Home is where the heart is..........

getting ready

2011-05-29T12:19:00.000-04:00

Hi all,

Yes it's been some time. It was a long tax season and this month has not been relaxing. Why you ask?

In just a couple od days I'll be winging myself to Indonesia! Stay tuned for updates!

Do Not Call List

2011-02-25T05:30:00.000-05:00

I know you get those pesky emails about the Do Not Call List. Most of them are crank emails. So I went to their site to get the poop on it all. The link is below if you wish to check it for yourself.

If you get one of those emails, don't forward it. You can thank the sender and let them know where they can learn more about this service.

Your registration will not expire. Telephone numbers placed on the National Do Not Call Registry will remain on it permanently due to the Do-Not-Call Improvement Act of 2007, which became law in February 2008. Read more about it at http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/04/dncfyi.shtm.

National Do Not Call Registry

Be good to yourself - The Greatest Present

2011-02-22T05:30:00.001-05:00

The new year is here and many of us around the country have experienced the longest and snowest winter on record!

I'm not one to make resolutions per se, I will, on the other hand, find and create and improve on different behaviors that will bring peace and joy to my life.

I call it the "be good to yourself" mantra. This isn't permission to be selfish, rude to others, greedy and unkind. It is permission to do small gestures for yourself that will make the day easier, brighter, and enjoyable even if mother nature delivers another foot of snow.

So what have I done?

I purchased new hangers (those slim ones) and my Santas gave me more. So I have emptied part of the closet and put up the new ones. The closet looks great, the clothes, now cleared out of old ones, are organized.
Each week I have cleared out another corner (not more than an hours worth of time) of items. Now there is a box by the door in the garage that I have placed items in to be given away.
When I finish my coffee, I set up the pot to be ready to go for the next morning. Just that little effort gives me a couple of minutes extra to enjoy the early hours before life steps in.
I put off doing my mail to three times a week - less distraction and more efficient over all.
Keep to my daily/weekly list of chores and find that a few minutes here and there leaves no major chores to do on the weekend.
Read something inspirational for me each day. I can be an avid reader yet this time of year with my work schedule in high gear, I often times forget to take a couple of minutes.
Sit by the fireplace for 20 minutes and relax in quiet.

So what do you do "to be good to yourself"? Take a moment, think about small gestures that will make your day an even better day. Wishing you the best each day, live today, life starts now!

Not Just for Teenagers

2011-02-21T05:30:00.001-05:00

Interesting - and worth watching. Though this is not just for teenagers - there is much said and to think about.

Hope for our Earth - Happy New Year

2011-01-01T05:30:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year to you and yours. Today the first day of a new year, sometimes a somber day or a day continuing the festivities from the night before; some may be rushing out for more holiday sales or out to see a new movie; there may some that will not celebrate as it isn't their holiday; and of course there may be the infamous making of New Years Resolutions.

How ever you celebrate today, may you think about our earth. May one of your resolutions be to take action to respect our home. While the video is labeled loneliness, I would label it majestic, grand, and beautiful. On this day... enjoy the magnificent place we call home.

Let there be Peace

2010-12-22T05:30:00.007-05:00

Wouldn't it be amazing if there was Peace on earth? It wouldn't take too much. It would take each individual to be kind and thoughtful. It would be for individuals to carry peace and joy in their hearts and to give it away every day. It would be for us to celebrate and embrace our differences because we can learn from one another. It's our own uniqueness that makes our world an amazing place. I invite you to sing along with these most talented children.

Kitchen Yeah!

2010-12-17T05:30:00.005-05:00

Yes, it's done - Bob the Builder has done a great job in fitting the new microwave and hood into the current scheme of the kitchen.

This is what I started with - ugh! First order of business - get new appliances especially the fridge. It was running and running, so annoying. The stove didn't work too well. I finally gave up when baking a cake took twice as long as it should have.

So the new appliances arrived. Thanks to my neighbor, Julie, she had done some homework and shared it with me. That' when I found out that the microwave hood didn't fit.

It was too large compared to the space. Oh well, Plan B into action. Bob the 'all around fix it guy' was back in business after an extended shoulder injury. Just in time, and of course there was a list of lots of other items.

