Oh what a few weeks!
So, Ok, Brian liked Canada and I did not. Boring. He liked the history – and I, who like European history, and think North American history is dreadfully uninteresting, did not agree. Quebec was lovely – Ottowa had nice architecture – other than that, I am not sure that glass high rises are really my thing. Toronto sucked from an aesthetic point of view. Niagara Falls was not nearly as big as I remembered from when I was a kid. Big, but not AS big.
Luckily we met some wonderful folks – a couple from N.C, and a couple from Australia who were worth the trip. Great people and, since we plan to go to Australia in the next two years, they are a great contact. And friendly and intelligent.
Other than that it has been the usual whirlwind of activities. Our library book club started up at full speed again when David came back from his shore haunts. Discussion back on track and sparkling.
Alina spent two nights and we took her to the Philly Zoo. OK – nothing compares to the San Diego Zoo. Since I saw that zoo, all the rest have paled in comparison. But she loved it.
Went to the symphony and the orchestra played selections from Dutilleux, Liszt, and Prokofiev. OMIGOD was it a wonderful performance. We were mesmerized. Also went to the first opera performance which was Othello. Just OK – fairly weak voices. The soprano playing Desdemona saved it.
Did a presentation for the MA Dept of Mental Health in Worcester on my restraint issue material and then we did a B&B day plus a trip to the Museum of Russian Icons. Wow is all I can say. The museum is a little gem in the middle of MA nowheresville. We had the docent to ourselves and I was so entranced for the two hours that I nearly drooled. He just made it completely come alive for us. Otherwise it would have just been plain old pretty icons – with gold and silver.
Had dinner with Ted and Mary – Golly can she bake. She made an apple pastry that was so divine it could have ascended to heaven.
We had a Kosciuszko Foundation fundraiser at our home. Oh my! What fun and what a great group of folks. We had a Kosciuszko actor who was fabulous for the show (and his page) and wonderful Chopin music plus Polonaise dance lessons. Raised lots of $ and had one hell of a good time.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Friday, September 17, 2010
Activities galore
So, the kids and grandkids are gone and it's just us! Boy are they growing up fast. Alina is definitely Dziadzio's little girl and Sophie is mine. Jacqueline is an equal opportunity grandchild.
We took the twins to the Polish festival at Czestochowa twice before they left. OMIGOSH did they have fun watching the dancers and dancing. It was hard to get them to leave. Thought we would see Ken and Bill and Rose/Jay there but didn't. Saw lots of folks from our Polish organizations though. Brian and I volunteered for two shifts at the Styka art exhibit and had some interesting conversations with the members of the Polonia.
The Romiszewskis and Pettis were over for Labor Day before Shannon and the twins left. We had great weather and a super picnic. I made Lori's lemon chicken which Brian grilled. It was definitely as good as hers and it made a big hit. The twins were on their very best behavior and all thought that they were little angels HA!
Went to our library book club where I presented Dog Boy and Brian presented more than one history book -- as usual. The book and wine meeting was loads of fun as usual and A Happy Marriage by Iglesias provoked MUCH conversation. One of the newer members -- probably will not last long with this group -- proved to be a very needy and self-referential angry guy. He was angry at his kid, his ex-wife. I can see why she is an EX! It was all me, me, me. I suspect he's a short timer. The group won't tolerate the narcissim and it was obvious that he was annoying folks. Too bad, because we could use more men in our club. I'll have to try to recruit some.
Went to see Sandy and Hank at the beach for two days. The weather was so gorgeous. I do think that fall is the best time to go to the shore. Not only are there no crowds but the weather is not so beastly hot.
The Motameds had their end of summer party -- smaller this year. We really do enjoy meeting his former buddies from Chubb. It gives us something completely different to talk about from our usual. It's so interesting to hear how high execs in corporate America view the world.
I started my creative writing class. The instructor is a complete jerk and I am wondering if I am going to get anything out of this. He spent the first hour pontificating about -- me, me, me, my, my, my and rambling. I finally got completely bored stiff and tried twice to re-direct him to what the heck he was going to teach us. It really amazed me that no one else tried to do that. What a bunch of wimps. Hey you guys are paying for this and you are NOT paying for someone to ramble about nothing of importance or interest. Want to pontificate, write a blog! Later several people thanked me for my intervention, but it all left a strange taste in my mouth. On the one hand I am turned off by him, on the other, I am disgusted by people's passivity.
