Today marks my brother Chris' 53rd birthday had he lived beyond the age of 33. He was a tour de force-someone who embraced life and skated on the edge. He spent his life looking for new adventures, which took him to Puerto Rico where he helped open a Chart House there. In my early years of dating Alan, we took a trip down there to experience life on an island that he so embraced. It is a life with no rules and carefree attitudes-everything is accomplished manana (tomorrow). Life is one big party. This is where Chris met his wife Terri, who's family lived there from the states to publish a magazine and avoid some stateside taxes. It's hard not to fall in love with Chris. He had an incredible wit, a keen sense of street smarts, and a loving heart.
We spent our week eating great food, drinking copious amount of alcohol (we were actually thrown out of the Bacardi factory, which is difficult to accomplish), and visiting the rain forest and beaches. We stayed in Chris' typical San Juan home, where everything is stone and marble. Housecleaning, which didn't happen often, required us to step outside while his room mates hosed the house down with water. When we finally extracted ourselves from the island life, we barely made the flight with enormous hangovers and alot of great memories.
Chris was a force to be reckoned with-he lived life largely. My brother's shared a memorable story of Chris challenging an ex-military guy to a foot race, where he showed up that morning in a bathrobe, smoking a cigarette and drinking a beer. Barefoot. Chris won that race and was awarded with the man's combat boots, which he promptly put on to accessorize his ensemble.
I see his lust for life in my son. He has the same humor, yet a little more subdued in his pursuits of a good time. Which I am grateful for. They both have an incredible talent for writing, which Chris utilized as a restaurant reviewer. We miss you every day and that void will never be filled. But oh how fortunate we were to have you in our lives for that short time!!
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Sunday, February 23, 2014
A glorious weekend
After struggling through massive cold, snow, and life's speed bumps, I finally was given a reprieve this weekend. We gathered a group of 13 women to celebrate the life of Julie Gwynn, who was the driving force behind these great friendships. Granted, we are all a bit older-partying until 4 AM simply doesn't happen anymore (we got to 1 30 AM-I thought that was pretty good). Some have aches that deter them from walking long blocks (yes, those long nights of bar hopping just don't seem to be in the cards. it takes less time to get ready to go out however (no more make up sessions, hair accoutremounts, and sexy club clothes). And food and alcohol are what's important..in that order.We had a lovely dinner at the Helmund Friday eve. We drank copious amounts of wine and hoofed it back to the hotel to continue the party. Granted there were a few who cabbed it-either due to too much wine or a bothersome knee joint or foot. We woke up early (ish) and walked, ate lunch at the Rusty Scupper, and took a water taxi to Fells Point for more afternoon cocktails.
Highlight was a great dinner at Regi's American Bistro (hooray for restaurant week), where we had a delicious meal and a very kind compassionate gentleman who heard the reasons for our gathering, sent over 3 bottles of very expensive champagne in honor of Julie. Many toasts and a few tears. We know she was there in spirit....
Nightcap at Mum's in Federal Hill, where we all had a shot of crown royal, followed by a nasty liquor the bar in known for (our very cute waitress gave us shots on the house). We left her a very healthy tip, for which she responded with, "That you so very much. Thank you for FUCKING very much!!!" We paid it forward....
With our pilgrimage completed, we headed back to the hotel for some pillow talk, Marvin Gaye, dancing, and truth or dare. Which was not very successful, as one member started the game out by asking a a 'truth' question- "What do you hope to be accomplished in 5 years?" Now hold on...truth is about how many men (or women) you have slept with or where was the most interesting place you had sex....not your life goals. So much for secrets...
We kissed goodbye the next morning and promised we would revisit this occasion again in the very near future. Our bond will always be there, thanks to Julie. And sister Lolita is now part of us. How fortunate I am!
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
I've had it
I am a big fan of winter. I spent my early years in Syracuse New York, where snow was a norm.. It was simply packed down and you drove on it. Life never stopped. In Maryland, it is always a roll of the dice as to how the snow removal will go. 3 years ago when we had 2 storms within days of each other equaling 4 feet of snow, life was paralyzed for 2 weeks.
Our winters have been mild since that massive snowmaggedon, but this year it has been a bit of a challenge. Not only dealing with getting in and out, but the library has taken a beating as well. No surprize there-every time we get substantial snow, we have to worry about our roof.
