October catching up

Ok, I'm alive mostly.  I've been fighting off a nasty cold/ sinus infection/bronchitus maybe.  Anyway whatever it is it's winning.

 I saw Jersey Boys in Philly with my sisters last weekend.  It was fantastic, the music was  great (of course).  It was used to highlight the story of the Four Seasons, and how they went from a Jersey corner group to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  We loved it so much we went back for the Sat. matinee!  It was definitely a show for the 45 and up.  My favorite part was the sign in the lobby that warned of bright lights, gunshots and authentic Joisey language.  Anyway I'm hoping it come to the Fulton, so I can take Mike and see it again.

Mike had a lock show on the same weekend.  It was in Connecticut and I couldn't go, since I was busy (see above :) ).  He actually made about $1500 selling locks!  Maybe I shouldn't go to any shows, and he'll sell better?  He even put some of the stuff away when he came home.  With Thanksgiving coming up we'll need the dinning room table!

That's what's going on around here.  I'm carefully avoiding the tons of weeding/cleaning I have to do in the gardens.   Hmmm any volunteers to trade that for sewing/mending or something?

What's going on

I know it's been awhile.  Life is like that.
We had an estimate on making the Scion all beautiful.  ( it was just paid off)  The estimate was...sit down...$4700.  That's 1/3 of a new one!  Obviously we decided... never mind!  We'll try to do most of it our selves.  It's all body work, mostly consisting of pushing plastic (cars these days are plastic!) parts back together and holding them that way with plastic rivets like things.  Maybe some careful paint touch up.  Fun?

We saw the movie Hitch last night on tv, it was actually kind of fun, very light weight, but sometimes that's all you want. 

I start school (volunteering) on Wed.  Mike asked if I wanted a new pencil box.  He's so cute.  Actually I do have that new school supplies/clothes feeling.  Yes Sara, I know I can buy you school stuff. : )  I do love going to first grade and helping.  It's almost like teaching without the responsibility, or the time, or the paycheck of course.

I'm looking forward to the sisters' event in October.  It's timed particularly well, as it allows (forces even) me too miss a lock show.  Since it's the one in a school gym, I'm happy to miss it.  Also the event should be a lot of fun!

Happy Fall and L'shana Tova.

back from the beach

Well we're back from a week at Ocean City Nj.  The weather was great except for Tuesday and Wed.  There was storm  with a lot of wind on Mon afternoon.

We had a new canopy which was very (!!!) difficult to get down in the wind.  As the week went by we adapted the canopy supports to make it more stable in the stiff breezes at the beach.  It involved tying Mike's slippers to the ends of the cross poles which we used to hold the center of the canopy up.  many words were spoken, with much attitude, but we have survived.

Sara and Brian brought some movies along.  We watched a movie called. The Fountain'.  It is unbelievably awesome, but very hard to describe!  It's about undying love, life, devotion.  It's a beautiful film to see, that blew me away.  I wish I could to a better job of describing it.  It has a very spiritual feel, but not any specific religion.  It's a combination myth, and science story.  I'm sure that wasn't helpful.  Maybe look it up, or ask Sara?  Although she couldn't describe it really either.

We went to Wildwood one night.  Wow what a difference!  It is so much more lively/noisy/crowded.  Mike loved it, since that's were is family always went, so the noise/food etc was just full of memories.  We'll probably go there next year, as we no longer have young children to worry about.  If we stay at either end of town, the beach isn't so enormously wide.

Well back to 'real' life.  I start back to school (volunteering) on the 15th.  I can hardly wait.  If only I had a reason to buy a backpack and a new school outfit. : )

Craft show

It's getting to be that time.  The Long's Park Art & craft Show is Fri-Mon Sept 3-6.  Apparently it's the #3 Fine art show in the US.  I'll be going for sure, and would love company.  Let me know if/when you'ld like to come.  Advance tickets are $8 for 1 day, multi day $10 under 12 and under free.  At the show $10 1 day 12 multi. See you then?

