of the entire kitchen, toilets, bathroom sinks, air conditioner, and the vent covers. I know the place sounds like a disaster, but it was built two years ago, is off the ground, has three bedrooms, no one lived in it, it has GREAT potential, and is .2 of a mile from the beach. Next problem - the local bank who accepted our offer and who is out the money they lent the owner to build the place has gone through receivership. So, it is a foreclosure (pre-foreclosure) that has been stripped and the bank that now has the ownership interest in the property is a bad bank that has been taken over by the FDIC. Seriously, it's a mess. It has been sitting for more than a year in this same position (we were the first to get the local bank to accept an offer). The reason more people have not hung in is that due to the removal of the A/C unit and the kitchen most people can not get financing. So now we are waiting on someone from NEBRASKA who has the authority to accept our offer to make a decision. They told us two days; after two days, we were told a week - that was Thursday. Plus in the contract, the bank can pretty much pull out of the contract all the way up to closing (and possibly after closing in a unlikely circumstance). We've been told that's a standard clause when dealing with a foreclosure. We are ready to move and close on it in under 30 days once NEBRASKA decides. Until then, I am trying not to like the place and find something else - no dice so far. I won't jinx this any further by showing you pictures, but here are a few pictures from the bay side. The property is on an island so that in either direction in walking distance is the ocean (insert sigh here).

And baseball has begun with games every Friday night and Saturday morning from now until May. And next week is Spring Break and Hubby is saving his time for Norway so I will be here all week amusing, entertaining, and staring at the phone to make NEBRASKA call.

Could not make this stuff up

2011-02-17T11:19:00.000-05:00

I have been diligently handling my grandparents estate since August after my grandfather's death. The beneficiaries are my father and has six siblings. So far, I have managed to wade through with no major family blow-outs, and with seven beneficiaries, all related, and all related to me, this has been a minor miracle.

So, my grandparents had a family farm - 160+ acres in East Nowhereville Maine. House belonged to my great grandparents. Middle of nowhere - gorgeous land - haying fields, big red barn - but MIDDLE OF NOWHERE. I listed the place for sale with an agent since none of the beneficiaries are interested in buying the others out. We listed it at a fair price, knowing the value was the land and not the nearly 200 year old farm house that needs some TLC.

It is the middle of winter in Maine. A winter that has produced record amounts of snow. Middle of winter in the middle of NoWhereville in the middle of lots of snow. Yeah, right. We figured the property would sit until spring. But Super Agent had other plans. She has shown the farm more time then I can count, walked the boundary line (in the snow and not plowed) with interested buyers, and returned with buyers and their carpenters. Super Agent defies all housing market gravitational decline.

This week began with an offer (low but starting place) from "young couple". "Young couple" is from Maine but left to go to Big City make real money elsewhere, and now wants to return to live off land and be involved in local community. "Young couple" wrote me a very nice letter to accompany their offer about how excited they were to raise their family at grandparent's farm and continue its heritage, etc, etc. "Young couple" right out of magazine of people "returning to the land." Could be television series - possible comedy.

Then today, new offer. No locals, no aspirational "young couple", no developer (because even if you developed it, no one is there!). New offer from a "farmer" from a small former COMMUNIST RULED STATE - yes, in NOWHEREVIILE, MAINE. New offer in cash. Seriously. Possible movie plot - former communist succeeds as rural farmer in NoWhereville, Maine, but where did the money come from to purchase the farm? (dramatic music cue . . . .)

Negotiations on-going today with both. Grandparents rolling in graves due to offers of people from away being considered. Believe I have entered twilight zone.

Learning Norwegian

2011-02-07T09:32:00.000-05:00

The plane reservations have been made and permission has been granted for the kids to trade their last week of school for ten days in Norway to celebrate May 17. We will be staying in Haugesund and then traveling up to Bergen. While my husband is fluent in Norwegian, I promised that if we went back I would learn more of the language then I did in 2007. I could count to ten. As we will be visiting with Hubby's host family in Haugesund, the kids and I need to have some basic communication skills. It was with that good intention that on the way to school this morning, I popped on the Norwegian language CD and the kids and I dutifully repeated the awkward phrases. That was until my son learned his favorite Norwegian word - the word for "dirt". He then repeated this word until I dropped him at the school door with threats of repercussions if he taught this word to his classmates. The Norwegian word for dirt is a perfect example of the grammatical rule that the letters "sk" are pronounced "sh" before a soft vowel. So that the word for dirt or "skitt" becomes . . . . . . . .

Well, you get the idea. I just didn't think Hew's teacher would appreciate a classroom of six-year-olds repetitiously repeating the word dirt in Norwegian on Monday morning no matter what grammatical rule it was teaching. Monday - siggggghhhhhhh!

Photos from Norway in 2007

A Run Followed By a Visit to Italy

2011-02-02T07:58:00.000-05:00

Yesterday in my continued quest to be part of the SAOBSM club (slow and old, but still moving), I had a nice long run (9 miles) in the morning. After a quick shower, I revisted Milan . . . and still had time to make dinner.

Taken in Milan, October 2008.

Whoops I Did It Again

2011-01-21T10:09:00.001-05:00

I am unsure where the first 20 days of January have gone. Not that I have been sitting on my tushy eating chocolate (alright there was that one day . . . ). Since January 1, I have, in no particular order - ran my first 5K in ten years (28:20!!!), found a new yoga studio, found a couple more 5Ks to sign up to run and am training for a 10K by the beginning of summer, had a weekend away with Hubby while my parents took my kids to Disney (yep, parents are here from Maine but staying a couple hours away), looked at some beach places, booked tickets to Norway in May for entire family to go and meet my husband's host Norwegian family, booked flight for husband for secret interview (but have accepted living here and am quite content - must be the yoga!), sorted through all photos from the past couple years, picked my favorites, and began editing to finally print some for pictures on my blank walls, painted the trim in my daughter's room so I can finally finish painting the last room in the house, and the normal school, kid's activities, unannounced visits from husband's family, and tedious estate stuff for my family. And today I am making jam and continuing my struggle to learn some Norwegian on Live Mocha. So, what has everyone else been up to . . . .?

A contender from St. Wolfgang, Austria

On the second day . . .

2010-12-20T20:09:00.000-05:00

. . . in New Hampshire,

Santa brought to me

some snow to cover the trees!

Have a holly, jolly Christmas . . .

2010-12-19T17:10:00.001-05:00

It's the best time of the year

I don't know if there'll be snow,

But have a cup of cheer.

Have a holly, jolly Christmas;

And when you walk down the street

Say Hello to friends you know

And everyone you meet.

-Johnny Marks

"Have a Holly, Jolly Christmas"

Don't look too close

2010-12-17T08:37:00.000-05:00

No time for music today.

School is out.

Winter clothes to be found.

Suitcases being packed.

Early flight to winter wonderland tomorrow.

And I am still in my pajamas.

Star of wonder . . .

2010-12-15T18:49:00.000-05:00

Star of light

Star with royal beauty bright,

Westward leading, still proceeding,

Guide us to thy perfect Light.

"We Three Kings"

- Rev. John Henry Hopkins

Hark! the herald angels sing . . .

2010-12-14T07:54:00.000-05:00

"Glory to the new born King,

peace on earth, and mercy mild,

God and sinners reconciled!"

Joyful, all ye nations rise,

join the triumph of the skies;

with th' angelic host proclaim,

"Christ is born in Bethlehem!"

Hark! the herald angels sing,

"Glory to the new born King!"

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

-Charles Wesley

But do you recall . . .

2010-12-13T08:18:00.000-05:00

The most famous reindeer of all?

"Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer"

-Johnny Marks

The children were nestled . . .

2010-12-11T15:42:00.000-05:00

All snug in their bed.

While visions of sugarplums (or cupcakes!)

Danced in their heads.

"Twas the Night Before Christmas"

-Clement Clarke Moore

And when the blue snowflakes start falling . . .

2010-12-10T08:19:00.000-05:00

That’s when those blue memories start calling.

You’ll be doing alright with your Christmas of white,

But I’ll have a blue Christmas.

"Blue Christmas"

- Jay Johnson and Billy Hayes

I really don't want much for Christmas . . .

2010-12-09T14:05:00.001-05:00

Maybe just peace and while you're listening,

It couldn't hurt and might be nice,

If what the season brings could last beyond one silent night.

I really don't want much for Christmas.

No, hunger's high upon my wish list,

No fancy toys, please give instead

A roof above each homeless child's head.

It's all so grand and jolly.

We deck the halls with boughs of holly,

Yuletide carols and cozy fires,

But somewhere there's no rejoicing.

I really don't want much for Christmas.

You could lose hate, and I'd be blissful.

Make all the madness disappear,

That's it for what I wish.

No diamond-studded gifts.

I really don't want much this year, but love.

"I Really Don't Want Much for Christmas"

Chris Botti

I really can’t stay (Baby, it’s cold outside) . . .

