A bird in hand

or a needle in a haystack

Recently, Naphtali and I spotted a silhouette of a dove as we were skimming through pinterest, 

following links, and well, I'm not too sure what we were doing or where the whole chain of our search began, but pallet furniture probably figured in...

Anyway.  We found this dove - not this dove

but the perfect dove and we both made an "ooohh" 

or something embarrassingly close

and immediately discussed ways it could be used for Christmas gifts/tags/ornaments.

Did we pin it?  Bookmark it? Save it in any way? No, No, and No.

I have since been looking for said dove.

The one pictured above courtesy of google images as are all the illustrations in this post is close - though ours had no wing.

The array of dove representations from which one may choose is close to overwhelming.

You have the traditional dove signifying peace:

The one pictured below connotes religion:

You can find the fanciful

  as well as its poor country cousin.

And many that aren't even doves!

Persistence has its reward: these may be what I want:

Simple, clean, elegant.  I'll let you know if they work.



In an aside:  I have been told that Christmas = hand-made for the Jordisons this year.
Can anyone confirm that for me??

Mother's Day

At some point during the next few days you may hear

  (find yourself humming along?)

 "M is for the many things... " as all around us

the annual phenomenon known as Mother's Day 

kicks into high gear.

(Yes, I did send cards.  Yes, I do send greetings. Yes, we'll stop in on Sunday.)

Unfortunately, this weekend M also means moving for Naphtali and Aidan.

We're making the run to the northlands to help/pack/load/move. 

Not your traditional Hallmark Mother's Day,

 but an opportunity to be available - to do what we can.

Mothering is a never-ending quest - a daunting job comprised of a
thousand delicate maneuvers each day.

Some accept that quest with fervor and grace -
and we marvel at them.

Others manage as best they can - and we pull for them.

Some lose sight of its fragile complexity in the day-to-day slog.

Others... 

Well, there are always others - they inspire, they challenge, they help, they...  

They do what needs to be done - they are mothers, after all.

Happy Mother's Day

To you and your's

Seriously...

It was a good day for bargains!

I picked up 4 (yes, four!) (took the whole display) of these pots for a buck each.

I am suddenly in love (but no less frugal) with this color for the garden and have passed by so 

many beautiful objet due to the price.  

This was serendipitous - I stopped in the Dollar Store this morning for some oddments 

and they were sitting there waiting for me!

They're 8-inch, BHG pots and a couple of them will travel this weekend as gifts.

But the real find of the day was waiting for me next door - at the Goodwill.

You can probably read the price tag - $1.79.  

What you can't read (poor photo editing options) - just above the tag it says

 "Redwing."  

That's right folks!

I scored this lovely Redwing basket for $1.79.

Finds like this always happen to someone else - always - so you'll have to excuse me while I 

bask/gloat/crow/smile.

They Are Cute

I found these on Pinterest and decided to give them a try.

12" paper was cut into 1/2" strips then folded according to the directions here.

It makes an easy keeps-your-hands-busy-while-your-mind-is-somewhere-else project.

I'm thinking a  bowl of gold and white would look pretty at Christmas.

Enjoy the weekend.

Recycling

Naphtali used this burlap pouch  as a wrapping for a gift to me several years ago.

It has always been my intention to get some burlap and make a few to have on hand, 

and maybe I will.  Soon.

For now, though, I am recycling.

The pouch (containing her Mother's Day gift) will make the trip 

North with us to visit her and Aidan this weekend.

With any luck, this pouch will make its way back to me someday.  

Responsible recycling ....

A Tip of the Hat

How many times have you seen cheerful quips about new beginnings? 

Frankly, they (the cheerful quips) (maybe even the cheerful quippers) annoy me.

How can a beginning be anything but new!?

I am, however, a firm believer in hoping the best for those:

embarking on a new adventure

 setting a new course

blazing a new trail

building a new life

 taking their mulligan

making the most of a fresh start. 

google images

Fair Warning

The flannel sheets came off the bed today.

Charlie has an appointment for a hair cut on Tuesday.

Tim's sweaters have been washed and put away.

Go ahead and pencil in your preference for one last minute storm for the middle of next week.

