beatrix bijou
9 months ago
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Preparing For Blizzard Charlotte
Last fall we kept hearing about the hurricane that was going to hit CT and preparations went into gear. I made sure that everything outside was put in the cellar from the summer,my gas grill was covered and that covered was tied down. The car was filled up, a new flashlight was bought, the oil lamps were taken out, candles and candle holders were put on the kitchen table, everything was washed, a hughe plastic bin was filled with water in the first floor bathroom, buckets were filled with water for the second floor bathroom, several cases of water bottles were bought along with food that didn't need heating or refrigeration and I filled lots of Tupperware containers for the kitchen counter. Well it all was not needed - THANKFULLY.
Now it's several months later and we are in the storm preparation mode again here in CT. I will be hoarding water and filling up containers tomorrow, I've been to the grocery store and Petco for the dog, the car is filled and backed in close to the house for when I'm plowed, I've spoken with the man that plows my driveway, the oil lamps, candles and flashlight will be on the kitchen table.
To add to it all, I've been home sick this week so I do a little at a time.
I sure hope it's like the fall and all for nothing!!!!
Sunday, September 2, 2012
Happy Birthday Katya
It's the eve of my grandaughter's 12th birthday which is a turning year as next Sept. 3, she'll be a teenager.
As I look back and reflect, I wonder how those 12 years have flown by so quickly. Gone are the:
chubby, smiling baby
early talking toddler
inquisitive preschooler
elementary schooler that loved everything American Girl
middle schooler that loves school and learning
Now she is in junior high (or it would be called that here at home in the US). She still has her beautiful smile, is inquisitive and articulate and loves school and learning. She has moved on from her American Girl days but hopefully one day she'll have a daughter to enjoy them
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Liesel and The Couch Potato
Liesel may have her flaws but she is a great companion.
I was home all week sick with a sinus infection. Worked 3 days from home and 2 days I was too sick and slept all day in bed. Then I had a side affect from the first antibiotic. Went out yesterday for under two hours for two errands. When I got home, my body felt like it was dragging a 50 pound weight so I changed and hit the couch. Fortunately Hallmark Channel is running a "Murder She Wrote" marathon weekend so I was all set. My daughter and I watched it together each Sunday night and it was our ritual. I think of that each time I watch one of the reruns.
I got to bed early and slept about 11 hours last night. Got up, showered, got into clean comfies and hit the couch. I've been here all day and still feel like a rag. I'm going to call the doctor's office tomorrow and ask if this is a side effect of the new antibiotic and also why I wasn't prescribed what I've had in the past.
I'll be back in the office tomorrow and sure hope I have more energy.
Through all of this couch time, Liesel is right with me on the couch and a good part of the time, she is stretched out across my legs under the down blanket. She always wants to be right where I am and when I get up, she is right at my feet.
She can be such a sweet dog.
I was home all week sick with a sinus infection. Worked 3 days from home and 2 days I was too sick and slept all day in bed. Then I had a side affect from the first antibiotic. Went out yesterday for under two hours for two errands. When I got home, my body felt like it was dragging a 50 pound weight so I changed and hit the couch. Fortunately Hallmark Channel is running a "Murder She Wrote" marathon weekend so I was all set. My daughter and I watched it together each Sunday night and it was our ritual. I think of that each time I watch one of the reruns.
I got to bed early and slept about 11 hours last night. Got up, showered, got into clean comfies and hit the couch. I've been here all day and still feel like a rag. I'm going to call the doctor's office tomorrow and ask if this is a side effect of the new antibiotic and also why I wasn't prescribed what I've had in the past.
I'll be back in the office tomorrow and sure hope I have more energy.
Through all of this couch time, Liesel is right with me on the couch and a good part of the time, she is stretched out across my legs under the down blanket. She always wants to be right where I am and when I get up, she is right at my feet.
She can be such a sweet dog.
Things Sure Change
Today I finally was going to change the light bulb over my computer desk as it had burned out. It's a cute, little, fake brass lamp that fits perfectly on the top shelf of my computer desk. It has a strawberry lampshade that exactly matches the swags that I made for the two windows in the room.
I went into the kitchen and got out the folding stepladder that hangs on the inside of my pantry closet door. Many years ago my husband put up two coat hooks to hold it and it fits perfectly.
As I set it up next to the counter and went to the top step, I still needed to kneel on the counter to reach this particular packet of light bulbs. As I was doing that, I remembered that many years ago I could hoist myself up on my knees on the counter without the help of that stepladder.
Guess I've gotten older.
After this effort, the new lighbulb doesn't work either so I'll have to look for another cute, little, fake brass lamp
I went into the kitchen and got out the folding stepladder that hangs on the inside of my pantry closet door. Many years ago my husband put up two coat hooks to hold it and it fits perfectly.