Around here things are...nothing special.  It's cooler and rainy.  Both of those things are good.  I should probably weed, while the ground is soft, and the heat is low.  Wee. I know Janet, it needs to be done, and there is a certain sense of satisfaction when the weeds are gone.

Mike and I and Sara and Brian will be at Ocean City NJ, the 21st-28th of Aug.  Feel free to be in town then. : )   We can't really put you up overnight, our place is small, but we'ld be happy to see you and share our very small bathroom.

Happy Friday the 13th!

all locks all the time

Mike met with one of the Hall of Fame lock guys today (who was not at our show)  He was there all afternoon, and of course came home with more locks.  Then after dinner a lock guy came over to show Mike what he had.  His grandfather worked for Slaymaker for 40 years.  After he left Mike had a wooden box full of locks.  At least one was a previously unknown lock.  Of course a lot of the stuff in the box is what Mike called 'poundage'.

Oh joy just what I want in the house more locks that he doesn't actually want except to sell!  My poor dining room table is covered with lock stuff.

He did enjoy his lock day.  I got some organizing doen. Ok one drawer in the kitchen, but that's something, right.

I also started a new embroidery project which is always fun.  Sorry, I can't tell more about it yet.

Thanks to Sara's friend Jason for commenting on his kittens on Facebook.  I enjoy the vicarious cat play.

The weekend

Mike and I went to a Greek restaurant (Yanni's Tavern) in Bethlehem and then stayed over at The Historic Bethlehem Hotel.  Mike was in the mood for Greek. (as if he is ever not.) and he had stayed at the hotel for an LCAR retreat.  Anyway it was a fun mini vacation.  We didn't walk around much because of the heat.  I did get a nice blue glass ink well. (new)  I think Mike's having trouble getting back in gear after the show.

The heat has got every body down I think, although after the storms rolled thru here yesterday it's cooled down. YEA!

I know the story has lapsed into neverland, as it were.  I'll let it sit for awhile and maybe something will bloom.

I've been sewing some lately, mostly shortening, and slimming (yea) things, but just cut out a black and white checked top, and will help Sara with a corset when we both have time.  Right now she's teaching at Princeton Summer Camp for the Gifted.

I'll stop now and write Lea a letter at camp.

Lock Show fini for 2010

Well the first annual Lancaster Lock Show is now part of history.  It went very well.  There were some minor problems.  We all forgot to put up directional signs in the hotel., During the show we forgot to handout 'best of show' ballots, and meal tickets.  Some other minor stuff.  The speakers went over well.  The awards were well received.  The 3 legged pig joke was enjoyed by most.  Oh And the food was good.  Also Mike said we (Mike and I) actually sold a bunch of locks.  Apparently most of the dealers did quite well.  Next years should be well attended I think!

It was tiring, but worth it I think.  Mike was really happy that many people got to see his collection, and non of them got that glazed look we all do.  They actually know what he's talking about, and appreciate what he has.  That's what I wanted from this show, so it was perfect as far as I'm concerned

Everyone had to pack up at 4:00 and then the banquet started at 6.  My only peeve was that when the show ended at 4 everyone packed up their own table and split!  Si Mike and I had to pack up everything show related and our locks to sell and pack the car, and move the appropriate stuff to the banquet room ourselves.   Thanks Sara and Brian who helped tote locks and stuff to the car!

My field trip idea was a bust, but that's ok.  If people ask about it I'll try again next year.  Other-wise, I can swim or whatever some of the time during the show.

I got to see Gina (my first Lock Show friend) who I haven't seen for several years, and I meant some very nice 'significant others' to hang out with at other shows.

When I get some photos of the show I'll post them here.

Here is a photo from Marks wedding.
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=980048&op=1&view=all&subj=100001299400808&id=1628303285

Now back to my regular life.

