Must Have Been Some Party (090/365)

 
Water Fielding: Do you know how hard it is to find a really good carpenter? Besides, I think he's got a brother who's a plumber!
Anna Crowley: Really? A brother who's a plumber?
Water Fielding: I think so.
Anna Crowley: Do you think I should sleep with him?
Water Fielding: Maybe just this once.

The Money Pit (Tom Hanks, Shelley Long, Richard Benjamin-director, 1986)

TIME: 9:03 PM
PLACE:  Our bathroom
SUBJECT: Remodeling carnage

The time has come to remodel the two bathrooms upstairs.  They probably should have been redone before we moved into the house 8 years ago, but it all takes time and money.  And unfortunately, we don't have a lot of either.  But, it can't put it off any longer - the craptacular shower was leaking, and the cold water in the sink was continuously dripping, no matter how many times HandsomeHusband replaced the washers.  Plus, we need to redo the bathrooms before we can even begin to think about replacing the kitchen downstairs (my main goal!), because of the plumbing.  Ahh, the joys of living in an older home; something always needs to be done. 

A Sprain in the A#% (089/365)

 
"Right and proof are two crutches for everything bent and crooked that limps along."

Libussa, in Libussa, act 2 (1872), Franz Grillparzer (Austrian dramatic poet, 1791-1872)

TIME: 5:30 PM
PLACE:  The front porch
SUBJECT: DramaQueen's sprained ankle

Well, DramaQueen stayed home from school today to rest her ankle.  I called the pediatrician this morning and they told me that the radiologist would be reading the x-rays today and should be contacting them if there was any problems. In the meantime, it's R.I.C.E. - Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation.  My sister, who is a nurse, showed me how to wrap DQ's ankle with an Ace bandage.  Oh, and we rented crutches from the drugstore.  DQ is excited about having to use them at school tomorrow.  She thinks that she will be the center of attention with them!

A Very Flaky Night (088/365)

"The snow doesn't give a soft white damn whom it touches." 

E. E. Cummings (American poet, painter, essayist, author, and playwright, 1894-1962)

TIME: 2:53 AM
PLACE:  Looking off the back porch
SUBJECT: Snowstorm

Why was I up at this time and able to take this picture of the snowstorm you ask?  Was I still baking cakes?  No, my faithful followers, I was up because DramaQueen had tripped over a chain when walking to a friend's house late Saturday afternoon and had hurt her ankle.  At midnight, it was causing her so much pain and was so swollen, that I ended up taking her to the emergency room to get some x-rays.  On the bright side, the ER wasn't too busy at 12:30 in the morning.  The other good thing was, according to the doctor, she didn't break or fracture anything.  She just has a really bad sprain.  Ice packs, elevation and ibuprofen were prescribed.  When we left the ER, the snow was coming down so hard, it was difficult to drive!  Really big, wet flakes were covering everything.   By noon today, the snow was melted and my toes were frozen from working at the Cub Scout BBQ. 

Upside Down (087/365)

 
"Phyllis Stephens: Do you know how to make Pineapple Upside Down Cake?
Samantha Stephens: No, I don't.
Phyllis Stephens: Then there are his hives.
Samantha Stephens: I don't know how to make them either.
Phyllis Stephens: No, no, dear. That's an allergy."

Bewitched, 1964, Samantha Meets the Folks (#1:14)

TIME: 8:02 PM
PLACE:  The kitchen table
SUBJECT: Ingredients for Pineapple Upside Down cake

This is how I am spending my evening.  Making six, 9-inch Pineapple Upside Down Cakes for the dessert stand at tomorrow's Cub Scout BBQ.  This is the big fundraiser for the Scout year.  We sell BBQ ribs, pork steaks, rib tips and chicken.  Desserts are baked by parents and donated for sale.  Two years ago, I made about ten single layer cakes, with two of them being pineapple upside cakes.  They were sold before I was able to place them on the table.  Last year, I made eight of them.  They were all the first to go again.  This year, we have a whole lot more people donating cakes and pies, so I'm just making six of them this time.