On the up side, I have remained on my feet as I navigate ice and slick walkways. Another positive is that I managed to squeak out a few days off from work thanks to bad weather. And never mind the bone chilling temps we have dealt with. So, no snowman for me. We are supposed to go snow tubing the second weekend in march. I might need to sit in the chalet with hot toddies.
Come on spring....
Our winters have been mild since that massive snowmaggedon, but this year it has been a bit of a challenge. Not only dealing with getting in and out, but the library has taken a beating as well. No surprize there-every time we get substantial snow, we have to worry about our roof.
On the up side, I have remained on my feet as I navigate ice and slick walkways. Another positive is that I managed to squeak out a few days off from work thanks to bad weather. And never mind the bone chilling temps we have dealt with. So, no snowman for me. We are supposed to go snow tubing the second weekend in march. I might need to sit in the chalet with hot toddies.
Come on spring....
Monday, January 27, 2014
library updates
It has been a while since I paid a visit here. It has been a cold, dreary month with not much to celebrate. Ravens didn't make it to the super bowl. Andrew trying to get his footing in life. Moses the cat continues to live. I have been visiting our page for activity in out libraries and we have really had too many to report. How sad? Or maybe it's the lull before the storm. We just opened longer hours starting today so perhaps we will see other walks of life come into our building. We did have a patron call us this morning and ask us if we could give her the names of some spiritual advisors, but NOT a psychic. Hmmm...what would that be exactly? A priest? Her follow up question was to find a matchmaking service where men have to pay and women do not. Perhaps the spiritual advisor could advise her on finding a man.
Despite not much going on in the crazy department, I did find this snippet:
Angel brought a total of twelve books to the circulation desk during three visits this morning proclaiming loudly that she had read them all, explaining that they were not checked out and at one point said "You need to put these away."
According to circulation assistant Amy, Angel was quite agitated about a book that she said talked about Voodoo, that Voodoo was really bad, that we should not have books in the library about Voodoo. I was able to find the book which is titled "Complete Wine Selector." Inside the back cover, the location that Angel pointed to as containing the offending information, included this description of the author: "Katherine Cole writes columns for the FOODday section of the Oregonian." We think that Angel read FOODday as Voodoo.
According to Laura and Kate, Angel also spent about 15 minutes in the 9:30am Castle Ball program. According to Kate, she was interacting with a child who did not seem uncomfortable with the interaction, nor did the child's grandmother seem uncomfortable with the interaction. While in the program (during the crafts), Angel's behavior was appropriate.
At about 4:30 this afternoon, Angel, who we've grown to know for her potential outbursts, checked out 8 items and at first left without incident. She returned into the branch immediately, grabbing a grocery bag that she had left near PC #1, and shouted to a man at PC #03 that it was time to go. It didn't appear that the man at #03 knew her. When she left this time, she set off the alarm. She kept walking, shouting nonsense, and Officer G. and I followed after her, calling her back in. She came in willingly, shouting that it was raining and that she had things to do, and I told her that we just needed to re-check her items because she had set off the security alarm. She continued shouting, saying, "what do you want me to do, strip? I'll strip. I don't have time for this shit." She threw her large black bag with her library books on the counter, dropped a shopping bag, and threw her jacket on the counter. When the contents of the shopping bag spilled on the floor, she looked at us, aggressively spreading her arms, and said, "See what you did?" She continued to shout at all of us, saying "you're just trying to make yourselves look good," telling us to "keep smiling," "take your time" and that she had important things to do. Susan and Marie quickly ran her items over the desensitizers again. As she gathered her things and left, she did not set of the alarm, but continued shouting on her way out. Rebecca saw her turn her head and spit on her way out of the exterior door, but as far as we could tell it was not inside the building.
Ah, good things are back on track....
Despite not much going on in the crazy department, I did find this snippet:
Angel brought a total of twelve books to the circulation desk during three visits this morning proclaiming loudly that she had read them all, explaining that they were not checked out and at one point said "You need to put these away."
According to circulation assistant Amy, Angel was quite agitated about a book that she said talked about Voodoo, that Voodoo was really bad, that we should not have books in the library about Voodoo. I was able to find the book which is titled "Complete Wine Selector." Inside the back cover, the location that Angel pointed to as containing the offending information, included this description of the author: "Katherine Cole writes columns for the FOODday section of the Oregonian." We think that Angel read FOODday as Voodoo.
According to Laura and Kate, Angel also spent about 15 minutes in the 9:30am Castle Ball program. According to Kate, she was interacting with a child who did not seem uncomfortable with the interaction, nor did the child's grandmother seem uncomfortable with the interaction. While in the program (during the crafts), Angel's behavior was appropriate.