Longwood Gardens

On the third we went to Longwood Gardens.  On the way we stopped at White Chimney's which is the Slaymaker family (of Slaymaker Locks, of course.) home.  We had been trying to get a hold of someone there for months, with no success.  They've had an anitque and tours sign out, but were never open.  We finally got a chance to talk to the current owners, so that was great.  We hadn't even gotten to the gardens yet and it was a good trip! : ) 

The Gardens were beautiful, as always, and not crowded at all.  We  did the water gardens, the bell towere and eye of water, the children's garden, and  two of the tree houses.  Mike found a padlock of a company that will be at the show on the Overlook Tree House holding the slide door open.  I just laughed and laughed.

After Longwood we went to the best ice cream shop!  It's in Kennett Square on the main strret, going west.  It's owned by a Mexican family, and they have all flavors.  Besides the regular ones, they have things like corn (which is one of my favorites), cantaloupe, and cinnamon and chili powder are available for sprinkling. It's really fun to check out the unusual flavors.  When there open in the summer there are always people out on the sidewalk ( where they have some benches and chairs) eating ice cream.  For some reason it's feels very much like when we were kids.

Anyway that was our Independence Day. (ok they day before).  It was very nice.

check the story

The story continues...check it out on the story page.

Well the lock show is in three weeks.  We now have had to enlarge our space (for the 2nd time.)  We're up to 55 vendors with more coming in.  Yea!  Mike is obsessing over the details, but I suppose that's to be expected.   It should be a great show. 

We've been thinking about a vacation afterwords, maybe in late August, or early Sept.  We don't have to worry bout kids in school anymore!!!  Unfortunately we can't think of what we might want to do.  We're less interested in the beach, probably because the same old t-shirt etc shops get really boring.  Mike likes the swimming in the ocean, (I like watching/listening to the ocean) but we both have to be careful about the sun.  We like historic houses, neat architecture, antiquing, learning about stuff, and weird things. (whatever that means!)

I guess I'm asking for suggestions.  Thanks

Another movie

We saw "He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not" the other night.  (we love Netflix watch it now.)  It is an interesting love story with strange twists.  It starts Audrey Tautou who is always great to watch.  We really enjoyed it.  Mike talks about it still, as the twists really make it an unusually enjoyable film.
.Enjoy

Movies

Mike and I just watched "Precious" based on the book...  WOW!  It's very difficult to watch, being about a very painful life.  The story is so powerful, and so powerfully played.  I was crying quite a bit.  (yea I know I used to cry at Bell Tell commercials.)  I recommend it highly, but not when you're alone.

The lock show is coming together.  Looks like we'll be oversold on tables.  Hopefully lots of those people will stay for the banquet.  Especially good from my point of view,  some new collectors will be showing, and/or coming to the show.  Fresh blood!!!  Someone has to buy the locks Mike sweetly tells me are my inheritance.

It's been really hot, so today was the first time in awhile I've done anything in the gardens.  I weeded some, and trimmed a ton of forsythia.  I keep thinking about trimming the grapes, which are going crazy.  Mike's big (!) car is parked in front of the grapes which now trail underneath the car.  I want to see how long it'll take the grapes to cover it.  OK I'll probably trim them before the car disappears.

I did see some tiny beginning cucumbers and some beginning tomatoes. YEA.

easiest mac and cheese ever. (also cleanest!)

This is the way I make mac and cheese. (Except for Sara, she likes the cheap boxed kind.  Comfort Food!)  It's not so much a recipe as a method.

Boil the pasta.  While that's boiling grate your choice of cheeses,  Make sure to grate onto waxed paper.  Sprinkle flour to lightly coat the cheese, and dry seasonings on cheese and using hands (or a spoon) distribute the flour through out.   When the pasta is done, slightly al dente, drain it, and set it aside.

Poor some milk, at least a 1/4 cup to start, into the pasta pot. Heat on medium low  When the milk just starts  to bubble along the edge put in a handful of cheese.  Stir to melt, continue to add handfuls of cheese till all is melted.  Adjust the ratio of milk and cheese to the consistency you want.  Poor the pasta in. Take off heat, stir and eat.

To clean up throw out the wax paper, wash the grater, any utensils, and soak the pot in hot water and soap.  You can leave the pot over night, or wash up sooner.

