Verbal One

Healthy Banana Pancake Mix

2012-01-08T20:51:00.005-06:00

This is a very delicious, healthy and easy pancake recipe! Courtesy of one of my moms!

Combine:
1 cup rolled oats
1 cup whole wheat
3/4 cup flour
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 TBS dry milk powder
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt

Whisk together:
1 egg
2 cups milk
2 TBS vegetable oil
1 tsp vanilla extract

Stir in:
1-2 ripe bananas

Pour egg mixture into flour misture and stir just until moistened. Let batter sit for 5 minutes.

Heat a lightly oiled griddle over medium high heat. Drop batter by large spoonfuls onto the griddle and cook until ubbles from the edges form and edges are dry, about 2 minutes. Flip and cook until browned on the other side.

Mmmmmm Lentils and spinach! I have both of these

2011-02-15T21:45:00.002-06:00

This one is from "Everyone Likes Sandwiches"
lentil spinach soup
1 c lentils (brown, green or black)
5 1/2 c homemade vegetable stock
1 onion, diced finely
2 stalks celery, diced
1 large carrot, diced
6 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 t dried chili flakes
1 bunch spinach, stems removed & well rinsed
salt & pepper
grated cheese (optional)

In a large pot combine stock, lentils, onion, celery, carrots, garlic and chili flakes and bring to a boil. Simmer until lentils and vegetables are tender, about 20-30 minutes. Add in spinach and add in salt and pepper if necessary. Simmer for another 5 minutes. Serve and sprinkle with cheese, if desired.

The Best So Far! Aloo Gobi

2011-01-24T19:27:00.002-06:00

Aloo (potatoes) Gobi (cauliflower) from Post Punk Kitchen
1 T oil
1 large onion, diced
1 inch piece ginger, minced
2 large potatoes, diced
1 large head of cauliflower, broken into florets
3-4 T curry paste (I love Patak’s)
1 tin light coconut milk
1 T brown sugar
salt
1 can of chickpeas, drained & rinsed
1/2 c frozen peas
sriracha (optional)
In a large, heavy pot, heat oil and add in ginger and onion, saute for 3 minutes. Add in potatoes, cauliflower, and curry paste and let cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Pour in coconut milk along with enough water to just cover the vegetables. Add in the chickpeas and a good pinch of salt. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes or until the potatoes are cooked. Stir in the peas and taste, adjusting seasoning if necessary. Need more spice? Throw in a squirt or two of sriracha. Need more sweet? Add a bit more brown sugar or honey. Serve with rice and naan.

Recipe #2 Black Bean Turtle Soup

2011-01-12T18:59:00.002-06:00

Black Bean Turtle Soup (Full Plate Diet)

Yields Makes 5 - 1 cup servings

Calories: 256
Fat: 3.9g
Sodium: 484mg
Total Carbs: 44.5g
Dietary Fiber: 10.9g
Protein: 13.3g

•1 tablespoon canola oil
•1 1/2 cups chopped onion
•4 cloves garlic, chopped
•1 1/2 teaspoon cumin
•1 tablespoon chili powder
•1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
•1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
•1/2 teaspoon salt
•1 cup diced red bell pepper
•1/2 cup diced yellow pepper
•4 1/2 cups black beans, low-sodium canned, drained
•1 1/2 cups water

In a large pot over medium heat, cook onion in oil until tender, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in garlic, cumin, chili powder, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and diced peppers. In a blender, puree 1 1/2 cups of beans with half (3/4 cup) the water on high setting, about 30 seconds. Add bean mixture to pot. Add the rest of the water (3/4 cup) and remaining whole beans, unblended to the pot and stir together. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring often.

This recipe is another wonderful recipe from Full Plate Diet! Very easy and also re-heats quite well. I changed the 1/2 cup yellow pepper to 1 cup and feel it was perfect!

Thumbs Up!

Recipe #1

2011-01-12T18:47:00.004-06:00

Well, I think I will try blogging about my high fiber recipes I have been trying to help lose more weight without feeling hungry or deprived. Sooooo here goes with Recipe #1 is from Full Plate Diet (as is the picture!)I changed the cooking of the carrots and celery --- both should cook with the onions for just a little bit):

Tuscan Minestrone Soup

Calories: 89
Fat: 2.3g
Sodium: 442mg
Total Carbs: 16.4g
Dietary Fiber: 3.4g
Protein: 3.9g

1/3 cup diced onion
1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
4 cups water
1 cup carrots, sliced into 1/2" pieces
1/3 cup celery, sliced into 1/2" pieces
1 cup zuccini, sliced into 1/4" pieces
1 cup diced canned tomatoes
2/3 cup cooked whole-grain elbow macaroni (used penne pasta in picture)
1 cup kidney beans, low-sodium canned, drained
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dried sweet basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 bay leaf

Cook macaroni in plain boiling water, no oil or salt added, according to the package directions, until al dente. Saute onion in oil until tender, about 3-4 minutes. Add carrots and celery and cook for 3-4 more minues. Add water and cook until tender, about 15 minutes. Add remaining ingredients and simmer until vegetables are done, about 15-20 minutes more. Remove bay leaf and serve hot.

REVIEW: I love love this soup! It reheats quite well and is perfect for lunch the next day! I added some sliced avocado to the lunch version and feel it added a little more sweetness and color to the lunch version.

Thumbs Up!

2010-04-15T05:36:00.001-06:00

A-li-he-li-s-di Tso-i-ne-i-ga

2009-08-19T05:57:00.002-06:00

Happy Wednesday the day after the "Big Event". I have no pictures so I am posting a wallpaper from the Cherokee website and am really wanting to add a couple of thoughts here:
- Language
- Heritage Seed Project
- Culture and Tourism

And my basic words for the week:
Hello-O si yo
How are you?-To hi tsu?
Fine-O s da
And you?-Ni hi na
Okay-Ho wa
Thank you-Wa do
Yes- vv ii
No-Thla
I don’t know-Thla ya gwan ta

Gardening at Elder Que-Nv-Sv

2009-08-12T18:47:00.003-06:00

After the wonderfully optimistic squash literally disintegrated overnight I was a little pessimistic about my "Square Foot Gardening" expertise. However the basil, peppers and tomatoes --well actually I don't how well these will turn out but all else has grown quite well!

Since these are entirely notes to myself I need to make several points:
- Don't grow the tall stuff in front of the small stuff
- The location of the garden is PERFECT!
- Use every single space available
- Where the heck is the eggplant???
- Do tomatoes, do peppers, do basil, do rosemary, do zuchinni, do EGGPLANT!!

Central Oklahoma Cherokee Alliance

2009-07-30T05:13:00.004-06:00

COCA officers-members-particpants will be meeting this evening to finalize plans for the "Big Event" scheduled in three weeks at the Oklahoma History Center. A wonderful evening of full events is planned ---- and I am supposed to con tribute some sort of table decoration. This should be interesting.

I smile with "Chinese Eyes"

2009-07-17T18:34:00.002-06:00

This was a statement one of my kiddos made during therapy last week. Since he is Chinese I take this as a dear and precious compliment. So here is a picture of me with Patrick's new flash. I reminded him I wanted to look no more than 38 years old and ---- much more importantly ---- I want lots and lots of new pictures of my grandchildren!!

Tim Ferriss

2009-06-22T04:51:00.001-06:00

"The World Needs Strong, Smart, Confident Women to Stand up and Take the Reins"

2009-04-03T05:27:00.004-06:00

Well done Michelle Obama . . . .

My All Time Favorite Movie Scenes

2009-04-01T06:01:00.002-06:00

What's yours?

If I put this picture here I know I can find it later!

2009-03-27T05:35:00.002-06:00

This family is real and I'm not just talking about the beer and the basketball. It's eating out, going to parent-teacher conferences, going to museums and insisting the children still have responsibility. Hopefully this family is inspiring to people 20-30 years younger than us . . . this country has a lot of growing to do!

Garden Construction at Elder 家

2009-03-22T19:49:00.003-06:00

The very beginning of our garden has begun! The first layer was brown paper sacks, newspaper, and cardboard boxes . . . . peat moss, manure and a small amount of grass clippings. So almost one-half if the garden in place and I am sitting around twiddling my thumbs waiting for leaves and grass clippings! What have I been doing all these years??? I have thrown away grass clippings, leaves, kitchen scraps and newspapers! Here I sit wishing I was saving all of these things three months ago. So, no looking back and very excited about this next year!