2010-12-08T08:10:00.002-05:00

I’ve got to go ‘way (Baby, it’s cold outside)

The evening has been (I’ve been hopin’ that you’d drop in)

So very nice (I’ll hold your hand, they’re just like ice)

"Baby It's Cold Outside"

Frank Loesser

***Yes, I was reminded of this song last night watching Glee. But it really is cold here - 31ºF/0ºC. It has been cold all week!!!!! Yes, I know it won't last, but I can't help but having a Brittany moment (Glee reference) by asking Santa to make it snow here before Christmas. After all, he's magic!

Christmas Eve will find me . . .

2010-12-07T18:38:00.000-05:00

. . . Where the love light gleams.

I'll be home for Christmas,

If only in my dreams.

"I'll Be Home For Christmas"

-Buck Ram, Kim Gannon and Walter Kent

Jingle bells, jingle bells . . .

2010-12-06T10:44:00.000-05:00

Jingle all the way

Oh, what fun it is to ride

In a one horse open sleigh

"Jingle Bells"

James Lord Pierpont

***On a non- Christmas note (and a parent bragging note!), Hew's soccer team played their tournament this weekend. In the championship game, Hew played goalie in the fourth quarter and in double overtime, and his team went on to win in sudden death. I nearly had a heart attack every time the opposing team took a shot. KK has her tournament next week so it will be another nerve wracking weekend coming up.

Be near me, . .

2010-12-05T09:49:00.000-05:00

Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay

Close by me forever, and love me, I pray.

Bless all the dear children to thy tender care

And take us to heaven, to live with Thee there.

"Away in a Manager"

Third Verse by Charles H. Gabriel

Giddy yap, giddy yap, giddy yap. . .

2010-12-04T16:06:00.000-05:00

Let's go! Let's look at the show,

We're riding in a wonderland of snow.
(except we're not - we're in the middle of a soccer tournament this weekend and next weekend!)

"Sleigh Ride"
Mitchell Parish

There must have been . . .

2010-12-03T08:21:00.000-05:00

. . . some magic in that old silk hat they found.

For when they placed it on his head, he began to dance around.

-Frosty the Snowman
Walter "Jack" Rollins and Steve Nelson

He sees you when you're sleeping . . .

2010-12-02T08:15:00.000-05:00

. . . He knows when you're awake.

He knows if you've been bad or good

So be good for goodness sake!

- J. Fred Coots and Haven Gillespie

Santa Claus is Comin' to Town

*** A bit off the Christmas theme, but for those who have previously asked I am doing much better. Unfortunately my second experience in the hospital was horribly negative. My husband and I have walked away knowing that not only must you have someone to advocate on your behalf, but you must make a scene to be heard. We didn't do this and even though we warned doctors that I am hypersensitive to medication, they put me on a full dose while admitting they were unsure of a diagnosis. I was not told of potential side affects, include psychiatric affects such as anxiety and paranoia, as well as physical side affects such as my blood pressure shooting sky high, shaking, and inability to sleep. I was not given a follow up with a doctor, but thankfully on the advice of nurses had scheduled an appointment with an ENT, who immediately took me off the medication, and was able to diagnosis the reflux. It took more then two weeks for the medication to fully leave my system. The positive in all this is that my fear of being unhealthy and going back to the hospital has resulted in an 18 pound weight loss with a change in diet and increase in exercise. Plus to calm my type A personality down, I started practicing yoga again after a two year hiatus. A silver lining to an otherwise horrible experience.

I'm Dreamin' . . . .

2010-12-01T08:17:00.001-05:00

. . . of a white Christmas. Just like the ones I used to know.

Where the tree tops glisten.

And children listen

To hear sleigh bells in the snow.

-Irving Berlin

December 1, 2010

Thanksgiving Week Florida Style

2010-11-29T08:53:00.000-05:00

Anna Maria Island

Weekend of November 20, 2010

Pre-Thanksgiving Preparation

***Thanks for all the good thoughts. I am doing much better and there have been some really great health and lifestyle changes that have come out of this little episode.

Still Kickin' Around

2010-11-08T14:06:00.000-05:00

October 2010

Vacation traded for Hospital Stay

2010-10-07T07:27:00.000-05:00

Right now I should be throwing the last few items into my suitcase so we can dash to the airport and fly to Austria. Instead I am on the couch recovering from a two day hospital stay. Late Monday night, I had a severe allergic reaction to an antibiotic I had been prescribed for a sinus infection. My breathing was impaired and I passed out striking my head. I was taken by ambulance to the hospital where my heart rate dropped to around thirty beats a minute. I have been pumped full of meds, had more tests then I remember, and my arms look like pin cushions. Thankfully the kids slept through the ambulance arrival and our neighbors stayed at the house until Hubby came back to wake the kids for school. I am fine but I'll be visiting an allergist soon. So no lovely autumn pictures from Austria and Northern Italy. However considering the last few days, I am just happy to be sitting on the couch at home.

Tut mir leid

2010-09-30T07:13:00.000-05:00

Really, I'm not meaning to ignore this blog, but somehow life has out run me yet again. We leave in a week for autumn break. School is out for three days and we just tagged on ~~a couple~~, alright FIVE extra days (and two weekends). We land in Munich after a stop through Amsterdam. One night in Munich to let the kids (and me) adjust. Then it is five days in Innsbruck, five days in Sud Tirol Italy, and then back to Munich to catch a flight back to Hell. Unless of course I refuse to leave. Wonder how long I could stay without a visa or without getting caught . . .

Pictures to Escape By

2010-09-17T09:25:00.000-05:00

When foxes eat the last gold grape,

And the last white antelope is killed,

I shall stop fighting and escape

Into a little house I'll build.

But first I'll shrink to fairy size,

With a whisper no one understands,

Making blind moons of all your eyes,

And muddy roads of all your hands.

And you may grope for me in vain

In hollows under the mangrove root,

Or where, in apple-scented rain,

The silver wasp-nests hang like fruit

Escape written by Elinor Morton Wylie (1885 - 1928).

Pictures take July 2010 at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens.

Say What You Need to Say

2010-09-15T06:58:00.000-05:00

A mother of two children who attend the same school as my kids died today. She was diagnosised with cancer in June. I didn't know her - our children are a few years apart, but it is a small school so news travels fast. She was younger then I am. Her two children are in middle school. And the rumors are that she suffered. So in memory of those who die too young, who leave behind children and a husband who still need them, please tell someone what they mean to you today.

****Wanted to put in picture here but my computer has a bug and I am working off of Hubby's which contains no photos.

Saved by a Seedling

2010-09-09T09:22:00.000-05:00

Today was going to be a whiny post. Since coming back from the funeral a week ago, I've been out of sorts. I had to withdraw from my German class at the university because they felt I would be missing too many days due to the funeral and trip to Austria. I am trying to arrange private lessons with the money that was for the class, but so far no luck. The kids are right back into school and activities. Over the weekend, I either picked up a head cold or am having allergies. During the day, I won't take any medication but at night I need to take something so I can clear my sinuses in order to sleep. I wake up foggy and slow moving. I spent yesterday cooking a meal to take to a friend's house as her father in law went in for surgery this week and died unexpectedly. The funeral is tomorrow. I am the executor of my grandfather's will and the list of items and accounts to be handled is never ending (if anyone is interested in 100+ acres and an old farm house in rural Maine - let me know). And while autumn may be making limited appearances elsewhere, it's hot and sticky and moldy here. Plus, yet again Florida has produced some wackado who makes international news for doing something utterly inane.

So it was with this attitude I went for a run this morning. I was pissed because I couldn't breathe due to allergies. And I was pissed that while in Maine I could run 5-6 miles comfortably, but here due to the heat and inability to breathe it was only 3 miles. And I was pissed that the air is so thick with moisture, it was the equivalent of running in a steam room. And I hate Florida.

Usually after running, I feel better, but today was an angry run and I was still feeling agitated after the run - wheezing, sore throat, nose running, sinus headache. I rounded the house expecting to see that the seeds I'd planted over the weekend had been eaten by the squirrels and instead I found these

Pictures are a bit fuzzy due to my camera's reaction to the humidity, but these are seedlings for green beans and wax beans that I planted on Saturday. I'm not saying I love Florida or this heat; given a lottery win or a job, I'd be out of this place faster then you can say Sunshine State. But for today, I'll be pleased with the fact that in just five days after putting a seed in the ground, I can grow a plant.

A Few Clues

2010-09-07T06:55:00.000-05:00

Where will this family be visiting in just a month? Well, the details are still being worked out, but I expect there will be . . .

Alpine Mountains

Autumn Treats including some Apfel Strudel

Of course, a castle, or two, or three . . .

We'll be singing "The Hills are Alive" from a Golden Rooftop . . .

Grandpa B

2010-09-02T08:45:00.000-05:00

We shouldn't have expected your death to be easy as there was very little in your life that was easy. You were born into a family that had little. You quit school in the seventh grade to go to work until you were eighteen, and then you went to war. Those years weren't talked about, but we all knew that your jobs had to do with the gathering of bodies. Gram once let it slip that you still had nightmares and you would wake up yelling. When you returned, you and Gram had your family - seven boys and a girl. You farmed, you opened a little mechanic shop that eventually grew into a car dealership, and mostly in those early years you just tried to survive. With your seventh grade education and Gram's high school diploma, you created a successful car dealership. While you eventually had other brands, you will always been known as SAAB dealer. Not only did you sell them, but the stories of your racing them on land and ice are still told. As are the stories of your fast and wild "driving" on the back roads of Maine.