We're off to Canada for 10 days -- a trip I've been looking forward to for a long time. Lots of great French food and culture.
We took the twins to the Polish festival at Czestochowa twice before they left. OMIGOSH did they have fun watching the dancers and dancing. It was hard to get them to leave. Thought we would see Ken and Bill and Rose/Jay there but didn't. Saw lots of folks from our Polish organizations though. Brian and I volunteered for two shifts at the Styka art exhibit and had some interesting conversations with the members of the Polonia.
The Romiszewskis and Pettis were over for Labor Day before Shannon and the twins left. We had great weather and a super picnic. I made Lori's lemon chicken which Brian grilled. It was definitely as good as hers and it made a big hit. The twins were on their very best behavior and all thought that they were little angels HA!
Went to our library book club where I presented Dog Boy and Brian presented more than one history book -- as usual. The book and wine meeting was loads of fun as usual and A Happy Marriage by Iglesias provoked MUCH conversation. One of the newer members -- probably will not last long with this group -- proved to be a very needy and self-referential angry guy. He was angry at his kid, his ex-wife. I can see why she is an EX! It was all me, me, me. I suspect he's a short timer. The group won't tolerate the narcissim and it was obvious that he was annoying folks. Too bad, because we could use more men in our club. I'll have to try to recruit some.
Went to see Sandy and Hank at the beach for two days. The weather was so gorgeous. I do think that fall is the best time to go to the shore. Not only are there no crowds but the weather is not so beastly hot.
The Motameds had their end of summer party -- smaller this year. We really do enjoy meeting his former buddies from Chubb. It gives us something completely different to talk about from our usual. It's so interesting to hear how high execs in corporate America view the world.
I started my creative writing class. The instructor is a complete jerk and I am wondering if I am going to get anything out of this. He spent the first hour pontificating about -- me, me, me, my, my, my and rambling. I finally got completely bored stiff and tried twice to re-direct him to what the heck he was going to teach us. It really amazed me that no one else tried to do that. What a bunch of wimps. Hey you guys are paying for this and you are NOT paying for someone to ramble about nothing of importance or interest. Want to pontificate, write a blog! Later several people thanked me for my intervention, but it all left a strange taste in my mouth. On the one hand I am turned off by him, on the other, I am disgusted by people's passivity.
We're off to Canada for 10 days -- a trip I've been looking forward to for a long time. Lots of great French food and culture.
Friday, August 27, 2010
a very frazzled August
A more than frantic August! Wow, we have been busy, busy. We attended the museum tour and lecture about armor, which surprisingly was very good. Went to Carlow for a streets food cooking class, which was GREAT!!! Carlow Cookery is my new favorite place to go for a casual evening!
Had a small do with incompatible acquaintances that turned into a big and less than pleasant do. We have not had many events where we invite folks together for dinner parties like we did in the past – probably will have less now. I think we will continue to meet and arrange larger groups at restaurants or public venues the way that we’ve been doing. Safer. Perhaps people tend to behave themselves – drink less because they have to pay for meal/booze themselves. Perhaps home is a safer place than public to act out. High maintenance, needy friends. Arggh! I have enough trouble managing myself for goodness sakes.
Alina ran us ragged before Shannon came with the kids but it was a good ragged.
We went to the Kosciuszko Fnd. Fundraiser concert. It sounds as though they are happy to have volunteers to help out with their events. The musicians were pleasant, but not perfect. But it was about the evening itself, not perfection.
Shannon came with the twin crew and we have been trying to keep them busy and give her a break. Both Brian and I are feeling our age, as well as our propensity to be set in our ways! But they are so damn cute and turning into little people.
The few days that Alina was here with them were TRULY hectic. We had a photographer out with them to try and get family photos of all three. Thank goodness for children’s photographers because I would be pulling out my hair. Alina did not like him and the twins were less than pleased as well. I am hoping that he managed to pull off some cute shots though.