As I set it up next to the counter and went to the top step, I still needed to kneel on the counter to reach this particular packet of light bulbs. As I was doing that, I remembered that many years ago I could hoist myself up on my knees on the counter without the help of that stepladder.
Guess I've gotten older.
After this effort, the new lighbulb doesn't work either so I'll have to look for another cute, little, fake brass lamp
Monday, February 20, 2012
40 Years Ago on February 21, 1972
40 years ago my college roommate was visiting us in California from CT as she was out there for her brother's wedding. After the wedding, she came and stayed with us for a visit as we also lived in the San Francisco Bay area. I was not happy living out in CA being so far from family and friends while pregnant. I was not working as I'd been pregnant when we moved there and remember that it was fall of 1969. I had a lot of time on my hands and even though I was busy knitting, sewing and cooking, I was lonesome. We had moved there for the school year as my husband had resigned his commission in the US Naval Submarine Service and was in grad school at UC Berkeley. Having my BFF out to visit was just what I needed.
I still had 5 weeks to go until my due date in late March. Lorraine and I went into San Francisco one day and did the normal tourist things and wanted to ride the cable cars. Getting up on it was OK and we sat on the outside seats. My pregnancy uniform were different A line jumpers and my favorite one was a red, white and blue patchwork design pinwale corduroy that I wore most days. I was not the most graceful lady sitting on that cable car as you can imagine.
A night or two later, we all had gone to bed. All of a sudden my water broke and the labor pains started. I was up in a flash - probably the fastest I'd moved in months as I was quite big. Phil and Lorraine were asking me what was happening and what would happen next. My reply to them was, "I don't know as I haven't gotten to that chapter yet!" Next thing I did was to call the doctor. I threw some things in my overnight bag and I think we left soon after that for the hospital.
We had a new stick shift VW bug and an MGB sportscar. Phil and Lorraine helped me down the stairs and since Lorraine did not know about driving the MGB, Phil took that and Lorraine and I set off in the VW. I remember letting out some cries of pain and hearing Lorraine say, "Don't have this baby in the car with me!" All was going OK until we had to go over the railroad tracks. Oh, that bump hurt! Pulled into the ER, Phil carried me in and I remember telling the ER nurse, "I need something for the pain!" She must have thought, "If she thinks she's in pain now, just WAIT!"
Our close friends from the Navy were also at UC Berkeley and they got Lorraine to the airport the next morning. She flew back to the East Coast not knowing what was going on.
They tell you that you forgot the pain during labor. Well, don't believe that because I never did. I do remember when the anesthesiologist came into the labor room to give me the caudal, my ex had a fit as the doctor had on cowboy boots. I could have cared less if he were naked, covered with tattoos and had purple hair. He was the main with the needle full of the good stuff. He did tell me not to move or I could be paralyzed. Didn't scare me. Just give me the good stuff.
Enough of the background.
When I heard that it was a healthy girl, I put it all behind me and was absolutely THRILLED! What they say about a mother's love the minute you see and hold your baby is so TRUE! I felt it then and do 40 years later. Happy Birthday Tami!
My daughter was always inquisitive, adventurous, creative, intellectually curious and sensitive of other's feelings. She is still the same. In fact, to celebrate turning 40, she is running in a half marathon on a frozen lake in Siberia in a few weeks.
I won't say that raising her was all a bed of roses as she and I had many mother/daughter differences as we both are strong willed. Those times were minor compared to all the joy during the years that she brought to her us.
Watching my daughter grow, mature and experience each stage of her life has been wonderful. I saw her love of learning and how she channelled it into foreign languages (she speaks 4 foreign languages fluently and a 5th not as fluently). When I used to drive her to school mornings in high school, we often rode in silence as she was in the back seat talking/thinking to herself (in her mind) in a foreign language. I remember one day she told me that she loved to learn and school. I used to say, "Where did she come from? Not me!" I was in no way the student that she was. I credit that to her father's genes.
When I drove her up to college, said our tearful goodbyes and drove off, I glanced back as I got on the highway in VT and saw the Baker Library Tower steeple on the end of the town/college green. I knew my daughter was now gone from home for good but entering the world she loved. My job (and her father's) of raising her was over; she was now entering an adult world and preparing for her future. I cried and cried (sobbed is more like it) for a few miles heading away from Hanover, NH.
Now she is the mother to two girls (9 and 11) who are following in her footsteps - bright, intellectually curious, caring and sensitive. She is a fantastic mother and I'm in awe of her.
She is an educator and at every school she works at, she makes good friends with her students and many of their parents. Her students love taking her classes and respect her.
What can I say but that her father and I love her and are proud to be her parents!
