I'm not sure who or what to credit this, except I was the one to notice it and take a picture.
We love our new skylights that were installed when we had the roof redone last year. The windows are so clear, it is almost as though there is nothing separating us from the elements. That said thety do an excellent job keeping out the weather and keeping in the heat.
This morning they were covered with a layer of snow. As the sun came up the snow slowly slumped down the windows. I looked up and saw this perfect wave of snow beautifully set off by the bright blue winter sky with a trace of clouds. The black is an artifact of the contrast of the brightly lit skylight and the ceiling.
I thought it was a stunning composition and I'm pleased with how well it turned out.
Showing posts with label Me. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Me. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Friday, November 15, 2013
All Too True
Jacob sent me this image on FaceBook with the note "I think you will find this relevant."
Which is a very accurate description of how I play Skyrim.
I have been playing the game for a while ad I entertain my children with my all too frequent announcement "Now I'm going to do something stupid, it's time to do a save." My son totally understands me and I love his dry delivery.
Which is a very accurate description of how I play Skyrim.
I have been playing the game for a while ad I entertain my children with my all too frequent announcement "Now I'm going to do something stupid, it's time to do a save." My son totally understands me and I love his dry delivery.
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
And I Repair Cars
Last week I brought the van in for new tires. One tree was shot to heck and I was driving around on the spare. I had a sneaking suspicion that at least one other tree needed replacing and had the shop check them all out.
I was right and in reality all needed replacing and after the *ahem* slightly overdue inspection it turned out I had a burnt out reverse signal light and the third tail light was so dim it was effectively nonfunctional. Thus my van earned a big old reject sticker. Since my van is rather geriatric, 9 1/2 years to be precise, and a discontinued mode my mechanics didn't have the tail light on hand. They told me I had 15 days to correct the problems and maybe I should look around for a tail light in a junkyard. It is a complicated part and it would be silly to spend a lot on such an old vehicle.
After a bit of research I discovered exactly how complicated the part is, in order to replace the third light I would also have to replace the windshield wiper motor. Yes,that's right, the Ford motor company in all its wisdom combined the tail light and the rear wiper motor. The above picture shows the entire part. Every mechanic I've talked to this past week has shook their head and said that's crazy.
Unfortunately I could not find a used one, this was after two junkyards and a dealer in salvaged auto-parts. So I was stuck going to the dealership and ordering from them, note the parts department thought the combo was crazy as well. Today the part came in and I was able to successfully install the new wiper motor and tail light. Toss in a new reverse light buld and I was good to go for inspection.
It's nice to have a vehicle without a rejection sticker.
I was right and in reality all needed replacing and after the *ahem* slightly overdue inspection it turned out I had a burnt out reverse signal light and the third tail light was so dim it was effectively nonfunctional. Thus my van earned a big old reject sticker. Since my van is rather geriatric, 9 1/2 years to be precise, and a discontinued mode my mechanics didn't have the tail light on hand. They told me I had 15 days to correct the problems and maybe I should look around for a tail light in a junkyard. It is a complicated part and it would be silly to spend a lot on such an old vehicle.
After a bit of research I discovered exactly how complicated the part is, in order to replace the third light I would also have to replace the windshield wiper motor. Yes,that's right, the Ford motor company in all its wisdom combined the tail light and the rear wiper motor. The above picture shows the entire part. Every mechanic I've talked to this past week has shook their head and said that's crazy.
Unfortunately I could not find a used one, this was after two junkyards and a dealer in salvaged auto-parts. So I was stuck going to the dealership and ordering from them, note the parts department thought the combo was crazy as well. Today the part came in and I was able to successfully install the new wiper motor and tail light. Toss in a new reverse light buld and I was good to go for inspection.
It's nice to have a vehicle without a rejection sticker.
Monday, August 12, 2013
Well That was Annoying
Last month my computer died and I went on hiatus until its replacement arrived and I got everything squared away on the new system. I had just gotten back in the swing of posting when Friday the modem called it quits as I was writing a very involved email.
Nuts.
I did the usual power cycling and it refused to work. One long phone call later I got Comcast's blessing to swap out the old for a new one. All I wanted was a functional modem. the tech support guy wanted to get me a discount on my service and determined we would be eligible for the latest and greatest of their modems. It is an all in one unit that functions as a modem, digital phone jack, a wireless router, and could poop rainbows. Honestly I tuned out halfway through. All I cared about was the reduction in my internet bill. Then he started to schedule me for and installation appointment for either Monday or Tuesday. Whoa, that was too long to be without internet service and I can do this myself.