You gave up your old farm house to move into your in-laws farmhouse so that Gram could take care of her father. That is the farm house of my childhood - where we hayed in the summer and gathered for Thanksgiving, too many of us to fit around the table. Somewhere in there you bought some land on a lake and a small camp from somewhere else. The story goes that you waited for the ice to freeze so you could drive across the ice and drag the camp to the land where it still sits today. It was there that you and Gram had a good group friends in similar circumstances, and in the summer after work you had "cocktail hour" while the kids ran wild. Your great grand children still swim and fish at the camp.

You weren't easy. You were hard and didn't show affection. You drank and when you lost your sixth son, Uncle Jimmy, in a car accident you became an alcoholic. We thought the alcohol might have done you in when you crashed your car in the early 90s, instead you quit drinking. The doctors wanted you to stop smoking also, but you said if you quit that too, you'd be so pure no one would know you. It was when the great-grandchildren came along that you finally let yourself express the joy of your large family.

Grandpa B and KK

Grandpa B and Hew

When Gram died seventeen months ago, you knew you were in trouble. Dementia had already begun its theft of your memory and Gram was who had kept you straight for so many years. The memory of you saying good bye to Gram still makes me sob. We too couldn't image you without Gram. Since then, dementia has continued to rob you - you forgot that Gram had died and had to be retold. You didn't recognize your grand-children and eventually your children. By the end, you didn't even know who you were. Your family cared for you until the last month. By then, you'd become combative - wanting to fight you grandchild one night in confusion. We softly laughed at the irony that the week your youngest great-grandchild was written up at pre-school for biting, you too were written up for hitting another patient at the nursing home. You always were a fighter.

So when you died last week, we all couldn't help being a bit relieved. You would have never wanted to live the way you had the last few months - scared, unknowing, and alone, even when you were surrounded by the large family you'd created. I hope that you finally have the peace that you worked so hard for.

Summer's End

2010-08-24T12:51:00.000-05:00

As summer ends, the beach still calls for me to come and sit,

and mindlessly watch the sun set in pastel sky,

I'll search for shells

and buried treasure.

While waves roll in,

each color will slip into inky night.

When I have come with happy heart to sixty years and ten,

I'll buy a boat and sail away upon a summer sea;

And in a little lonely isle that's far and far from men,

In peace and praise I'll spend the days the Gods allow to me. . . .

. . . For when I come with happy heart to sixty years and ten,

I fondly hope the best of life will yet remain to me;

And so I'll burn my foolish books and break my futile pen,

And seek a tranced and tranquil isle, that dreams eternally.

I'll turn my back on all the world, I'll bid my friends adieu;

Unto the blink I'll leave behind what gold I have to give;

And in a jewelled solitude I'll mould my life anew,

And nestling close to Nature's heart, I'll learn at last . . . to live.

-Beachcomber by Robert William Service

Anna Maria, Florida
August 2010

Back with no news

2010-08-19T07:48:00.000-05:00

I really didn't intend on disappearing for two months. And then I had all these grand plans of coming back with an updated blog. . . yeah, it didn't happen. Summer was hot, then we went to Maine and had three incredible weeks of family, friends, ocean, lakes, lobster, Hubby's 40th, cousins, boat rides, fishing, and just general summer fun. We came back and the kids started school last week. I start an actual beginning German class next week at a university just because I want to learn it and I know that I won't do it on my own. By January, I need to start coming up with what my plan is for here for the future. We're still looking and there are still some possibilities from before that we are still waiting to hear from, but I've stop holding my breath. Mostly I've just appreciated how lucky we are to be in a solid place in an area where so many people are on a slippery slide that appears to have no bottom. Oh, and we booked an October trip with the kids to escape the heat and see autumn in one of my most favorite places in the world (hint: the language class will be useful there!). That's it - we are lucky, we are healthy, and I finally seem to accepting that I don't control the universe.

Now just a couple pictures from Reid State Park. Reid State Park is Maine's first State-owned Saltwater Beach. In 1946, Walter E. Reid, a businessman from Georgetown, Maine, donated the land to the State of Maine to be preserved forever. The park has two beach areas but most people spend their time on Mile Beach, but there is a second area, Half Mile Beach, which is also accessible to the public. The beaches are also nesting areas for endangered least terns and piping plovers and resting and feeding areas for other shorebirds. (Information found at Maine Bureau of Conservation)

Mile Beach

For me, this is the beach of my childhood, my point of reference for beach vacations -with coarse, gritty sand, dramatic tide changes, water so cold, it aches and children being shepherded out with salty lips purplish blue that beg to jump just a few more waves. My children are now imprinted with the my childhood memories of summer at Reid.

Watching waves crash on rocks is mesmerizing

The tide begins to inch in

The best way to warm up is a walk up the rocks

Happy Friday!

2010-06-18T06:44:00.000-05:00

Taken in San Francisco

April 2010

Dreamin' of Escape

2010-06-16T06:57:00.000-05:00

May 2010

Holmes Beach

Putting It Out In The Universe

2010-06-14T11:06:00.000-05:00

Paulo Coelho, the international best selling author most known for his book The Alchemist, often writes about the journey of following your dream or Personal Legend. Mr. Coelho has said that "following your dream is like learning a foreign language; you will make mistakes but you will get there in the end." The Alchemist is the story of a shepard searching for his Personal Legend and the journey of self discovery on which he embarks. This is a book that I continue to read to sooth me in times of difficulty. Coelho writes of an old man who gives encouragement to Santiago, the protagonist, when he feels that he has been foolish to attempt to find his dream. He writes ". . . when you really want something, it's because that desire originated in the soul of the universe. It's your mission on earth. . . . And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping your achieve it" (The Alchemist, p.22).
Many of you know that we want to leave Florida. Part of my being home full time is to assist in finding jobs and sending resumes. This process of trying to move has been much longer then either of anticipated - it has been humbling. While we continue to apply to jobs in many places, if I am to pursue my Personal Legend then I must admit that I have dreamed of living overseas, in Europe, of learning German, and allowing my children the opportunity to learn more of the world then I ever knew as a child. I didn't grow up poor, but I grew up simple, and the idea that a kid from small town Maine would have such opportunities seems foolish and I have dismissed this dream time and again. Especially since this dream has no rational, nothing that I can point to to explain it other then simple desire.

But,

PH has an interview on Thursday for a job that would allow us to live this dream. It is a job that he applied to almost a year ago, the interview has been set and cancelled before, the position in question, and now, it appears to be open and they still want to interview him and he still wants the job. I try very hard not to wear my heart on my sleeve, not to allow myself to hope and want too much. If I express desire aloud and it doesn't happen, I feel failure and embarrassment for wanting too much.

But,

I am putting this one out there. I know there is no perfect job or place to live. I know this change would come with numerous obstacles that I have not even begun to imagine. I know that I should look at the odds and be rational,

But,

I want this. So please - good thought, positive energy, prayers, whatever you've got to put out in the Universe, I'll take it.

"" . . . People are afraid to pursue their most important dreams, because they feel that they don't deserve them, or they'll be unable to achieve them. We, their hearts, become fearful just thinking of loved ones who go away forever, or of moments that could have been good but weren't, or of treasures that might have been found but were forever hidden in the sands. Because, when these things happen, we suffer terribly."

"My heart is afraid that it will have to suffer," the boy told the alchemist one night as they looked up at the moonless sky.

"Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself. And that no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams, because every second of the search is a second's encounter with God and with eternity."" (Coelho, The Alchemist, p.130).

Division of Labor

2010-06-10T10:28:00.001-05:00

In our almost ten years of living in this house, it appears that the fact that I mow the yard (instead of my husband or a yard service) is still a topic of conversation. I knew I was upsetting the apple cart when we moved in and I was introduced as "This is Hexe. I'm sure you seen her out mowing her yard." And then it was a riding mower, which isn't a whole lot of work.

Now that I've moved on to the push mower (less damage to the grass during the dry humid months), it appears to have renewed the discussion. Today, I was stopped mid-mow by a women from the back of the neighborhood who informed me that her husband better not see me because he'd already asked her why she couldn't help with the yard. Um, sorry - I guess?!? If you don't want to mow your grass, then don't, but is it really such a big deal that I mow mine. The kids are outside and I'd rather accomplish something then sit around. Plus the push mower is a work-out in the scorching Florida sun and as my work-outs are now limited to those I can complete with two kids in tow, I can use all the help I can get.

I know I grew up in a whole different culture ("the Northeast"), but it was not a big deal to have ovaries and mow the yard there. As soon as we were old enough not to run over each other, mowing became our chore. My sister and I split the yard - one of us taking the larger but flatter front yard and the other taking the smaller, but hilly back yard. At my Grandparent's farm, my Grandmother even drove the tractor during summer haying when the crew was short numbers. I can imagine the outcome if that happened here - they'd probably call an emergency homeowner meeting to discuss it.