Dormancy

The songbirds in our yard are hard at work every morning and pretty much throughout the day.  

Their symphonies are simply splendid.

The sunlight through the bare branches is dazzling.

Crocus are poking through the mulch.  As are the iris in a couple places.

The dormant period seems to be ending.

google images

I woke this morning and dawdled in bed making plans.  

Unlike many (many) mornings this past year when I simply dawdled in bed.  

What occupied my mind between 6 & 7?  Spring clothes?  Supper with Aidan?  

Plans for a compost barrel.  

I am heading North today to see Naphtali and (I hope) Aidan. 

 I do have plans to visit the Unique thrift store and Home Goods at Har-Mar mall once I reach the Cities.

But it was the sound of the coffee grinder that brought things into (albeit fuzzy) focus.

I want to take out quite a few ugly shrubs from the front of the house.  Widen the flower beds.
Reduce my mow-able grass.  Plant a hydrangea and some ferns.

But the soil will need to be amended - bringing me to the compost barrel.
We have a rebate check from Menards to help get this project underway and
I am tempted to rush right over there and make my selection.
  This morning.  Before I leave town.

Which brings me back to the dawdled mornings.

This past year can euphemistically be called a dormant period.  

I hadn't expected everything to be so hard and I hadn't expected such a reaction - but.

This morning I woke with plans - invigorated - for the first time in quite some time.

I feel like I've lost the better part of a year but I hope that this dormant period will result in 

strength, vigor and productive growth. 

hum along...

The sun is shining and I am in a Friday state of mind.

Productivity is predicted to reach near-record lows - even adding a picture to this post 

requires more effort than interests me.

Actually I am caught up with all my homework so the day is 

stretching out ahead of me - free and clear.

I hope you, too, are enjoying an easy start to your weekend.

A bientot...

Today

I have a less-than-roaring but more-than-satisfactory fire to keep me company.

It's cold.  I've finally worn my new down coat*  - several times in the past week.

We had snow yesterday, so I shoveled.

After work I sat up to watch the new episode of Justified making it a long Tuesday 

so I'm having trouble getting a brisk start to my Wednesday.

Good time to blog.

This, as you can see, is the main entrance to the public library at Clive.

I will be doing my 40 hour practicum with the fine folks who work here.

I was here for several hours Monday morning. 

 I have a name tag (magnetic!  just like theirs!) and a mailbox!

Friday night they are hosting an event for ESL students and their families to introduce them to the library.

A meal, presentations, tours, a library card and other goodies. 

They expect 30 families.  It's an ambitious plan.

I'll be there to help.

*Aside: it occurs to me that I haven't told the story of my coat.  Sometime in early November Younkers had all their coats at 50%.  The coat I've been wearing was fine for the short, occasional visits of the past but I knew it couldn't keep pace with the long siege of an Iowa winter.  It seemed that a good down coat would do the job so I went to to see what they had.  Tried on more than a few. Some just for fun. 

 I chose a black, knee length Calvin Klein.  

Even at 50% the price made me swallow hard.

While paying for it I told the clerk that with this purchase I had just guaranteed the warmest winter on record.

She laughed and said that I'd have *plenty* of opportunity to get my money's worth...

Here we are half way through January and its finally had its first outing.  Next week in Minneapolis...

Flotsam and Jetsam

My Karl Malden days are far behind me - these days I'm always leaving home without my ...

camera!

It seems that blogging inspiration can be directly tied to that particular accessory - so today you're getting random observations - apropos to nothing
  or nothing without a lot of work.

You know that I am a simple person of simple tastes.  I like what I like, but I can be swayed.  

You may remember that several, really!?  several?!  yes, several years ago - with the big 5-0 approaching -I felt that it was time to cultivate some adult/mature traits.
Tales of cozy tea-drinking episodes held a certain appeal and I decided to learn to drink tea.
I tried.  Really tried.  Really hard.  

I longed for the soothing effects and intimate confessions that seemed to accompany any mention of tea in novels, movies and the real-life anecdotes found in magazines...

It didn't happen.