At about 4:30 this afternoon, Angel, who we've grown to know for her potential outbursts, checked out 8 items and at first left without incident. She returned into the branch immediately, grabbing a grocery bag that she had left near PC #1, and shouted to a man at PC #03 that it was time to go. It didn't appear that the man at #03 knew her. When she left this time, she set off the alarm. She kept walking, shouting nonsense, and Officer G. and I followed after her, calling her back in. She came in willingly, shouting that it was raining and that she had things to do, and I told her that we just needed to re-check her items because she had set off the security alarm. She continued shouting, saying, "what do you want me to do, strip? I'll strip. I don't have time for this shit." She threw her large black bag with her library books on the counter, dropped a shopping bag, and threw her jacket on the counter. When the contents of the shopping bag spilled on the floor, she looked at us, aggressively spreading her arms, and said, "See what you did?" She continued to shout at all of us, saying "you're just trying to make yourselves look good," telling us to "keep smiling," "take your time" and that she had important things to do. Susan and Marie quickly ran her items over the desensitizers again. As she gathered her things and left, she did not set of the alarm, but continued shouting on her way out. Rebecca saw her turn her head and spit on her way out of the exterior door, but as far as we could tell it was not inside the building.
Ah, good things are back on track....
Monday, January 6, 2014
post holiday blues
I don't generally have post holiday blues but this year seems different. I think I think a good shot of seratonin. We are in the throws of winter, which is usually a happy time-I love snow. But not when it is 6 degrees and no snow in the picture. Work is more stressful than I am used to..after all, I work in a library-how stressful can it be? We open more hours in a month and we have new staff needing training within the 4 weeks to have them working on the desk and handling customers and emergencies. I also have my share of personality issues on staff...
Andrew is making some changes with his future plans, which makes me sad,as i had specific expectations that are not happening. It is not my life, but you always want the best for your kids.
So, whats good? House was cleaned by a super cleaning team in December.7 and a half hours of manpower. I highly recommend it. Getting a raise this month. I think its 1 percent. I planned a girls weekend in February to honor Julie. You always need something to look forward to. And I am 6 games away from winning the football pool. Just in time to pay for the 1000.00 fender bender Maddie was in last weekend. Debbie Downer lives on. Stay warm.
Andrew is making some changes with his future plans, which makes me sad,as i had specific expectations that are not happening. It is not my life, but you always want the best for your kids.
So, whats good? House was cleaned by a super cleaning team in December.7 and a half hours of manpower. I highly recommend it. Getting a raise this month. I think its 1 percent. I planned a girls weekend in February to honor Julie. You always need something to look forward to. And I am 6 games away from winning the football pool. Just in time to pay for the 1000.00 fender bender Maddie was in last weekend. Debbie Downer lives on. Stay warm.
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Williams Sonoma's Guide to Christmas
I simply am not Williams Sonoma material. I have dog nose prints on all my windows, leftover kraft mac and cheese in the fridge, and my idea of a gift wrap is putting in it a gift bag. Williams Sonoma customers need biscuits that cost 75.00 for their luncheon which are kept in a larder. What the hell is a larder? How is it different from a pantry? In any case, it is fun to peruse the catalog for the most absurd items one can purchase...
Item #54-3800760 Williams-Sonoma Snowflake Marshmallows
Williams-Sonoma says: "Fluffy marshmallows are hand cut and individually dusted."
Price: $5.95. Set of four.
6.00 for 4 marshmallows. That are cut like stars and melt the minute it hits the hot chocolate. Oh wait..they are DUSTED. Totally worth it.
Item #54-5710884 Three Months Of Pork
Williams-Sonoma says: "Includes 2-lb. extra thick bacon steak, 2 lbs. 4 oz. smoked Italian sausage links, and 2 lbs. Heritage Berkshire pork bulk breakfast sausage."
Price: $99.95
Waiitttt a sec.....this is 3 months of pork??? 6 pounds of meat? for 100.00? This is a breakfast meal in our house. And they make you wait for it with baited breath every month.
Items #54-126250 and #54-527879 Butter Making Kit, Rooster Butter Stamp
Williams-Sonoma says: "Just add cream for fresh, flavorful butter in 20 minutes!... A bas-relief rooster image adds a flourish to fresh churned butter"
Price: $29.95 (kit), $9.95 (stamp)
Butter in 20 minutes. Really? Do they mention how you churn for for 20 damn minutes until your arm falls off? That butter would be enough to butter someone's toast. Once. Well, i guess you have the option of stamping the butter. Where's Costco?