I still had 5 weeks to go until my due date in late March. Lorraine and I went into San Francisco one day and did the normal tourist things and wanted to ride the cable cars. Getting up on it was OK and we sat on the outside seats. My pregnancy uniform were different A line jumpers and my favorite one was a red, white and blue patchwork design pinwale corduroy that I wore most days. I was not the most graceful lady sitting on that cable car as you can imagine.
A night or two later, we all had gone to bed. All of a sudden my water broke and the labor pains started. I was up in a flash - probably the fastest I'd moved in months as I was quite big. Phil and Lorraine were asking me what was happening and what would happen next. My reply to them was, "I don't know as I haven't gotten to that chapter yet!" Next thing I did was to call the doctor. I threw some things in my overnight bag and I think we left soon after that for the hospital.
We had a new stick shift VW bug and an MGB sportscar. Phil and Lorraine helped me down the stairs and since Lorraine did not know about driving the MGB, Phil took that and Lorraine and I set off in the VW. I remember letting out some cries of pain and hearing Lorraine say, "Don't have this baby in the car with me!" All was going OK until we had to go over the railroad tracks. Oh, that bump hurt! Pulled into the ER, Phil carried me in and I remember telling the ER nurse, "I need something for the pain!" She must have thought, "If she thinks she's in pain now, just WAIT!"
Our close friends from the Navy were also at UC Berkeley and they got Lorraine to the airport the next morning. She flew back to the East Coast not knowing what was going on.
They tell you that you forgot the pain during labor. Well, don't believe that because I never did. I do remember when the anesthesiologist came into the labor room to give me the caudal, my ex had a fit as the doctor had on cowboy boots. I could have cared less if he were naked, covered with tattoos and had purple hair. He was the main with the needle full of the good stuff. He did tell me not to move or I could be paralyzed. Didn't scare me. Just give me the good stuff.
Enough of the background.
When I heard that it was a healthy girl, I put it all behind me and was absolutely THRILLED! What they say about a mother's love the minute you see and hold your baby is so TRUE! I felt it then and do 40 years later. Happy Birthday Tami!
My daughter was always inquisitive, adventurous, creative, intellectually curious and sensitive of other's feelings. She is still the same. In fact, to celebrate turning 40, she is running in a half marathon on a frozen lake in Siberia in a few weeks.
I won't say that raising her was all a bed of roses as she and I had many mother/daughter differences as we both are strong willed. Those times were minor compared to all the joy during the years that she brought to her us.
Watching my daughter grow, mature and experience each stage of her life has been wonderful. I saw her love of learning and how she channelled it into foreign languages (she speaks 4 foreign languages fluently and a 5th not as fluently). When I used to drive her to school mornings in high school, we often rode in silence as she was in the back seat talking/thinking to herself (in her mind) in a foreign language. I remember one day she told me that she loved to learn and school. I used to say, "Where did she come from? Not me!" I was in no way the student that she was. I credit that to her father's genes.
When I drove her up to college, said our tearful goodbyes and drove off, I glanced back as I got on the highway in VT and saw the Baker Library Tower steeple on the end of the town/college green. I knew my daughter was now gone from home for good but entering the world she loved. My job (and her father's) of raising her was over; she was now entering an adult world and preparing for her future. I cried and cried (sobbed is more like it) for a few miles heading away from Hanover, NH.
Now she is the mother to two girls (9 and 11) who are following in her footsteps - bright, intellectually curious, caring and sensitive. She is a fantastic mother and I'm in awe of her.
She is an educator and at every school she works at, she makes good friends with her students and many of their parents. Her students love taking her classes and respect her.
What can I say but that her father and I love her and are proud to be her parents!
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
What happened?
During the years that my daughter was growing up, my house was super decorated for the Christmas season and I started around 8:00 AM the day after Thanksgiving. I was at it until bedtime. Then the following week I cut fresh greens, made table centerpieces, swags for our two doors and the couple next door.
I made all of the teacher gifts and I don't just mean for one or two teachers. My daughter had gifts for every teacher she had, the school custodian, receptionist and ice skating pros she took lessons from. It took two of us to carry in all the gifts to school the last day before vacation.
Some years I also made quite a few of the presents I gave - like hand knit sweaters for my mother and MIL or crewel handbags. Add to this all the decorations I sewed or crafted for the house, Christmas tree and gifts.
Every December I hosted at least one dinner party and one or two ladies' luncheons complete with china and silver in the dining room. My family came to our house on the 25th for an elegant dinner with turkey, 5 or 6 fancy veggie dishes and 3 or 4 desserts.