As I have abandoned my attempts to become a tea-drinker, some other quest must fill that void.  After much consideration I have a new adult pursuit:

I shall learn to eat cheese.  Uncooked.  Cold.  Without a vehicle.  Go ahead laugh - I'll wait.

I can - and do - enjoy melty cheese in any number of delicious applications.
This is different.

I'm already well into my second (!?) year of this experiment and there has been progress.

It wasn't that long ago that I could only eat *half* of one of those wedges distributed between my standard serving of 6 triscuits.  That is no longer the case.  Please hold your applause til the end.

Recently I tried to combine this with learning to drink red wine.
 I know - how hard can it be.

In November my annual checkup indicated that I have elevated triglyceride levels.  As my primary health care provider the doctor was prepared to send me home with a prescription that day, but we decided that I could have the next 6 months flying by to address the situation through diet and exercise.
Her recommendations included fish oil caplets on a daily basis.

Tim, my secondary health care provider, or do I have that reversed? recommended 4 ounces of red wine before bed.  

It didn't happen.

I gave it an honest, generous month.  

I don't like red wine. 

 I find it medicinal.

Drinking it requires that I eat something with it, like cheese and crackers, 

which seems to complicate the whole process...    

The caplets are working just fine for me, as I hope the fish oil in them is.

Next, I'd like to introduce you to what I must imagine will become my new best friend:

One of these days I'll need to take it out of the package.

The textbook for my math class asserts that there is no such thing as a brain for math - it is within the reach of all of us to solve quadratic equations.  I'll get back to you on that one.

While I do consider my self a simple person I do not consider myself ignorant of the world as it moves outside of my immediate sphere - but please - 

Does it seem unreasonable to you that a calculator - granted: a *graphing* calculator - should cost over a hundred dollars!?  Maybe I need to enlarge the borders of my sphere...

Another recent event took place last weekend as I visited my mother to celebrate her approaching birthday.

I had my first massage.  I loved it.  The masseuse had a great touch and
I can see myself doing it again.

I also had my first fried ice cream.  Not the same success as the massage.  I could only finish less than half and don't foresee it ever happening again. 

Finally, today, prompted by the howling wind and frigid air temps, I have taken some of the

 excellent chili we made for Christmas out of the freezer.  

I also made a pot of rice to go with it. 

We got this little gadget for Christmas and I will say that it makes a good pot of rice.

Looking ahead - I have been invited to attend the Yinghua Academy's Chinese New Year celebration the last weekend of January.
I promise to take my camera...

How did this happen!?

I worked Friday afternoon and over the course of several hours had to write the date 

which made me stumble - you see, I never quite got used to writing 12/xx/11.  

And now it's 01/02/12 - how did that happen!?

You hear it from everyone - that time goes by faster every year - I certainly have to agree.

Saturday we, the three of us, went for a hike at Dolliver Park.  Roughly 6 miles.

 I haven't been there for years.  We all had a great time.

Although at a different time of year those could be my feet this is a google image

We just Tim and I also went out for dinner.  An impromptu stop at Sam and Gabe's.  

It was delicious.  I would go back just for the appetizer and fire roasted tomato basil soup.

Yesterday's planned session of undecorating was derailed by a expedition to find materials to reno Tim's bathroom.  Flooring, paint, toilet, countertop - we came home with a piece of underlayment and a faucet.

Progress.  

Today Tim is marking another birthday.

The gym is waiting for me.  And the undecorating, some laundry, baking, and wrapping presents.  

Did I hear you ask if I have any New Years plans/resolutions?

Of Course - don't we all!?  

Mine I really only have one resolve this year can fall into 2 general categories: 

 Health for the mature, reasonable adult that I have become 

and Vanity well, just because.

Valerie's post reminded me of a story I've not yet told.

Not too long ago someone asked how the move went - nothing lost or broken etc.

And I was thrilled to report it had gone well - everything was accounted for.

Then it came time for Christmas decorations.
Every year
I look forward to decorating for Christmas,  this isn't the story but stay with me,
Every year,
even though I enjoy decorating for Christmas, my decorations get simpler.
 hopefully Taste plays a part but I'll admit that it's mostly because I hate un-decorating.

google images

Okay this is the story

Around Thanksgiving, as I was planning and unpacking the totes that contain my Christmas stuff,
 I realized the mercury glass ornaments were gone.