The whole division of labor has been and will continue to be a topic of discussion in our house. I'm home so I do more. I am not a delicate flower who leaves the dirty jobs to my husband. I'd rather mow the yard, then clean the bathroom any day. The down side of being home is once the kids are out of school, there is no time that is mine. Nothing changes for PH when the kids leave school, but I surrender all of my free time. In another week or so, the kidsy will begin a few activities so I will at least have two hours that are mine and I can exercise daily, but then I leave for Maine and the kids are once again mine full time. Sometimes I wonder if it is just the heat here that makes me so grumpy in the summers . . .

On our walk on Wednesday, we saw

2010-06-04T07:19:00.000-05:00

A sweet bunny at the beginning of our walk.

Several bright butterflies that flitted about.

More dragon flies then I could count.

Two bird that appeared wooden until . . .

one suddenly took flight.

Lots of lily pads.

Can you find the frog? We found fifteen of them during our walk.

And as we left, the sweet bunny sat in the exact same spot nibbling on the grass and watching us.

Wonder what we'll see today.

Pictures taken on Wednesday, June 2, 2010 during a walk in the scrub of Central Florida

It been a little quiet here because

2010-06-01T22:24:00.001-05:00

1. My grandfather has been admitted to the hospital and is having an operation. He is the last of my grandparents alive. Even though he does have dementia and hasn't a clue who we are anymore, he's the last and I really would prefer if he could put off dying a bit longer. And I am not asking just because I am the executor of his will, and his estate will a giant mess.

2. The kids are out of school and we are not heading to Maine until July - like mid-July. It's hot and they need to be entertained and the rest of the schools are not out yet. Tomorrow at Hubby's suggestion, we are building a volcano (wth!).

3. A friend has lied to me. Not those little lies - like "no I don't dye my hair" or "of course, you haven't gained a pound!" But one of those lies that played on my emotions and resulted in me doing something for her that I would have never done if I'd known the truth. The betrayal kind of lie. It's not like I make friends easily here in Hell, and over the years I have done some very nice things for this friend and been there in some really difficult times. It's the kind of lie where you begin to believe that you should never confide in any other person because they will only use your soft spots to manipulate you. I'm ragingly angry and so damn hurt. Not sure how this will end quite yet other then I tend to be a burn the forest and the bridge down sort of person once I feel betrayed.

4. It's summer and it's hot and I really hate Florida.

Gardening Monday

2010-05-24T10:38:00.000-05:00

The first day of no school for the kids and we are recovering from the beach (pics to follow shortly). The garden was a bit dry after a few days of relying on the rain here. The tomatoes continue to produce and grown nicely. One of the cherry tomato plants is looking VERY dry, but I am hoping it will be fine now that it has a bit of water. The fruit/vegetable are still there so I think it will recover. Unfortunately the de Bourbonne cucumber are looking terrible. Many of them are yellow and they are growing curved which I know I know is not a good sign. I think this Floida heat is too muc for them. Plus I am wondering about an infestion of some white bugs from the green beans - it's possible that I will need to invest in some galic spray to keep away pests. The thai egg plant are beginning to flower - purple thus far. And the asparagus bean plant is ready for a trellis so that is a project for later this week.

And the flowers are finally beginning to bloom. What looked like this last week . . .

. . . now look like this

Happy Monday!

Good Morning from the Beach

2010-05-21T08:46:00.000-05:00

Progress

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". . . Sweep down the cobwebs of worn-out beliefs,

And throw your soul wide open to the light

Of Reason and of knowledge. Tune your ear

To all the wordless music of the stars,

And to the voice of Nature; and your heart

Shall turn to truth and goodness as the plant

Turns to the sun . . . ."

-Ella Wheeler Wilcox (1855-1919)

Poem entitled Progress

Gardening Monday

2010-05-17T07:03:00.000-05:00

Despite having a stomach bug for the past ten days, the garden continues to progress. I picked the green beans clean and pulled out the stalks as production had decreased to just a few errant beans. The second plants started from seed are about a foot high and ready to be planted in the garden tomorrow. Tomatoes and cherry tomatoes are still flowering but no fruit (vegg? - the great debate rages on) yet. The baby cucumbers have started coming in with a handful that I plan to pick tomorrow. I hope the rest develop quickly so pickles can be made. The asparagus bean and Thai eggplant are growing lovely and green - not sure what to expect as this is the first time I have grown these. As for the herbs - the parsley continues to flourish; the rosemary started from seed is just beginning to poke through; the sage and thyme seem to be recovering well.

Pictures of it all soon, but for now I am off to meet my secret love for a farewell meeting as (1) I finished painting the bedroom and some accents are needed and (2) the kids are out of school for summer vacation this Thursday and my dalliance will have to come to a heartbroken end (at least for a bit). I might even have some beach pictures next week as FIL has offered us his beach condo for this weekend to celebrate the end of school.

Have a good Monday!

Back Next Week

2010-05-14T08:24:00.002-05:00

Have had stomach flu and trying to finishing painting master bedroom and bathroom before the kids get out of school next Thursday. Until then, enjoy a cup of coffee

And enjoy the view!

Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-08T19:18:00.000-05:00

Grammie's Garden 2007

Hello, my name is Hexe and I am addicted to IKEA

2010-05-05T07:55:00.001-05:00

It started out so innocently on Valentine's weekend. When I finished painting the den, Hubby and I decided we needed a desk. The lap top needed a home and the kids needed a place for homework. It was a gorgeous weekend - cold and sunny. So we drove an hour to visit IKEA. I'd been before, but it so overwhelming at first that I could just stare; my mind unable to comprehend the various room configurations. So we found a desk - nothing fancy - just an area for books, the laptop and maybe a bit of space for homework. And it was good.

But then, I finished painting the living room. And Hubby in his frugal manner was about to pull out the ten year old couch pillows which totally clashed with my new paint job. I had to drive by the IKEA for an appointment, so I figured I'd stop and JUST SEE if they had any pillows. And how could I resist these

(And the four large flower pots which now are filled with veggies and herbs . . . ) But it was still good.

So the living room is painted we've rearranged the furniture and there is is this very empty lonely wall and lots of books throughout the house. Another meeting and another visit to you know where. But I was strong this time, I just looked, not one purchase ( well, except for some ligonberry "saft" and a chocolate bar to console myself . . . ). And then yesterday, another meeting and I knew I had guests coming tonight for dinner and these books were everywhere and

PH is still saying it's all good, but I think that he is damn glad I only have one more meeting over near IKEA.

Gardening Monday

2010-05-03T10:30:00.000-05:00

My approach to gardening is to consider the process magic. You plant a seed in dirt and stuff you were going to throw out, add a little water, some sun, and magically the thing grows. I do realize there is a science behind the process - ph levels, soil consistency, temperature consideration. But thus far the magical approach works for me. Now that said, it doesn't always work exactly when expected. Such as last autumn when I put in lettuce and grew some sad looking wilted plants because it is still an inferno here. However, I was rather surprised when during our cold snap in January, my dormant lettuce took off and for several weeks we had fresh lettuce through April. I also know that in the interest of the science of gardening, I should be documenting what I plant, when I plant, and the results, so the following year I can better prepare. I even have a book to write this down in - except that I haven't. So in the interest of science and to force me to take some pictures even during a busy week, I decided to start documenting my garden here on Mondays. Feel free to give advice or just laugh at my utter ineptitude.

This weekend we did a second pick of the green beans which are still flowering. I plan to use the beans in a summer salad for dinner with a friend on Wednesday. The first batch was quite good so I have high hopes for the salad.

I know last year I had about half a dozen good picks before the plants stopped producing so in the interest of continuing the green beans through out the summer, I started another round of plants inside. I also started some more rosemary inside and the kids sunflower seeds and the asparagus beans outside in pots. The asparagus beans are a new try that are suppose to do well in humid Florida summers - we'll see.

The tomato plants that went in at the same time as the green beans are still not producing many blooms. I suspect the late frost may have taken its toll, but as there are a few blooms, I'll give it them a couple more weeks before clearing out the plants. The potted black cherry tomatoes are coming along, although still no blooms. I think I might have to actually read something about growing tomatoes as I am told they are easy to grow and I seem to have some tomato growing deficiency.

Thankfully my de bourbonne cucumbers have boomed thus demonstrating I am not a total failure at gardening. Can't wait to turns these babies into pickles!

And I won't mention the unknown pot. I put in peppers and thai eggplant in two separate, unlabeled pot. One died and one is growing green leaves and I haven't a clue which is which - I suspect it is the eggplant growing as I have seen a pepper plant before and these leaves does not resemble the memory, but who knows. Another magical surprise!

The parsley and rosemary in the ground continue to flourish. And in the interest of attempting to expand into flowers, I planted this

Under the mulch is about a foot of stones from the former owner's rock garden (it was truly hideous!). As very little grows in the area, I decided to try a pot of bougainvillea (new river) in the back, some angelonia in the middle, and a few celosia in the front. As the front two are annuals in Florida, I can replace with the seasons. We'll see how this experiment goes as I am known for killing the most of hardy of flowers and have less tolerance for my non-edible plants.

Next week - maybe one more attempt at flowers.