It's only supposed to get up to 47 degrees tomorrow and they have been talking about snow.  Sigh.  It's going to be cold selling that BBQ outside under the pavilion. 

Tiny Blue Beauty (086/365)

 
“He who hunts for flowers will find flowers; and he who loves weeds will find weeds."

Henry Ward Beecher (American Preacher, Orator, Writer, 1813-1887)

TIME: 1:33 PM
PLACE:  The backyard
SUBJECT: Ivy-leaved Speedwell

These are the tiniest flowers, a little over 1/16th of an inch across, and have such a pretty blue color.  The leaves are hairy and look like ivy.  They pop up all over our yard in the springtime.  Most people consider them a weed, but I find them quite lovely. 

The Grammar Police (085/365)

 
“I never made a mistake in grammar but one in my life and as soon as I done it I seen it.”

Carl Sandburg (American Historian, Poet and Novelist, 1878-1967)

TIME: 11:14 AM
PLACE:  North Illinois Street
SUBJECT: Need an Excessive Lease sign

OK, I admit that I have a pet peeve with grammar sometimes.  As a matter of fact, I can be very anal about it.  When I saw this sign while waiting at a stop light, I immediately whipped out my camera and took a picture.  Ahem, a little grammar lesson will now be in session.  The words "two" (the number 2), "to" (a preposition when it precedes a noun, or an infinitive when it precedes a verb) and "too" (meaning also or in excess) are homophones.  That means they sound alike but have different meanings.  These three words are mixed up many times, especially "to" and "too".  If you can replace the word with "also" or "excessive(ly) and it still makes sense, then you use "too".  If the word is a number, use "two".  Otherwise, use "to".   Obviously, the maker of the above sign was not aware of this little grammar rule.  

Look Ma, No Feet! (084/365)

 
“The politician is an acrobat; he keeps his balance by doing the opposite of what he says.”

Maurice Barres (French Novelist and Politician, 1862-1923)

TIME: 6:52 PM
PLACE:  The backyard
SUBJECT: MonkeyBoy

Here is MonkeyBoy doing a handstand.  He was doing handstands, flips and cartwheels in the yard and wanted me to take a picture of him.  I must have taken over 200 shots to try and capture this boy.  I'm still not very happy with this shot.  All I can say is thank goodness for digital cameras and Photoshop!

Call Me Ishmael (083/365)

Homer Simpson is at a union meeting at the nuclear power plant.  The latest contract proposal gives them a free keg of beer for their union meeting in exchange for giving up their dental plan. All union members rush for the keg.
Lenny: So long, dental plan!
Homer: [thinks...]
Lenny's voice: Dental plan!
Marge's voice: Lisa needs braces.
Lenny's voice: Dental plan!
Marge's voice: Lisa needs braces.
Lenny's voice: Dental plan!
Marge's voice: Lisa needs braces.
Lenny's voice: Dental plan!
Marge's voice: Lisa needs braces.
Lenny's voice: Dental plan!
Marge's voice: Lisa needs braces.
Lenny's voice: Dental plan!
Marge's voice: Lisa needs braces.
Chuckie: [as a prank, drops a pencil into the crack of Homer's butt] Carl: Bull's-eye!
Homer: Thanks a lot, Carl. Now I lost my train of thought.
Lenny's voice: Dental plan!
Marge's voice: Lisa needs braces.
Lenny's voice: Dental plan!
Marge's voice: Lisa needs braces.
Homer: If we give up our dental plan... ... ... I'll have to pay for Lisa's braces!

The Simpsons, Last Exit to Springfield, 11 March 1993 (Season 4, Episode 17)

TIME: 3:14 PM
PLACE:  Associated Pediatric Dentistry
SUBJECT: Stuffed fish and model of teeth

All three children had dental appointments this afternoon.  These stuffed animals with plastic teeth are scattered around the exam area.  There was this fish, a monkey, a dragon, and a starfish.  They cracked me up. 