So here it is. As he said, 'it was a bit crazy making the cabinet smaller and it became insane when the doors couldn't be made smaller'. I give him a lot of credit, especially while we were shopping in Lowes together to come up with a "fix".

Two brains, lots of patience on Bob's part, some stain, okay a couple of stains to match, and Plan B happened- voila doors with a black mesh sreen.

Don't think a decorator could have done better!

Glad to have appliances that work and my electric bill went down $14 in the first month!

First Day of Winter

2010-12-15T05:30:00.005-05:00

While all of us are getting ready for the holidays - we are coming up to the first day of winter. The Winter Solstice, the shortest day and longest night on our calendar here in Connecticut. I enjoy the the winter and love the snow. I look forward to seeing the snow fall, smelling the fireplaces burning, and enjoying the special drinks and foods that are only winter. To bring in Winter, I'm featuring my niece, Taylor's video she made, set to Sara Bareille and Ingrid Michaelsons's song Winter Song. Thank you Taylor, Thank you Sara and Ingrid, .... Enjoy!

PS about 100 days till Spring :)

Tis the Season - The White Tree

2010-12-13T05:30:00.001-05:00

Two years ago I put up my white tree for the first time in a long time. That year was special as my nephew, Seamus help decorate the tree. This year, now the third time. It has evolved a bit from the past years. I found that those pics you get at the craft store make a lovely decoration to the end of the stick branches. I found little doves in silver, gold, and white. I found some beautiful crystal icicles in Storrtown Village at the Big E. Hand made and imported by Kurt Adler, they reflect the light so beautifully and add that extra sparkle to the tree.

The new addition to this year is a hand made crystal pineapple. I found it at the Yankee Candle on my way back from New Hampshire. Pineapples have long been a symbol of welcome, hospitality and wealth to all that live here.

It goes back to Christopher Columbus and to colonial America. Once discovered, the pineapple became the 'treat of kings'. No matter if you were back in Europe or here in colonial days, the pineapple became sought after. Shop keepers were known rent out the pineapples before they were purchased by the more affulent families in the town.

In the seafaring towns of the east coast of America, the symbol of the pineapple can be seen in the architecture. It was said that pineapples would be put out on the gate signifying that the sea captain was home and available to receive guests.

Time to take the tree out, set it up, and enjoy the ornaments that you have collected over the years. No matter what holiday you celebrate, those decorations have stories. Do you have the stories written down? Hopefully this year, as you decorate for your holiday, you may have the chance to write about them.

By the way, my tree is complete and I'll be enjoying it all month long!

Spread Joy to Everyone

2010-12-08T05:30:00.002-05:00

The season is upon us and it is the time we spread joy to those people we pass by each day. A nod, a smile, a simple greeting, it really doesn't take much. We don't know what is going on "over there". With a simple gesture, you may turn around someone's day. The reward is that you feel better and you smile deep down inside. What could happen, you may make it your daily rountine :) May you have lots of JOY in your life.

Give a Hug & Get a Hug

2010-12-01T05:30:00.010-05:00

The holiday season has arrived. Some of us look forward to the festivies, parties, being with friends and family. There are a few humbugs and grumpies too. So through this holiday season, I will be sending you little bits of inspirations that will raise your spirits and those around you.

Just imagine being in this square - hugs are the best, we all should have a dozen hugs a day. Enjoy and I send you a big hug today.

It's was a Great Time - I am Thankful

2010-11-29T05:30:00.013-05:00

Day Two - We were up pretty early to make breakfast and get underway to go to the Connecticut Science Museum. This was a really big day. We started in the water room and played with the various vortex water vessels and built water dams with Leggo's.

Then off to the top floor where we calculated our carbon footprints, saw the Connecticut river fishes and animals and the rocks from the glaciers that came through at the end of the ice age. This wasn't on the hit parade for Seamus

The fifth floor offered probably the most fun. The picture here was from the sports lab where we found he would be great at different sports. In the pictures of health lab is the ever popular "mind game". Two opponents strap on a headband that measures the alpha brain waves and the person with the higher waves attracts the ball towards them and subsequently loses the match. The first time, AP won of course. The second time (we went back three times), and after some coaching of how it works, he was able to come out victorious against another young boy like himself.