Flower Friday

2010-04-30T09:06:00.001-05:00

Point Reyes National Seashore, California

April 2010

Still Spinning

2010-04-26T10:29:00.001-05:00

I wish I could say I had news, but nothing to report. So I've been keeping busy:

I have painted the trim and walls in the living room. I just have one more wall around the windows, and then I am left with just the bedrooms to update.
The green beans are in, the parsley has taken off, the lettuce is now gone, but the tomatoes and cukes are just beginning to flower. Go garden!
Hubby and kids did a road race this weekend. I just cheered - not quite ready to run a race again. But I have begun running again, now that spurs on my heels have been reduced and the doctor has cleared me to run.
Hubby took me to see La Nouba, Cirque du Soleil for my birthday on Saturday. On Friday, I had friends over for a Mexican dinner and made some tasty sangria and even better chocolate mousse. Both nights were lots of fun.
Made strawberry jelly and am going to move on to jam today.
Trying to stay positive and be patient, but I never was virtuous . . .

Circle B Nature Preserve

March 2010

Gatorland

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Jumping Gators.

Tarantulas!

Sun Bathing Gators.

Does this look like a place to take a group of six year olds or the place you'd like to send the tax man?

Gatorland

Kissimmee, Florida

April 15, 2010

California Dreamin'

2010-04-13T20:14:00.001-05:00

Point Reyes National Seashore

Taken April 2008

Waiting With Hope

2010-04-11T21:42:00.000-05:00

I try not to write about it much, but we are still continuing the job search. We still hope to leave Florida and the resumes are still going out. For the most part, they fall into two categories - jobs in places that are close to my family in New England and jobs that are far, far away.

Part of me wants to be close to my family. To see my children grow up with their cousins. To have autumn with apple orchards and real pumpkin patches. To have summers at the lake. It is the place of my youth and all that I know, and I would enjoy seeing my children have some of the same experiences.

On the other hand, there are so many interesting places in the world. I would love my children to learn another language and to truly experience another culture as only you can when you live there. I would love to put myself in a situation where I have no choice but to learn a new language and live a different and unknown life.

This week, in a two hour span, Hubby's job hunt became a symbol of my conflict. This week, he has an interview with a firm within a hour of my siblings and within two hours of my parents. It is a place I know well (went to school in the area) and it would be comfortable and familar. Next week, he has an interview with a US entity that is far, far, far away (think over the ocean). While the language at work would be english, it is certainly not an english speaking place. It would be challenging and exciting and a very different life in some ways.

They are both first interviews, and it is a long process, and neither may ever offer Hubby a job, or neither may be the "right" choice. But for a just a bit, I thought "what if" - what if one of these is the right job. And for just a minute, I had some hope that someday we might actually leave here.

Have Run Away

2010-03-31T08:48:00.000-05:00

Last Monday my grandmother died and since then I have been making runs to the airport, cooking up a storm and trying to see how many people I can have sleep at my house. The last of the guest were returned to the airport two days ago. Yesterday with little sleep, we flew to San Francisco. We decided to go ahead with Spring Break as we thought it would be a nice way to recover from the week of guest and saying good bye to my Grandmother. Gram was all about not being too inconvenient so I think she would understand our need to go on with our planned vacaton. Another two days in the city and then out to the National Park. And maybe some new pics.

Happy Birthday Hew!

2010-03-19T01:00:00.001-05:00

Today my baby is six. It seems a very, long time ago that I kept my c-section appointment. Even as a baby, Hew had quite the personality - refusing to nap and only going to sleep at night if I played Norah Jones. The parent teacher conference this year began with the observation that I would be buying Valentines cards for Hew's numerous girlfriends at a very young age - never mind counting and the alphabet. He asked for bag pipes for his birthday, and until recently, wanted to be a garbage man so he could "wear his hat backwards and ride on the back of the truck." Happy Birthday to my unique little boy! May you always march to the beat of that crazy tune in your heart.

Pumpkin Muffins with Cream Cheese Frosting as requested by the birthday boy for his kindergarten class.

In Need of Jokes

2010-03-18T10:21:00.001-05:00

My 85 year old grandmother who lives here in Florida was admitted to the hospital this past weekend with congestive heart failure. Hospice is now involved. Could be weeks, could be months. Gram told me on Tuesday that she has led a good life and she has been lucky to have good kids and grand kids. She also decided that she wants no funeral service as "all of her friends are dead and the next time someone goes to Maine could they take her cremated remains home to be buried next to Grandpa." (Yes, that will most likely be me - can't wait to explain that one during the security search).

Someone say something funny . . .

Orange Stawberry Roulade

2010-03-11T13:43:00.000-05:00

Orange and Stawberry Roulade

Made today for MIL visit

Along with Braised Red Cabbage and Pork with Pureed Potatoe

Run Away Monday

2010-03-08T08:31:00.000-05:00

Merano, Italy

October 2008

Rainy Saturday

2010-02-27T16:48:00.001-05:00

Taken today after tee-ball and soccer were a wash.

Spring Clean Up

2010-02-15T08:40:00.000-05:00

We have been experiencing winter Florida stye for about a week now. Temperatures in the 30sF in the morning. Almost reaching 60F in the late afternoon - it's been lovely (except for my tomatoe plants which seem to have froze in confusion). Cold weather seems to bring out my nesting and cleaning gene. As such, I have raked 21 bags of leaves and acorns out of the yard (and still have the back to finish). I painted the hall, kitchen, and kids area, and have sanded down the basebaords and trim in dining room and the living room. I will be working on painting these rooms this week (another week of low temps and the kids return to school tomorrow!). There are a couple computer assisted projects I am suppose to complete for Hubby. Plus I finished putting together a much need desk from IKEA (LOVE, LOVE, LOVE IKEA!). Soon I promise to return to my heating hating whinig self, but for now I am busy, busy, busy . . .

Signs of Spring

2010-02-09T09:06:00.001-05:00

Future tomatoes

and Green Beans.

Window slammed shut

2010-01-23T12:44:00.000-05:00

Law program decided to increase their already expensive tuition by 25% and not post it until I received the bill. They apologized and I withdrew. End of story.

Chocolate Cake

2010-01-21T13:35:00.000-05:00

Baked and Photographed today.

Which of These Things is Not Like the Others

2010-01-20T15:44:00.000-05:00

Survived the first day at school. Much of the class is young, eager, and wore flip flops. Let's just say I stood out in my black dress pants, button down shirt, and closed toe shoes. The interesting part is that about a third of the class is not from the U.S. so it makes for some expressive and divurgent political discussions about the creation and enforcement of international law.

I survivied my first law class in fourteen years - Whoooosssssshhhhhhh (giant exhale!).

You People Are Good

2010-01-19T10:28:00.000-05:00

Remember a couple of posts back, I wrote there had been an opportunity to leave Mouseland that we turned down because it required moving every two to four years which we decided was too much to ask of our kids. The responses to that post were along the line of a door closed, a window opens. So last week I receive an email that appears to have nudged open a window. No, we are not leaving here, but it is an opportunity. This fall, on a lark, I applied to a program for an advanced degree in international law. It is a one year program if done full time. I really never thought I'd get in, but I guess the university didn't look to hard at my transcript because I have been accepted and I start tomorrow. Not only did the university agree I could enter the program, they agreed that I could do it part time. So I have managed to schedule two classes around my kids schedule so as not to disturb their universe. Plus the unversity has summer classes (namely the equivalent of thesis writing during the summer). It is possible that I could be half-way through the program by August. We are still going to keep looking to leave Mouseland, but in the meantime this gives me the opportunity to learn a new area of law and increase my marketability for when I am ready to return to work (and I can see that day coming as Hew finishes Kindergarten this year!). And for now I can still pick the kids up from school except twice a month so the impact is pretty limited. No it is not immediate gratification and I don't get to pack the boxes yet, but still - an open window of opportunity. Although I admit to being terrified as law school was a horrendous nightmare for me and I have now volunteered to return to it for 24 more credits.

And on an unrelated note, the freeze has left Florida leaving behind a trail of dead citrus and tropical fish, but I still loved it. It was cold and the grass is dead and the kids wore jackets to school - and it is so over. But for now, I have my roses to remind me that even in hell it does freeze over once in awhile.

Just another day

2010-01-08T08:39:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, after a bike ride, I began working on these

. . . sanding off the old paint, putting on the new paint, so that this weekend I can paint the walls. Then I made . . .

. . . Julia Child's French Onion Soup as it is still cold here. I follwed the recipe exactly and the only change I would make is to leave out the salt as the stock had plenty without adding extra. But even so, it was divine with . . .

. . . the two loaves of French Bread I made that morning.

I even attempted to make my own mozerella from Home Cheese Making by Ricki Carroll, but discovered that milk that says pasturized here is really ultra pasturized thus killing off the stuff needed to make the cheese and turning my mozerella attempt into some mushy yuck. Sorry no pictures of that mess.

Today it is German homework, my favorite italian meat sauce, and clean the house as my parents are arriving here after driving 1500+ miles for warmer weather. I guess visiting wth their grandchildren will have to do as the warm weather doesn't appear to arriving anytime soon.

Happy Friday!