Why can't I just pick it up at the service center that is less than 20 minutes away?
I got some song in dance that it is only on the service trucks and can't be just "picked up at the service center." I could, however, have it shipped to my house directly. Which, of course, would be next Friday. Ouch. We settled on my getting the basic that day and turning it back in when the new one shows up. Amusingly I was offered the new fancy dancey one at the service center. Score one for diy.
Sadly my victory was short lived, the new one didn't work either. So another call to Comcast and this time with the tentative diagnoses of bad wiring. and I could be scheduled in for Tuesday for a service call. Ugh, we are now even further back to getting the internet back. Fortunately the whole thing resolved itself when the magical modem suddenly powered up. That said, I'm still waiting on the modem thing to start pooping rainbows.
Nuts.
I did the usual power cycling and it refused to work. One long phone call later I got Comcast's blessing to swap out the old for a new one. All I wanted was a functional modem. the tech support guy wanted to get me a discount on my service and determined we would be eligible for the latest and greatest of their modems. It is an all in one unit that functions as a modem, digital phone jack, a wireless router, and could poop rainbows. Honestly I tuned out halfway through. All I cared about was the reduction in my internet bill. Then he started to schedule me for and installation appointment for either Monday or Tuesday. Whoa, that was too long to be without internet service and I can do this myself.
Why can't I just pick it up at the service center that is less than 20 minutes away?
I got some song in dance that it is only on the service trucks and can't be just "picked up at the service center." I could, however, have it shipped to my house directly. Which, of course, would be next Friday. Ouch. We settled on my getting the basic that day and turning it back in when the new one shows up. Amusingly I was offered the new fancy dancey one at the service center. Score one for diy.
Sadly my victory was short lived, the new one didn't work either. So another call to Comcast and this time with the tentative diagnoses of bad wiring. and I could be scheduled in for Tuesday for a service call. Ugh, we are now even further back to getting the internet back. Fortunately the whole thing resolved itself when the magical modem suddenly powered up. That said, I'm still waiting on the modem thing to start pooping rainbows.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Artist of the Week: Lemon Squares
It's my turn to be the artist of the week. Once in a while I like to toot my own horn.
First off the picture, it is the dreaded selfie. I took it after mowing the lawn for no other reason than I like my hat. I've had this hat for nigh on 17 years. I got it in a small shop in Westport Ontario. We had gone of vacation with friends that have access to a fishing cabin on Bob's Lake. The hat is pigskin suede and although I don't wear it very often, I am rather fond of the hat.
Maybe one of my goals should be to wear the hat more often. Another good one would be to allow other people to take my picture. As self portraits go it is not too bad. At least I am not making a duck face (Why to people do that? Nobody looks good with that expression.). Either way I should stop hogging the camera and allow for more photographic evidence that I exist.
Now on to the lemon squares.
I have quite a repertoire of baked goods and sometimes I lose track of the minor favorites. The lemon squares are a good example. I was trying to think of what to send my mom for Mother's Day when I remembered that she really likes my lemon squares. They are a breeze to make and would also work for the teacher luncheon. I ended up making three batches, one for my mom and a double for the school. Jacob bemoaned the fact that all he was getting were the trimmings and the rejects. I promised I would bake one more batch for the family.
The squares were a much bigger hit this time around. All the kids will eat them as opposed to just Jacob. I don't see these hanging around for any length of time.
First off the picture, it is the dreaded selfie. I took it after mowing the lawn for no other reason than I like my hat. I've had this hat for nigh on 17 years. I got it in a small shop in Westport Ontario. We had gone of vacation with friends that have access to a fishing cabin on Bob's Lake. The hat is pigskin suede and although I don't wear it very often, I am rather fond of the hat.
Maybe one of my goals should be to wear the hat more often. Another good one would be to allow other people to take my picture. As self portraits go it is not too bad. At least I am not making a duck face (Why to people do that? Nobody looks good with that expression.). Either way I should stop hogging the camera and allow for more photographic evidence that I exist.
Now on to the lemon squares.
I have quite a repertoire of baked goods and sometimes I lose track of the minor favorites. The lemon squares are a good example. I was trying to think of what to send my mom for Mother's Day when I remembered that she really likes my lemon squares. They are a breeze to make and would also work for the teacher luncheon. I ended up making three batches, one for my mom and a double for the school. Jacob bemoaned the fact that all he was getting were the trimmings and the rejects. I promised I would bake one more batch for the family.