The good news is HH has a decent dental plan at work, and the twice yearly visits for the kids are covered.  The bad news is that MonkeyBoy was found to have the beginnings of a cavity on his lower inside molar.  Sigh.  The first cavity in the brood.  I guess it was bound to happen sooner or later.  We are scheduled for a filling on May 13th.  He's not looking forward to it.  But now, maybe he'll take heed when I tell him to go up and brush his teeth after breakfast and before he goes to bed!

Bluebird of Happiness (082/365)

   
"When the designs are chosen with care, tattoos have a power and magic all their own.  They decorate the body but they also enhance the soul."

Michelle Delio, Tattoo: The Exotic Art of Skin Decoration

TIME: 2:25 PM
PLACE:  My bathroom
SUBJECT: Bluebird tattoo

In mythology, the bluebird is the universally acknowledged sign of happiness, prosperity, good health, and the arrival of spring.  Its blue plumage is associated with the sky and eternal happiness.  When Mom  was going through her battle with lymphoma, her sister, my Aunt Alice, purchased bluebird pins for us to wear as a show of support.  I wore mine throughout the 3 years she fought for her life.  In the end, we buried Mom's pin with her.  My pin now sits in my jewelry box, next to the watch she wore at her wedding and her high school class ring.  My sister and I had discussed getting a bluebird tattoo in honor of Mom for the past year or so.  Today, while the kids were at preschool, we went ahead and had it done.  We have it in the same location, behind our left ears.  Mine is hidden for the most part by my hair.   The bird is facing forward - so I can imagine that it is Mom whispering her wisdom & advice into my ear.  Mom was not the biggest fan of tattoos (she just shook her head and sighed when she saw my other one, an Egyptian ankh) but I think she would be honored that we did this in memory of her. 

Meat and Potatoes (081/365)

"Say hey, good lookin’. what ya got cookin’?
How’s about cooking somethin’ up with me?
Hey, sweet baby. don’t you think maybe,
We can find us a brand new recipe?"

I got a hot rod ford, and a two dollar bill;
And I know a spot right over the hill.
There’s soda pop and the dancing’s free
So if you wanna have fun, come along with me.

Hey, good lookin’. what ya got cookin’?
How’s about cooking somethin’ up with me?"

Hey Good Lookin'!, Hank Williams (Acuff-Rose Music, Inc./Hiriam Music (BMI), 1951)

TIME: 5:14 PM
PLACE:  The backyard BBQ grill
SUBJECT: Pork Roast and Baked Potatoes

HH made dinner tonight.  A spice-rubbed pork roast, baked potatoes and a wilted slaw.  Damn, not only is he good-looking, but that man can cook!  He makes a great roast on the grill and the slaw is excellent as well.  We invited my Dad; he accepted and joined our zoo for dinner.  StellaDella called dibs on sitting next to Pa-Pa.  DramaQueen was not happy with that.  But she was contented to sit across from Grandpa.  I even made dessert, a gingerbread quick bread, with whipped cream topping.  Don't be impressed...it was a clearance (90% off!) mix from Target after Christmas.  Doesn't matter, it was pretty darn tasty!   

Remembrance (080/365)

 
"The last night that she lived,
It was a common night,
Except the dying; this to us
Made nature different.

We noticed smallest things, --
Things overlooked before,
By this great light upon our minds
Italicized, as 't were.

That others could exist
While she must finish quite,
A jealousy for her arose
So nearly infinite.

We waited while she passed;
It was a narrow time,
Too jostled were our souls to speak,
At length the notice came.

She mentioned, and forgot;
Then lightly as a reed
Bent to the water, shivered scarce,
Consented, and was dead.

And we, we placed the hair,
And drew the head erect;
And then an awful leisure was,
Our faith to regulate."