Gardening 2009 at Elder Maison

2009-03-15T17:59:00.007-06:00

Today is March 15 and I have now planted lettuces, some spinach, cilantro and basil. I am about to move the cilantro and basil seedlings to larger pots and this will leave cucumbers and swiss chard for later this week.

Interestingly, I have always felt gardening reminded me too much of my mother --- the excellent gardener --- and therefore I never expanded to edible plants! This is sticking my toe in the large ocean of learning to grow my food and I know I will enjoy the next logical step ---learning how to store food. So with composting, gardening and trying to keep the trash down to only one can a week --- I feel we are making a dent on our changes but something still feels missing. I've resigned myself to trusting this 'process' and being open to more changes in my small existence here in landlocked OKC.

Basil, Cilantro and Lettuce at Elder Haus

2009-03-01T19:23:00.004-06:00

Well here at Elder Haus we are getting ready to go full force on gardening --- Patrick is going to check the soil pH and hopefully I can get all of the lettuce planted this week! The tips from Lasagna Gardening include:

- Cool with a bit of afternoon shade (I think we will use the front beds)
- well drained soil
- plant in early spring
- moist soil so the seed 'sticks' to the soil

The next step will be for me to cover the grass in the back with cardboard!!! OMG!!! Life could not become more edgy or exciting around Elder Haus ----

So now I must sign off on this very exciting post and place my basil and cilantro seeds into their little pots!

Lasagna Gardening at Casa Elder

2009-02-28T18:44:00.005-06:00

Garden planning is now moving into the fact gathering stage. I have always planted herbs --- in particular basil and actually one summer our children became quite adept at making pesto. In this recession era at Casa Elder we are earnestly looking at our eco footprints and I feel we can start with growing something more than herbs.

I drafted this last Tuesday and need to post it

2009-02-24T21:19:00.003-06:00

It has only been a few moments since President Obama said these words:

"It is the responsibility of every citizen to participate in it. And so tonight, I ask every American to commit to at least one year or more of higher education or career training. And dropping out of high school is no longer an option. It's not just quitting on yourself, it's quitting on your country - and this country needs and values the talents of every American."

Composting at Chez Elder

2009-02-01T08:12:00.004-06:00

Yes, the composting has begun in earnest. This is so easy and I am surprised I have never done this before! Patrick drilled holes into an old trashcan and we layered the bottom with the shredded financial statements from our depleted savings and some shredded brown paper bags. On top of these were several alternate layers of food scraps and shredded paper. Then the lid was locked on! Exciting, because it's just like cooking. Martha Stewart's Cooking School theme has inspired my "let's just get the basic formula down" so far.

I'm not sure if the world's globalization is impacting my actions or education has brought more significant issues to light. I'm anxious to learn more about myself in this second half of my life.

The Stuff I Have Thrown Away

2009-01-30T20:26:00.002-06:00

I help coordinate a summer camp every year for school age kiddos which is centered around a theme. This year's theme is Sustainability - Reduce Reuse Recycle and Rebuy. Since I get to decide (please someone take this from me ---- not!) I want to impress on our little ones the significance of everything we 'use' to live here in Oklahoma. Additionally, Oklahoma isn't the most "green" state so it could be more challenging than I anticipate.

So, this also leads to several changes I am making in my little neck of the world. As of January 1, 2009 I have pledged to purchase nothing for 3 months --- except makeup or hair products --- some things are hard to wean off of. We have also started composting. Well, step 1 of composting is happening here in Elderville --- we have been collecting food scraps for 4 weeks!

Stay tuned tomorrow for the beginning of the compost! (Poor poor poor Patrick, he is a good man)

Inaugural

2009-01-18T08:33:00.001-06:00

Slumdog Millionaire

2008-12-28T17:52:00.002-06:00

Beautiful Movie . . . The poverty is horrendous but the children are phenomenal!

The Girl Effect

2008-12-12T07:10:00.000-06:00

Comfort Soul Food

2008-11-10T06:18:00.003-06:00

Octamom asked for suggestions of comfort food and this one is mine.When I cook for others, especially if the food leaves my kitchen and is served elsewhere, part of myself is in the food. My love and goodwill seem to be magically transplanted to someone/somewhere else . . . hard to explain but this is how it speaks to me. Cooking for others is truly a soulful experience for me! This is my favorite and the length of time it takes to cook is a gift to and of myself! ----- Oh and also I have a very loving husband who helps clean up!!!

Santa Fe’s Pink Adobe Chicken and Sausage Gumbo
½ cup lard
½ cup flour
1 cup chopped onion
¼ cup chopped green pepper
1 Tbsp finely chopped parsley
1 clove garlic, minced
1 quart chicken broth
½ pound smoked sausage sliced thin
¼ pound ham, cut into ½ inch slices
2 ½ -3 pounds chicken breasts, poached and shredded
1 tsp salt
¼ tsp cayenne pepper
½ tsp dried oregano
12 tsp dried thyme
2 tbsp file powder
3 cups boiled rice

First prepare the chicken breasts. I like to cook them with bone in (much more flavor). Add 3 carrots, one onion and 2 stalks of celery all very coarsely shopped to 3 tbsp of vegetable oil in 4 quart saucepan. Lightly cook (not sure how else to say this) and then add chicken breasts and cover with water. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat, cover pot and simmer for one hour.

Second prepare roux. Heat lard in a heavy 10 inch skillet. When smoking, add flour and stir constantly until roux is golden brown. This may take as long as 20-30 minutes.

Add onion, green pepper, parsley and garlic. Work into the roux until smoothly distributed. Put 1 pint of the chicken broth in a large 3-4 quart pot and add roux, missing well. Add sausage and ham and cook 10 minutes over low to moderate hear. Add remaining broth, shredded chicken and seasonings except for file powder. Bring to a boil reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour. Remove from heat. Add file powder and simmer another 15 minutes. Serve over boiled rice in deep soup bowls.

Booking Through Thursday

2008-11-06T05:59:00.003-06:00

What, if any, memorable or special book have you ever gotten as a present? Birthday or otherwise. What made it so notable? The person who gave it? The book itself? The “gift aura?”

A million years ago my husband gave me Richard Avedon's Autobiography . . . It was large and beautiful pictures of his black and white photographs. They were wonderfully expressive of so many emotions. After many years of having this piece of art my daughter asked to have several pages of different portraits that spanned the difficult political tide of the 60's . . . these went to OU. Then my youngest pulled out the book and took several of his painful portraits of people living in the midwest during the 50's. Next I pulled all of the ones that I love of people smiling and experiencing life's joy and put them on one wall. No other book that has been gifted to me has given me more pleasure than Richard Avedon's Autobiography.

Rock-A-Bye Sweet Baby

2008-10-26T05:19:00.001-06:00

Twitter Skype and Flickr

2008-10-24T04:12:00.002-06:00

How do you leave something that has become more important than just about everything else you do? You realize life must go on and there has to be enough technology to close the very very very short 90 minute distance between the two of you!

First you obtain a Flickr account ---- and it helps if you have extended family who also have Flickr accounts. Flickr is so easy my Dad and Patrick's mom have accounts. Now this is not to discredit their awesome expertise with the computer because both are already light years ahead of where I was when I first began and let's don't even mention the lack of John McCain's computer skills --- hard to believe he has not even tried it given all of the adaptations people . . .

Next you begin to think about a Skype camera ---- this channels all of the "I wish there was some way we could see each other live during the week" thoughts to people around you. Then the minute your dearest son-in-law mentions possibly getting one you pounce while the iron is HOT! This entails calling your husband who is bored, missing the rest of his family because he has to work and LOVES all things techy. I know he is a little worried about the 'nerd' issue but we won't go there.

And concurrently you have your daughter and son-in-law's dear friend Courtney set you up on Twitter. this gives you a couple of months of practice before the communication addiction must be fed! The quick updates from others are easy easy easy!! My grandson now has a Twitter account and my be able to give quick updates during his busy days of eating (every 2 hours --- his mommy is awesome!), diaper changing (I remember the days of obsessions with diapers), and general all around cuteness and brilliance!