The squares were a much bigger hit this time around. All the kids will eat them as opposed to just Jacob. I don't see these hanging around for any length of time.
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Shoot Me: Self-Portrait
The third Shoot Me challenge was, appropriately considering the group's name, self-portrait.
I was not particularly thrilled with the assignment, I am usually less than thrilled with pictures of myself. But I decided a challenge is a challenge and I could just put on my big girl pants and suck it up.
It turned out that sometimes I can get a decent shot of myself. I had a handful of pictures I liked and was just able to winnow them down to two. The top picture has great lighting and I like the interplay of all the reds in my sweater, the shutter and my hair.
In the lower picture the lighting was a bit flat, but I really like the pose. I ditched the sweater to tone down all the red. I'm still posing at the railing of the stoop and the picture is pretty much framed the same.
For both pictures I elected not to use a tripod, nor a timed shutter release, or even remote. I just stuck my left arm out and took a picture. I would immediately check the shot and reposition the camera as needed. I was surprised with how well the pictures turned out and that I had more than one to chose from.
I was not particularly thrilled with the assignment, I am usually less than thrilled with pictures of myself. But I decided a challenge is a challenge and I could just put on my big girl pants and suck it up.
It turned out that sometimes I can get a decent shot of myself. I had a handful of pictures I liked and was just able to winnow them down to two. The top picture has great lighting and I like the interplay of all the reds in my sweater, the shutter and my hair.
In the lower picture the lighting was a bit flat, but I really like the pose. I ditched the sweater to tone down all the red. I'm still posing at the railing of the stoop and the picture is pretty much framed the same.
For both pictures I elected not to use a tripod, nor a timed shutter release, or even remote. I just stuck my left arm out and took a picture. I would immediately check the shot and reposition the camera as needed. I was surprised with how well the pictures turned out and that I had more than one to chose from.
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Hobbled
I broke my camera Friday.
I had put it down on what I thought was a safe place whilst corralling dogs and children for the annual photo. As I but over to boost up John I brushed against the camera and snagged it by the strap. It teetered and then fell onto the deck.
It wasn't a particularly far fall, but... the lens was out.
Which is a very bad thing for a digital camera. They are notorious for the lens barrel jamming if knocked about in the extended position. If you are lucky you can jiggle it back into alignment and it should work. My camera's lens barrel, however, was well and truly stuck and thus rendered inoperable.
Therefore I need a new camera.
Luckily it was black Friday and I was able to find a sweet deal on a decent little Cannon point and shoot that fulfilled my odd requirements, namely a viewfinder in addition to the LCD screen and powered by AA batteries. It'll take a while to get here, but that is my penance for breaking the camera. Until I get it I will be limited to my smart phone. So for now my photography is hobbled.
I had put it down on what I thought was a safe place whilst corralling dogs and children for the annual photo. As I but over to boost up John I brushed against the camera and snagged it by the strap. It teetered and then fell onto the deck.
It wasn't a particularly far fall, but... the lens was out.
Which is a very bad thing for a digital camera. They are notorious for the lens barrel jamming if knocked about in the extended position. If you are lucky you can jiggle it back into alignment and it should work. My camera's lens barrel, however, was well and truly stuck and thus rendered inoperable.
Therefore I need a new camera.
Luckily it was black Friday and I was able to find a sweet deal on a decent little Cannon point and shoot that fulfilled my odd requirements, namely a viewfinder in addition to the LCD screen and powered by AA batteries. It'll take a while to get here, but that is my penance for breaking the camera. Until I get it I will be limited to my smart phone. So for now my photography is hobbled.
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Not Right in the Head
It's meme time!
I decided to take a rather simplistic right brain/ left brain quiz and here is the result:
Nothing terribly shocking here, I live on the slightly more logical side of the street. But! I am not completely there. As I said it is a simplistic test, though one question really resonated with me, the whole "If I forgot someone's name, I'd go through the alphabet until I remembered it" fits me to a tee. While the finding things was only a partial yes, I'm big on color. I can find anything (even if it is not mine and I didn't lose it) if I know what color I'm looking for.
I've shamelessly stolen the quiz from Diane.
I decided to take a rather simplistic right brain/ left brain quiz and here is the result:
| ||||||||||
(11)Nothing terribly shocking here, I live on the slightly more logical side of the street. But! I am not completely there. As I said it is a simplistic test, though one question really resonated with me, the whole "If I forgot someone's name, I'd go through the alphabet until I remembered it" fits me to a tee. While the finding things was only a partial yes, I'm big on color. I can find anything (even if it is not mine and I didn't lose it) if I know what color I'm looking for.