Thinking back I could pinpoint exactly what happened.

During the un-decorating phase of last Christmas these ornaments
were tucked for convenience sake (because I hate to un-decorate)
 - along with a vignette of white decorations- into a box labeled "whites" which was
then placed in a large tote containing Christmas stuff.

At some point, as I was packing up the house, I went through all the totes and knowing the new house was smaller made several executive decisions - disposing of this, keeping that...

I remember
 holding the box labeled "whites."

I didn't remember
that I had added those ornaments to that box.

I remember
I didn't even open the box -
it simply joined the pile for donation to the Senior Center.  

Aaargh!

  

Since then two other things have been identified as "not-found-yet."
I know they made the trip with us so it's just a matter of finding where they were stashed.
I'm holding out hope that their status will change...

Big sigh!

I've returned from the Northlands, registered for a new school term (and new school), started my baking, finished my last test, and am ready for a night off. 

Maybe everyone already knows this but it dawned on me yesterday that

Christmas is next week!

I won't even run through the list of things I want/need to get done over the course of the next few days.

But it won't happen tonight.

Poor Aidan was pretty sick last week and I'm glad I was able to go up for those few days.

They will be here some time next Friday.

I've registered at DMACC - classes start January 9 - which seems awfully soon...

I will also have a practicum (from NE) to finish out my library classes.  

But for now - I'm free!!

Oh, tomorrow will be such a fun day!!

Making my list

checking it more than twice.

Wednesday morning I'll head up to Minneapolis for several days.  

Unfortunately, it's an awkward time to be away from home for an extended visit.

It will require some serious list making and checking.

There are things I need:

  to do before I leave town.

to complete my school work for the semester.

to bring for Naphtali.

for Aidan.

for Charlie and yes for Proton.

in case the weather is bad - or just cold.

There are things I need to keep up with holiday projects:

Christmas cards, mailing lists, stamps.

a quilt.

something - can't give it away - else.

a shopping list!

I'm excited to go - 

and I'd better get going!

Wish me luck!

2fer

It may seem odd, considering my chosen profession, that I rarely mention what I am reading.  

Good question - no answer.
Today that not only changes - you'll get a 2fer.

I am currently reading the conversations book.  

Actually I am listening to it - you really do need to listen to it.

I did, however, bring home the print version hoping to find notes that will fill in gaps in my knowledge of the names that are used so casually.  

The composure of this woman is amazing.  The conversations started in march of 64 - less than six months after her world was turned upside down in Dallas.  

It is a fascinating glimpse of the times and attitudes
of a bygone world.

On the other end of the spectrum, I'm also enjoying the latest installment of the
Mary Russell/Sherlock Holmes story by Laurie King.

Wry humor.  Colorful characters.  

It makes a good read - I like a few chapters before bed 

with my 4 ounces of red wine and whole grain crackers.  

Hope you have a good weekend.

Musings

It's been a tough year for our families.  Thankfully, at least according to the calendar, it's drawing to a close.

We each have some unfinished business but, voices are steadier.  

Outlooks are changing.  Plans are taking shape.

It seems as though the worst is passed.

I hope so - for all of us.

Today the sun is shining.  I do love winter's sunshine.

In the interest of fresh starts, there are four new stockings

hung by the chimney with care.

Have I mentioned how much I enjoy the fireplace?

Next week I'll put a package in the mail for Jacob and Amy, in Portland.

I'll head to Minneapolis for a few days with Naphtali and Aidan.

The semester will end.

Plans will be finalized for family gatherings over Christmas.

In a few short weeks, projects around the house will be finished and

family that can, will gather - somewhere.

Snow will probably fall.

Each of us will deal with the times and our circumstances
as best we can.

We'll talk - compare notes - listen.

I imagine we'll hum snippets of Christmas carols, bake cookies, wrap packages and

enjoy the winter's sunshine.

Can you believe it!?

We've all become accustomed to watching gas prices rise as a holiday weekend approaches. 