Voila! I wake up this am and discover my very precociously bright grandson has his own Twitter account. These should all feed my healthy communication addictions. I just love my family!

OK, off to stare at the latest miracle in my life!

Curious!

2008-10-23T05:10:00.002-06:00

My new grandson has many traits that are emerging as he grows and responds to his world around him ---- today's most evident is curiousity! He will find his father's voice, his mother's voice and is now exchanging curious stares with me! He continues to be mighty strong but is also wide-eyed curious and not ruffled by life's little noises, diaper changes or any of other various disruptions in a newborns peaceful glorious restful state. God is good!

The Family Together

2008-10-18T19:49:00.002-06:00

After a very long 24 or so hours Tim and Erin have been united with their baby! There were no monitor leads, no IVs, no oxygen, no nurse (God Bless Them), and soon no Mami and Pops. After a very long day which was full of ups and downs which almost left a fragile mother feeling inadequate the family is "together".

This is a wonderful experience!

Letter to my Family and Friends

2008-10-18T06:02:00.002-06:00

Hello Dearest Family and Friends!
Rather abruptly and quite spectacularly our grandson, Theron Jay Roberts, demonstrated his mighty strength and flair for the dramatic and (in cohorts with his mother) became the most awesome October surprise ever!

He weighs 6 pounds 11 ounces and is spending a short night in the NICU here at St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa! Not so surprisingly he has a head of curly black hair, his father's handsome face and our daughter's radiant being!

Love from two very blessed and happy grandparents,
Patrick and Tami

Work of Women and Poverty

2008-10-14T18:50:00.008-06:00

Earlier this year I attended a Work of Women (WOW) luncheon here in OKC and was so wonderfully happy I left my terribly busy stressful workday to hear news from Nepal. From the WOW website:
"Women make up 70 percent of the nearly 3 billion people who live on less than $2 a day. They work a majority of the world's working hours but receive small fraction of the income, and often have no decision making power related to finances. Half a million women die every year from preventable complications of pregnancy. One in three women will be assaulted, coerced into sex or otherwise abused during her lifetime. Girls are the majority of the children who can't or are not allowed to attend school."

So as I ate my free lunch, drank my clean water, drove my gas guzzling car back to my job and then came home to a house with electricity, running water, furniture and then food, water and soap. I realized I greatly needed a reality check.

Just Faith has made me realize for us to have real compassion we must form a community that has the characteristics of solidarity, servanthood and obedience. This is just the tip of the compassion leap I want to make. So as I continue to move through my Just Faith class over this next year the essence of community has been forefront on my mind.

Please please note the photo by Sergio Pessolano. Everything he does is a work of art!

Letter to my Grandson

2008-10-12T20:17:00.002-06:00

Dearest Grandson,
I wanted to quickly write you a quick note to bring you up to speed in the Roberts-Elder family.

To begin with I understand you are burning calories like a mofo (pardon the colloquialism . . . but I love to try and use these as much as inappropriately possible!) Your mommy told me you will be gaining one pound a week for the next five weeks which is a huge amount of work and effort on your part. She also told me you are now getting the hiccups and just this past week I saw extreme examples of your mighty strength! I understand you are a little camera shy and I can appreciate your wanting your parents to wait to see your very spectacularly handsome precious face!

You are quite lucky in that you will be born to two people who are already so totally devoted to your every want and need. Hhhhmmmmm, I wonder when you will first figure out how much power you have. Both of your parents have investigated – down to the most insignificant detail – the best way to comfort you in times of stress, the best way to feed you when you are hungry and the best way to stimulate your continued brain development (just to name a few). They will quickly realize these are wonderful efforts but you will definitely be guiding both of them!

On another note things are really hopping on the outside world . . . definitely in a huge part to your upcoming birthday but also to a presidential election and a general economical nightmare. You will learn much more of this later when we will regale you with stories of our consumerism running rampant, of our blind eye to poverty and endless waste of consumables.

Also, one last thing, WE ARE GOING TO HAVE SO MUCH FUN TOGETHER!!

Love and kisses,
Yo Mami

Booking Through Thursday

2008-10-09T04:38:00.005-06:00

What was the last book you bought?
The Little Book by Selden Edwards
Name a book you have read MORE than once
A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving, To Kill Mockingbird by Harper Lee and The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck
Has a book ever fundamentally changed the way you see life? If yes, what was it?
YES! A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving
How do you choose a book? eg. by cover design and summary, recommendations or reviews
Title, reviews and recommendations
Do you prefer Fiction or Non-Fiction?
Forever fiction!
What’s more important in a novel - beautiful writing or a gripping plot?
Must be well-written
Most loved/memorable character (character/book)
Owen Meany and more recently I've been thinking of Mammy from "Gone with the Wind" since my new grandmother name will be "Mami"
Which book or books can be found on your nightstand at the moment?

Selden Edwards "The Little Book" (it is wonderful!!!!)

What was the last book you’ve read, and when was it?
People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks (last week)
Have you ever given up on a book half way in?
yes, and usually it's non-fiction

Busy Weekend and only Six weeks to Go!!!

2008-10-05T18:35:00.003-06:00

We are now done with this very busy weekend. Erin and Tim left today after a whirlwind of painting furniture . . . more pictures of this to follow . . . nursing bra shopping . . . Patrick and Tim's Quasi modo experience . . . church . . . lunch with the in-laws and cooking and cooking cooking. So as my end of the weekend celebration gift to all of you lucky people who read this . . . here is my mother-in-laws recipe for Oatmeal Cookies! These are easily the most yummy cookie recipe there is!
Mrs Tucker's Refrigerator Oatmeal Cookies

1/2 cup butter, 1/2 cup Crisco, (don't use all butter, it changes the finished product) 1 cup sugar, 1 cup brown sugar, 1tsp salt, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 cup chopped pecans, 2 beaten eggs, 1 and 1/2 cups flour , 1 tsp soda. 1tsp vanilla,3 cups quick oats.

Cream butter and Crisco with sugars, add beaten eggs and vanilla. Stir. Sift salt, cinnamon and soda with flour. Add to butter mixture . Mix well, just until flour is absorbed. Add oats and nuts. Form into a roll on long sheet of waxed paper. Roll to cover and again with foil. Freeze. Cut 1/2 inch slices and bake on ungreased cookie sheet 350 for 10 to 12 min.

Thank God for Uncle Nate or N8

2008-10-03T19:38:00.003-06:00

Last night Patrick and I picked up Ben from the airport here in OKC and were blessed the plane was late. This is because we had the opportunity to meet Nate's nephew Jake, his niece Jordan, his two sisters, his brother and his mother. Nate has been in Iraq and his nephew and niece's father is in Iraq and will be home in two weeks. We were able to sit and chat for about 30 minutes while we were all waiting for the delayed plane from Denver. Nate's sister (mother of these two precious children) proudly shared her brother and her husband's commitment to serve for all of us. Love this whole family!

Have You Scheduled Your Mammogram?

2008-10-01T19:00:00.003-06:00

Today is the first day of Breast Cancer Awareness Month! I used to have my mammogram in September but then my new insurance (2 insurances ago) decided I could not have the test since it had not been one year and one day since my last mammogram but one year exactly since my last mammogram so therefore I had to wait . . which meant it didn't happen until January . . . . . uh oh! This is not about the sucky health insurance we have but about mammograms. So all of you dear women who are over 40 SCHEDULE TODAY!!!

Photo By Art Rock from Flickr

Retreat by Wikipedia

2008-09-20T19:39:00.005-06:00

Here is the definition of "retreat" (edited a little by me):
"The term retreat has several related meanings, all of which have in common the notion of safety or temporarily removing oneself from one's usual environment in order to become immersed in a particular subject matter. Spiritual retreats allow time for reflection, prayer, or meditation. They are considered essential in Buddhism[1], and are also popular in many Christian churches, where they are seen as mirroring Christ's forty days in the desert,[2] including evangelical Protestantism, Roman Catholicism and Anglicanism."
Very beneficial and purposeful are my descriptions!! I also anticipate much growth from this process!

Please note the picture by Sergio Pessolano . He is an amazing world photographer . .. ..

DC and my grandchildren!