Item #54-5062088 Breville Smart Waffle Maker
Williams-Sonoma says: "With 12 browning setting and an 'A Bit More' button that let you add on time until waffles are cooked to perfection."
Price: $199.95 (two-square), $249.95 (four-square)
Now, here is the obvious question. If you have 12 browning settings, you actually need "A BIT MORE" setting?? And truly, i make alot of fucking waffles-how can there be 12 and A BIT MORE browning of waffles? Is level 1 white? Level 5 light tan with streaks of cream? Honey, please hit the "BIT MORE" button...the waffle is brown like toast, but needs more more. Just a bit.
Item #54-5873732 Gingerbread Estate
Williams-Sonoma says: "(not shown)"
Price: $249.95
Notes: What the fuck? I can't see the estate? The house itself is 57 bucks. How much larger is the estate? Is it so large that it can't fit within any standard camera lens? Does it have a fucking golf course? I want a gingerbread estate with a chocolate moat and armed taffy guards and maple butter gates, and if someone tries to break in, my peppermint security alarm alerts an elite group of butter toffee SEAL members to come shoot hot caramel right in your fucking EYE.
Okay, I am getting testy now. Merry Christmas....
Item #54-3800760 Williams-Sonoma Snowflake Marshmallows
Williams-Sonoma says: "Fluffy marshmallows are hand cut and individually dusted."
Price: $5.95. Set of four.
6.00 for 4 marshmallows. That are cut like stars and melt the minute it hits the hot chocolate. Oh wait..they are DUSTED. Totally worth it.
Item #54-5710884 Three Months Of Pork
Williams-Sonoma says: "Includes 2-lb. extra thick bacon steak, 2 lbs. 4 oz. smoked Italian sausage links, and 2 lbs. Heritage Berkshire pork bulk breakfast sausage."
Price: $99.95
Waiitttt a sec.....this is 3 months of pork??? 6 pounds of meat? for 100.00? This is a breakfast meal in our house. And they make you wait for it with baited breath every month.
Items #54-126250 and #54-527879 Butter Making Kit, Rooster Butter Stamp
Williams-Sonoma says: "Just add cream for fresh, flavorful butter in 20 minutes!... A bas-relief rooster image adds a flourish to fresh churned butter"
Price: $29.95 (kit), $9.95 (stamp)
Butter in 20 minutes. Really? Do they mention how you churn for for 20 damn minutes until your arm falls off? That butter would be enough to butter someone's toast. Once. Well, i guess you have the option of stamping the butter. Where's Costco?
Item #54-5062088 Breville Smart Waffle Maker
Williams-Sonoma says: "With 12 browning setting and an 'A Bit More' button that let you add on time until waffles are cooked to perfection."
Price: $199.95 (two-square), $249.95 (four-square)
Now, here is the obvious question. If you have 12 browning settings, you actually need "A BIT MORE" setting?? And truly, i make alot of fucking waffles-how can there be 12 and A BIT MORE browning of waffles? Is level 1 white? Level 5 light tan with streaks of cream? Honey, please hit the "BIT MORE" button...the waffle is brown like toast, but needs more more. Just a bit.
Item #54-5873732 Gingerbread Estate
Williams-Sonoma says: "(not shown)"
Price: $249.95
Notes: What the fuck? I can't see the estate? The house itself is 57 bucks. How much larger is the estate? Is it so large that it can't fit within any standard camera lens? Does it have a fucking golf course? I want a gingerbread estate with a chocolate moat and armed taffy guards and maple butter gates, and if someone tries to break in, my peppermint security alarm alerts an elite group of butter toffee SEAL members to come shoot hot caramel right in your fucking EYE.
Okay, I am getting testy now. Merry Christmas....
Friday, December 13, 2013
Happy Holidays from the Adams!
This will be my official Christmas letter this year, as i am stepping up into the tech world and therefore, you all are too. As I was about to reflect on the last year, I actually had to look at my calendar on my smart phone and determine what exactly I have done all year, as my memory continues to come in and out. Welcome to middle age. Or perhaps I have been here longer than I want to admit.
I can start out the year by saying we enjoyed a great season with the Baltimore Ravens and Maddie got to experience a Super Bowl parade. It set the tone for the year.