 Starting around $3.17 - gas prices fell all week. 

Gas was $2.99 on Friday night 

making the trip

 over the river and through the woods a bit easier this year.
I went up to Fort Dodge to spend Thanksgiving with my mother and sister, as Tim was working.
The day was mild.
The food was great and we found plenty to laugh about during the visit.

kindly thoughts

Wherever you might be, 

with whomever you're sharing the day,

I trust your heart is full

and at peace.

Enjoy a day of giving thanks.

And another...

I've recently been enamored by the process of waxing - coating leaves etc with varying layers of paraffin.

There is a narrow window of time as the wax cools to a certain viscosity
for optimum coverage.  It's rather fun.   

This would traditionally have been the time for starting my gingerbread house, but this year I'll miss 

out on the display held at my library in Nebraska. 

Lucky for me, my new, local library is offering folks a chance to decorate wreaths, which will then be available at a silent auction as a fund raiser for the new building project.

So I brought home a wreath, and using waxed components for a subdued wintry-look, decorated it.

 Some subtle glittery paint adds to the frosty sparkle.  At least I think it does.

Tomorrow it will return to the library for display until time for the community auction 

on December 4.

Now that I've conquered my fear of bow making maybe this will become a new tradition.

projects

This is a picture of just one of yesterday's projects. 

I painted the trim for the bathroom.

 Notice the dog.  

Notice, too, the large box in the background.

That box is the reason I cancelled a visit from my mother.

It contains our new toilet.

Plans had been made many weeks ago for my mother to come for some shopping on Sunday, overnight, and enjoy a leisurely couple stops before she headed home on Monday.  

It would have been fun.

The bathroom project was begun weeks ago after she and I made our plans.

The simple paint job took on a life of its own it becomes problematic to have overnight company with no public bathroom

and I'm still waiting to reclaim my bathroom.

Today I have a last coat of sealant to apply to the tile floor which turned out very well.  

I need to get a water line for the toilet, which has been set.

The trim has yet to go around the edges of the floor but it's been painted.  

There are hooks and knobs to be put in their respective places.

Doors to be returned to their hinges.

We'll get there.

Here's a picture of an earlier step in the process:

I'm scraping off the old flooring.

Turned around to stretch and look who's camped in the three feet of space behind me!?!

We'll get there.

Today's special

A busy couple weeks, all in all.  

Projects to the left.  Projects to the right. Projects inside and out.

 Ideas percolating for yet more projects.

I've been scraping flooring from the floor.  Painting.  Rearranging closets.  Assembling shelves.

Getting Aidan's countdown to Christmas ready.

Tracking Jacob's recovery.  Baking.  

Here's a glimpse of a recent well not so recent project to carry you over til I can get 

my head above water with all the rest.

I love yes love interesting containers.  I'll admit a weakness when it looks me in the eye.

Several more than several years ago Naphtali and I found a sidewalk sale at a local mall.  I picked up

a box containing 6 dozen bells for around 2 bucks.  

It was the box I wanted.

True - I have used and enjoyed the bells for a variety of reasons.  They have been decorations, adorned packages and they even hang from the doorknob for Charlie to signal his need to go out.

This summer I decided the three levels of divided trays would make a perfect home for my pins and earrings.

They dividers were removed, the trays lined with black velvet, and the dividers replaced.

Ribbon loops were added to assist lifting the trays.

The Christmas lettering had to be covered in a way that would allow them to look good

on my bedside table.  That would take some thought...

Actually, I did the inside while I was still in Gothenburg.  It wasn't until I was settled here that I tackled the outside of the box.

Glue gun and buttons to the rescue.

Tim bought that glue gun when we lived in Fargo. It was a surprise - thought you might like this kind of thing. 1983 maybe. 

 It is one of the early, unsafe, 

metal, push-the-glue-stick-through-with-your-thumb models that have long since been replaced 

by safe, plastic, trigger-operated low-temp models.
I love it.  

Have I mentioned that I also like buttons?

I've carted that jar from one place to the next over 30+ years.
Some sorting.  Some gluing.
An audiobook to keep me company...

                                                                       et voila!