The Last Night That She Lived, Emily Dickinson (1830-1866)

TIME: 9:55 PM
PLACE:  Dining Room
SUBJECT: Dried Flowers from Mom's Funeral

It's been four years.  Four years that have gone by in a heartbeat.  Four years that have have lingered forever in my heart.  You left us for the next place; a place we could not journey with you that afternoon; but a place where hopefully, we will meet again. 
Love you Mom.  Miss you. 

And the Worms Crawl In (079/365)

 
"I think we consider too much the good luck of the early bird and not enough the bad luck of the early worm."

Franklin D. Roosevelt (American, President, Governor, Secretary of the Navy,  Senator, Lawyer  1882-1945)

TIME: 9:42 AM
PLACE:  Mother's Day Out
SUBJECT: Worms

This week has been brought to you by the letter "W" at Mother's Day Out.  Having been though the alphabet with the older two children, I knew that today would present a photo opportunity with worms.  It was funny, all the girls were gathered around the table with the tin pie pans giggling and picking up the worms and the boys were at the second table playing with a whale bubble maker. 

The Grass is Getting Greener (078/365)

 
"Laying on the grass my heart it flares like fire
The way you slap my face just fills me with desire
You play hard to get
'Cause you're teacher's pet
But when the boats have gone
We'll take a tumble excuse for a fumble
Shocked me too the things we used to do on grass
If you fancy we can buy an ice-cream cone
Your mate has gone She didn't want to be alone
I will pounce on you
Just us and the Cuckoos
You are helpless now
Over and over we flatten the clover
Shocked me too the things we used to do on grass
It would shock you too the things we used to do on grass
Grass, grass.
Things we did on grass"

XTC, "Grass", Skylarking, Virgin Records/Geffen Records, 1986

TIME: 6:16 PM
PLACE:  The backyard
SUBJECT: Grass

Quickly shot before I left for my sister's Partylite soirée.  I had taken no pictures before this, I spent the day cleaning and folding laundry (the bane of my existence).  This picture was at the suggestion of HH.  He mentioned that the grass had several different shades of green underneath the cedars in our yard and that it would make a good photo.  I went out there and for the life of me, I couldn't see what he was talking about.   What can I say, I'm blond!  He would have taken a much better shot as well, he has a great camera "eye"...one day I will too!  

A Bale of Turtles (077/365)

 
"The turtle lives 'twixt plated decks
Which practically conceal its sex.
I think it clever of the turtle
In such a fix to be so fertile."

The Turtle, Odgen Nash (American poet, author, lyric-writer, 1902-1971)

TIME: 11:31 AM
PLACE:  Longacre Park
SUBJECT: Turtles

I went into my client's office this morning and faxed some information to an insurance auditor.  My client's Internet was down and he was at court this morning (he's a lawyer), leaving me with unexpected free time.  So, I met up with my sister at a park and walked the trail.   Our first time around the pond, we saw a large amount of turtles sunning themselves on a metal plate in the water.  So, of course, on my trip past my car, I grabbed my camera and took a picture as we passed them the second time.

Oxalis Regnellii (076/365)

"May you be poor in misfortune,
rich in blessings,
slow to make enemies,
quick to make friends.
But rich or poor,
quick or slow,
may you know nothing but happiness
from this day forward."

Traditional Irish Toast

TIME: 2:10 PM
PLACE: Kitchen counter
SUBJECT: Shamrock plant

I guess that it makes sense that I am using a picture of a Lucky Shamrock Plant (Oxalis regnellii) which is actually native to South America and not Ireland. After all, I'm not Irish either. Not one little bit. Sicilians (Dad's) and Czechs (Mom's) make up my ancestors - quite the combination huh? (If I told you my Sicilian maiden name, you would instantly recognize it - it is the same as the name of a famous gangster - and then I'd have to kill you. *wink*) In any case, this particular plant that we see in many grocery stores, garden and home centers, is not Irish either (as opposed to the Irish wood sorrel, Oxalis acetosella). But it is ideal for today, because it is green, has pretty flowers and the prerequisite three leaves. St. Patrick is said to have used a clover with its three leaves on one stem to illustrate the trinity to the people he was converting. Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Plumber's Crack (075/365)

"I told my wife the truth. I told her I was seeing a psychiatrist. Then she told me the truth: that she was seeing a psychiatrist, two plumbers, and a bartender.”

