royal wedding

I promise this is my last post about the royal weeding.  it's hard to avoid..its on 24/7 now,  replays, fashion discussions, hat critiques (although I must admit, the Brits have cornered the market is great hats), the planned kiss. I suppose the positive is that I was flooded with great memories of our trip to London and Paris.  We loved the history, the pomp and circumstance-we were there during the Queen's birthday and caught a glimpse of her as she rode by with 174 footman.  The food, not so much.  Although we did have a great meal out near Stonehenge-a well designed Shepherd's Pie, hot and tasty, followed by homemade desserts and tea of course.  The tubes were on strike while we were there as well, which can present a major problem with getting around.  We used double deckers, just like to thousands of other Brits and tourists.  I had encountered an especially surly one trying to get home from work and tired of being trampled by tourists. He was biting people's heads off and quickly escaped upstairs-equally as crowded.  We ended up in the same 1 foot space of the the bus and being the charmer that I can be, made quick friends with him.  He hated everyone else, but loved us, gave us advice for travelling, and suggestions for dinner.  I suppose he recognized one cynic to another.
What struck me dumb was the length of hisory in this beautiful country.  There is something awesome about standing in Bath, England in the Roman baths, untouched since the 11th century.  And how DID those big stones end up in the middle of a field so far back to even imagine?  I have to say, I did think of Chevy Chase European vacation out in that field looking at well placed boulders.
So, my memories live on.  And so do the royal heirs in all their glory.  It's gotta be great to be the Queen.

Reality TV

I saw the most ridiculous reality show last night called "Pregnant in Heels". Yeah, I know, there is a reality show about everything..hoarding, people addicted to eating couch cushions, various shows featuring little people, mob wives, prisoners wives, and who could forget Sarah Palin's Alaska-where most of the program is spent buying guns, shooting guns, and talking abouyt guns.  In any case, the characters of this charming reality show are pregnant, privledged, and entitled to..making themselves happy.  One is due to have a baby in three days-she has no nursery, no diapers (not needed really because she plans to hire someone to change the diapers or clean up anything stinky), no car seat. But she does have a baby outfit in a garment bag to take them home in and a "push gift"-a multicaret diamond bracelet given to expectant moms who are about the 'push' the baby out. Never mind that she is having a c-section. 
The other character is a self involved, pushy Catholic woman who is married to a Jewish man. Seems they never discussed the religion issue for future kids-until now, 3 weeks before birth. She feels the baby is hers and it should be the mother's religion.  It is simply an extension of herself, and therefore its a given the child will be Catholic, just like her. Never mind she doesn't attend mass.  Hmm...don't think this was another immaculate conception.
Are there really humans out there that are that narcissistic?  Or is it simply amplified for the glory of tv?  I suppose the selfless and caring would be boring in the eyes of America.  It also makes you feel so good about yourself and the small causes you take on to make life better for others. 
I think its time for Jersey Shore.

Royal Wedding

I don't know about you, but I am fed up with news of the upcoming nuptials of William and Kate.  It is a daily news story, often times 2-3 times a day.  I really don't care.  I'm happy for them and hope they live a long prosperous royal life.  But enough.
Do you think the American population is more obsessed than the English population?  We visited London a couple of years ago.  Took in many royal sights..mostly filled with tourists.  I find that part of British history fascinating, but not a reason to be obsessive.  It became a running joke among our family.  Andrew found a cardboard picture of the Queen on a popsicle stick, much to his father's dismay.  Alan has no tolerance for such royal entitement and comments on the Queen's love of her job and all the riches it awards her.  Andrew however, found this attitude a good reason to bring the Queen alive on a daily basis.  Our cardboard cutout would surface each day in London, to dance, make commentary in a crisp British dialect, and drive his father crazy. He would ask him daily in his best Queen voice..."Oh Alan, why do you hate me so?" She was a welcome addition to our tour-especially in the very quiet Westminster Abbey.

I obviously don't share the intense love of British monarchy as my mother however.  She could be a spokeperson to all things British. The best pubs, the best hotels, the best parades and tours.  And she knows the history better than our own.  We often tell her she should have been born a Brit, or at least lived in London.  Now she might be up at 4 AM to watch the royal wedding.  I, however, will view the highlights on the 6 o'clock news.