It wasn't the holidays without the green cream cheese spritz cookies that I made shaped like wreaths with red cinnamon candies to decorate them. I also made sugar cookies and some years I was part of large cookie swaps so made LOTS of both cookies. Many people received my cookies as gifts along with what else I made for them. One year when my daughter was in college and overseas for the holidays, I baked the cookies in early October and mailed them (which would take about 6 weeks) so she'd have them like she did every Christmas.
My dining room table was set the weekend before Christmas and several days ahead I started cooking. By the night of the 23rd, I was prepared as we were up early on the 24th, lunch and cocoa was made and the car was packed with our skis, clothing and lunch and we headed off to Butternut Basin in the Berkshires for a day on the slopes. It was a wonderful day to ski as hardly anyone was there. One year we shared a table with another family and shared my Christmas cookies with them as she didn't bake them as they were Jewish.
After a fun day skiing, we'd come home, shower and get on nice holiday clothes and sit down to our traditional Christmas Eve dinner of chili followed by a Friendly ice cream holiday log sitting at the kitchen table but set with Christmas china. Once the dishes were done, it was picture time before we changed into jammies and sat by the tree and opened some gifts from each other and friends.
The next morning we came down to find that Santa had been and opened those gifts. He filled our stockings and also left presents. My mother, aunt and family would come around noon and we had our holiday dinner. Once we rolled into the living room after all the food, we exchanged gifts and just visited before they all left around 6:00. We all changed back into jammies and my ex and I would hand wash and dry all the china, silver flatware, silver stemware and serving pieces. Big job but well worth it.
Now to what is going on this year. How come it's only a few days until Christmas and I have not finished shopping or wrapping? I don't do all the stuff I did years ago and I am still not ready for the 24th. My fall yard prep for winter was delayed because of Storm Alfred on 10/29 and I was working with clean-up until a week ago with twigs and leaves. I have never been so behind as this year - it's just not who I am. Being very busy at work adds to it as I am tired at night. This week I've been busy evenings as it's getting down to the wire with only tomorrow to get things done as I'm out Friday night. Guess I'll be up early Saturday morning.
Annie emailed me that I need to blog more so Annie, this ones for you.
I made all of the teacher gifts and I don't just mean for one or two teachers. My daughter had gifts for every teacher she had, the school custodian, receptionist and ice skating pros she took lessons from. It took two of us to carry in all the gifts to school the last day before vacation.
Some years I also made quite a few of the presents I gave - like hand knit sweaters for my mother and MIL or crewel handbags. Add to this all the decorations I sewed or crafted for the house, Christmas tree and gifts.
Every December I hosted at least one dinner party and one or two ladies' luncheons complete with china and silver in the dining room. My family came to our house on the 25th for an elegant dinner with turkey, 5 or 6 fancy veggie dishes and 3 or 4 desserts.
It wasn't the holidays without the green cream cheese spritz cookies that I made shaped like wreaths with red cinnamon candies to decorate them. I also made sugar cookies and some years I was part of large cookie swaps so made LOTS of both cookies. Many people received my cookies as gifts along with what else I made for them. One year when my daughter was in college and overseas for the holidays, I baked the cookies in early October and mailed them (which would take about 6 weeks) so she'd have them like she did every Christmas.
My dining room table was set the weekend before Christmas and several days ahead I started cooking. By the night of the 23rd, I was prepared as we were up early on the 24th, lunch and cocoa was made and the car was packed with our skis, clothing and lunch and we headed off to Butternut Basin in the Berkshires for a day on the slopes. It was a wonderful day to ski as hardly anyone was there. One year we shared a table with another family and shared my Christmas cookies with them as she didn't bake them as they were Jewish.
After a fun day skiing, we'd come home, shower and get on nice holiday clothes and sit down to our traditional Christmas Eve dinner of chili followed by a Friendly ice cream holiday log sitting at the kitchen table but set with Christmas china. Once the dishes were done, it was picture time before we changed into jammies and sat by the tree and opened some gifts from each other and friends.
The next morning we came down to find that Santa had been and opened those gifts. He filled our stockings and also left presents. My mother, aunt and family would come around noon and we had our holiday dinner. Once we rolled into the living room after all the food, we exchanged gifts and just visited before they all left around 6:00. We all changed back into jammies and my ex and I would hand wash and dry all the china, silver flatware, silver stemware and serving pieces. Big job but well worth it.
Now to what is going on this year. How come it's only a few days until Christmas and I have not finished shopping or wrapping? I don't do all the stuff I did years ago and I am still not ready for the 24th. My fall yard prep for winter was delayed because of Storm Alfred on 10/29 and I was working with clean-up until a week ago with twigs and leaves. I have never been so behind as this year - it's just not who I am. Being very busy at work adds to it as I am tired at night. This week I've been busy evenings as it's getting down to the wire with only tomorrow to get things done as I'm out Friday night. Guess I'll be up early Saturday morning.