Rodney Dangerfield (American comedian and actor, 1921-2004)

TIME: 1:22 PM
PLACE:  Our backyard
SUBJECT: StellaDella and the sandbox

Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday I pick StellaDella up from preschool at one o'clock and the first thing I do when we arrive home is take the dog out.  Today was such a beautiful day, that SD wanted to play outside while the dog did her thing.  SD wanted the sandbox opened but I told her that we hadn't purchased any new sand for this year and we'd open it another day.  I wandered about the yard, seeing what was popping up, turned around and was greeted by the above sight - SD worming her way into the sandbox, her skirt hiked up, her tights falling down and her underwear showing.  I can only hope and pray that she doesn't go around posing like that when she's sixteen!   

Behind the Green Brick (074/365)

"Sometimes we stare so long at a door that is closing that we see too late the one that is open."

Alexander Graham Bell (Scottish born American Inventor and Educator, 1847-1922)

TIME: 10:51 AM (yesterday)
PLACE: 5100 block of Wilson Avenue, St. Louis MO
SUBJECT: Green brick and a pink door

I spent much of today supervising and helping the two older kids rake the leaves that had plastered themselves against our chain-link fence in our yard and listening to DQ complain THE ENTIRE TIME about the raking of said leaves. I also cleaned up the flower beds at the base of our front porch. They have been empty ever since HH rebuilt the porch a couple of years ago. I guess this year I really need to do some gardening with them! So intent was I on yard work, and so tired afterwards, that I failed to take any photos! So, the above photo is from yesterday; this building sat across the street from St. Ambrose Church. I noticed the green brick first, which has a smooth glass-like surface. Then, I saw the pink door and was taken by its contrast with the brick.

A Reverent Place (073/365)

"“A holy reverence checks our speech, And praise sits silent on our tongues”

Isaac Watts (English Hymn-writer, theologian and logician, 1674-1748)

TIME: 10:36 AM
PLACE: 5130 Wilson Avenue, St. Louis MO
SUBJECT: The Interior of Saint Ambrose Catholic Church, looking toward the Altar

DramaQueen spent the night at the Science Center with the Girl Scouts last night and I went to pick her up this morning. HH requested that I stop on "The Hill" and pick up some bread, cheese and Volpi salami. I readily agreed! After our shopping expedition, we drove around and I took some pictures of this St. Louis Italian neighborhood. I decided to show DQ the church that ties the area together. There is something about entering the quiet of a church. For me, it is always so peaceful, soothing and spiritual. This is such a beautiful church. I said a few prayers for my family and friends and then took a few photos. There are many more I want to share...I'll have to post them on my other blog for you.

Disco Fever (072/365)

 
"Disco is from hell, okay? And not the cool part with all the murderers, but the lame-ass part where all the bad accountants live.”

Steven Hyde (Danny Masterson), That '70s Show", 1998, That Disco Episode (#1.7)

TIME: 9:27 PM 
PLACE: East C--- Community Center
SUBJECT: Disco Ball

Another date night with the HandsomeHusband.  It was at the same place as last month, but this time, it had a St. Patrick's day theme.   HH was able to eat some corned beef and cabbage, something he likes, but I don't care for.  Hence, I don't make it for him like I should and he has to resort to outside services.  The poor guy.  I really need to do better.  They had a DJ who played mainly nostalgic 50's music.  HH and I slow-danced together three times...something we haven't done for awhile.  It was very nice.  I love slow dancing with him and this time I even let him lead! 