I've shamelessly stolen the quiz from Diane.
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Yay Slippers!
I love the weather we are having now, low seventies during the day and falling down to the mid forties at night. The brisk mornings are far more pleasurable than the swampy sauna that we greet me each morning in the summer. The best part is that I get to wear slippers again.
I had a lovely purple pair that Larry got me, oh about two years ago. Unfortunately the dogs liked them as well and ate one. I couldn't find the same pair again, but I did find an acceptable replacement at Kohl's. So now I get to curl up each morning with my feet in a cozy pair of slippers.
Hooray for fall and the attendant lower temps and hooray for slippers!
I had a lovely purple pair that Larry got me, oh about two years ago. Unfortunately the dogs liked them as well and ate one. I couldn't find the same pair again, but I did find an acceptable replacement at Kohl's. So now I get to curl up each morning with my feet in a cozy pair of slippers.
Hooray for fall and the attendant lower temps and hooray for slippers!
Thursday, June 07, 2012
6 Days and Counting
Just 6 days are left in the school year.
6 more days of prodding people awake, organizing lunches, and pushing them out the door.
This also means just 6 more days of quiet and the computer all to myself.
I'm looking forward to the end of school.
Sort of.
6 more days of prodding people awake, organizing lunches, and pushing them out the door.
This also means just 6 more days of quiet and the computer all to myself.
I'm looking forward to the end of school.
Sort of.
Sunday, June 03, 2012
A Vermont Kind of Day
Today was just the kind of day that made me think of Vermont.
It just barely hit the low 80's with a bit of breeze and not a bit of the dreaded high humidity of the South. In a word it was Perfection.
Yes, it was a bit cool to go to the pool, but it was perfect to spend the day out on the deck reading. The allergens that are my bugaboo where done and the mosquitoes are not quite so prevalent. I love this kind of weather and it is one of the things I miss from Northern New England.
Soon enough the hammer will come down and it will be the normal hot and sticky Virginian summer. But for now I'll savor this blissfully cool weather.
It just barely hit the low 80's with a bit of breeze and not a bit of the dreaded high humidity of the South. In a word it was Perfection.
Yes, it was a bit cool to go to the pool, but it was perfect to spend the day out on the deck reading. The allergens that are my bugaboo where done and the mosquitoes are not quite so prevalent. I love this kind of weather and it is one of the things I miss from Northern New England.
Soon enough the hammer will come down and it will be the normal hot and sticky Virginian summer. But for now I'll savor this blissfully cool weather.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
20 Years Ago Yesterday
Wednesday was a very busy day.
20 years ago Larry and I said I do, so the plan was for a night out. Which got complicated when Nate's 6pm to 8pm lacrosse practice shifted to that day. Coupled with a fancy hair cut I earned by doing a spot of photography for the salon's owners, my day was spent zipping around Richmond.
Something had to give, hence the lack of post on Wednesday.
And it was a good decision. We had a lovely time at our favorite fancy restaurant, Juleps. It was nice being able to linger over an exquisitely prepared meal. The service was discrete with the nice little touch of the menu saying "Happy Anniversary" across the top (Larry told them when making the reservation).
And the fancy haircut, well it's rather rock'n'roll with a side of aubergine.
20 years ago Larry and I said I do, so the plan was for a night out. Which got complicated when Nate's 6pm to 8pm lacrosse practice shifted to that day. Coupled with a fancy hair cut I earned by doing a spot of photography for the salon's owners, my day was spent zipping around Richmond.
Something had to give, hence the lack of post on Wednesday.
And it was a good decision. We had a lovely time at our favorite fancy restaurant, Juleps. It was nice being able to linger over an exquisitely prepared meal. The service was discrete with the nice little touch of the menu saying "Happy Anniversary" across the top (Larry told them when making the reservation).
And the fancy haircut, well it's rather rock'n'roll with a side of aubergine.
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Ow, Ow, Ow
As of yesterday I have started biking again and my legs are none too happy. I'm being sensible and not pushing too hard since it's been about a year. I need to build my self back up before tackling the long rides I used to do. At least I have been walking regularly so I'm not completely out of shape.
Why I stopped... I don't know.