Brian and Shannon did Carlow’s tomato and corn class and we now have Shannon as a tomato convert. She had always hated them in the past – vestiges of being raised in W. Texas for so many years where the produce sucked.
Joined Sandi, Hank, and Ashley with the crew at the shore for 3 days – or as the girls called it – the “bitch.” They loved playing in the waves and sand, although J. was much more adventurous than Sophie. Ashley was a god send. They loved her.
We took a hiatus from the Thornburgs last weekend and took ourselves to Avalon with the Tulmans and the Simpsons. As always we had a wonderful time. Avalon is my all time favorite beach. Bitch??
So, September is upon us and I don’t feel a bit rested and the calendar is packed, packed, packed already. Looking so forward to our Canadian vacation – where it will be cool and less hectic!
Had a small do with incompatible acquaintances that turned into a big and less than pleasant do. We have not had many events where we invite folks together for dinner parties like we did in the past – probably will have less now. I think we will continue to meet and arrange larger groups at restaurants or public venues the way that we’ve been doing. Safer. Perhaps people tend to behave themselves – drink less because they have to pay for meal/booze themselves. Perhaps home is a safer place than public to act out. High maintenance, needy friends. Arggh! I have enough trouble managing myself for goodness sakes.
Alina ran us ragged before Shannon came with the kids but it was a good ragged.
We went to the Kosciuszko Fnd. Fundraiser concert. It sounds as though they are happy to have volunteers to help out with their events. The musicians were pleasant, but not perfect. But it was about the evening itself, not perfection.
Shannon came with the twin crew and we have been trying to keep them busy and give her a break. Both Brian and I are feeling our age, as well as our propensity to be set in our ways! But they are so damn cute and turning into little people.
The few days that Alina was here with them were TRULY hectic. We had a photographer out with them to try and get family photos of all three. Thank goodness for children’s photographers because I would be pulling out my hair. Alina did not like him and the twins were less than pleased as well. I am hoping that he managed to pull off some cute shots though.
Brian and Shannon did Carlow’s tomato and corn class and we now have Shannon as a tomato convert. She had always hated them in the past – vestiges of being raised in W. Texas for so many years where the produce sucked.
Joined Sandi, Hank, and Ashley with the crew at the shore for 3 days – or as the girls called it – the “bitch.” They loved playing in the waves and sand, although J. was much more adventurous than Sophie. Ashley was a god send. They loved her.
We took a hiatus from the Thornburgs last weekend and took ourselves to Avalon with the Tulmans and the Simpsons. As always we had a wonderful time. Avalon is my all time favorite beach. Bitch??
So, September is upon us and I don’t feel a bit rested and the calendar is packed, packed, packed already. Looking so forward to our Canadian vacation – where it will be cool and less hectic!
Monday, August 23, 2010
things
Can things make you happy? Finally, studies that confirm what I have suspected for a while and all point to one conclusion: spending money for an experience – concert tickets, French lessons, sushi-rolling classes, a hotel room in Monaco – produces longer lasting satisfaction than spending money on plain old stuff. Whereas most physical goods tend to lose their appeal as the purchaser becomes accustomed to them, experiences strengthen social bonds and pay dividends over time. We reminisce about them, talk about them and even the most hellish of vacations or road trips turn out to be money well spent.
Friday, August 20, 2010
guest aggravation
Good grief! This is the second time in recent memory that I have had a guest who had too much to drink get belligerent and obnoxious to another guest. The first time was in a discussion with my son in law, Mike, who was opining on a perfectly legitimate topic regarding end of life decisions and got clobbered verbally by a friend who took offense and took Mike’s opinion personally. Poor Mike – not only was he taken aback by the vitriol, but as far as I was concerned he was correct in his views. The other day’s fiasco concerned health care reform and a friend, who is pretty opinionated, not backing off on his views when it was clear that the other guest had one that was opposite to his. Arghh! I thought fisticuffs would result!