Annie emailed me that I need to blog more so Annie, this ones for you.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Happy 9th Birthday Natalia!
Tomorrow you are turning 9!
When your mom told me she was pregnant, I thought about it for a bit and said it would be really nice if the baby were a boy since she had a girl. Deep down though I was hoping for another girl. Of course the main thing was that the baby was healthly. You gave us all (and especially your mom) some concern but further tests showed that you were fine.
I was anxious to meet you and couldn't wait for you to be born. You were due a few days into January but were going to be born on December 26th. When you mom called me at work on Friday the 13th and told me she was in labor, the first thing out of my mouth was, "You can't be having a baby today as I have the week after Christmas off." Your mother told me that was too bad but you were on your way. The plan had been that I would bring your sister home with me after Christmas and keep her for the week so your mom could have you, come home and have alone time with you. You had other plans.
I was on pins and needles and watched the phone waiting for a call that you'd been born and all was well.
I packed up the car that night and Streusel and I were on the road around 6:00 AM the next morning. I think your father was surprised to see us so early. Your sister was sitting on the living room rug watching TV with a spilled yoghurt. I got her bathed and dressed, put Streusel in her crate and off we went later in the morning to meet you and see your mother.
You were just perfect!
Happy 9th birthday Little Boo!!!!
Love,
Grandma Streusel
When your mom told me she was pregnant, I thought about it for a bit and said it would be really nice if the baby were a boy since she had a girl. Deep down though I was hoping for another girl. Of course the main thing was that the baby was healthly. You gave us all (and especially your mom) some concern but further tests showed that you were fine.
I was anxious to meet you and couldn't wait for you to be born. You were due a few days into January but were going to be born on December 26th. When you mom called me at work on Friday the 13th and told me she was in labor, the first thing out of my mouth was, "You can't be having a baby today as I have the week after Christmas off." Your mother told me that was too bad but you were on your way. The plan had been that I would bring your sister home with me after Christmas and keep her for the week so your mom could have you, come home and have alone time with you. You had other plans.
I was on pins and needles and watched the phone waiting for a call that you'd been born and all was well.
I packed up the car that night and Streusel and I were on the road around 6:00 AM the next morning. I think your father was surprised to see us so early. Your sister was sitting on the living room rug watching TV with a spilled yoghurt. I got her bathed and dressed, put Streusel in her crate and off we went later in the morning to meet you and see your mother.
You were just perfect!
Happy 9th birthday Little Boo!!!!
Love,
Grandma Streusel
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Friends Forever
Think back to college days and your friends/roommates. Many good times through living together, talking, listening, helping, quiet times, happy hours, wild times, adventures to Ft. Lauderdale during semester break (more wild times), boyfriends, break-ups with boyfriends, sharing thoughts, studying and then graduation hits.
Many of us go our separate ways and the years go by. We keep in touch but not as often as we should. Our lives change. I married first and my daughter was 10 when they each had a baby.
This past weekend the 3 of us spent time together in Saratoga Springs at one of our houses. It was like being back together when we lived in the college dorm and after college in an apartment when we were new to the work force. After I married, they continued to live together for a few years until one of them ventured off to the lures of Vail.
We were all together at my daughter's wedding 15 years ago but you know how that is. I was not able to spend time with them as I was kinda busy visiting with all the guests. The last time we were all together before that was probably in 1988 when their kids were 5 and 6 and mine was 16. We vowed this weekend that we will not let the years slip by and we will get together regularly. Claire will come to CT in January after the holidays and we'll spend time laughing and talking again.
When you have close friends, you pick right up where you left off - friends forever!
Many of us go our separate ways and the years go by. We keep in touch but not as often as we should. Our lives change. I married first and my daughter was 10 when they each had a baby.
This past weekend the 3 of us spent time together in Saratoga Springs at one of our houses. It was like being back together when we lived in the college dorm and after college in an apartment when we were new to the work force. After I married, they continued to live together for a few years until one of them ventured off to the lures of Vail.
We were all together at my daughter's wedding 15 years ago but you know how that is. I was not able to spend time with them as I was kinda busy visiting with all the guests. The last time we were all together before that was probably in 1988 when their kids were 5 and 6 and mine was 16. We vowed this weekend that we will not let the years slip by and we will get together regularly. Claire will come to CT in January after the holidays and we'll spend time laughing and talking again.
When you have close friends, you pick right up where you left off - friends forever!
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Happy 11th Birthday Katya!
Eleven years ago you were born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and you made me a grandma!
Let's go back to 8 months before that. I was out doing my annual day after Xmas shopping and came home to a message from your mom to call her. When I did, she gave me the big news that she was pregnant. I was jumping all around the kitchen as I was so excited and thrilled! She'd bought an at home pregnancy kit and it showed that she was. Back I went to Lord & Taylor the next night after work and bought two gingham Xmas stockings - one in pink and one in blue. Now the wait began.