I got busy and then there was the infamous poop on the helmet incident. Nate borrowed my helmet one day and somehow managed to drop it in dog poop. He felt bad and wanted to clean it up, but I decided it was time to get a new helmet. I've had it for well over a decade and it was time. So yet another reason not to bike. A few weeks later I did get a nice new helmet. But it languished in the garage, slung over the handle bars by its straps.
I figure it'll take a week to get re-acclimated (oh my poor tush) and then I'll start stretching the ride out. The good news is that I felt pretty good today, no muscle strain. Just a slightly sore bottom from the seat. I really need to get a new seat.
Why I stopped... I don't know.
I got busy and then there was the infamous poop on the helmet incident. Nate borrowed my helmet one day and somehow managed to drop it in dog poop. He felt bad and wanted to clean it up, but I decided it was time to get a new helmet. I've had it for well over a decade and it was time. So yet another reason not to bike. A few weeks later I did get a nice new helmet. But it languished in the garage, slung over the handle bars by its straps.
I figure it'll take a week to get re-acclimated (oh my poor tush) and then I'll start stretching the ride out. The good news is that I felt pretty good today, no muscle strain. Just a slightly sore bottom from the seat. I really need to get a new seat.
Sunday, February 05, 2012
Just About Little Old Me
Robbo has an interesting post about introversion and such that includes a fun (at least to me) "Are you and Introvert Test." Yay a meme! I don't veiw my self as strictly an introvert, but I do live on the quiet side.
The more you agree with the following statements the more introverted you are.
1. I prefer one-on-one conversations to group activities. Depends upon the group and the activity. For me smaller is better.
2. I often prefer to express myself in writing. Ha! More like photography or baking. Seriously I do like to talk to my friends on the phone. This blog thing I do is a bit of a stretch for me, I am not a writer. I am a much better story teller in person, ask Meryl who is a writer.
3. I enjoy solitude. Yes, I do cherish my alone time during the school year. The first week of summer break is brutal, but I adjust. For this reason alone I seriously doubt I could ever home school.
4. I seem to care about wealth, fame, and status less than my peers. Not really, but then my peers are my friends for a reason. I'm not driven to be famous, but a big lottery win would be nice.
5. I dislike small talk, but I enjoy talking in depth about topics that matter to me. Fairly true, hell to me is a cocktail party.
6. People tell me that I’m a good listener. Yes I do listen, but I will share my opinion if it seems wanted.
7. I’m not a big risk-taker. Another big Ha! Depends on the risk. I've moved out to the Midwest to be with my then boyfriend/now husband. I quit my job, line up a new job ahead of time, and moved from CT all on my own. However I never would have dared done the rattling around Europe and South America as my very extroverted brother did. Oh yeah and I've dyed my hair purple. Twice.
8. I enjoy work that allows me to “dive in” with few interruptions. Yes, I like a clear task that I can wade into.
9. I like to celebrate birthdays on a small scale, with only one or two close friends or family members. True, very true.
10. People describe me as “soft-spoken” or “mellow.” Yes, although it has been noted that I'm all very quiet and agreeable until you cross the line. Then look out.
11. I prefer not to show or discuss my work with others until it’s finished. Yup.
12. I dislike conflict. Very true.
13. I do my best work on my own. Yes, I'm having a hard time baking with my daughter. It is hard to let go, I want it done right.
14. I tend to think before I speak. Generally yes. I try not to blurt out whatever crosses my mind.
15. I feel drained after being out and about, even if I’ve enjoyed myself. No, I do have fun going out and about.
16. I often let calls go through to voice mail. If I don't want to answer a particular call I will let it go to voice mail (I'm looking at you political "surveys" and telemarketers). However I do frequently answer when it's for an individual. I volunteer for my dog club by fielding inquires and dachshunds. I can talk to anybody for long stretches about dogs.
17. If you had to choose, I’d prefer a weekend with absolutely nothing to do to one with too many things scheduled. Yes!
18. I don’t enjoy multitasking. I'm fine with multitasking. It's a bit a necessity with four kids.
19. I can concentrate easily. If the subject interests me, absolutely.
20. In classroom situations, I prefer lectures to seminars.If the subject matter is interesting and the professor is engaging, yes to seminars.
So roughly 15 out of 20, but when I do veer off it's in a big way. I can be bold as brass when the mood strikes me. I mean really, how many 46 year old hard core introverts with purple hair are out there?
The more you agree with the following statements the more introverted you are.
1. I prefer one-on-one conversations to group activities. Depends upon the group and the activity. For me smaller is better.