Finished product. 

I like it.

I'll be back with more, later.

Birthday greetings

I know it's unusual to see a second post on the same day but this one was prompted by the events of the day.
Read on:










In January, 1988, our oldest daughter, Naomi, died.  

She was 11. 

 We were heartbroken.

April of that same year saw us moving to Pennsylvania.

We found heart's ease and good friends.

We learned how to function as a family of four.

We experimented with small cars.  There were impromptu picnics.  The night of the fireflies.

And laughter.  Much laughter.

November of that first year rolled around and hoping to avoid some unwanted attention - thinking it was no big deal - I had opted not to add my name to the "Birthday Calendar" that hung in the entry of our church.  Big mistake.

Rob Smith was song leader that day.  Even in those few short months, Rob and his family were already our solid friends and I knew of his well-earned reputation for practical jokes.  It's tempting to call him "larger than life."  He was - and is - a brash, loud, outdoorsy, self-confident ham.  He's also a generous, helpful, multi-talented, kind man.  The grand kids call him Pap.
He is a friend.  And we share a birthday.

  He is a year older, and already much grayer, than me.

So that day he launches into a hilarious routine about twins  - his twin - separated at birth but still sharing personality traits, looks, sense of humor and so on, and on and on and everyone, everyone, knows there will be a punch line. So people are already chuckling and some are looking around to 

figure out who is about to be punched.

We are sitting in our customary back row and I am dying.  Dying. 

I know it only took a few minutes but from my vantage point it was an eternity before he wrapped it up with "Let's sing Happy Birthday to Ilona!" 

The whole place erupted!  

I don't know how he got through it with a straight face!

I had an email from him this morning - with birthday greetings, which I am happy to return.

Happy Birthday Pap.

What goes around

 Trick-or-Treat!  We all have stories to tell!

Knowing I would need to be near the door last night I used the time to cut some pieces for the quilt I'm building.

I also worked on an craft idea I found in this year's Christmas with Southern Living book.
This one is an oldie-but-goodie, having made the rounds when I was a kid.  You remember the folded magazine angels and trees?  The trees are back this year.  The angels can't be too far behind...

I made an angel in Girl Scouts one year using cheese cloth, a styrofoam ball, Readers Digest, wire hanger,

 and gold spray paint.  

This is my first tree.  I'll need three, in varying sizes.

 Haven't decided if they will be gold, just glittered, or a combination of gaudy Christmas excess.  

The view from my window

Guess who?

We had another round of company this weekend.

  Although I'm beginning to think that Naphtali, Aidan and Proton should no longer qualify as company.

Truly, they are wanted and welcome any time.

Here's Proton playing with a craft project I tried out the other night: 

an ice votive.

It worked and I can't wait to make more. 

Shhh - Christmas plans.

Here's a picture of coordinated effort - Jordison style.

I pulled up the old floor and did some patching.  Naphtali a talented and hard-working woman did the painting.  

Tim helped with the painting and laid the new floor.

It looks great. I love the floor.

The paint changes color with the day's light shifting from green to gray and back again.

Would you be surprised to learn that there are several other projects in progress?

You'll have to check back to see what's happening.

Inquiring minds want to know

Naphtali asks if there are bows all over my house - now that I have learned to make them

The answer to that can be summed up in one word - no.  

But it is time to get busy on certain projects around the house.  This week - no bows -  I did make an afghan.  

 It's hard to think I've been living here less than 2 months.  And with the push to get Kennybrook up and running, a family wedding, several rounds of company, and an extra dog for a couple weeks, 

we've put off getting a start on any big projects.

That time has ended.

So here is a glimpse of how the house does look:

We are in the middle of a remodel.  New floor and paint for this room.  Plus a closet has been removed.  I had things torn apart - though not quite this torn apart -on Friday when my SIL called and asked if we would host a sibling get-together on Saturday - if she could get the others to sign on.  

Bien sur, I replied.  Well, I probably said "sure" or something like that, but for a post "bien sur" always sounds so much better. 

Sign on they did, so about noon on Saturday everything went back to its place.

No point in rearranging until I knew for sure they were coming, n'est-ce pas?