I started unisex baby shopping immediately but had to wait another 4 months to get her call at work telling me, "It's a GIRL?" I think the whole dept. heard my screams of joy! I had been hoping, hoping, hoping for a granddaughter. Now the baby girl shopping and knitting began.
When I next saw your mother, it was about 2 months before you were born. I picked her up at the train from NYC and my eyes bulged out as she was BIG! Last time I'd seen her, she was a size 5.
We had a fun summer talking about the baby and the baby shower I gave her in one of the historic buildings at Miss Porter's School and soon it came to an end. The night before the shower your father had to take her to the emergency room with pains. Of course her being in a limbo contest while teaching ALPS at Dartmouth a few weeks earlier did not help. I told her I was having the shower with or without her as I'd paid the rental for the building and spent over $300 at the grocery store for food and had done lots of cooking. Fortunately it was a false call and they returned from the ER (after the doctor gave her a lecture about doing the limbo in her late state of pregnancy).
She flew back to Michigan the day after the shower and it was the last day she could fly according to the doctor.
I was getting nervous the last month and called her daily. Bet that doesn't surprise you. When you were born, it was so exciting and I couldn't wait to see pictures. Mom and Dad emailed them to me. You were a gorgeous baby with blond hair, blue eyes and perfect skin (and all the necessary parts). You came home in a white smocked dress I'd bought for you. See, I started with those smocked dresses from Day One. You also wore a baby blue fancy sweater that I had knit when I was pregnant with her.
Originally I was suppose to fly out a few days after your birth but I was sick all week and home from work with a sinus infection and bronchitis. I delayed my flight a week. I thought your father would come for me at the airport and what a surprise to also see your mom there pushing you in the stroller. I just looked at you in the airport and car as I didn't want to touch you until I washed and changed my clothes from the trip.
My stay was full of holding you, rocking you, taking you for walks, doing laundry (lots of it), cooking, etc. I hated to say goodbye to you but the trip came to an end.
I've loved every stage you've grown through and am so proud to be your grandma. You are a bright, lovely, talented girl and I can't wait to see what the future holds for you.
Let's go back to 8 months before that. I was out doing my annual day after Xmas shopping and came home to a message from your mom to call her. When I did, she gave me the big news that she was pregnant. I was jumping all around the kitchen as I was so excited and thrilled! She'd bought an at home pregnancy kit and it showed that she was. Back I went to Lord & Taylor the next night after work and bought two gingham Xmas stockings - one in pink and one in blue. Now the wait began.
I started unisex baby shopping immediately but had to wait another 4 months to get her call at work telling me, "It's a GIRL?" I think the whole dept. heard my screams of joy! I had been hoping, hoping, hoping for a granddaughter. Now the baby girl shopping and knitting began.
When I next saw your mother, it was about 2 months before you were born. I picked her up at the train from NYC and my eyes bulged out as she was BIG! Last time I'd seen her, she was a size 5.
We had a fun summer talking about the baby and the baby shower I gave her in one of the historic buildings at Miss Porter's School and soon it came to an end. The night before the shower your father had to take her to the emergency room with pains. Of course her being in a limbo contest while teaching ALPS at Dartmouth a few weeks earlier did not help. I told her I was having the shower with or without her as I'd paid the rental for the building and spent over $300 at the grocery store for food and had done lots of cooking. Fortunately it was a false call and they returned from the ER (after the doctor gave her a lecture about doing the limbo in her late state of pregnancy).
She flew back to Michigan the day after the shower and it was the last day she could fly according to the doctor.
I was getting nervous the last month and called her daily. Bet that doesn't surprise you. When you were born, it was so exciting and I couldn't wait to see pictures. Mom and Dad emailed them to me. You were a gorgeous baby with blond hair, blue eyes and perfect skin (and all the necessary parts). You came home in a white smocked dress I'd bought for you. See, I started with those smocked dresses from Day One. You also wore a baby blue fancy sweater that I had knit when I was pregnant with her.
Originally I was suppose to fly out a few days after your birth but I was sick all week and home from work with a sinus infection and bronchitis. I delayed my flight a week. I thought your father would come for me at the airport and what a surprise to also see your mom there pushing you in the stroller. I just looked at you in the airport and car as I didn't want to touch you until I washed and changed my clothes from the trip.
My stay was full of holding you, rocking you, taking you for walks, doing laundry (lots of it), cooking, etc. I hated to say goodbye to you but the trip came to an end.
I've loved every stage you've grown through and am so proud to be your grandma. You are a bright, lovely, talented girl and I can't wait to see what the future holds for you.