2. I often prefer to express myself in writing. Ha! More like photography or baking. Seriously I do like to talk to my friends on the phone. This blog thing I do is a bit of a stretch for me, I am not a writer. I am a much better story teller in person, ask Meryl who is a writer.
3. I enjoy solitude. Yes, I do cherish my alone time during the school year. The first week of summer break is brutal, but I adjust. For this reason alone I seriously doubt I could ever home school.
4. I seem to care about wealth, fame, and status less than my peers. Not really, but then my peers are my friends for a reason. I'm not driven to be famous, but a big lottery win would be nice.
5. I dislike small talk, but I enjoy talking in depth about topics that matter to me. Fairly true, hell to me is a cocktail party.
6. People tell me that I’m a good listener. Yes I do listen, but I will share my opinion if it seems wanted.
7. I’m not a big risk-taker. Another big Ha! Depends on the risk. I've moved out to the Midwest to be with my then boyfriend/now husband. I quit my job, line up a new job ahead of time, and moved from CT all on my own. However I never would have dared done the rattling around Europe and South America as my very extroverted brother did. Oh yeah and I've dyed my hair purple. Twice.
8. I enjoy work that allows me to “dive in” with few interruptions. Yes, I like a clear task that I can wade into.
9. I like to celebrate birthdays on a small scale, with only one or two close friends or family members. True, very true.
10. People describe me as “soft-spoken” or “mellow.” Yes, although it has been noted that I'm all very quiet and agreeable until you cross the line. Then look out.
11. I prefer not to show or discuss my work with others until it’s finished. Yup.
12. I dislike conflict. Very true.
13. I do my best work on my own. Yes, I'm having a hard time baking with my daughter. It is hard to let go, I want it done right.
14. I tend to think before I speak. Generally yes. I try not to blurt out whatever crosses my mind.
15. I feel drained after being out and about, even if I’ve enjoyed myself. No, I do have fun going out and about.
16. I often let calls go through to voice mail. If I don't want to answer a particular call I will let it go to voice mail (I'm looking at you political "surveys" and telemarketers). However I do frequently answer when it's for an individual. I volunteer for my dog club by fielding inquires and dachshunds. I can talk to anybody for long stretches about dogs.
17. If you had to choose, I’d prefer a weekend with absolutely nothing to do to one with too many things scheduled. Yes!
18. I don’t enjoy multitasking. I'm fine with multitasking. It's a bit a necessity with four kids.
19. I can concentrate easily. If the subject interests me, absolutely.
20. In classroom situations, I prefer lectures to seminars.If the subject matter is interesting and the professor is engaging, yes to seminars.
So roughly 15 out of 20, but when I do veer off it's in a big way. I can be bold as brass when the mood strikes me. I mean really, how many 46 year old hard core introverts with purple hair are out there?
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Purple
So for the second time in my life I've embraced my inner punk and dyed my hair purple.
There is no flying under the radar with my vibrantly hued locks. Strangers and friends ask me why and I say because brown is boring. I'm 70% grey and it's not a flattering grey like it is for some people I look tired and old, far older than my years. So I have being coloring my hair for the past 15 years. Brown, auburn, the odd red, I have done them all. I'm fortunate that my hair takes color well and is fairly resilient. My hair keeps growing and I keep coloring.
I guess in a way it's my super cheap mid-life crisis. It's non-permanent,which is annoying since all the purple dyes in the US are only semi-permanent. I get a lot of malarkey about purple isn't available in a permanent form because it is an "unnatural" color and the hair won't take it in. Really!? Any hair dye is unnatural, this is a very weak argument. It turns out there is one available, but it's in the UK and not worth the expense of shipping it to here.
Anyhoodle, it's fun and inspires all sorts of conversations wherever I go. And really it's a much better form of rebellion than tattoos and piercings, both of which are painful and can be devilishly hard to get rid of.
Update: Ha!
There is no flying under the radar with my vibrantly hued locks. Strangers and friends ask me why and I say because brown is boring. I'm 70% grey and it's not a flattering grey like it is for some people I look tired and old, far older than my years. So I have being coloring my hair for the past 15 years. Brown, auburn, the odd red, I have done them all. I'm fortunate that my hair takes color well and is fairly resilient. My hair keeps growing and I keep coloring.
I guess in a way it's my super cheap mid-life crisis. It's non-permanent,which is annoying since all the purple dyes in the US are only semi-permanent. I get a lot of malarkey about purple isn't available in a permanent form because it is an "unnatural" color and the hair won't take it in. Really!? Any hair dye is unnatural, this is a very weak argument. It turns out there is one available, but it's in the UK and not worth the expense of shipping it to here.