The Path Not Taken

2010-01-06T08:05:00.003-05:00

For a bit now, we have been contemplating a new opportunity. I always thought that once the opportunity came we'd know exactly what to do - run for the border of Mouseland and never look back. However, this opportunity comes with a condition that has made us pause in our mad dash to leave. The new opportunity would require us to move every few years - sometimes nationally and sometimes internationally. We would have limited input in the locations and some of the potential locations are still "developing". For Hubby and me, the idea of paid travel every few years sounds like a fun adventure, but it's not just us. Taking this opportunity means that our children would have to move a lot. When we inquired about stayng in one location for six years so the kids could start and finish high school in one place (btw - six years because they are two years apart, not because they will need six years to graduate), the answer was resoundingly negative. We could probably have four years, but not six.

We have tried making the list of positive and negative aspects. While this opportunity would definately be interesting and challenging, the financial benefits are not any greater then our current situation. And while we might find living in a developing nation interesting, I don't think our children will see it the same way, especially when they will settle in only to have to start over every two to four years. And how will I feel when the education choices for them are "limited"? I think we know the right answer for us and our family, but sacrificing an interesting path doesn't come easy when we have been looking to leave here for so long. Sometimes I hate being a grown up.

p.s. Thanks for the encouragement. After I wrote this, I went for a run and on the last hill (well, the only hill really - afterall this is Florida!) the song "You Can't Always Get What You Want" came on my ipod. I just had to laugh. While I love the Rolling Stone version of the song, my new favorite is the Glee version of it.

Winter

2010-01-04T09:39:00.000-05:00

I may wish that Florida looks like this, but I'll have to settle for some cold weather here. A week of lows in the 30s. Now if it would just snow . . .

Photos taken in Vail, Colorado

December 2009

Thank You Santa!

2010-01-01T19:36:00.000-05:00

Maine December 2009

I really think that I'm going to enjoy learning Photoshop!

The First Moon

2009-12-31T22:13:00.000-05:00

Just a moment to reflect on the year that has passed. To remember the new places we've visited, the new memories we've made, the new dreams we've imagined.

Just a moment to remember those we have lost and the love we've let go.

Just a moment to say goodbye to one year before welcoming in another.

Just one more moment . . .

Welcome Winter!

2009-12-19T20:18:00.001-05:00

Taken December 19, 2009
Vail, Colorado

Drama, Drama, Drama - It Must Be Thanksgiving

2009-11-25T05:48:00.002-05:00

Somehow I thought that this year would be the year we were finally past the drama that accompanies hosting Thanksgiving for PH's family. For nearly ten years, we've sent out the invitations and included everyone - PH's siblings, his mother, his father and his father's fourth wife, the step/adopted children from marriages two, three, and four (wives two and three are dead) . Sure there's been the occasional snide remark that left me and my favorite adopted sister-in-law in the kitchen downing a glass of wine while we commiserated on how we ended up as part of this motley group. And there's been a few years of rule setting, such as if you bring a convicted felon to the meal he's not to be left alone with the kids, no the Rottweiler is not invited, and if the invitation says 1:00 PM, I am not recooking and serving another meal at 6:30 PM. I have also come to realize that except for favorite adopted sister-in-law, no one will bring anything nor will they help clean up; I can hint or outright ask but there will be no response except from adopted sister-in-law and my Grandmother. I have learned to accept all this, but none of that prepared me for this year.

First, some background - my childhood memories of Thanksgiving include a meal with my Dad's large family at my Grandmothers farm. While everyone helped there, my Grandmother always hosted the meal and she made sure to include something that each grandchild liked. I have had the privilege the past few years of cooking this meal for my Grandparents who escaped the northern cold and wintered here. Sadly my Grandmother died this year in April and my Grandfather is not well enough to travel to Florida. At my Grandmother's funeral, I spoke about how difficult Thanksgiving would be this year without my Grandmother there. Now here's the important part*******I told PH's mother (MIL) this in mid-October and said I would be doing our traditional Thanksgiving. I explained how much it meant to me to carry on my Grandmother's tradition of hosting Thanksgiving. MIL never said a thing during this conversation.

Now fast forward to Halloween and what do I find in my email box, but an announcement that MIL is hosting Thanksgiving this year at her new rental home. Obviously, her ex-husband (FIL) and his various adopted/step children and current wife are not invited. And of course, my other Grandmother and my Aunt and Uncle who come to my home are also not invited. PH (and this is one of the times that he earns his name Perfect Husband) immediately emails back MIL that other family is expecting to come to our house as they have done for nearly ten years and that he is sorry but we will not be coming to her house. Then there are conversations with PH's siblings where we tell them that we understand the predicament they are in. Obviously we will not be upset with them for going to MIL's house, but obviously MIL will be furious if they come here. So one sibling will be here and the other three will be with MIL. Here's the other kicker - this holiday has been the one time all year that PH, his siblings, and their children all get together. So while MIL always laments the fact that her grandchildren are never together she has managed to destroy the one time during the year they do see each other.

So preparations are underway for our smaller Thanksgiving (still 15 people!). I'd like to say PH and I are over MIL's behavior, but we're not. I keep trying to remind myself that my own children will learn from my actions and if I cut MIL out totally, the kids will learn this is acceptable. So for now, I am going back to cooking and teaching my children the joy of preparing and sharing a meal that includes the yeast rolls my Grandmother loved and the pumpkin bread recipe from my Mother.

Disapointed

2009-11-05T08:25:00.002-05:00

Yesterday morning the results for elections were in. The voters in my childhood home of Maine decided to repeal legislation that allowed for same sex marriage. Whatever your view on homosexuality, denying a person the ability to marry is unfair and as marriage is regulated by the government, a denial of equal protection in this country. Yesterday's Facebook comments prompted an on-line discussion among my childhood friends - those who are openly gay and those who are deeply religious. One friend who would describe himself as right wing and religious said that if "they" would just agree to civil unions and not use the word "marriage" then he could live with it. It was the use of the word "marriage" that was too great for him to bear, and civil unions would provide the legal protections that are necessary.

But what is a marriage? Isn't a marriage more than just legal protections. Yes, marriage allows for insurance, estate, and financial protections. But most people enter marriage for deeply personal reasons and many enter a marriage with deep affection for the person they are marrying. Marriage is a way of declaring a commitment to a single person. I understand that for many there is a religious significance to marriage, but there are a good number of heterosexual couples who marry without any religious implication in their ceremony. Are they any less married?

I have friends who are married. They had a ceremony to announce their commitment to one another; they share the responsibility of a home, they work to support one another, they have made wills that leave their estate to the other, they travel together, have family holidays, fight over mowing the yard, pay bills, and in all things, share a life. Their separation would be considered shocking and a "divorce" would have to occur so entwined are their lives. Is there relationship any less of a marriages because they are two men? Denying them the term marriage is choosing form over substance, and is unfair and wrong. And while I understand that not everyone is comfortable with homosexuality, I actually thought that Maine would recognize equal protection.

****now climbing down off high horse, but still deeply saddened . . .

Let's Run Away . . .

2009-11-04T09:07:00.000-05:00

Better Late Than Never

2009-10-29T06:59:00.005-05:00

The October 2009 Daring Baker challenge was brought to us by Ami S. She chose macarons from Claudia Fleming's The Last Course: The Desserts of Gramercy Tavern as the challenge recipe.

I have to admit that I failed this month. I just couldn't seem to get it together - was it the heat that kept turning the meringue to liquid, the ground hazelnut flour (what a pain that is to make), the overly sweet coffee icing? The result was not a macaron, but a flat, not so good cookie; or as my kids said, "It's okay but not very good." Seriously, that is how bad it was - the kids turned down cookies. To see how it should be done, visit the other Daring Bakers and maybe by next month I have my baking mojo back (or at least it might be cooler).

Travel Suggestions

2009-10-27T06:58:00.002-05:00

I am in need of some travel suggestions for the spring. Well, really I need to narrow down all of the places I want to go and pick one (or maybe two!) places. The parameters of this challenge: ten or so days late March/early April includes Easter weekend but not traveling that weekend, husband who will not even remember where we are going until he packs the night before leaving, two children then ages six and eight, needs to be warm enough to be outside but it can be jacket weather, not more than one plane connection between Florida and destination (sorry no 30 hour trips to New Zealand - Hubby already vetoed that idea!), if anywhere near Paris will have to stop and see family for a few days, need quaint and pretty scenery, good food, prefer that part of the time is NOT in a major city, and the perfect place to make lasting memories and yet relaxing.

I need specifics people! Not just a country but a town or area. Anyone?

MONDAY!

2009-10-26T08:17:00.004-05:00

Feeling like I am in an alternate world this morning . . . .

Culture Shock

2009-10-21T07:40:00.003-05:00

If ever you want to see the vast spectrum of humanity in the United States travel from Seattle, Washington to Gatlinburg, Tennessee in the same week. We thought the kids were ready for a National Park trip; I'm not sure we were ready for Gatlinburg . . .

We spent the weekend listening to KK, age 7, correcting spelling seen around town - "Corn is spelled with a C not a K, right Momma."

Und die Blumen . . .

2009-10-19T07:09:00.003-05:00

Bringen die Blumen in der Morgan.

Blumen, Blumen, und mehr Blumen!

Meine Lieblingsblume.