2008-09-18T18:42:00.005-06:00

We are soooooo there --- I'm thinking 4th,5th maybe 6th grade which would make it when I am almost 60! Which is OK, I'm sure I'll still be getting around. Also, here is quote I found on a blog called Daddy Scratches. He writes really well, is humorous and is quite respectful! Anyway he found this quote at the Huffington Post:

"Stop voting for people you want to have a beer with. Stop voting for folksy. Stop voting for people who remind you of your neighbor. Stop voting for the ideologically intransigent, the staggeringly ignorant, and the blazingly incompetent.
"Vote for someone smarter than you. Vote for someone who inspires you. Vote for someone who has not only traveled the world but who has also shown a deep understanding and compassion for it. The stakes are real and they're terrifyingly high. This election matters. It matters. It really matters. Let me say that one more time. This. Really. Matters."

— Michael Seitzman in this Huffington Post article.

CNN Twitter Update

2008-09-15T19:05:00.004-06:00

I am not sure if I like this but I have become somewhat enamored with Twitter! I enjoyed the quick update I was able to make from my phone on Saturday. It kept people from talking to me because I forgot to bring a book to a pedicure (yes . . . . but I don't indulge in too many other things). Also I have added the CNN Twitter update and can't decide if I want to hear this kind of news or not:
The Dow ends nearly 500 points lower -- its worst point drop in more than seven years -- as bank woes scare investors.

We are so fortunate to be living here in landlocked Oklahoma where the cost of living is manageable on our middle class salaries.

One more thing . . . Jim Roth belongs to the same church we belong and recently lectured for Mayflower's Distinguished Lecture series. He is totally amazing and I am sure his mother must be terribly proud!!! He stated, "Faith is a perpetual compass that navigates us through challenges." He is running for Corporation Commisioner here in Oklahoma and is an amazing wonderful intelligient handsome (words from my mother-in-law ----- I must agree) public servant who also chases down criminals while on the street!

Also please note the picture of Mayflower . . . . "unapologetically Christian and unapologetically Liberal". As Patrick says, "An oasis of progressive and affirming culture in the middle of a very conservative and divisive state."

Colourmusic

2008-09-12T05:08:00.003-06:00

Colourmusic is a new up and coming band here in Oklahoma. A few years ago Scott Booker, (Flaming Lips), became their manager and they have continued to grow and maintain a positive wonderful attitude. Recently, there was a negative letter to the editor of our local weekly entertainment paper. I was outraged because it made disparaging remarks about Colourmusic and the music scene here in Oklahoma. I e-mailed Colourmusic and told them I would write a letter back rebuking this letter but Colourmusic told me not to worry about it and felt this person was just having a bad day. Their forgive and forget attitude is wonderfully refreshing. Also, the band has been over to our house a few times and are great friends of one of our children.

I listen to their music every single day ---- for almost 2 years now. Love them ---

Booking Through Thursday

2008-09-11T05:14:00.002-06:00

Today is the 7th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. I know that not all of you who read are in the U.S., but still, it’s vital that none of us who are decent people forget the scope of disaster that a few, evil people can cause–anywhere in the world. It’s not about religion, it’s not about politics, it’s about the acknowledgment that humans should try to work together, not tear each other apart, even when they disagree.

So, feeling my way to a question here … Terrorists aren’t just movie villains any more. Do real-world catastrophes such as 9/11 (and the bombs in Madrid, and the ones in London, and the war in Darfur, and … really, all the human-driven, mass loss-of-life events) affect what you choose to read? Personally, I used to enjoy reading Tom Clancy, but haven’t been able to stomach his fight-terrorist kinds of books since.

And, does the reality of that kind of heartless, vicious attack–which happen on smaller scales ALL the time–change the way you feel about villains in the books you read? Are they scarier? Or more two-dimensional and cookie-cutter in the face of the things you see on the news?

We live in Oklahoma City where a downtown Federal office building was bombed with a large rental truck loaded with homemade explosives. The Oklahoma City Memorial is a wonderful example of the efforts we have put forth to learn more about terrorism whether it is by individuals/groups locally or internationally. This is the key. Learning, then educating and then changing.

Currently my reading is focused on poverty and how it affects people's education and health. So I suppose yes terror attacks influence what I read but these are positive changes that I want to make within myself. As for my thoughts on book villians --- compeltely separate from the real world!

One More?

2008-09-08T04:59:00.006-06:00

Octamom asked this question of readers at her blog. Her eloquence is lovely and it provides words to the careful thoughts my husband and I had when having children. Although we were quite young we wanted children very early and also, fortunately, our marriage was surviving our youth. We were married in July and I was pregnant by Christmas. Joyful blessing #1 was born and then quickly joyful blessing #2 was born. Still being quite young we decided to stop and my husband had a vasectomy. This was carefully considered and much emphasis was placed upon adoption in a few years. I have to say I wasn't quite ready for the "only 2" and knew in my heart we would have more. However, the surprise of my life, (and one of the things that taught me a lot about myself)I became pregnant with joyful blessing #3. Incidentally, Patrick's vas deferens had recannulated ---- we are in the medical field. This was the joyful blessing that completed our family --- we felt whole and happy. The picture is of Joyful Blessing #3 . . isn't he just the most handsome wonderful smart creative person in the world?

Hot Momma for Obama

2008-09-07T18:15:00.004-06:00

It might not be readily apparent but we are all rooting for Obama/Biden around here in Elderville. Our wonderful daughter's dear friend bought her this t-shirt from the DNC two weeks ago. Now I have to say this is the first time I have seen Erin wear a t-shirt with gold lettering on it but it is certainly appropriate and attractive. Also, please note the tummy that is FINALLY showing!! So at 30 weeks she finally looks pregnant --- but only from the front. This is not how her mother carried her babies!

The move in Tulsa has gone well . . . and the R-----s are now beginning pain management classes that are eerily similar to the one her father and I went to 28 years ago. Oh Baby Baby!

Back from a lovely Vacation

2008-09-04T20:05:00.002-06:00

Insert audible sigh here . . . Life is good

Wake-Up America

2008-08-26T18:56:00.002-06:00

The wonderful politician from Ohio (the only Senator to bring impeachment to the Senate floor) Dennis Kucinich

The Father of My Grandson

2008-08-24T17:39:00.003-06:00

This is a very old picture of my son-in-law who is moving his 6 month pregnant wife and all of the stuff two people can collect over the course of almost three years of marriage on Tuesday. We are now home from a wonderful weekend in Tulsa and I have been sitting and reflecting on the wonderful home he and Erin have made and will carryon at a new home. So here are my favorite charecteristics:
He is very strong--- able to lift refrigerators on his own
He is very generous --- always giving giving and giving
He is very smart --- I LOVE my spreadsheet!
He is very family-oriented --- genuinely loves having all of us (and there are a lot of us!) around
He is very dedicated to his wife --- always checking her emotional and physical pulsepoint
So I guess this adds up to a very wonderful amazingly wonderful man! Thank goodness he is married to my daughter because we love him dearly.

Wii Fit Addiction

2008-08-21T19:43:00.003-06:00

Patrick and I have been married 29 years and after our marriage I quickly realized he was the ultimate geek --- albeit a handsome wonderful husband and father geek. We have always had the latest gaming systems and he has consistently been ahead with regard to computer systems and cameras. So all this history said, I have never ever ever wanted to play anything (except Tetris when I was in graduate school) until the Wii Fit came along. I Love love love love love this game and this is good because I was getting a little bored with the Wii. We have only had the game for a couple of weeks and as you can see from the photo I am a little bit addicted. Dear Me, I have already asked my daughter if I can bring the Wii Fit to Tulsa when my grandson is born! I'm not sure of the exact definition of addiction but I think I am having a couple of issues with this game!!

Please let it be Biden!

2008-08-19T06:07:00.002-06:00

Joe Biden is my all time favorite politician!!!I have been pulling for him since a year and a half ago!!! Especially after hearing this on Diane Rehm's NPR program.