When I select guests I always want to choose an interesting mix of characters, but how to make sure they will all get along? It doesn’t do to invite people who are known to clash with other dinner guests or cause heated debates. No one wants tension at a dinner party. But how to predict this? I want my dinner parties to be lively, stress-free events, and invite guests who are good conversationalists, especially those who are known to bring along their sense of humor. But how to predict? We often have folks who disagree with our politics, and we simply do not get into debates with them, knowing that they hold opinions that we won’t change – nor do we want to. That seems to work well. When we get close to a topic that seems touchy, we simply change it. Although I don’t know why we can’t have a reasoned discussion about controversial topics, it just does not work most of the time.
So, I now know that I won’t invite those two folks with others, as once is one time too much as far as I am concerned. They now go on the short left side of my guest list that is reserved for people to have by themselves to dinner. Oh well, live and learn.
When I select guests I always want to choose an interesting mix of characters, but how to make sure they will all get along? It doesn’t do to invite people who are known to clash with other dinner guests or cause heated debates. No one wants tension at a dinner party. But how to predict this? I want my dinner parties to be lively, stress-free events, and invite guests who are good conversationalists, especially those who are known to bring along their sense of humor. But how to predict? We often have folks who disagree with our politics, and we simply do not get into debates with them, knowing that they hold opinions that we won’t change – nor do we want to. That seems to work well. When we get close to a topic that seems touchy, we simply change it. Although I don’t know why we can’t have a reasoned discussion about controversial topics, it just does not work most of the time.
So, I now know that I won’t invite those two folks with others, as once is one time too much as far as I am concerned. They now go on the short left side of my guest list that is reserved for people to have by themselves to dinner. Oh well, live and learn.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
July doings
Another month of whirlwind activites. Grace and Jan had a 4th of July party with fireworks watching at their house. Grace has such talent putting together a beautiful dinner party. The food was wonderful and the presentation was sublime! The woman should have been a stager of events! Of course the company was wonderful as well and it was great to see Jan on his feet and healthy again. Went to Sandy and Hanks for the day at LBI during a cooler day this month and the shore was gorgeous. We really lucked out on the weather. Empty nesters were over for a swim and picnic and that was a nice evening and we saw Barbara and Gene in NJ at the Spanish Tavern. I love those two and will never forget our bonding at our ill fated Ukranian adventure. I'd only opt to be with them in a ship wreck!
I went to one of the writer's group meetings and that was a bust. No one but the organizer and me knew anything about writing. I told her that I did not need to be in English comp 101 where people could not move an argument forward in a linear way. And I quit.
Alina was over for 3 days and then a weekend this month. What a chatterbox! Now she is beginning to chatter in Polish as well as English.
We also attended her 2nd birthday party. Must have been the hottest day of the year in Philly that day. I melted -- and so did she. After 2 hours, she asked to go home and when we took her there, she actually asked for a nap. I know how she felt.
Went to see Second City at the Philadelphia Theatre Company. Very funny show. Sephen Colbert is a graduate of Second City. It looks as though the PTC has an interesting season scheduled and I think we may go for season tickets as all of the shows sound good.
We went to the Constantine Tapestries collection tour at the museum and found it to be surprisingly intersting. I had not been enthusiastic about that one, but goes to show you that you should never pre-judge. It turns out to be one of the more interesting tours we've taken and both of us learned a lot. Afterward we stopped to visit an old friend that we hadn't seen for a while in Philly and we remembered why we distanced ourselves. Lordy, life is way too short to be with negative people. Plus, I remember that relationship -- it was one of those 90% us and 10% her, consistently. I felt lucky to get outta there without a cloud over my head!
Motameds and Rohovskys came to dinner. I FINALLY managed to get the 4 if them and us together after trying for two years. Had a great time and it was super to see that they were such a good match considering that we all live so close.
Bill and Ken came over for a swim and cheese/wine. It's been a while since we've gotten together with them. Will have to have them over when Shannon and the twins are here in August/Sept.
We went to Carlow Cookery and took a class on grilling fish. That was our first cookery class and we had SO much fun. We definitely will do that again. There were about 20 students and it was a really congenial class. Sampling all that food (all 5 dishes) was the highlight. The only one I didn't like that well was salmon, but I only like wild salmon for the most part. Actually, that was the first time in 6 months that I went back on my resolution to not eat seafood. I am really concerned about the overfishing and the fact that we are gobbling tuna AND that it has become an endangered species. Besides, when I think about what is being dumped into the ocean, I cringe.