Ich habe diese Fotos in Seattle.
Oktober 2009

Please feel free to correct my limited German

Pike Place Market or My Idea of Heaven

2009-10-13T11:22:00.005-05:00

The history of Pike Place Market is as rich and colorful as Seattle itself. Its nine acres and 100 years of operation encompass thousands of unique and interesting stories — stories of immigration, internment, gentrification and urban renewal — that explain why Pike Place Market is called "The Soul of Seattle."

Between 1906 and 1907, the cost of onions increased tenfold. Outraged citizens, fed up with paying price-gouging middlemen too much for their produce, found a hero in Seattle City Councilman Thomas Revelle. Revelle proposed a public street market that would connect farmers directly with consumers. Customers would "Meet the Producer" directly, a philosophy that is still the foundation of all Pike Place Market businesses.

On August 17, 1907, Pike Place Market was born. On that first day, a total of eight farmers brought their wagons to the corner of First Avenue and Pike Street—and were quickly overwhelmed by an estimated 10,000 eager shoppers. By 11:00 am, they were sold out. Thousands of shoppers went home empty-handed, but the chaos held promise. By the end of 1907, the first Market building opened, with every space filled.

A century later, Pike Place Market is internationally recognized as America's premier farmers' market and is home to nearly 200 year-round commercial businesses; 190 craftspeople and 120 farmers who rent table space by the day; 240 street performers and musicians; and 300 apartment units, most of which house low-income elderly people.

"The Market," as the locals affectionately say, attracts 10 million visitors a year, making it one of Washington's most frequently visited destinations.

All the above information on Pike Place Market was found at http://www.pikeplacemarket.org.

And the last photo is after a day at the market - PERFECT!

Where I Have Been

2009-10-09T19:11:00.005-05:00

I Love Seattle!

New German Words

2009-09-28T17:08:00.006-05:00

ein blauer Tag

Schwarz und Weiß

Travelin' at Twice the Speed of Light

2009-09-23T06:57:00.001-05:00

H1N1

2009-09-21T07:30:00.005-05:00

I knew it was a matter of time, but H1N1 (or the Swine Flu) has found its way into the kid's school. KK's teacher was taken to the hospital on Saturday, but she was at school on Friday with a fever because the class had field trip. Students from grades second to fifth were on a bus with this teacher (including mine) and then spent the day with her. Parents are freaking out; administrators are being called over the teacher's decision to come to school with a fever. I have mentioned to some vocal parents that the school is no very tolerant of teachers being absent. During my brief tenure, we would receive emails telling us that there were certain days we were not allowed to be absent because they lacked sufficient classroom coverage. So how did this all come out over a weekend - Facebook.

A friend of mine is Facebook friends with this teacher. The teacher posted her diagnosis on Facebook, and my friend emailed me. I really debated what to do with the information, but I kept coming back to the fact that if I were an unknowing parent who had a kid with respiratory issues I'd want to know. I sent an email to the principal and the teacher to verify the information, and then sent an email to the few parents I know. I am obviously aware that theses parents then contacted other classroom parents until one parent with everyone's email address sent out a mass email. The teacher has been very upfront and sent me back an email confirming the diagnosis and telling me to watch my own child for symptoms. The principal did respond to my email about having the classroom cleaned, but made no attempt to notify parents. Yet another reason parents are furious. There is an available system at the school for both recorded phone notification and email notification to parents, Neither was used.

For today, I am keeping my kids home. Mostly because if the teacher passed it on to another student, it could be four to seven days before we know it. Also my son has cold like symptoms so no need to risk it; obviously KK will have a substitute for the week.

The questions for the day: am I over-reacting by keeping the kids home for today? If someone publishes a medical diagnosis, is that permission for public release? Has the school fumbled yet again or are parents blowing this out of proportion?

For today, we'll just be hanging around like this guy . . .

Moving at the Speed of Light

2009-09-14T06:46:00.002-05:00

No I have not won the lottery, abandoned my house, and jumped the nearest plane out of here (but I would if given the chance!). Since school has started, I have been on fast forward. Every weekend is filled until November. The week includes ballet, tap, two soccer practices, two soccer games, science club, and Brownies. Throw in my photography class which has begun, my German class which will start at the end of the month, a bathroom renovation that will not end, and fifteen loads of laundry and that is my life. Some of the highlights:

The bathroom is not done. I have to finish painting the closet door, and a section of crown moulding that must be put up. The outlet covers have not arrived and we still need a medicine cabinet. Oh, and lights - the light fixture still needs to be hung. I hope to have most of this done by Friday when we are having some friends to dinner, otherwise they potty in the dark.
The photography class - mixed feelings right now. Having to take specific photos on specific settings while trying to master aperture and shutter speed feels forced. I am not enjoying it as I keep looking around desperately for some inspiration in the scenery, but I am . . . .well, here . . . central Florida in the heat and showers of September is not inspiring. It is just hot, humid, and unattractive. Sorry - I am suppose to be finding the positive, but photography homework only makes me want to move far, far away. Maybe as I begin to understand aperture and shutter speed more, it will begin to feel less forced and I won't dread my assignments.
The German on-line class begins at the end of the month. I know that an on-line language course is not ideal, but it is what fits in my schedule for now. I have received my materials and have begun my first lesson which includes a DVD with hilarious skits of people dressed in late 1980s parachute pants and fluorescent colors. I am learning certain words just by association with the outfits and the dialogue. Oh and yes, I am beginning to conjugate some verbs too. Once the class starts, I think I will be pretty busy.
Thankfully, there are a few escapes between now and the end of the year including a long weekend in Seattle with an old friend (where we could both fly directly - me from Florida and her from Kansas- and find cheap tickets); five days in the Smokey Mountains with the kids during an October long weekend; Vail in December for a lawyer seminar; and Maine for six days at Christmas. So I better learn aperture and shutter speed because there has got to be some inspiration coming soon!

That's all folks! I'll try to post some of my least hated photos in the near future, but for now it is time run.

Daring Baker - Dobos Torta or the Damn Torte

2009-08-27T06:20:00.003-05:00

The August 2009 Daring Bakers' challenge was hosted by Angela of A Spoonfulof Sugar and Lorraine of Not Quite Nigella. They chose the spectacular Dobos Torte based on a recipe from Rick Rodgers' cookbook Kaffeehaus: ExquisiteDesserts from the Classic Caffés of Vienna, Budapest, and Prague. This month's Daring Baker creation is a Dobos Torta or as it became known in my house - the Damn Torte. Having now survived its creation, I can say with hindsight that the recipe is not overly difficult, mostly just time consuming. Eight layers (recipe called for six but I made a smaller cake so more layers), caramel over a layer, and butter cream frosting. Yes, that is butter cream in the Florida heat and humidity - two minutes out of the frig and the damn stuff was melting. I would frost a couple layers, stick a couple strands of spaghetti through the layers to keep them from sliding around and refrigerator for a couple hours. Then pull it out and repeat until I had seven layers stacked. The caramelized cake layer had to be refrigerated too. The humidity made it tacky so into the frig with that too. I tried to throw the extra caramel on the macadamia nuts but I couldn't get them covered that why you see random splotches of caramel on the nuts. I think it is fair to say I cussed my way through this cake and swore up and down, I'd never make it again.

And then I tasted it - damned if the cake wasn't really good! As my five year old said "Mmmmmmm! Mmmmmmmm! Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!" The lemon juice in the caramel was a tart contrast to the rich, sweet butter cream. And as long as I kept the cake in the frig, it stayed together for serving. And it is so rich that a small piece takes care of a chocolate craving easily. So I am eating ~~cake~~, er . . . crow , I will use this recipe again once the weather has cooled a bit. Thanks Angela and Lorraine!

Dobos Torta

Equipment
2 baking sheets
9” (23cm) springform tin and 8” cake tin, for templates
mixing bowls (1 medium, 1 large)
a sieve
a double boiler (a large saucepan plus a large heat-proof mixing bowl which fits snugly over the top of the pan)
a small saucepan
a whisk (you could use a balloon whisk for the entire cake, but an electric hand whisk or
stand mixer will make life much easier)
metal offset spatula
sharp knife
a 7 1/2” cardboard cake round, or just build cake on the base of a sprinfrom tin.
piping bag and tip, optional

Prep times
Sponge layers 20 mins prep, 40 mins cooking total if baking each layer individually.
Buttercream: 20 mins cooking. Cooling time for buttercream: about 1 hour plus 10 minutes after this to beat and divide.
Caramel layer: 10-15 minutes.
Assembly of whole cake: 20 minutes

Sponge cake layers
6 large eggs, separated, at room temperature
1 1/3 cups (162g) confectioner's (icing) sugar, divided
1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons (112g) sifted cake flour (SUBSTITUTE 95g plain flour + 17g cornflour (cornstarch) sifted together)
pinch of salt

Chocolate Buttercream
4 large eggs, at room temperature
1 cup (200g) caster sugar
4oz (110g) bakers chocolate or your favourite dark chocolate, finely chopped
2 sticks plus 2 tablespoons (250g) unsalted butter, at room temperature.