We traveled through space, saws nebulas, the sun and explored Saturn in the comfort of recliner space chairs. Thank goodness, my feet were about to give up!

Going down - to floor four - gave us some time with race cars, sailing toy boats and balancing a beach ball on a stream of air. We tried to beat the robot on making a puzzel, didn't win at this one. The robot had much more experience and actually was quite funny; imagine that! We worked in the sight and sound lab and played with movements of how they affected sound.

Before we could leave, we were back to the water room to play some more with the Leggo's. I must say it was a great time with my 'favorite eight year old nephew'. He's a joy to be with. One evening I had him read to me a whole story - OutLoud - oh my goodness, you'd think I'd asked for some horrendous task to be done. With some coaxing, he did read an entire story to me before dinner. He did quite well, I was proud of him.

Bedtime is also special - there is the routine, jamies, teeth brushed - all of them, pick up the room, shoes by the door and then I get him tucked in with Koda and set the lights just so. Then we talk - or should I say he talks, asks questions all about our day's activities. Since we just did Thanksgiving dinner, we repeated "let's say thanks" each night and spoke about the who and what we are thankful for.

Dear Seamus - since you are not here tonight, I'll say my thanks and hope you dream of them. I'm thankful that you come and stay with Aunt Patty; that we get to go and see Santa; that you help me with chores and do a very good job. I'm thankful for you reading to me; for you trying raisin bread with cinnamon and sugar; for you learning to spell three words.... guitar, science, museum. By the way, we will visit Hartford's library, the carousel, and go ice skating the next time. Till then, love you bunches and sweet dreams.

New Checking Account According to Seamus

2010-11-27T14:00:00.002-05:00

I need to have my nephew stay with me more often. We get into so many "deep" subjects and his questions and comments can be priceless. Super topics - I should call it "When the innocent talks".

We were talking about money. Giving a tip at dinner, making money, saving money for college and writting a check. Rembember he's eight years old. I was telling him that I save some money and I put a check for $100 into this college account. He wanted to know if the check had to be $100 or could it be like $90? Good question, though I was having a hard time following the train of thought. I was able to finally have him understand that the check could be any amount, even let's say $38.24. Oh, ... "that's good" he sighed.

Without missing a breath, he wanted to know where did the money come from to write a check. Was there just a place where checks are? Like extra money? (this must be like a money fairy?) After some discussion I told him if I wrote a check, the money would come out of my savings account. The bank would transfer the amount from my account to his savings account. He thought on it for awhile, then said flatly "okay I get it. There is no extra money around somewhere."

Topic done - on to the next one!

Perfect Kick off to the Holiday Season

2010-11-27T05:30:00.001-05:00

Once again I had the pleasure of having my nephew, Seamus, join me for the weekend after Thanksgiving.  It has been a whorl wind so far.

We packed up from grandma's house, duffle and Coda, and we drove back, about an hour, to my place. My nephew didn't stop talking. He calls himself a 'chatterbox'.  Actually I don't think I know another kid his age (8 years) that could keep up with him. He has an uncommon way of transforming a conversation and taking it off on tangents and all of a sudden he will say "hey, how did we get here?". He's done it about three times in the 24 hours since he's arrived.

Thursday night isn't much, get a tour of the house, find all the light switches, reaquainte him to all the nuiances of my home so he will feel comfortable.

Friday began with baking cinnamon buns. It was really cute, he read all the directions including setting the clock and timer. The Dough Boy helped out and Seamus placed the buns on the baking pan. Mr. Eagle Eye kept watching the clock and the oven and thought it was really cool to see them rise. Ding went the buzzer and we pulled them out - perfection was only a few dribbles of icing away. He ate four of them along with a big banana and Aunt Patty's special/secret organge juice.

Ok - we make the list of items to do, take care of chores and help Bob the Builder with several items he needs to take care of while we are gone. There was lunch at Steve's; go to the Library for movies and books and get Aunt Patty's library mail; watch the movie at the Library; back home to get ready and then the real treat - go to see Santa turn on the lights!