Tim cooked.  They arrived.  And we had a great time.

Sunday meant everything was moved again.  And somewhere in all this Naphtali called to say that she and Aidan might be down this weekend.  Might be.  

As of yesterday afternoon - will be.  

And we'll have a great time.

We - Tim - built our first fire Sunday night.

Product Placement

I love this cereal.

Last Hurrah

While walking Charlie the other day I noticed some lovely roses at the home of one of our neighbors, which prompted a discourse along these lines - you'll need to add the appropriate inflections to capture the full measure of wonder my thoughts produced -

Charlie!  I have a rose bush, too! We'll have to look when we get home - or something like that.

Guess what?

Three buds.  In various stages of open.  

They are now sitting on the counter and as this one has opened it has scented the air with the classic rose aroma.  The color, too, is classic: deep, velvety red.

In so many of the new hybrids scent has been sacrificed for hardiness, size or whatever.  

Standing here enjoying the full experience of form, color and aroma, I wonder why they ever 

tampered with the complete expression of grace and beauty that can be a rose.

As these will be the last of the season all I can do is plan, now, to take good care of this overlooked treasure.

True Story

I have a sad, but true story to pass along today.  

Actually, more like several vignettes.  I went to a wedding over the weekend
- without my camera.  I know, but it gets worse. 

So you'll find no pictures, here, of the happy couple.  Or Leslie looking wonderful in her dress.  

No record of the table settings or bouquets. 

 Family.  

Incomparable weather. 

 Nothing. 

 I thought of throwing in a picture of my shoes - which are both adorable and comfortable - but I wasn't in the mood for a sop.

Anyway.  The saga continues.  

Not only did I leave home without my camera for this stellar event
 - I left my spanx on the dresser.  I know.  

I had clothes for the dinner Friday night.  For hanging around Saturday morning. 

 Several Weather related  options for the wedding on Saturday afternoon,
 changes if we went out later,
something to drive home Sunday morning - 

but my spanx got left behind.  I know. 

 Of course I didn't discover this until I was out of the shower on Saturday, starting to get dressed. 

 I emptied my suitcase.
I put everything back and emptied it again,
lifting each item and shaking it to dislodge what was not there.  

How could this happen?!?  Aaargh!!

It is both unfortunate and 

I know everlastingly to my advantage 

that Naphtali suspected Aidan was developing strep throat.  

While my private drama was developing they Tim, Naphtali and Aidan were out in search of a drop-in clinic, 

which they found, and

  which confirmed Naphtali's excellent motherly intuition and 

got the lad started on an antibiotic. 

 In the mean time, Naphtali called me asking if I had heard from Leslie concerning the pew bows - 

bear with me that will be in the next paragraph - and 

I spilled my tale of woe.  "Well, I could pick you up a pair."  They were at Target. 

 Just that easily: another crisis averted.

So, back to the pew bows. 

 Over the years I have been acknowledged as competent, even skilled, I know at a variety of crafts. 

 But one crafting basic has consistently eluded me
 - making bows.  I know.  

So imagine my dismay, on Friday night, when a somewhat harried mother-of-the-groom 

asked if Naphtali and I would be willing to make 60 pew bows. 

I looked her in the eye and said the only thing I could:
"Of course.  No problem.  Glad to help."  I know.
Trusting all the while that my multi-talented daughter 

would be able to pick up the slack created by my two left thumbs. 

We got started Saturday morning at what I considered a leisurely hour and pace for 60 bows when Naphtali confessed 

that bows had never been her strong suit.  I Know! 

 But that revelation was counter balanced by the news that we only had to make 16 bows.  

With all the background noise I had misheard Leslie.  She needed 16 - not 60 - bows!
The bows were finished and made it to the church in time.
It was a lovely ceremony on a perfect, classic fall, October afternoon.
Aidan received the appropriate medical attention.
I was sufficiently cocooned in the new spanx.

You've been very patient  and I hope somewhat amused with this epic tale and here's the payoff:

I learned a new skill:  Bows are no longer my bete noir.
I know!  

Today I made this bow.

Who knows what I may make tomorrow!  
I Know!