We took a road trip to Bushkill falls, where I hadn't been since I was a little girl. It was a great hike, but the falls were a lot less impressive than they were from what I remember as a child. Things do seem smaller when one grow up. Funny thing about that.
Last week we went to NYC to the Met's Costume Institute and to see The Adam's Family with Nathan Lane. The Met exhibit was the best that I've seen there over the years -- and we've seen many exhibits there. The Adam's Family was really cute. Nathan Lane was good -- as always. And the actress that played Morticia was spectacular.
My facebook is yeilding some surprising results. I am connecting with some old friends and think now that we actually might have a reunion for the 50th. I also have been connecting with folks who have the same interests as I do and this has been the best part of this social networking site. I have become good buddies with a woman who has the same background as I do. Her father was deported to Siberia and he lived in the same town as my father. We are meeting face to face in October. I'm glad that I didn't let the drivel that some people post turn me off -- turning off is the purpose of unfriending!
So, this looks forward to another great month. Shannon and the twins will be here into September. I look forward to my time teaching Polish to the twins.
The only downer is that September -- and hence the beginning of the semester -- is upon us. Oh well, just another year of UMDNJ left.
I went to one of the writer's group meetings and that was a bust. No one but the organizer and me knew anything about writing. I told her that I did not need to be in English comp 101 where people could not move an argument forward in a linear way. And I quit.
Alina was over for 3 days and then a weekend this month. What a chatterbox! Now she is beginning to chatter in Polish as well as English.
We also attended her 2nd birthday party. Must have been the hottest day of the year in Philly that day. I melted -- and so did she. After 2 hours, she asked to go home and when we took her there, she actually asked for a nap. I know how she felt.
Went to see Second City at the Philadelphia Theatre Company. Very funny show. Sephen Colbert is a graduate of Second City. It looks as though the PTC has an interesting season scheduled and I think we may go for season tickets as all of the shows sound good.
We went to the Constantine Tapestries collection tour at the museum and found it to be surprisingly intersting. I had not been enthusiastic about that one, but goes to show you that you should never pre-judge. It turns out to be one of the more interesting tours we've taken and both of us learned a lot. Afterward we stopped to visit an old friend that we hadn't seen for a while in Philly and we remembered why we distanced ourselves. Lordy, life is way too short to be with negative people. Plus, I remember that relationship -- it was one of those 90% us and 10% her, consistently. I felt lucky to get outta there without a cloud over my head!
Motameds and Rohovskys came to dinner. I FINALLY managed to get the 4 if them and us together after trying for two years. Had a great time and it was super to see that they were such a good match considering that we all live so close.
Bill and Ken came over for a swim and cheese/wine. It's been a while since we've gotten together with them. Will have to have them over when Shannon and the twins are here in August/Sept.
We went to Carlow Cookery and took a class on grilling fish. That was our first cookery class and we had SO much fun. We definitely will do that again. There were about 20 students and it was a really congenial class. Sampling all that food (all 5 dishes) was the highlight. The only one I didn't like that well was salmon, but I only like wild salmon for the most part. Actually, that was the first time in 6 months that I went back on my resolution to not eat seafood. I am really concerned about the overfishing and the fact that we are gobbling tuna AND that it has become an endangered species. Besides, when I think about what is being dumped into the ocean, I cringe.
We took a road trip to Bushkill falls, where I hadn't been since I was a little girl. It was a great hike, but the falls were a lot less impressive than they were from what I remember as a child. Things do seem smaller when one grow up. Funny thing about that.
Last week we went to NYC to the Met's Costume Institute and to see The Adam's Family with Nathan Lane. The Met exhibit was the best that I've seen there over the years -- and we've seen many exhibits there. The Adam's Family was really cute. Nathan Lane was good -- as always. And the actress that played Morticia was spectacular.
My facebook is yeilding some surprising results. I am connecting with some old friends and think now that we actually might have a reunion for the 50th. I also have been connecting with folks who have the same interests as I do and this has been the best part of this social networking site. I have become good buddies with a woman who has the same background as I do. Her father was deported to Siberia and he lived in the same town as my father. We are meeting face to face in October. I'm glad that I didn't let the drivel that some people post turn me off -- turning off is the purpose of unfriending!