I went on a big adventure in April with my mother and brother Tim to Dublin and London. I think there might be some blog posts about the trip here, but it was memorable and big fun. Highlights were Dublin and meeting long lost relatives. Tim might think the last night in Dublin was the best, which resulted in this photo as we left Dublin to London at 5 AM the next morning.
This required long naps and a wonderful English tea filled with carbs. The trip was for my mother's 80th birthday. And a good time was had by all...
In June, Alan, myself, Maddie, and a friend spent a week in the Outer Banks which we haven't done in quite a long time. We brought kayaks, the dog, liquor,and lots of books. Enjoyed by all.
Andrew is working on his degree at Towson University. He has made alot of headway, but changed his major to English so he needs additional classes. He continues to pursue fiber arts and his dad made him a table loom that makes guitar straps and headbands. He also continues his wool hats, which he now makes for babies.
Maddie is a junior in high school and looking at colleges for engineering. We did a road trip to Cleveland at the beginning of November to look at Case Western and take in a Ravens game, the rock and roll hall of fame, and the christmas story house with 7 other friends. We rocked Cleveland and ate foods we have never tried, like bone marrow and fried pigs ears. We have other visits in the spring.
Alan is still working, but has taken on a new job behind a desk. Perfect timing as we get older and creakier. He is raising chickens on our backyard-we have a group? flock? of 7 (I think). Fresh eggs every day.
I am still at the library with many changes coming our way. Open 20 more hours a week and more staff. All I can say is I look forward to retirement.
Lucy the labradoodle is doing well-always looking for her next adventure in the car or bathroom trash can to get into. Moses, who will be 19 on his next birthday, continues to live-mostly outside in warm weather. When he is inside, it is a sad sight-he is mostly blind due to cataracts, can't hear anything, barely waling, and howls all the time. Yet he eats, drinks, and naps all day. Hard to believe he is hanging in there, but perhaps its because his nickname is the Spawn of Satan.
My brother Nick has moved to warmer pastures with his girlfriend Cindy. And he does a great job reminding all of us how warm and beautiful it is in Venice FL.
We are wishing all of you a very happy holiday and healthy New year!
The Adams family
I can start out the year by saying we enjoyed a great season with the Baltimore Ravens and Maddie got to experience a Super Bowl parade. It set the tone for the year.
I went on a big adventure in April with my mother and brother Tim to Dublin and London. I think there might be some blog posts about the trip here, but it was memorable and big fun. Highlights were Dublin and meeting long lost relatives. Tim might think the last night in Dublin was the best, which resulted in this photo as we left Dublin to London at 5 AM the next morning.
This required long naps and a wonderful English tea filled with carbs. The trip was for my mother's 80th birthday. And a good time was had by all...
In June, Alan, myself, Maddie, and a friend spent a week in the Outer Banks which we haven't done in quite a long time. We brought kayaks, the dog, liquor,and lots of books. Enjoyed by all.
Andrew is working on his degree at Towson University. He has made alot of headway, but changed his major to English so he needs additional classes. He continues to pursue fiber arts and his dad made him a table loom that makes guitar straps and headbands. He also continues his wool hats, which he now makes for babies.
Maddie is a junior in high school and looking at colleges for engineering. We did a road trip to Cleveland at the beginning of November to look at Case Western and take in a Ravens game, the rock and roll hall of fame, and the christmas story house with 7 other friends. We rocked Cleveland and ate foods we have never tried, like bone marrow and fried pigs ears. We have other visits in the spring.
Alan is still working, but has taken on a new job behind a desk. Perfect timing as we get older and creakier. He is raising chickens on our backyard-we have a group? flock? of 7 (I think). Fresh eggs every day.
I am still at the library with many changes coming our way. Open 20 more hours a week and more staff. All I can say is I look forward to retirement.
Lucy the labradoodle is doing well-always looking for her next adventure in the car or bathroom trash can to get into. Moses, who will be 19 on his next birthday, continues to live-mostly outside in warm weather. When he is inside, it is a sad sight-he is mostly blind due to cataracts, can't hear anything, barely waling, and howls all the time. Yet he eats, drinks, and naps all day. Hard to believe he is hanging in there, but perhaps its because his nickname is the Spawn of Satan.
My brother Nick has moved to warmer pastures with his girlfriend Cindy. And he does a great job reminding all of us how warm and beautiful it is in Venice FL.
We are wishing all of you a very happy holiday and healthy New year!
The Adams family
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