A Cold Morning Sun (071/365)

 
"I am never at my best in the early morning, especially a cold morning in the Yorkshire spring with a piercing March wind sweeping down from the fells, finding its way inside my clothing, nipping at my nose and ears.”

James Herriot (Scottish Veterinarian and Writer. 1916-1995)

TIME: 8:34 AM 
PLACE: Our backyard looking east 
SUBJECT: Morning sun and electric transformer

Lucky me, I got to take the dog out shortly after the kids left for school.   Normally, it's not until about 10am that she needs to go out again.  But lately, the kids will take her out about 7:30 am and then as soon as they leave at 8, she is on my case to go out again.  I soooo didn't want to today.  It was so very cold and windy outside.  OK, I got a picture out of it, but where did our 70 degree weather go?  That's March all right, teasing everyone with its temperature fluctuations.  I don't think I ever have liked the month of March. 

I've Lost My Marbles (070/365)

 
"It is not about the marbles, but about the game”

Dutch Proverb

TIME: 5:58 PM 
PLACE: Living Room floor 
SUBJECT: Marbles

I am my son's Webelos Den Leader and we had a den meeting last night.  Well, my son and I did, as no one else showed up!  We worked on our Sportsman activity badge.  One of the requirements is to complete a belt loop for two individual sports.  We had done skating in October and I thought that learning to play marbles would be a good one for a den meeting.  We learned about "lagging', "knuckling down",  "lofting", "histing", and many other marble terms.  I've never played marbles in my life before last night.  MonkeyBoy kept playing this morning and this afternoon.  Have you ever played marbles?

Wouldn't You Like to Be a Pepper Too?(069/365)

"Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers;
A peck of pickled peppers Peter Piper picked;
If Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers,
Where's the peck of pickled peppers Peter Piper picked?"

Mother Goose Rhyme

TIME: 6:11 PM 
PLACE: Kitchen Counter 
SUBJECT: Yellow, orange and red peppers

We purchased these peppers at Costco on Sunday - $6.94 for 6 colored peppers, 3 of each color: red, yellow and orange.  Not too bad of a price.  I plan to cut them in strips, flash freeze and then food save them.  I wonder if I will find a cocaine surprise like the three people in NYC did when they sliced opened their peppers?

It's a Crewel, Crewel World (068/365)

 
"I'm good at embroidery. It's what I always wanted to do.... Yep, instead of whoring, I just wanted to do fancy embroidery."

Lillian Hellman (American playwright and memoirist, 1905-1984), Another Part of the Forest, Act 2 (1946). Spoken by the character named Laurette Sincee. Engaged to marry Oscar Hubbard, a member of a distinguished Alabama family in 1880, she is telling her betrothed of her career ambitions. "Laurette is about twenty, pig-face cute, a little too fashionably dressed."

TIME: 12:37 PM (January 19, 2007)
PLACE: Dining Room 
SUBJECT: Crewel embroidery

I stitched this flower garden in 1977 when I was ten years old.  I attempted to take a picture of this today, but it just wasn't happening.  Then I remembered that I had taken pictures of this embroidery already for my other blog back in the day.  So what am I trying to say?  I'm archiving it today baby.  Yep, day 68 has kicked my ass and I am resorting to an older photo.  Oh, the embarrassment! Oh, the humility!  Nevertheless, the necessity of needing a photo for today trumped any embarrassment of going to the archives.  I do feel better knowing that I DID take many pictures of this crewel embroidery today, but I like this one that I took in January of 2007 better!

It's Skirt Weather (067/365)

 
"A good sermon should be like a woman's skirt: short enough to arouse interest but long enough to cover the essentials."