So, this looks forward to another great month. Shannon and the twins will be here into September. I look forward to my time teaching Polish to the twins.
The only downer is that September -- and hence the beginning of the semester -- is upon us. Oh well, just another year of UMDNJ left.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Hot summer!
Holy Cow is it hot and DRY! We have no rain and everything is wilting. Including me. But, as the so called conservatives tell us – there is no climate change. What are we leaving as a legacy for future generations?
Well, we continue to be busy and happy in our busy-ness. Went back to Tastebuds with friends last week and it was better than I remember AND we could have a decent conversation. Went to Inn at Phillips Mill with neighbors, Tom and Chris. Another good meal, but it was a bit noisy. For some reason there were a TON of people there. Got to keep down the restaurants to once or twice a week otherwise we will be sorry.
We went to Via Ponte with Ken and Bill. It turned out to be a bad choice. We’d been there with Przem and Jola but not on Trivia Night and thought it was just ok. It was loud and chaotic. I had to remind them to bring water. Brian’s appetizer was good and both of our entrees were good – not great but good, but the general incompetence was unacceptable. So it got a strike two and it’s off our radar screen.
Joined Sandi and Hank and Lori and Ashley at Harvey Cedars. The weather was DEEVINE and Lori made the BEST lemon chicken I have ever had.
I am moving forward on the book for LWW and am done with all but 2 of my chapters. Now time to farm out the rest. The Wiley book – I think – has been put to rest. Joan tried to get me to do some clinical vignettes, but I declined. They can pull them from Allan’s big book. I have been spending way too much time in my office in front of the computer.
I get to where I crave activity of some kind after a morning of writing and an afternoon on catching up on reading by the pool. Anything – even a walk in New Hope or Lahaska or a trip to B&N to check out the new book offerings. Wish Brian would play Scrabble with me! One of the few games I like, besides Super Quiz. That would be kinda fun on the deck. I need to find a Scrabble partner. Maybe Shannon when she gets here in August.
July 4 is upon us. Grace is having a Pagoda party tomorrow and we are having the Empty Nesters picnic on Sunday. The week after the 4th is beginning to fill up – I have my first Writers’ Group meeting on Tuesday in Philly, and the next week Alina is coming for 3 days.
We need it to cool down AND we need rain!
Well, we continue to be busy and happy in our busy-ness. Went back to Tastebuds with friends last week and it was better than I remember AND we could have a decent conversation. Went to Inn at Phillips Mill with neighbors, Tom and Chris. Another good meal, but it was a bit noisy. For some reason there were a TON of people there. Got to keep down the restaurants to once or twice a week otherwise we will be sorry.
We went to Via Ponte with Ken and Bill. It turned out to be a bad choice. We’d been there with Przem and Jola but not on Trivia Night and thought it was just ok. It was loud and chaotic. I had to remind them to bring water. Brian’s appetizer was good and both of our entrees were good – not great but good, but the general incompetence was unacceptable. So it got a strike two and it’s off our radar screen.
Joined Sandi and Hank and Lori and Ashley at Harvey Cedars. The weather was DEEVINE and Lori made the BEST lemon chicken I have ever had.
I am moving forward on the book for LWW and am done with all but 2 of my chapters. Now time to farm out the rest. The Wiley book – I think – has been put to rest. Joan tried to get me to do some clinical vignettes, but I declined. They can pull them from Allan’s big book. I have been spending way too much time in my office in front of the computer.
I get to where I crave activity of some kind after a morning of writing and an afternoon on catching up on reading by the pool. Anything – even a walk in New Hope or Lahaska or a trip to B&N to check out the new book offerings. Wish Brian would play Scrabble with me! One of the few games I like, besides Super Quiz. That would be kinda fun on the deck. I need to find a Scrabble partner. Maybe Shannon when she gets here in August.
July 4 is upon us. Grace is having a Pagoda party tomorrow and we are having the Empty Nesters picnic on Sunday. The week after the 4th is beginning to fill up – I have my first Writers’ Group meeting on Tuesday in Philly, and the next week Alina is coming for 3 days.
We need it to cool down AND we need rain!
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