Ok so this is not gourmet mac and cheese, but it's easy, quick and kids like it.  (Cooking's not my best thing!)

changes etc

You'll notice the new look.  I thought this reflected me a little better.  You all know how I like to fool around with designs and colors. : ) 


We're gearing up for the Lancaster Lock Show.  Only 5 weeks to go.  Weee. (sarcasm, in case it wasn't obvious.)


Check out the addition to the story.  You can probably tell, I'm having trouble getting into it, also I'm stuck in writing for kids mode, hope no one minds.  Ideas are warmly encouraged!

More story and stuff

Thanks for the story ideas, it's interesting that the flowering bush is a rose bush. I think I may have to make a separate story page to keep the story all together. As to the book sale, I did get a few decorating books, nothing spectacular. No etiquette books though, sorry. ; ) Mike and I saw UP the other day (yea Netflix). I loved it, the animation was great, a joy to watch. I especially liked the translucency of the balloons. The story was moving but not too mushy. (ok I have a high mush tolerance) and the characters had.. character. So many movie characters do not! Definitely a movie to watch more than once. We saw Atavar too. Liked it a lot. Beautiful world. I particularly like the 'magical' glowing scenes. The back and forth between Pandora and 'our' worldlings was interesting, and not confusing. I think the hype was overdone, but definitely enjoyable. Our house is being painted, finally! I teased the painter that the colors were pink and purple, he just said they were havoing trouble finding the purple. Oh well. I guess we'll go with the colors already on. Brick and white. We've painted the porch swing! it's royal blue. (ok I had to get the blue, right....I have no blue or green or purple on tody, so there. ; ) I will try to make a page for the story, and add more to it later, hopefully this weekend.

Book Sale over etc

The book sale is over, and it was a definite hit. I got over ten big fat fiction books, plus several sewing and decorating books. All the money goes to the library system. A win-win for sure. Now that I've finished the wedding announcement embroidery, I'll finish the lock embroidery I started earlier. Then it'll be time to start something new. I have to have something to work on all the time. It makes me feel creative and calm and less of a lazy bum when sitting around watching tv. Now if only I could figure out how to embroider and read and watch tv all at the same time. I think I need to sew something that's colorful, and where I can try new stitches. I guess that's a sampler. Maybe a variety of circles? Hmm. I've had a few people suggest I tell more stories. So here's a start... Liza, the lizard (a continuing character of mine) was sitting in the sun. A large shadow fell over head. Liza was very nervous, it could be a bird ready to eat her, it could be a child ready to put her in a jar and make her a pet, it could be a cloud in the sky. Liza scurried under a flowering bush, hoping what ever it was would go away. Ok that's all I've got so far. As those who have heard me tell stories know, this is the time when I need feedback/ideas. Please let me know what ideas you have and I'll incorporate some (or all). BTW I'm anxiously awaiting pictures of the wedding. (James and Jess that comment's for you ; ~) ) Well onward to laundry etc. WEEE

Book Sale

Today was the start of the BOOK SALE. It's put on every year for the Lancaster County Library. All the books are donated, some by the library. This year I believe 200,000 books, records, etc. Prices are $2 hardbacks, .50 paperbacks and some specially priced. It runs thru Wed when books are 1/2 price, or a bag for about $3.00. It's a fantastic sale. We look forward to it all year! As you may know I like to write/tell stories. I suspect that will become part of this blog. For now I welcome any ideas people have to get me started. Ellen/Mom/ Mrs M etc

We begin.

This is my first ever blog, so excuse my errors. Today we went to my son's friend's wedding. We've known the groom for 15 yrs or so. The wedding was lovely. It was a cloudy, overcast day. Amazingly the sun came out, just as the bride and groom met in front of the rabbi. This was especially fortunate, as the ceremony was outside. As soon as the reception began (inside) it began to pour. Rain on a wedding day is good luck. Altogether a perfect wedding! Congratulations to Diana and Mark. I will write more as the spirit moves me. Please feel free to ask questions, send ideas, etc. I always tell a better story with feedback! Ellen/mommymastros/Mrs. M/Mom we all have many labels