Take a Look at the Big Picture

2008-08-17T18:38:00.003-06:00

I stumbled across a wonderful video . . . which pulls together several issues that are close to my heart. The site "The Story of Stuff" is a concise summation of how we have become a nation of consumers. So this is how I have come to be what I am. . .sigh ( so much for Michelle Obama's new dress I want!) Anyway, our home's new motto is(and we will see where this goes) nothing enters this house unless something is broken, empty or mutually agreed upon we need. Let's see where this experiment goes and how much we can change in the next months before our new grandson is born. This will be my deadline for changing my little patch of this wondrous world. --- Annie Leonard ROCKS!!

Mami!!! (my new grandmother name)

2008-08-13T19:42:00.005-06:00

Obviously I am thankful I will have two grandchildren before I am barely 50 and it has been quite the process thinking of a grandmother name. Everyone I have known has had a precious and cute name along with a precious story. So here is mine. Patrick and I went to Eureka Springs earlier and had one of several wonderful meals. We were discussing the issue of my grandmother name and he said, "Mammy!" which is how I 'saw' it in my mind! I LOVED it!! I love love the Mammy in "Gone With the Wind" and (bonus) it rhymed with my name. I am now off to write "Love, Mami 2008" in all the books my poor son-in-law will have to read to my grandson.

Make your own Avatar here.

Favorite Memorable Sports Moment

2008-08-11T17:30:00.008-06:00

Octamom has a wonderful new post about Sports!! She wants your most favorite or memorable sporting/athletic event. Mine was easy! Our oldest son's childhood best friend and college roommate and still very best friend is a phenomenal wrestler. His name is Johnny Thompson and after high school he went onto Oklahoma State University --- he wanted to go to OU but Jack Spates already had 133 pounder --- so John Smith brought him on as a "Cowboy"! Johnny went on to win runner up at the NCAA tournament his first year and then took first place at the next two NCAA tourneys. He won 3rd place his senior year. He was part of one of the winningest wrestling teams in OSU history. But, he also wrestled all through childhood and high school. Because he was either spending the night here or our sons were over there I saw him a lot and must say I have seen him wrestle quite a bit and mostly he won.

My most favorite win was when he won the high school championships for the first time his senior year!!! He wrestled well and when he won he ran straight to the arms of his dad --- not his coach. This has always stuck with me . . . it was his father!! I would want my children to do the same!!

Picture: Ben, Paul, Johnny and Chuck!!!! Love them all

Patrick's This I Believe

2008-08-08T18:02:00.004-06:00

I was talking with a friend today about NPR's "This I Believe". This wonderful series has people write their "beliefs" or "core values" that guide their daily lives. The statement must be 350 to 500 words in length and can be read in about 3 minutes. So our church did this book for the Lenten series last year. Patrick finished his essay the first week and after I read his I knew I wouldn't find the "time" to write mine. Ah well, I still might write one. I have his here, and this way I'll know where to find it!

The Cycle of Care

I am a health care worker. I believe in the care that connects the care-giver to the care-receiver. In my work, I run the ultrasound machine in a small room of a large multi-doctor practice. In the dark, in the glow of the light from the fifteen-inch monitor, I practice my work with those who feel that what the images show could tear asunder the fabric of their lives. Most of the time I will pick up images that are normal, and if not normal, will not be life threatening or changing. Still……

In the dark and against my real nature, I ask strangers questions about themselves. “Are you from here?” “What do you do for a living?” “Retired?” “That must be the best way to live.” The answers are revealing and slowly I draw out (it comes out) the significance of each person’s life. An elderly Eastern European woman holds out her forearm for me to see a tattooed number. I know what it means. I want to hug her. I have encountered older couples with identical stories. Each has lost a life-long spouse and after a year or so of grieving they find each other and start anew. This makes my heart leap with the knowledge that life can go on even after a devastating loss. I have been invited to spend time on ranches with my patients, go fishing with them, visit their towns, and call on their places of business. I have been given sweet valentines from young children who know me as Patrick…like that starfish on television. I have done intimate procedures on many people who leave my room and offer a pat on my back or a handshake. They tell me that I made an uncomfortable situation tolerable. I am humbled by these words. I have been incredibly blessed by my encounters with all my patients. Sometimes I feel an overwhelming emotion that begins to lead to tears, but I force them back because that too is against my nature.

We care and we are cared for. Recently I lost a good deal of hearing in my left ear. I went to see a fine physician who is also a fine person. He explained to me that my hearing loss was due to a benign growth in my middle ear. This growth, if left untreated, would eventually grow large enough to erode the three small bones that are essential to hearing. As he calmly explained what the problem was, and how he was going to take care of it, I felt overwhelming emotions that almost lead to tears. I held them back.

The cycle is complete as it always is. We care and we are cared for. Life is nurtured by care. This I believe.

MONEY MONEy MONey MOney Money money

2008-08-07T17:24:00.002-06:00

At this time I am trying to hypersave $$ for when we go to Seattle!!! I want to shop, eat, shop and eat some more. Then I think I might want to drink coffee, check out some wine that is only regional! Also, I think I will shop and eat ----- hhhhmmm did I say I wanted to shop and eat? So all of this will require a little extra:
dough, moola, dinero, green, cash, loot, booty, smackaroos, bucks and "cold clams"!

So, because of my profession, I feel lax in my ability to provide an endless supply of synonyms for money. And unfortunately I am not hip enough to list the more urban terminologies!

John Adams

2008-08-04T19:07:00.003-06:00

Hhhhmmmm, since no one reads this blog I thought I would post some of my favorite "J" names as in my son-in-laws middle name --- "Jay". From maybe what I understand (and let's place emphasis on the maybe) the earliest grandchild to be born in November may have a middle name with the initial "j" or a soft "g" sound. So for something to do I will begin a list here:
Theron John Roberts
Theron Jefferson Roberts
Theron Jackson Roberts
Theron Johnson Roberts
Theron George Roberts
Theron James Roberts
Theron Jasper Roberts
Theron Jaime Roberts
Theron Jordan Roberts
Theron Jennings Roberts
Theron Jack Roberts
Etc etc etc etc

So I must say we are in the middle of John Adams this week on TV. Jeez . . .wait I wonder how that would sound? Theron Jeez Roberts . . . ok so definitely not ---- but any way this wonderful show on DVD is amazing --- ok here is another thought:
Theron General Roberts

Well we shall see --- Thank God I am not making this decision!

Kids and Bathing

2008-07-28T19:39:00.003-06:00

I first read Octamom's post about children bathing together this morning before I went to work, but hesitated to respond because I became very thoughtful. I wanted to contemplate before I left a response and provide a somewhat intelligent post. But the day started with a bang. . . I heard from our daughter, who is now 27 married 2 years and 6 months pregnant, called to tell me her baby ( my grandson!!!) is now moving so much her tummy looks freakishly alive. Then I heard from her older brother who is 28 and was terribly mad because my daughter-in-law went in for a routine "i'm very barely pregnant doctor visit" and the doctor ordered a routine vaginal ultrasound and Maggie heard their baby's heartbeat without my son present. Now that was not a pleasant phone call as he complained about appointments and how there should be a little more notification when significant opportunities may occur. Very sadly for this doctor and staff he will be a father-to-be who will ask questions ( he likes to gather information), pace (because he has always had difficulty sitting still) but is always ever thankful and kind with professionals (I'm sure he gets that from his parents!)!! Then I had to call the youngest just to complete the circle and was happy to have him ask us up to Tulsa next weekend just to hang out.

I am now in a place I would never have dreamed I would be 30 years ago . . . and am very thankful and blessed life is GOOD!

So, now the response to children bathing . . . . uhhmmmm as I remember (but don't trust this because I am now much older) our children pretty much decided who they wanted to bathe with at different times in those very short years.

Note to all!!! These years are over before you know it!! Enjoy them!!!

PREGNANT!!!!

2008-07-17T17:02:00.004-06:00

The night before last our oldest son and his wife announced we will be blessed with another grandchild due next March. Similar to my daughter's announcement which caused incredible dinging, singing, and humming in my brain, this announcement has completely taken me by total surprise! We are so wonderfully excited and so thankful for this incredible event! Summer Camp has completely taken my attention and these multiple distractions have addled me. All said, Life is Good and I am so HAPPY!!!