Anyhoodle, it's fun and inspires all sorts of conversations wherever I go. And really it's a much better form of rebellion than tattoos and piercings, both of which are painful and can be devilishly hard to get rid of.
Update: Ha!
Tuesday, October 04, 2011
Fall Post Haste
What the heck happened?
We've been chugging along at the low eighties, albeit a rather soggy low eighties when suddenly a switch was flipped and now it's all fall like around here. Don't get me wrong, I prefer the cooler temps, I just like a little warning and a bit of a transition. Going from shorts all the time to slipper weather in a space of two days is a bit hard on the system.
I know we are warming back up again, I just hope we are not going to be yo-yoing back and forth on the temperatures. It's brutal on my semi-asthmatic respiratory system. Seasonal allergies coupled with just the right virus is my trigger and apparently that delightful cold I had two weeks ago was just the thing. I'm fine, I just hate having to deal with the meds.
We've been chugging along at the low eighties, albeit a rather soggy low eighties when suddenly a switch was flipped and now it's all fall like around here. Don't get me wrong, I prefer the cooler temps, I just like a little warning and a bit of a transition. Going from shorts all the time to slipper weather in a space of two days is a bit hard on the system.
I know we are warming back up again, I just hope we are not going to be yo-yoing back and forth on the temperatures. It's brutal on my semi-asthmatic respiratory system. Seasonal allergies coupled with just the right virus is my trigger and apparently that delightful cold I had two weeks ago was just the thing. I'm fine, I just hate having to deal with the meds.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Artist of the week: Ninja!
This week it's my turn to be the Artist of the week.
I was asked the other day if I was an arts and crafts sort of person. I wasn't quite sure how to answer. I do like to build and create things. I have created and updated two club logos, designed Jake's Bar Mitzvah invites from scratch, I love to bake and decorate cakes, and I take endless pictures.
But actual crafts are not really my cuppa. So artsy yes, but crafty is a big no.
That said, I will do a craft if the mood strikes and there seems to be a need.
Which brings me to the Ninja part.
Jake has marching band camp going on this week and the next. To foster band spirit a theme is announce for each day. On Monday one of the drum majors announced that Tuesday was Ninja day. The only restriction was that the students could not wear black, the kids spends hours outside under the hot sun practicing in the parking lot. Being dressed head to toe in black would be a very bad idea.
So what to do?
Jake and I agreed a headband featuring the rising sun would be a good idea. I could whip one up on my sewing machine with some heavy white cotton fabric I had left over from a previous project. While googling away for design ideas I found a restaurant supplier's site that featured chef headbands that purportedly had "ninja" written on them in Kanji symbols. I found a Kanji website and verified the veracity of the symbols and decided to give it a try.
I think the headband turned out rather well. I wish I had some better markers for the job, but I wasn't willing to go out and buy yet another set. For an ad hock creation that took maybe 1/2 hour to put together, I'm very pleased (as was Jake) with the final result.
I was asked the other day if I was an arts and crafts sort of person. I wasn't quite sure how to answer. I do like to build and create things. I have created and updated two club logos, designed Jake's Bar Mitzvah invites from scratch, I love to bake and decorate cakes, and I take endless pictures.
But actual crafts are not really my cuppa. So artsy yes, but crafty is a big no.
That said, I will do a craft if the mood strikes and there seems to be a need.
Which brings me to the Ninja part.
Jake has marching band camp going on this week and the next. To foster band spirit a theme is announce for each day. On Monday one of the drum majors announced that Tuesday was Ninja day. The only restriction was that the students could not wear black, the kids spends hours outside under the hot sun practicing in the parking lot. Being dressed head to toe in black would be a very bad idea.
So what to do?
Jake and I agreed a headband featuring the rising sun would be a good idea. I could whip one up on my sewing machine with some heavy white cotton fabric I had left over from a previous project. While googling away for design ideas I found a restaurant supplier's site that featured chef headbands that purportedly had "ninja" written on them in Kanji symbols. I found a Kanji website and verified the veracity of the symbols and decided to give it a try.
I think the headband turned out rather well. I wish I had some better markers for the job, but I wasn't willing to go out and buy yet another set. For an ad hock creation that took maybe 1/2 hour to put together, I'm very pleased (as was Jake) with the final result.