Msgr. Ronald Arbuthnott Knox (English theologian, priest and crime writer, 1888-1957)

TIME: 11:03 AM
PLACE: Passenger seat of our Jeep
SUBJECT: My skirt

Today our high reached 70+ degrees late this morning then fell to the 50's in the afternoon.  The family left the house a little before 11am to meet our friend June for lunch.  I was so excited that it was warm enough to put on one of my skirts.  I live in them in the spring and summer.  They are so comfortable and make me feel more feminine.  I even shaved my legs for the occasion!  (Was that TMI?)  This skirt is one of my shopping bargains found in the Target clearance rack 2 years ago (only $4.98!).  It's one of my favorites.

Where the Moss Slowly Grows (066/365)

 
"And so another journey has come to an end
Another moment passed that will not, will not come again
Resting in the shade of oak, so it has always been
And its true that I'll miss you but I'll see, I'll see you again
I'll see you again

Embrace this joy, this pain
Don't miss this chance it will not come again
You mean more than you may ever know
Don't linger where the moss slowly grows

There are so many things I wish I could've said
They might not have changed your mind but sometimes we just need hope alleged
Above the mountain shadow, the sunset dimly glows
The oaks will look down on our heads forever and our dreams will be no more
We should not ever let them go

Embrace this joy, this pain
Don't miss this chance it will not come again
You mean more than you may ever know
Don't linger where the moss slowly grows

I remember those summers that stretched on without end
The future called so loudly and the oaks, the oaks were silent then
Silence forever, conversations in my head
Might not have changed your mind but if we'd spoken
Here's what I'd have said
Here's what I would've said:

Embrace this joy, this pain
Don't miss this chance it will not come again
You mean more than you may ever know
Don't linger where the moss slowly grows"

Tiger Army (American psycobilly, punk, alternative rock band, 1996-present), Music From Regions Beyond, Track 11, 2007

TIME: 4:09 PM
PLACE: Madison St.
SUBJECT: Weathered Fence

DramaQueen and I picked up my niece, Brandi to go shopping tonight.  This fence was on the side of the rode leading out of her subdivision.  The two girls indulged me while I took several pictures.  But I wasn't able to linger as long as I liked...they wanted to go shopping.

Spring Flower (065/365)

 
"And Spring arose on the garden fair,
Like the Spirit of Love felt everywhere;
And each flower and herb on Earth's dark breast
rose from the dreams of its wintry rest."

Percy Bysshe Shelley (English Romantic Poet, 1792-1822) The Sensitive Plant

TIME: 4:18 PM
PLACE: Our neighbor's yard
SUBJECT: Flower

HandsomeHusband left the house with MonkeyBoy to walk down and pick up his car from where it was being detailed.  About 30 seconds after he left, he calls me from his cell phone, "Your picture today is in Bev's yard, there are some flowers blooming."  (Isn't it sweet how he looks out for me?  One of the many reasons I married him.)  So, I grab my camera and head outside.  These purple flowers had blossomed in the warmth of today's temperatures.  I don't know what kind of flower it is, do any of you faithful readers recognize it and would you kindly enlighten me?  Thank you ever so much.   

Lincoln Slept Here (064/365)

“I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him.”

Abraham Lincoln (American Lawyer, 16th President of the United States, 1809-1865)

TIME: 12:11 PM
PLACE: Shiloh, IL
SUBJECT: James Scott Home

According to the property listing, this home was owned by James Scott, a friend of Lincoln.  It also claims that Lincoln slept here.  I don't know if that is a true fact, but even if it turns out to be a falsehood, I don't care, I have always liked this house.  Whenever I pass it, I like to imagine who lived there and what life must have been like for them.  (I haven't done any research like I did on the sign in January - it's late!).  It was built before 1900 and sits on 2.66 acres.  The house has 2,540 square feet of living space, with 2 gas fireplaces, 4 bedrooms and 2 baths.  There is a view of the St. Louis Arch from the brick patio.  A gazebo and large barn are also on the property.  What more could I ask for?  For the small sum of $397,000 it could be mine!