The Festival of Lights has been my favorite thing to do since I moved to the Hartford area. It's my way to kick off the holiday season; I get an enormous dose of holiday spirit all in one shot. This year, the event was moved from Constitution Plaza to Bushnell Park to enable the growth of the event. In that spirit, citizens gathered at the Plaza and walked through the city streets singing carols and picking up Santa along the way (riding a Zamboni machine) to the park. Traditions evolve, it's how they stay traditions!

So Seamus and I did just that. We met some of the Wolf Pack hockey team and some of the cast from "A Christmas Carol", in costume, opening that evening at Hartford Stage.  We met Hartford's new mayor. Mayor Pedro E. Segarra is a lovely man. He took several moments to answer my questions about the downtown improvement and pointed out some of the upcoming highlights. I introduced Seamus to the mayor.  He spoke directly to Seamus about the science museum and what a good time he will have.

Before long, the group of us began the march to the park. Hartford's finest were on motocycles;streets closed off as we walked and sang. Meeting up with Santa was really cool. We moved into the park, obtained our complimentary hot cocco, and awaited the turning on of the lights. There was a skating demo on artifical ice, and more caroling. Hartford mounted police were there too. It was a short lived program, a few dignitaries. In my opinion, we need more pizzaz and I'm sure with the change in venue we will see improvements over the next years. Since the carousel was open we walked over only to find the line was a couple of hours long. We peeked through the windows and could see all the horses going round and round. I promised Seamus we would come back at a time when it wasn't as busy.

We treated ourselves to IHOP for a quick dinner. We laughed so much and then it was home, jamies and to watch part of the movie before getting ready for bed. We said our "we are thankful fors"; I had to cut them off at ten as he'd never get to sleep.   All in All - it was a perfect day - sweet dreams.

PS Before I forget, my eyes are heavy .... things he wants to do for next time - ride the carousel, go ice skating, skateboarding, bake cookies, cook dinner, work as Santa's assistant, read a book, learn more words, do more math examples; make some crafts in my studio, go to Steve's, go to the art museum, make some art, then...he said .." I, like, maybe can stay at your (my) house for five weeks because KC will like me better",,, the list goes on but I'm getting the giggles thinking of the great day I had. Tomorrow will only get better.

PSS This was a good one - he wanted to know... (you just can't make this up) .." if grammie Kovack married Aunt Denise's daddy would the Filosa cousins be my cousins? That would be cool, you can not have enough cousins". Hey PopPop and JoJo - are you listening?

Thanksgiving Wish

2010-11-24T10:31:00.000-05:00

Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.

Wishing everyone a moment of time to relax this holiday weekend.

Wishing everyone enjoyment of the small things that make a holiday a special time.

Wishing everyone invention of a new tradition.

Most of all, wishing you and yours health, happiness, joy, and Peace.

Photo courtsey of controltheweb's @flicker

A New Beginning

2010-11-22T05:30:00.003-05:00

I'm sure you noticed that last week was a difficult emotional one. So many lives were touch by JoJo and so many lives will need to find a new path in life. Before I go on to chatter much more, here's a place that JoJo and I shared an affinity for. It's a long video, yet it is so peaceful..... Enjoy.......

Missing You Jo Jo

2010-11-18T10:07:00.001-05:00

Dear Jo: It was a sad day for us when we heard that you have left us. You will be missed so much. Thank you for all you gave to eveyone.

Keep well, you'll be keeping an eye on us and we will have you in our hearts, forever.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I remember the first time I met you, then Mrs. F. It was in the summer at your home for the wedding shower to celebrate my soon to
be sister-in-law. I had brought a laundry basket of gagdets and wrote a little poem about the life Denise was soon to begin with my brother, Pete. There were light bulbs, to light the way, elastics to know when to you need to stretch and lots of laughs inbetween!

You loved life itself. With all the celebrations and rough spots, you were the 'lady'. Those qualities you taught to your family quite well. You enjoyed decorating and made a lovely home. You wore so many hats; as daughter and sister, friend, wife and lover, mother and grandma and excelled at them all. I do know that your grandchildren adored and enjoyed their time with you. You even friended me on FB.