Patrick has asked me several times (well at least twice)

2008-07-02T19:12:00.005-06:00

to post about the "Eve and Steve" remark that many of the "I'm totally scared of people who are gay and they really chose to be this way" people make. You know the one where people say "God didn't make Adam and Steve" . . . so to borrow a line from Robin Meyers "Who made Steve?" So anyway here is a very very funny video about "Adam and Eve" in the Garden of Eden:

Cherokee Tribe

2008-06-22T19:26:00.004-06:00

The Cherokee Tribe has forever known to come back from many adversities. So I know where these are I am going to begin to place symbols of the Cherokee Tribe here.

Want it Want it Want it Want it Want it

2008-06-21T18:40:00.002-06:00

Did I say I wanted this dress? Michelle Obama wore it on the View last week. She bought it "off the rack" . . . she is my new "wannabe just like her"! Brilliant, poised, strong and mother. Love everything about her! Her desire for a career to be motivated by passion rather than money is also principled and rings true with her husband's values.

Psssssst, Do Something!

2008-06-08T17:24:00.003-06:00

This is the last line on a video that a friend sent me. Please watch and see the shameful voting record of Senator Jim Inhofe from Oklahoma. This is the third time today I have felt the need to 'act' and not 'talk'. So, I think I will take a huge leap and forward the following video to my family. Along with this forward I also want people to meet Andrew Rice who is running against Senator Inhofe for the Senate seat. I have know Andrew for two years now and we volunteered for his State Senate run two years ago. He is a principled man who also has a degree in Divinity from Harvard. His wife is a pathologist and they have two young boys. Both are bright, articulate and very family oriented. Andrew also has a brother who was killed on 9-11-01. This was the impetus for him to do something positive. Hhhmmmmm, I would say it's also time for me to be more posittive and "Do Something"!

Obama Baby!

2008-06-03T18:56:00.002-06:00

As of this hour the presumptive nominee for the Democrat nominee for President of the United States is Barack Obama. Wow!!! This is amazing and exciting and sets precedents from now on. What an amazing person. Ben and I first met him at a small gathering here in OKC in February of 2007 (around 500 people present). Ben also snagged me a sign --- but I think he took it to Tulsa --- and I was interviewed by one of the new stations. At that time I emphasized his stance on health care and was still waiting to hear from the other candidates. Now I am totally excited about the historic precedent and this extraordiary time we are living in. I am thankful my children are participating in this amazing commentary of the young people's indifference to race and color. Very profound and timely.

"Nothing is too good for a veteran, so nothing is what they get"

2008-05-30T19:26:00.004-06:00

Just a side note--- Tonight we are watching Bill Moyers Journal. The film follows an Iraq War Veteran named Thomas Young who has been paralyzed from a gunshot wound in Iraq. The film also exposes the dialog in the house in 2002, and reveals the bumper sticker debate that occurred. We have hope there is a better world for our grandchild out there!

Booking Through Thursday

2008-05-29T04:53:00.002-06:00

What is reading, anyway? Novels, comics, graphic novels, manga, e-books, audiobooks — which of these is reading these days? Are they all reading? Only some of them? What are your personal qualifications for something to be “reading” — why? If something isn’t reading, why not? Does it matter? Does it impact your desire to sample a source if you find out a premise you liked the sound of is in a format you don’t consider to be reading? Share your personal definition of reading, and how you came to have that stance.

(Two weeks late for Reading is Fundamental week, but, well…)

Readiing is:
A baby holding a book to chew on.
A mother holding her baby and pointing and naming pictures.
A toddler recognizing the "Taco Bueno" sign
An 18 month old singing the ABC's
A two and 1/2 year old recognizing their name in print
A three year old "reciting" a favorite book by heart while looking at the pictures
A four year has begun to associate sounds with letters
A five year old who recognizes sight words and is beginning to decode
A father who reads chapter books at night to his children even though the 2 year old has no idea what "Below the Root" is
A child has learned to read will be able to read to learn in 3rd and 4th grade.

Celebrate and positively reinforce anything your child picks up, hold, laughs at, cries with, sneaks to bed/bath tub, etc. I don't care if it's a western, romance, comic books, science fiction, fantasy . . . it needs to hook a young teen and teach them the mechanics of reading --- kind of like driving a car, we have to practice to improve.

After we learn to read and have practiced and have become adept ----- then all the rest (e-books etc) is gravy. It is still occupying yourself and activating the language part of your brain.

OOpppsss! Guess you can tell I am passionate about literacy!

Booking Through Thursday

2008-05-22T05:02:00.003-06:00

Books and films both tell stories, but what we want from a book can be different from what we want from a movie. Is this true for you? If so, what’s the difference between a book and a movie?

I haven't read others' responses yet but I imagine they agree with mine. The movie is almost never ever as good as the book! After making that statement it's easier for me to list movies that are as good or better than the books. Please help me by adding to my list because I know I am missing some great books from some great movies! In no particular order:

"Gone With the Wind" --- great long movie and it was the book that hooked me into reading when I was 14 years old.
"Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" I haven't read the book but the movie had to have been better.
"Dune"--- Awesome imaginative book; great movie but still a lot was left out
"Lonesome Dove" --- The movie series was spectacular and the characters and dialogue were so similar to the book's.
"To Kill a Mockingbird" --- Fabulous book and fabulous movie
"Deliverance" --- James Dickey is poetic and the movie is amazing and horrific.

Erin at 12.784 weeks (calculated by my son-in-law)

2008-05-20T20:17:00.004-06:00

Happy Mothering to you Dear Daughter! As you are beginning your second trimester things have been really hopping around here! So just for a quick recap of this past couple of months:
*Gas has gone up and up and up
*Barack Obama is about to "seal the deal" on the Democratic nomination for president.
*It has been mild tornado weather this season (although this could be the kiss of death for me to speculate like this!)
*My back is beginning to feel better and I think I should be able to pick your baby up quite easily in November.
*I am currently refinishing a very old trunk from your father's grandparents' era. This was the same trunk I was fooling around with when you were quite quite young.
*I am busy at work and am hoping the upcoming OB appt I am invited to will take place at the right time!
*I am really wanting to see what you are going to have ---- boy or girl??----so I can focus my rambling attention!
*the real reason i wrote this is because I love this picture Tim took of you!

Barack Obama in Oregon

2008-05-20T05:27:00.001-06:00

Candyland!

2008-05-17T20:14:00.003-06:00

Tonight as I was scraping the last of the "goop" off of the very old trunk . . I found a Candyland playing card in under one of the wooden slats. This brought back a rush of memories playing with my children. I remember how much a card could make one of the children emotional and so of course we endlessly adapted the rules to fit the situations. It could be it was time for Ben to win or maybe it was time for Erin to be patient or maybe it was time for Paul to go to bed. Whatever the time, I could move playing pieces around, jump across the linear track to the same color or place all of 'picture cards' to the top of the deck. I still play this game quite well and soooooo look forward to challenging our next generation of our children's children!

Booking Through Thursday

2008-05-15T04:54:00.002-06:00

Following up last week’s question about reading writing/grammar guides, this week, we’re expanding the question….
Scenario: You’ve just bought some complicated gadget home . . . do you read the accompanying documentation? Or not?
Do you ever read manuals?

How-to books?

Self-help guides?

Anything at all?

When I purchase a household item I always have the manual nearby and most usually I will need it for a reference. What really stinks is when I need it because something not too unusual has happened and I can't find it.
How-to books? Most definitely! I love gardening books, quilting, and knitting. And I'm not sure if this fallis in the "how-to" category but I LOVE cookbooks. This is such a significant problem I force myself to wait at least a day or two before I impulsivly purchase a cookbook. The only exception is if I am out of town. Then I throw budget caution to the wind and buy a local cookbook.
Self Help? No, I am completely hopeless with this genre!

Cherokee Nation Tourism

2008-05-13T20:17:00.006-06:00

Ben! has been sharing some of the amazing history of the Cherokee Nation. Chad Smith, Principal Chief, has eloquently opposed Oklahoma's idiot "English Only" Law. "The Official English policy brands Oklahoma as intolerant, closed-minded, hard-hearted, mean-spirited and oppressive to minority groups..." Very very scarily this bill could once again send the message that Oklahoma does not accept diversity. Very shameful, mean and patronizing! Almost as bad as State Rep. Sally Kern's comments about people who are gay. Hhhhmmmmm, I don't think this is the appropriate message to send to business' or individuals considering moving to Oklahoma.She is using religion (and even there it's warped)stereotypes and outright lies to justify her hate and intolerance. I'm also sure she is somehow benefiting with her reelection fundraising with this attention. Very sad state of affairs for Oklahoma. If given a choice to relocate a company to a state that is "recession-proof" and has people that allow hateful and fearful legislators to speak for the citizens the company will choose elsewhere.