Sunday, June 05, 2011
Mother Son Bonding
Hooray! Flickr and Blogger are now on speaking terms!
Now I get to post pictures, again, with just a few clicks. They would have had a falling out just when I wanted to post a boatload of pictures.
Anywho, this is Max and me modeling our favorite t-shirts. I am a fan of Portal (here's a flash version if you are interested) and when this shirt showed up on Shirt Woot I had to get it for myself, Jake and Nate (who are also fans of the game). I love the little mouse and its companion cheese cube. It's cute without cutesy. Having the portal on the back just put the design over the top. When we got the shirts Max and Rebecca desperately wanted to have it as well. They don't play the game, but they love the mouse on the shirt.
Nate was a bit miffed when his younger siblings got the shirt. He does not like coordinating with his siblings in any way, shape, or form. Jake and I were tolerable, Nate could avoid matching us and still get to wear the shirt fairly often. But with Max and Rebecca on board it has become a little harder for him to be "unique." Fortunately he got over it and doesn't worry too much about the matchy thing.
Max, however, loves wearing the same shirt as me. It makes him so very happy when we are dressed the same. He has never gotten to do this before, I have only done mother-daughter dresses with Rebecca. It just never entered my head that Max would want to wear the same thing as me. So now when we both wear our Portals shirt he is so very happy.
Now I get to post pictures, again, with just a few clicks. They would have had a falling out just when I wanted to post a boatload of pictures.
Anywho, this is Max and me modeling our favorite t-shirts. I am a fan of Portal (here's a flash version if you are interested) and when this shirt showed up on Shirt Woot I had to get it for myself, Jake and Nate (who are also fans of the game). I love the little mouse and its companion cheese cube. It's cute without cutesy. Having the portal on the back just put the design over the top. When we got the shirts Max and Rebecca desperately wanted to have it as well. They don't play the game, but they love the mouse on the shirt.
Nate was a bit miffed when his younger siblings got the shirt. He does not like coordinating with his siblings in any way, shape, or form. Jake and I were tolerable, Nate could avoid matching us and still get to wear the shirt fairly often. But with Max and Rebecca on board it has become a little harder for him to be "unique." Fortunately he got over it and doesn't worry too much about the matchy thing.
Max, however, loves wearing the same shirt as me. It makes him so very happy when we are dressed the same. He has never gotten to do this before, I have only done mother-daughter dresses with Rebecca. It just never entered my head that Max would want to wear the same thing as me. So now when we both wear our Portals shirt he is so very happy.
Thursday, June 02, 2011
Aw Man!
I had a lovely post all planned out with pictures and everything and then Flickr decided to have a hissy fit and not recognize Blogger.
I could force the issue and code by hand, but honestly I don't want to. At least I can take a small bit of solace in knowing I'm not the only one blocked out. Hopefully the problem will be resolved tomorrow. Even if it isn't fixed I'll make sure to get something up one way or another.
Stupid computers making me have to think and figure things out.
I could force the issue and code by hand, but honestly I don't want to. At least I can take a small bit of solace in knowing I'm not the only one blocked out. Hopefully the problem will be resolved tomorrow. Even if it isn't fixed I'll make sure to get something up one way or another.
Stupid computers making me have to think and figure things out.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Not Enraptured
Oh I'm not talking about the big old bust of a rapture from yesterday. Clearly I wouldn't be among the select few, because I'm Jewish and I thought the whole thing was ridiculous from the get go.
No I'm talking about ticks.
I utterly loathe the little blood sucking monsters. I know they fill an important niche, but I want them gone. I would happily pack their little bags and buy them bus fare if they would leave me and my family alone. It's the time of year I look longingly towards the dogs flea and tick preventive and wish it could be used on humans. DEET works, but the stuff reeks to high heaven and eventually washes off.
Now I have to avoid the woods and do periodic tick checks on the kids and be horribly itchy from the odd one that ends up on me.
Seriously if I was Empress of the world the little buggers would be out of this plane of existance.
No I'm talking about ticks.
I utterly loathe the little blood sucking monsters. I know they fill an important niche, but I want them gone. I would happily pack their little bags and buy them bus fare if they would leave me and my family alone. It's the time of year I look longingly towards the dogs flea and tick preventive and wish it could be used on humans. DEET works, but the stuff reeks to high heaven and eventually washes off.
Now I have to avoid the woods and do periodic tick checks on the kids and be horribly itchy from the odd one that ends up on me.
Seriously if I was Empress of the world the little buggers would be out of this plane of existance.
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