Friday, July 22, 2011
This Was After Four Glasses of Wine
Set the stage:
We're back at where we lived summers at our beach cottage. Many old friends that I've known all my life along with new friends here at the beach are making it like old home week. It's a small beach community on the CT shore. Mostly "New Englandy" style cottages and year round homes. My great grandfather built our beach cottage and it was in the family until about 12 years ago so we go way back on the Point.
Many afternoons lead into early evening and we are still on the beach. Tonight there were about a dozen of us with everyone contributing to happy hour that lasted for about 3 hours. After the big box of wine, people went up to raid their refrigerators for more wine. We had a spread from cheese and crackers to shrimp cocktail.
One of the friends' guest had her paddle board and most everyone was taking a turn on it. Natalia and Tami took right to it. After everyone had had their turns (and after my 4th glass of wine), I decided that I should try it as the next to the oldest on the beach. Well, I got up on my feet and paddled around before deciding it was time to paddle while kneeling. I never fell off so I'd say I am a cool grandma.
Enjoy the video.
Natalia took to it much more quickly; unfortunately I can't video of her to upload right now. More to come in the next days!
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Highlights
Muscovites arrived two weeks ago and it's been so busy and hectic.
Last week Katya and I went to NYC for 4 days of jam packed tourist sightseeing. Wonderful time. Going with her is so special and she has such an interest in anything dealing with American history, science or intellectual that it is fun taking her to all the places and seeing her soak it all in.
The highlights of Ellis Island was when Katya found her great grandparents' names engraved on the wall. They came together from Holland and Germany as newlyweds to start their lives here in the great US of A. I took several pictures of their names.
Katya went off to overnight camp last Sunday for two weeks. She just loves it at camp and could not wait to go. This is her second summer there. I went for many summers there as did my father. Legacy! Natalia will join her sister there next summer and my daughter will have some well deserved time to herself.
The two cars are PACKED to the gill with everything but the kitchen sink. I even brought a small air conditioner. We are off to the beach. Tami rented a cottage for two weeks. I'll be there for the first week and then go back for the last night. My SIL arrives on the 22nd so he'll have a full week there with them. They get Katya from camp next Saturday morning so she'll have her week at the beach too. This is the same beach where my family had a beachfront cottage since my great grandfather built it. Unfortunately it was sold about 12 years ago.
Last week Katya and I went to NYC for 4 days of jam packed tourist sightseeing. Wonderful time. Going with her is so special and she has such an interest in anything dealing with American history, science or intellectual that it is fun taking her to all the places and seeing her soak it all in.
The highlights of Ellis Island was when Katya found her great grandparents' names engraved on the wall. They came together from Holland and Germany as newlyweds to start their lives here in the great US of A. I took several pictures of their names.
Katya went off to overnight camp last Sunday for two weeks. She just loves it at camp and could not wait to go. This is her second summer there. I went for many summers there as did my father. Legacy! Natalia will join her sister there next summer and my daughter will have some well deserved time to herself.
The two cars are PACKED to the gill with everything but the kitchen sink. I even brought a small air conditioner. We are off to the beach. Tami rented a cottage for two weeks. I'll be there for the first week and then go back for the last night. My SIL arrives on the 22nd so he'll have a full week there with them. They get Katya from camp next Saturday morning so she'll have her week at the beach too. This is the same beach where my family had a beachfront cottage since my great grandfather built it. Unfortunately it was sold about 12 years ago.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Surprise!
Aliens have landed! Stranger things have happened... Such as a PHOTO—no, make that TWO PHOTOS—appearing in this blog!
Here's a guest post by the daughter with the camera... These two are so darn adorable together... They're now snuggled up while we read...
Monday, July 4, 2011
The Big Apple
Grandma Streusel (moi) and Katya are off in the early AM to NYC for 4 days of sightseeing.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
What I've been up to....
- Weeding
- Planting
- Transplanting
- Shoveling mulch into the wheelbarrel and them spreading it in perennials beds and shrub beds
- Cleaning
- Sweating big time
- Taking 2 Advil after the above
- Cleaning
- Why you ask? The Muscovites arrive on Friday night!!!!!!!!
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
H & H
I hate heat and humidity and it's due to be 97 today and 100 tomorrow. Not my thing. Give me the weather we had on Saturday asI loved it. It was in the high 70's or low 80's, dry air, full sun and always a good breeze - perfect. Guess I'll be staying inside the next few days in the A/C.
Thank you to the person that invented A/C. He/she was probably like me and hated heat and humidity.
Thank you to the person that invented A/C. He/she was probably like me and hated heat and humidity.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
I Hate Paperwork!