While you enjoyed your family and lent support to those around you, grass didn't grow under your feet. If you weren't at home, the two of you were traveling around the world. While I was baby(?) sitting for Denise & Pete's 20th anniveresary, the kids and I called Grandma Jo Jo and Grandpa Ray. The both of you were still adjusting to the time zone as you had just arrived back from Egypt!

If that wasn't the big adventure, the cruise a year later with your entire family in tow was. It was an amazing time for all involved! I know, the Missouri girls and I were going through picutres for half the night at my house. Ok it was only half of the 9000 or more pictures! We were out to dinner the next night, there were the girls flipping their napkins and guessing (in various accents) what we would have for dessert. I don't think I was able to stop laughing.

Life is good to all of us; as Ralph Waldo Emerson put it "It is not length of life, but depth of life". Jo Jo - you did just that, you lit the way wherever you went, you kept us stretching each day and enjoyed lots of laughs. Keep well Friend.

Work with KasCare

2010-11-13T05:30:00.000-05:00

On my creative side, I've been working with/for the organization KasCare. You can read more about them on my Creative Sources blog. See the special page KasCare and the pledges page too!

Creating community is so rewarding. Connecting people to work on a cause allows them to make a gift, though my gift is the 'connecting' them. I've only just begun...(sounds like a song).

My first impression with this group was to make some squares myself. Easy and I could use up some scrap yarn. Then it grew and I thought I could organize and get the word out to others. I wasn't sure how it would go over - though nothing ventured nothing gained. I sent out lots of emails about the project and wouldn't you know, people responded. Then more people responded, the outflowing is just wonderful. Those folks that are not as 'creative' have made a contribution for the postage. It's going to be expensive to send them to South Aftrica!

This weekend I should be picking up lots of squares - well over 100! Watch the Creative Sources for more information on the total to date!

Thank you to all that have contributed and to all of you that will be! I'll be continuing this work for the foreseeable future!

Let's be Friends

2010-11-12T05:30:00.002-05:00

I came across this video and hope you enjoy it. Message - we can all be Friends. An amazing inspiration - when you don't know the difference - all is possible. Time to shake off those differences. Enjoy

New Governor is set - Not much will change - Sad for us

2010-11-10T05:30:00.000-05:00

It is finally said that Dan Malloy will be the next Governor of Connecticut. The Democrat will take office in January, the first Dem since 1986 as pointed out in an article in the New York Times on Monday.

This year's governor's race made news when the State's largest city, Bridgeport ran out of ballots for the people to vote. We didn't have hanging chads - we just didn't have enough ballots! Go figure? Somebody didn't.
Of course the State's General Assembly - comprised of the Senate and House - had a few upsets too. The basic information can be found on that link.

This is the first time in a long time that the General Assemby and the Governor Office will all be from the same party. In my opinion - we are in for a big spend, spend, spend ride.

Too soon to tell ---- check back with me in March when we are 2/3's through the 1st 100 days.

Happy Birthday Connecticut

2010-11-09T16:15:00.000-05:00

Hi all,
This video was from the beginning of the year. Watch along until our Governor M. Jodi Rell speaks to the children. She speaks to the next 25 years - to our 400th Birthday.

Happy 375th Birthday Connecticut

The Recipe

2010-11-02T17:19:00.000-04:00

Back about a half of month ago, I fell to the idea sent by my dear sister-in-law, about sending a recipe chain letter. I generally delete them and don't respond. This seemed easy and wouldn't it be great to get some new recipes for the Fall.

This recipe chain was a simple one, send a recipe to the first on the list and take them off the list. Add you name to the bottom of the list. Heck the list was only she and I, and send it to a bunch of friends.

I've waited and waited, checked my junk folder, and yet none. One of the ladies that I sent the request to, instead sent me the recipe. Since it was the only one, I thought I'd share it with you. Thanks to Dori! Looks great and time to try it out.

Bon Appetit!

MADEIRA SAUCE

2 TBSP BUTTER

1 1/2 TBSP FLOUR

3/4 CUP BEEF STOCK

1 TSP. GRAVY MASTER (KITCHEN BOUQUET)

1/4 CUP MADEIRA WINE

1 TSP WORCESHIRE

1/3 CUP CHOPPED MUSHROOMS

IN A LARGE SAUCE PAN, SAUTE MUSHROOMS IN THE BUTTER, SPRINKLE IN THE FLOUR.