Caramel topping
1 cup (200g) caster sugar
12 tablespoons (180 ml) water
8 teaspoons (40 ml) lemon juice
1 tablespoon neutral oil (e.g. grapeseed, rice bran, sunflower)

Finishing touches
a 7” cardboard round
12 whole hazelnuts, peeled and toasted
½ cup (50g) peeled and finely chopped hazelnuts

Directions for the sponge layers:
NB. The sponge layers can be prepared in advance and stored interleaved with parchment and well-wrapped in the fridge overnight.

1. Position the racks in the top and centre thirds of the oven and heat to 400F (200C).

2. Cut six pieces of parchment paper to fit the baking sheets. Using the bottom of a 9" (23cm) springform tin as a template and a dark pencil or a pen, trace a circle on each of the papers, and turn them over (the circle should be visible from the other side, so that the graphite or ink doesn't touch the cake batter.)

3. Beat the egg yolks, 2/3 cup (81g) of the confectioner's (icing) sugar, and the vanilla in a medium bowl with a mixer on high speed until the mixture is thick, pale yellow and forms a thick ribbon when the beaters are lifted a few inches above the batter, about 3 minutes. (You can do this step with a balloon whisk if you don't have a mixer.)

4. In another bowl, using clean beaters, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in the remaining 2/3 cup (81g) of confectioner's (icing)sugar until the whites form stiff, shiny peaks. Using a large rubber spatula, stir about 1/4 of the beaten whites into the egg yolk mixture, then fold in the remainder, leaving a few wisps of white visible. Combine the flour and salt. Sift half the flour over the eggs, and fold in; repeat with the remaining flour.

5. Line one of the baking sheets with a circle-marked paper. Using a small offset spatula, spread about 3/4cup of the batter in an even layer, filling in the traced circle on one baking sheet. Bake on the top rack for 5 minutes, until the cake springs back when pressed gently in the centre and the edges are lightly browned. While this cake bakes, repeat the process on the other baking sheet, placing it on the centre rack. When the first cake is done, move the second cake to the top rack. Invert the first cake onto a flat surface and carefully peel off the paper. Slide the cake layer back onto the paper and let stand until cool. Rinse the baking sheet under cold running water to cool, and dry it before lining with another parchment. Continue with the remaining papers and batter to make a total of six layers. Completely cool the layers. Using an 8" springform pan bottom or plate as a template, trim each cake layer into a neat round. (A small serrated knife is best for this task.)

Directions for the chocolate buttercream:
NB. This can be prepared in advance and kept chilled until required.

1. Prepare a double-boiler: quarter-fill a large saucepan with water and bring it to a boil.

2. Meanwhile, whisk the eggs with the sugar until pale and thickened, about five minutes. You can use a balloon whisk or electric hand mixer for this.

3. Fit bowl over the boiling water in the saucepan (water should not touch bowl) and lower the heat to a brisk simmer. Cook the egg mixture, whisking constantly, for 2-3 minutes until you see it starting to thicken a bit. Whisk in the finely chopped chocolate and cook, stirring, for a further 2-3 minutes.

4. Scrape the chocolate mixture into a medium bowl and leave to cool to room temperature. It should be quite thick and sticky in consistency.

5. When cool, beat in the soft butter, a small piece (about 2 tablespoons/30g) at a time. An electric hand mixer is great here, but it is possible to beat the butter in with a spatula if it is soft enough. You should end up with a thick, velvety chocolate buttercream. Chill while you make the caramel topping.

Lorraine's note: If you're in Winter just now your butter might not soften enough at room temperature, which leads to lumps forming in the buttercream. Male sure the butter is of a very soft texture I.e. running a knife through it will provide little resistance, before you try to beat it into the chocolate mixture. Also, if you beat the butter in while the chocolate mixture is hot you'll end up with more of a ganache than a buttercream!

Directions for the caramel topping:
1. Choose the best-looking cake layer for the caramel top. To make the caramel topping: Line a jellyroll pan with parchment paper and butter the paper. Place the reserved cake layer on the paper. Score the cake into 12 equal wedges. Lightly oil a thin, sharp knife and an offset metal spatula.

2. Stir the sugar, water and lemon juice in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over a medium heat, stirring often to dissolve the sugar. Once dissolved into a smooth syrup, turn the heat up to high and boil without stirring, swirling the pan by the handle occasionally and washing down any sugar crystals on the sides of the pan with a wet brush until the syrup has turned into an amber-coloured caramel.

3. The top layer is perhaps the hardest part of the whole cake so make sure you have a oiled, hot offset spatula ready. I also find it helps if the cake layer hasn't just been taken out of the refrigerator. I made mine ahead of time and the cake layer was cold and the toffee set very, very quickly—too quickly for me to spread it. Immediately pour all of the hot caramel over the cake layer. You will have some leftover most probably but more is better than less and you can always make nice toffee pattern using the extra to decorate. Using the offset spatula, quickly spread the caramel evenly to the edge of the cake layer. Let cool until beginning to set, about 30 seconds. Using the tip of the hot oiled knife (keep re-oiling this with a pastry brush between cutting), cut through the scored marks to divide the caramel layer into 12 equal wedges. Cool another minute or so, then use the edge of the knife to completely cut and separate the wedges using one firm slice movement (rather than rocking back and forth which may produce toffee strands). Cool completely.

Angela's note: I recommend cutting, rather than scoring, the cake layer into wedges before covering in caramel (reform them into a round). If you have an 8” silicon round form, then I highly recommend placing the wedges in that for easy removal later and it also ensures that the caramel stays on the cake layer. Once set, use a very sharp knife to separate the wedges.

Assembling the Dobos
1. Divide the buttercream into six equal parts.

2. Place a dab of chocolate buttercream on the middle of a 7 1/2” cardboard round and top with one cake layer. Spread the layer with one part of the chocolate icing. Repeat with 4 more cake layers. Spread the remaining icing on the sides of the cake.

3. Optional: press the finely chopped hazelnuts onto the sides of the cake.

4. Propping a hazelnut under each wedge so that it sits at an angle, arrange the wedges on top of the cake in a spoke pattern. If you have any leftover buttercream, you can pipe rosettes under each hazelnut or a large rosette in the centre of the cake. Refrigerate the cake under a cake dome until the icing is set, about 2 hours. Let slices come to room temperature for the best possible flavor.

Bathroom Update

2009-08-19T05:34:00.003-05:00

I am no idea how those home make over shows manage to make over a room in 48 hours or build a house in a week. And they do it with their perfectly done hair and make up. Not so much here.

We are into week two. I don't think I've bothered to style my hair in all that time. While demolishing the bathroom was quick, albeit dirty (I am still finding wall plaster throughout the house), reconstruction is taking time. Hubby finished filling the holes in the wall and plastered the ceiling where the ugly florescent light used to be in part of the bathroom. I have sanded the baseboards and trim, washed them, taped off and painted them in another part of the bathroom. Today I move onto the walls in my part of the bathroom, and then I sand, wash and paint the baseboards and trim in Hubby's part of the bathroom. I also need to paint the plastered ceiling. I hope to move onto the walls by Friday. All this painting must be done and dried by this weekend when the counter top is to be installed (by Hubby and me sometime after the mini-triathlon he is doing and the five dozen cookies I need to make for a neighborhood back to school party have been baked). I've started stripping, sanding, and re-varnishing the wood cupboards (this including mixing my own wood finish to get the color "we" think "we" want!), but frankly that is going to have to wait until next week to be completed. I still need to find a new medicine cabinet, the fixtures for the sink, and a towel rack. Again, push that off to next week. Yes, we will be working on this well into week three. Where is the Design Crew when I need them?

First Day of School

2009-08-11T10:38:00.004-05:00

Today my baby started kindergarten and my oldest second grade. After much discussion and thinking, they went back to the private school. We know the kindergarten teacher and Hew will have a fantastic year. It's my job to make sure KK gets a challenge this year. I have to say for all my worrying, today went well. First day, best behavior, reconnecting with friends - no tears or regrets. We've made the best decision for this year, and next year I'll worry about later!

In case you are thinking I'll be bored now that the kids are in school, have no fear as I have made some plans. First, I signed up for a photography class at an art school - don't expect much as it is once a week, but it will force me to finally finish that 400 page manual. Second, I demolished part of the kid's bathroom and am currently stripping and staining cupboards, spackling, priming, and painting walls and ceilings, and putting in a new counter top (of course PH has to help with some it!). Once that is done, PH and I have discussed doing the same to the cupboards and walls in our bathroom and then possibly the walls in the family room as they are beginning to crack under the strain of doubling as the play area. And finally, I am desperately trying to get signed up for a German I class just because I want to learn it. And with the normal laundry, cooking, and cleaning, I should be busy until December. I know none of this is directed at finding a job or getting us out of Florida. We are still looking, but it was decided I needed to do some things just because I enjoy them. I also decided that I need to find things that make me happy here (thanks to Frau M. in Austria for reminded me that my happiness is my responsibility). In this economy, we may be here awhile and life is too short to always be looking forward. And I am lucky to have the time to do these things.

For us summer is over (yes it is still is hot as Hades but I am trying to remain ignore it) and it is back to "work" but that doesn't mean I won't share some of my pictures from this summer! These were all taken wandering through Vienna. I should have paid attention to where we were, but we were having too much fun just walking.

24 hours . . .

2009-08-10T08:24:00.003-05:00

. . . until then, just smell the roses.