Step Aerobics

2008-05-12T19:59:00.002-06:00

OK, so now that I have committed to the acupuncture and chiropractor I skipped the spin class per Robyn's recommendation and went to a step aerobics class. It has been about 2 and 1/2 years since I have taken a step class and am thankful I was able to "hang" in there and not embarrass myself too much. But all is well and I feeling really well this pm. Here is a very funny video of people doing step aerobics. I felt just about this silly today! Sigh!

Booking Through Thursday

2008-05-08T05:36:00.003-06:00

Writing guides, grammar books, punctuation how-tos . . . do you read them? Not read them? How many writing books, grammar books, dictionaries–if any–do you have in your library?

Anne Lamott!! Her book "Bird by Bird" is excellent reading even if you are not planning on writing. Her advice to writers is to write write and write more. She carries note cards on herself so she can write words or phrases as they occur during her day. I totally agree with both of these bits of advice. Life is all about practice and inspiration comes in all forms during my day! She is one of my favorite writers!

Palak Muragh

2008-05-04T18:12:00.005-06:00

If you do not have an aversion to meat please read, otherwise go here and spend some more useful time. So if you are game consider trying this recipe:
Palak Muragh
(Chicken legs with Spinach)
Ingredients
•2 tablespoon oil
•1 onion
•1 clove of garlic (crushed)
•1/2 inch piece of ginger
•1 teaspoon coriander
•1 leveled teaspoon chili powder
•1 lb chicken legs
•500 grams tin of spinach puree
•2 teaspoon milk
•1 leveled teaspoon salt
Directions
Heat the cooking oil in a pan. Add chopped onion and fry it until golden brown. Now add ginger, coriander, chili powder, garlic and salt. Fry this mixture for 10 minutes and keep it stirring every two minutes. Fry both sides of chicken legs in this masalah until brown and add the spinach, cover the pan with a lid and leave it on a gentle heat for 25 minutes. When the water has been absorbed, add 2 teaspoon of milk and let it cook for further 5 minutes.

Notes (and these also include my friend Ann's notes as well): Use boneless skinless thighs and also fresh chopped spinach. I was only able to find chicken thighs that had skin and bones . . . this would have been much more fun to make if I hadn't had to prep the meat. And actually I only did some of them and Patrick completed the rest (thanks Honey!) I also might add one and one half times the seasoning next time. I served it over rice . . . YUMMY YUMMY YUMMY! And hopefully healthy!

Booking Through Thursday

2008-05-01T04:59:00.002-06:00

Mayday!
Quick! It’s an emergency! You just got an urgent call about a family emergency and had to rush to the airport with barely time to grab your wallet and your passport. But now, you’re stuck at the airport with nothing to read. What do you do??

And, no, you did NOT have time to grab your bookbag, or the book next to your bed. You were . . . grocery shopping when you got the call and have nothing with you but your wallet and your passport (which you fortuitously brought with you in case they asked for ID in the ethnic food aisle). This is hypothetical, remember….

The books, at the airports I have frequented, are less likely to be discounted and are from a limited selection so purchasing one would be highly unlikly. I also would have already listened to my "American Life" or "NYC Radiolab" podcasts. At this point I would buy a magazine and then buy the local newspaper.

ART! ART! ART!

2008-04-28T20:37:00.002-06:00

I think if you say art art art really quickly it could easily be intrepreted as a dog barking. Uh Oh, I think I have already wandered. Anyway, we finally "pulled the trigger" on piece of art from a local "Arts Festival" and I am very happy we are not regretting the decision. Buyer's Remorse could certainly have set in with a statements made the next day beginning with "What the hell was I . . . . ". But, happily, we love the painting and I am now investigating how to light the damn thing. This may cost more than the discount the artist gave us at the festival!

Family, Life, Love and Mothers

2008-04-27T19:39:00.003-06:00

This whole weekend has been composed of wonderful experiences that have been physical, emotional, and reflective. My very dear cousin Connie has been in town because my uncle is quite ill. She is only 44 years old and has experienced so much happiness and pain that I have had to stand back and admire her courage and humor as she has navigated this and I have also taken notes on her dignity and kindness. A couple of thoughts: My uncle, her father, has these recordings on some sort of reel to reel tape. We used to listen again and again to "Peter and the Wolf" on his amazing stereo system. This is one of my major major memories of childhood. I can almost hear the orchestra emulating the sound of the wolf moving through the story. I forgot to ask her where the stereo and tapes are . . . these are so wonderful!!
Another thought:
Well let's just say life is a blessing and work has meaning.

Life is Good

2008-04-24T20:46:00.004-06:00

I saw this bumper sticker on a car in our work parking lot and since the car also had a bike rack on it I bet it belongs to my boss. No matter, I love the message and have my own:

Obama Baby!

2008-04-21T18:51:00.003-06:00

This was Ben's reply when I asked him who he was voting for in the primary. After Joe Biden (please please please be secretary of state) and John Edwards (please please support Obama) dropped I have swung to the Obama camp. This is really not a bad place to be. I am in the company of some very intelligent younger voters, I am among the many women that admire Michelle, and I am among others that embrace diversity, values getting us out of this God awful War. More to follow on Senator Obama but here is the first of several 30 second commercials "MoveOn.org" wants people to critique . . . . . . (sorry I had to delete the commercial --- it drove me crazy every time it played instantly ---- to go check it out here)

Me and Owen

2008-04-20T20:26:00.002-06:00

We have buddied up and had an awesome walk this evening! The sun is setting much later is finally coming up earlier. Hope hope hope hope I can drag myself up in the am and do the same walk! Interestingly, I met a gentleman on Saturday who is running a half marathon at the OKC Memorial Marathon and he has inspired this new found outdoor energy! Don't get me wrong . . . I am the last sort of person the Memorial Marathon organizers want polluting their race . . . but I think a little outside carryover to my very dear life is appropriate.

My Freakin' Back

2008-04-15T19:44:00.004-06:00

Patrick please ignore this post because I am afraid if you hear one thing about my back you will leave me. But, my back is still hurting! For the lone .0003% of you all out there who do not know my back hurts I need to share my drama. I have tried the physical therapy stretches, acupuncture, ultrasound, and acupressure. No luck, still hurts and since I am not quite ready for drugs and other medical intervention I think I will return to the chiropractor. She is quite nice, comes well recommended and is also dating the plastic surgeon who repairs children’s faces after trauma. Seems like good karma and so with this very scientific reasoning I will stick with her. (sorry P! l’ll try one more week!)
I love love this picture of me and Erin .....

Chili Lime Sunflower Seeds from Quick Trip

2008-04-14T19:50:00.004-06:00

Well, we have just returned from Tulsa and I am pounding the sunflower seeds like crazy around here. My totally most favorite addiction has been satiated for another couple of weeks and the only downside was the lack of the chili lime flavor. The spicy flavor is good but not quite as yummy as the chili lime. Ah well and most unfortunately it is probably the anticaking agent I am addicted to! Dammit, why can't I crave fresh apples?

I can so do this!!

2008-04-11T20:01:00.002-06:00

Actually when we were in Paris 2 years ago Patrick and I began this dance phenomenon . . . Ah! Ces Américains fous!

Booking Through Thursday

2008-04-10T05:41:00.002-06:00

Pick up the nearest book. (I’m sure you must have one nearby.)
Turn to page 123.
What is the first sentence on the page?
The last sentence on the page?
Now . . . connect them together….
(And no, you may not transcribe the entire page of the book–that’s cheating!)

"After the guy left, Benny called down to security." and last was "Paulette Singleterry was the only among us who would stop someone and say, 'You and I haven't met yet, I don't think. My name's Paulette.'"

This all sounds as lame as I am finding this book . . . I like this challenge and am going to see how it works with other books i am reading. By the way, the book is "Then We Came to the End" by Joshua Ferris ------ very bland and somewhat boring! I am waiting for 'something to happen' so I'm still reading. Sigh!