Don't Hold the Anchovies (063/365)

 
Counselor:  Ah, Mr Anchovy! Do sit down.
Anchovy:  Thank you. Take the weight off the feet, eh?
Counselor:  Yes, Yes.
Anchovy:  Lovely weather for the time of year I must say!
Counselor:  Enough of this gay banter. Now, Mr Anchovy…”

Monty Python's Flying Circus, Season One, Episode Ten, Vocational Guidance Counselor, John Cleese (Counselor), Michael Palin (Anchovy), Aired December 21, 1969

TIME: 4:06 PM
PLACE: Kitchen counter
SUBJECT: King Oscar Anchovy tin

There is only one reason this tin of anchovies made its way to my kitchen counter this afternoon.  I was making one of HandsomeHusband's favorite elixirs...homemade Caesar dressing.  I only make this dressing when preparing tonight's particular dinner:  Caesar Salad with Crispy Parmesan Chicken.  Mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, anchovy fillets, garlic and Dijon mustard are combined to make the dressing.  Chicken cutlets are dipped in an egg wash, then dredged in a breadcrumb mixture (fresh breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese and some black pepper).  The chicken is cooked in a small amount of olive oil on the stovetop.  Finally, Romaine leaves, some chunked tomatoes and the fried chicken are arranged on a plate and drizzled with the dressing.  Pure bliss.

What Sound Does a Worm Make? (062/365)

"Wake from thy nest, robin redbreast!
Sing, birds, in every furrow,
And from each bill let music shrill
Give my fair Love good morrow!"

Thomas Heywood (1575?-1650), British dramatist. The Rape of Lucrece (l. 11-14). . . Oxford Book of English Verse, The, 1250-1918. Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch, ed. (New ed., rev. and enl., 1939) Oxford University Press.

TIME: 1:18 PM
PLACE: The Front Yard
SUBJECT: A robin

On my way to the grocery store (yet again), I snapped this picture of a robin who was in our front yard.  Fortunately, this is a section of lawn that has not been christened by dog bombs.  The children were sent out after school today to partake in one of their least favorite chores:  scooping the poop.  I told them that since It has been extremely cold these past few days, the waste should be frozen, making it easier to scoop.  They weren't very appreciative of my observation.  Ah, the joys of dog ownership.

I Can Read With My Eyes Shut (061/365)

 
“The more that you read,
the more things you will know.
The more that you learn,
the more places you'll go."

Dr. Seuss, I Can Read with My Eyes Shut!, New York: Random House, 1978

TIME: 4:43 PM
PLACE: Living Room couch
SUBJECT: MonkeyBoy, StellaDella and DramaQueen

  As many of you may know, especially if you have school-age children, today is the birthday of Theodore Geisel, aka Dr. Seuss, aka Theo. LeSieg (which is "Geisel" spelled backwards.  He used this name for those books that he wrote, but others illustrated).   Dr. Seuss was born on this date - March 2 - in 1904.  He wrote over 60 children's books, of which two of my very favorites are "The Foot Book" & "One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish".  Go read one of his books tonight in honor of his birthday.  

And I have a confession:  I fully admit to the staging of this photo purely for blog fodder.  I have no regrets.

Sign of a High Class Motel (060/365)

 
“A chicken and an egg check in to a cheap motel room. Moments later the chicken sits up against the headboard and lights a cigarette.

The egg says, 'Well, that settles that.' ”

Unknown

TIME: 4:40 PM
PLACE: Sleepy Hollow Motel, Rt. 13
SUBJECT: Neon Sign

I originally noticed this sign on our trip out of town today.  My father-in-law cooked some turtle soup as part of a fund raiser at a tavern in his hometown.  So we went there to partake in some good eats.  After we returned, I left the house with the intention of taking a few photos at a cemetery.  I spent about 45 minutes there, but just wasn't getting what I wanted.  I remembered this sign and drove up, parked and took the picture.  I'm getting less and less self-conscious when taking photographs.  I'm not completely at ease yet, but eventually I'll get there!