In my former life, my kitchen counters never had paperwork collecting or stuff! Well, that changed. Finally today I had no excuse as it was a damp, overcast day and not conducive to being outside reading or doing anything so I had no excuse.
I got a late start as I gave myself the AM to read in bed (and also catnap a little). It's my favorite thing to do on Sunday mornings.
This afternoon I had no excuse to not tackle it and it's one less thing I have to do in a month before the Muscovites fly in. I was at it all afternoon. Have tons of stuff for shredding and also filled a plastic bag from the grocery store with paperwork to toss.
Each time I vow that it's the last time and that I'll handle paperwork as it comes and well you know how that goes. This time WILL BE DIFFERENT!
I got a late start as I gave myself the AM to read in bed (and also catnap a little). It's my favorite thing to do on Sunday mornings.
This afternoon I had no excuse to not tackle it and it's one less thing I have to do in a month before the Muscovites fly in. I was at it all afternoon. Have tons of stuff for shredding and also filled a plastic bag from the grocery store with paperwork to toss.
Each time I vow that it's the last time and that I'll handle paperwork as it comes and well you know how that goes. This time WILL BE DIFFERENT!
Sunday, May 1, 2011
A Perfect Spring 10
Today was one of those 10 best days. Since I hate heat and humidity, I judged it so. The sun was shinning and warm, there was just a slight breeze from time to time and it was warm enough to just be in a tee shirt w/o a sweatshirt while in the sun.
Decisions, decisions, decisions - pull of the rope hammock and curl up for the afternoon with my thick book or be on the deck reading so Liesel could be outside with me. The deck it was.
I did two loads of laundry and watched them flap on the line after planting pots of gone by daffodils and purple hyacinths.
Topped it off with a walk around the neighborhood with Liesel, chatted with neighbors and their dogs and then barbecued.
A perfect weekend day IMO!
Decisions, decisions, decisions - pull of the rope hammock and curl up for the afternoon with my thick book or be on the deck reading so Liesel could be outside with me. The deck it was.
I did two loads of laundry and watched them flap on the line after planting pots of gone by daffodils and purple hyacinths.
Topped it off with a walk around the neighborhood with Liesel, chatted with neighbors and their dogs and then barbecued.
A perfect weekend day IMO!
Sunday, April 17, 2011
You Know You're In New England
It's spring (or suppose to be) here in CT. Monday it was almost 80 and yesterday it has to be in the 40's, damp, raw and really icky. The rain started in the late afternoon and it was miserable. It was nice to get back home after being out all afternoon doing errands. Loading and unloading the groceries in the rain was not fun. Today I woke up to full sun. Staying in bed and reading was so nice with the sun streaming in my east window. It still did not lure me to get up early as I love to read in bed on weekends. I had a nice surprise when I went out the front door the first time with the dog as it was actually warm. I filled the clothesline with laundry and it flapped in the wind all afternoon. I'm looking forward to those clean, crisp sheets tonight. Cold, damp and wet on Saturday and gorgeous, warm and sunny day. It is just as Mark Twain said New England about weather. P.S. For some reason, this blog won't now let me put in paragraphs.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
My Daughter Was Wrong.
This year my daughter told me that 60 was the new 50. Maybe it works if you're 60 but not if you're a few weeks shy of turning 64. Yesterday was a gorgeous spring day here in CT so I went out to pick up fallen twigs and branches on the grass from the winter storms. Bending, bending and more bending. Then I cleared the leaves from my perennial beds out by the road as my neighbor across the street's yard never was cleaned in the fall (happens every year). Guess where her leaves ended up? That could be another posting. My perennial beds look great, all the spring bulbs are popping up and perennials are poking through. Love this time of year. There aren't as many spring bulbs coming up as I planted last year thanks to the moles and voles. They have killed a lot of my grass too. Last night I popped a couple of Advil as I was stiff. Yup, 63 and holding is definitely not the new 50.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Mechanical Problem - No Flight
Picture mechanical problem with the plane and sitting in the plane for 3 hours. Then move on to 3 hours in line in the terminal to change flights (and no bathroom around). At least the airline put them up for free at the airport hotel. Unfortunately they didn't have their bathing suits for the hotel pool. They have to be back at the airport at 7:30 for a flight to Europe and then on to New England. They'll land in the midst of a lovely end of March snowstorm so I hope they'll get a hotel room at that airport and drive to me the next day after the snow ends. Of course I'm disappointed but am thankful the mechanical problem was found while the plane was checked before the flight. It means less time with Tami and Natalia but we'll make the best of it when they get here. They're safe in a nice hotel and it's free.
Meanwhile I'm on PTO so will go off to scrapbook tomorrow. Can't waste a precious PTO day.
Meanwhile I'm on PTO so will go off to scrapbook tomorrow. Can't waste a precious PTO day.
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