ADD THE REMAINDER OF THE INGREDIENTS TOGETHER, SIMMER FOR THREE MINUTES. POUR OVER THE ROAST AND SERVE; EXTRA IN A GRAVY BOAT FOR ADDITIONAL SERVING.

Queen for the Day!

2010-10-21T05:30:00.000-04:00

There is a time when we treat ourselves like a princess and a queen. Off to the salon for a little pampering or a nice warm bath with the door closed!

When we were little girls, we would play dress up and there isn't a little girl that didn't have a fairy princess dress and wand! Of course you need a crown. That's how everyone knew you were the queen for the day!

Royalty was bestowed upon my family this past weekend. No one was in London visiting the Queen, we didn't find a long lost Duke in the family tree, nor did the genie fairy pop out of a magic lamp and grant us three wishes.

Remember back to high school, most of us had a homecoming king and queen. The royal court was generally voted upon by the students. It was a week worth of activities and then the unveiling was at a fancy dance.

One senior young woman from Lafayette High School in Wildwood, Mo was voted as their Homecoming Queen. She's beautiful - of course being her Aunt, I am fully confident in her success.

She was so excited and should be. Heck, her father was so excited that he text me when he found out that she won at 10:30 at night!

Congratulations Jessica, and congratulations to your royal court. You deserve this honor from your friends and classmates.

My Studio

2010-10-19T05:30:00.001-04:00

Last week was like a train rushing through the night. There was no stopping the steady stream as I readied by home for a week long guest. I had been pulling apart the studio to get it in better shape. It's been the last room that I've worked on and it doubles as a guest room. Still no decorating, just needing the structure of the room in place - it doesn't feel workable yet. I looked at the calendar, Leslie will be here in two days.

The consignment / antique place down the street closed down. I was hoping to find a table and upholstered chairs. Oh hum, to find another place is now back on the list.

Give me a deadline and the creative spirit moves me. With no shop to go to, that got me thinking about the current items in the room. You may have seen the decorating show - redesign. It's great as it looks around and makes a solution out of what you already have. So I get the measuring tape, make a few more sketches, and found a new idea. If I take the shelving unit from my former home and place it on top of the credenza, possible 3/4 of an inch to the ceiling - it will fit?

I moved all the other 'stuff' out and prepared the room for her arrival. We had a great time even though I needed to work a good portion of her visit. Leslie said that I better give her a project so she helped out one afternoon. We dismantled this shelving and very carefully put it in its new place. Oh my goodness - it was barely 1/3 inch! Before long the shelves were refilled and the room looked bigger. What a difference, Again, thank you Leslie!

This past Sunday after Leslie's departure, I kept looking at the space. Got out my list, need some additional shelving - put that on Bob's list to do; move the dresser into the closet - that's me; empty and organize the scrap yarn stash - that's me again. The other closet, it is going to wait.

Before I knew it, I had emptied the closet and moved the dresser into. Then I got to the stashes of yarn. I was able to consolidate bags and boxes into a organized rainbow of colors. Until I dumped it out and repack it, I didn't think I had that much!

Bob, handy man, will be back in a few days to add some shelving. He just finished downsizing one of my kitchen cabinets so my new microwave could be installed. Now I feel pretty good. The studio is taking shape, it's a bit peaceful. Last night as I was taking in the success and I could hear the whistle of last train run by - isn't life just grand?

Recipes

2010-10-15T05:30:00.000-04:00

Speaking about recipies - my sister-in-law sent me an email recipe chain letter.

Send a recipe to the first name on the list, then delete their name. Add you name to the #2 spot and move the individual that sent you the email to the 1st spot. Then send it to 20 people asking them to send a recipe to the #1 name on the 'short list'.

So I did this on October 6th. I'm not one to re-forward much of anything. Though I thought I might get one or two great recipes out of it. Wouldn't that be nice.

So far I've got one person saying they can send out the request as they don't know twenty folks on email. Then a second one said they couldn't get the email link to work(?) I sent back instructions, and hopefully will get a recipe out of that one.

Interesting. I'll keep you posted if I get any recipes out of it