Thoughts on Life

2008-04-07T18:58:00.004-06:00

Randy Pausch thoughts this week is Be good at something; it will make you valuable and find the best in everybody; no matter how long you have to wait for them to show it.
Sooooooo my "good" list is:
I am becoming very good at Brain Academy with my new Nintendo DS.
I am becoming a better and better slp.
My garden looks great right now.
I can cook oatmeal cookies very well.
Aaaannd my looking for the best in people list is:
George Bush (and associates)
Deaf and HOH people who push sign language without realizing the implications
this list to be continued!!

Also, please note the picture of the new couple who are pregnant! 1st doctor appt is day after tomorrow!

Booking Through Thursday

2008-04-03T05:29:00.003-06:00

When somebody mentions “literature,” what’s the first thing you think of? (Dickens? Tolstoy? Shakespeare?)
Do you read “literature” (however you define it) for pleasure? Or is it something that you read only when you must?

Literature ---- makes me think of my favorite authors such as Willa Cather, Doris Lessing, Jose Saramago or John Irving. I will always explore other works of literature with my most recent "Women in Love" by DH Lawrence. With this book I was almost embarrassed to share with my book club that I just didn't "get it". I also greatly enjoy off the wall books such as "Sanity Matinee" which would never hold a place among the great works of literature. So for me literature is well written and pleasurable!

I know I know . . . but who is this basketball coach?

2008-03-31T20:24:00.003-06:00

I love this video!!! What a wonderful man to "coach" the very young inexperienced singer! Very sweet and precious! Sorry it's so sappy!

Sentimental Post --- Also this is the bear in the bedroom! (not mine)

2008-03-29T16:28:00.004-06:00

After my WOW day on Wednesday I was fortunate to be in the company of women once again and am more aware of the power of a group. We put aside professional roles and cut apart and dissected what we do onto understandable pieces that fit together in a reorganized fashion. During all of this we also cooked and shared food and stories.
Six of us then slept in a hostel type room. During the night I woke and fell back to sleep to the different patterns of breathing around me.

So I have had another opportunity to be thankful for my unbelievably awesome job and it appears I continue to express and sock away emotions like a MOFO!

Work of Women, Barack and Hillary

2008-03-27T04:20:00.004-06:00

Yesterday I attended a Work of Women (WOW) luncheon here in OKC and was so wonderfully happy I left my terribly busy stressful workday to hear news from Nepal. From the WOW website:
"Women make up 70 percent of the nearly 3 billion people who live on less than $2 a day. They work a majority of the world's working hours but receive small fraction of the income, and often have no decision making power related to finances. Half a million women die every year from preventable complications of pregnancy. One in three women will be assaulted, coerced into sex or otherwise abused during her lifetime. Girls are the majority of the children who can't or are not allowed to attend school."

So as I ate my free lunch, drank my clean water, drove my gas guzzling car back to my job and then came home to a husband who I have mutual respect for I realized I greatly needed a reality check.

Also on a similar note, congratulations to Hillary for raising a strong daughter! A child who reacts this way comes from a strong woman who has taught her child values. However, as Patrick reminded me, Barack made a better spouse choice than Hillary. Ahhhhhhhhhhhh, the politics of life!

LOVE This Song!!!!

2008-03-20T19:03:00.000-06:00

Ahhhhhhh makes me smile!!!!

Week One

2008-03-15T20:33:00.002-06:00

Well as we move along this road to grandparenthood I am finding myself doing the usual obsessions that I tend to lean towards. Hyperinvestigating different things and wanting to focus my erratic fuzzy thoughts! Trying to remember to breathe and breathe and breathe some more!

PREGNANT!!!!

2008-03-12T20:30:00.002-06:00

For the one or maybe two people that read this I need to announce that I am now officially a grandmother!!!!! Our daughter called us tonight and announced she and our dear son-in-law are pregnant! She is calling her brothers right now and will see their doctor as soon as possible. Her first ob appt is scheduled for April 9 and needless to say they are both finding it hard to believe!
Both of us are quite emotional tonight! All very hard to believe. . . My mind is now singing . . . . it sounds like music but feels like it's going ping ping ping or tahtahtahtahtah or mmmmmmmmmmm. Very strange but joyful!

Radiohead Live

2008-03-02T10:43:00.001-06:00

Quotes to ponder today

2008-01-25T05:55:00.000-06:00

I read this African proverb quoted by Greg Mortensen: "If you educate a boy, you educate an individual. But if you educate a girl, you educate a community."

Another quote from this author of "Three Cups of Tea" is Judith Campbell's: "When your heart speaks, take good notes."

Off to buy the book.

Booking Through Thursday

2008-01-24T19:29:00.000-06:00

What’s your favorite book that nobody else has heard of? You know, not Little Women or Huckleberry Finn, not the latest best-seller . . . whether they’ve read them or not, everybody “knows” those books. I’m talking about the best book that, when you tell people that you love it, they go, “Huh? Never heard of it?”

The Sanity Matinee by Michael Zagst
This is a well written, clever and sad novel about a young insurance salesman named Al Sprayberry. I have read this novel again and again and I always enjoy the comic wit of the author. I have also felt compassion for poor Al and his unlikely marriage, suburban life and boring job. How do you recommend this for someone to read when you bought it at a library sale back in 1990?

Letter from a Birmingham Jail

2008-01-21T20:21:00.000-06:00

We actually read this letter last year . . . but I must need another year to reread it and reflect upon the things I missed last year. As we, here in Oklahoma, are lamenting the passing of the "we hate immigrants bill" ---- my words, I feel we should reflect upon Dr. King's letter which outlines the four basic steps of a nonviolent campaign:
1) collection of facts
2) negotiation
3) self-purification
4) direct action

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." Dr. King 1963

Yippee!!! Obama Won But Bummed Biden has Left the Race!

2008-01-04T17:25:00.000-06:00

The only thing that would have been better is if Joe Biden had won!! Maybe maybe, if I cross my heart he will be slated for Secretary of State. Someone --- I'll take any of the Democrats running can surely make choices that will dig us out of this shit.

So on the flip side of things we have Republican governor Mike freaking-scary-expastor-let's build a fence around America Huckabee won. He needs to drop the guitar, and address real issues. Very very scary.

My feelings are very bipolar at this moment and then there is always the worry of what Mayor Bloomberg will do Monday here in Norman Oklahoma. Nothing like a little election anxiety to start off the new year.

Happy New Year

2007-12-31T22:31:00.000-06:00

Ahhhh, Life is very good! Surgery went very well, my husband is very nurturing --- (good to know how things could be in 30 years!), I didn't miss too much work and feel very healthy. The recovery afghan for The BEN's birthday is going well --- only one-third done. I'm not sure this is going to be ready by the end of January but it is keeping me seated here on the couch along with extended videos! I have also learned how to play Guitar Hero III. Not that I new how to play I or II. Very productive indeed!
Love, Peace and Blessings to Everyone!

Knitting, "The Big Chill" and Wine

2007-11-30T23:19:00.000-06:00

MMMMhhhmmm, this is the end of my day in Tulsa and I am working on a very purple sweater for some "girl" baby and watching "The Big Chill" and drinking a wonderful Sangiovese Merlot by Luna di Luna. For some very obvious reason the Italian wines are the only wines that are so deliciously rich. Knitting is moving along quite well . . . my big project is to make an afghan for THE BEN!!

Thankful and Very Grateful

2007-11-23T09:42:00.000-06:00

This picture says it all!!

Booking Through Thursday

2007-11-15T06:21:00.000-06:00

Today’s question comes from Conspiracy-Girl:
I’m still relatively new to this meme so I’m not sure if this has been asked yet, but I’m curious how many of us write notes in our books. Are you a Footprint Leaver or a Preservationist?

I totally leave my thoughts, underlinings, notes to others, and general randomness in books. I wish I could say I was neat or fluent or even pertinent to what I am reading. When I return to the passage sometimes my thoughts are so random it can be difficult for me to decipher the note! This 'problem' of mine is further evidenced by the random picutre I have placed in this post! I do think notes are a sign the book was well loved or at least left an impact with the reader.