joys of gardening

My husband is an avid gardener and we are just launching into the new season, which he actually started in late winter.  He is so committed and passionate about his art and I have a great admiration for anyone who can grow sustaince to any degree.  Even a tomato is impressive to me.  Having 2 teens require a great deal of sustainment.Technically our food bill should drop considerable in the summer months. Not really. I forgot how much kids eat.  I grew up with 3 younger brothers who pretty much ate anything that wasn't moving.  I remember my mother returning from the grocery store with 5 gallon jug of milk, 10 pkg of store brand cookies, and 3 chickens-which she would turn into 43 gallons of chicken soup.  That would sustain the troops for a week. Well, the cookies last 15 minutes.
Once I moved out, I expected things to subside a bit-after all, they were older, not growing so much. So much for my theory-my brother inhaled my mother's facial mask one late night, thinking it was avocado dip.When I came to visit, the only thing in the fridge was a dried up orange. And a bottle of vodka in the freezer-with ice in it.  Obviously, liquor is a food group as well.
 I still think we are ahead of the game.  We eat better in the summer.  And everything tastes so good.  Just waiting on the blackberries and tomatoes.

college life

I just talked to Andrew this morning to catch up with his life at college.Which is good, since last semester he told me no news is bad news.  Seems he is feeling the pressure of the last 3 weeks of school-I'm sure everyone remembers those days.  I was living with a restaurant employee when I attended college, was working part time and attending school full time.  Life with a restaurant person doesn't work well when u are in school..she often arrived home late, with a slew of men, wine, left over lobster (and that's like gold when u r in college) and well....what paper? what test?  I do have to hand it to her though, when times got tough, we would put on our best outfits, wander down to Tio Pepe-an upscale restaurant in Baltimore, sit at the bar, and wait. Sure enough, within 30 minutes, we had an invite for dinner at the Brass Elephant, sans prices-paid with their expense accounts.  Those occasional dinners got us through days of tomato soup. Tricky part was to dismiss them when dinner was over. "Could we come to your apartment for drinks? "Sorry, no alcohol in our apt."  "Coffee?" "No coffee either."  "Can we get your phone number?"  "No phone..."  But we are very grateful for dinner.
I did finally wise up and realize I couldn't accomplish what I needed to and moved on to another room mate-much more sane and grounded.  I think my son is coming to this realization as his current room mate offers other distractions-mostly her own agenda. Time to be autonomous and take life by the horns. Or in Andrew's case, by the spinning wheel.  Which I think he is well on his way to do this. Its life's most difficult lesson.  I am so proud of you.

Life in 2100

Recently, there was an article in the Week magazine that shared what life will be like in the year 2100, according to the world's top 300 scientists.  It was fascinating and worth mentioning:
-The Internet will be in your contact lenses.  Just think..you are wondering through Roman ruins and you'll be able to see the rise of the Roman Empire at the same time.  Talk about multi-tasking. it's a librarian's dream-always having information in their eyesight.
-Cars will be driverless, using GPS to navigate without the help of an alert human behind the wheel.  Wow. No more DD's. Car trips will be a breeze.  In fact, cars will be able to fly. Traffic and accidents are a thing of the past. And best of all, you barely need to fuel up-there's no friction to slow us down. Energy crisis solved.
-Doctors can grow spare body parts. No more organ donors needed.
-Toilets and bathroom mirrors will contain DNA sensors, capable of detecting proteins and emitted from perhaps a hundred cancer cells in a cancer colony, 10 years before a tumor forms.  A medical checkup every time we use the bathroom.
-Tourists will soar into outer space via a space elevator.  IF you are wealthy.
So right now, my concern is to download a short story on my PC, figure out my mother's mp3 player, and change my phone's ring tone. Where's my robot??  Guess its all relative...

Budget Woes Part 1

Last night, I attended the Chesapeake cluster of the citizens advisory coucil for the school system.  I probably shouldn't have...the main topic on the agenda was the budget for the upcoming year.  As a county employee, all departments were asked to submit a 10 percent cut scenario to the county executive, which we did as instructed.  All departments were asked to do this, as we all know we are facing more tough times ahead.  Wait. NOT the school system.
So, I walk in last night to hear and see a list of hardships the schools are facing in the next year.  okay. i get it.  We all are. There was also the discussion that Mr. Leopold is threatening not to give the schools their maintenenace of effort, as dictated by the state. Then there is a lengthy discussion to all about how we need to attend the upcoming hearings at Old Mill to support the budget Mr. Maxwell has asked for, which is not a 10 percent cut scenario, but a 5 percent INCREASE over last year.  And be sure to support the need for the maintenance of effort as well. 
The next topic shared was a new initiative introduced at the hight school, which will introduce new classes and new instructors.  Really?
Does anyone read the newspaper?  Is everyone in the school system have their heads in the sand or do they simply choose to ask for the sky knowing the power they hold?  Could I, as a county resident who has kids in the school system, see some concerted effort to save money, ride out the storm like the rest of us, and stop threatening big classroom sizes? I am so weary of this political game..ask for more money, knowing you probably won't get it, then threaten teacher layoffs and how the children will suffer. Play nice like the rest of us...we all have to bite the bullet and get through this tough economy.

Got the blues

Now before you jump to conclusions, this is a very good thing.  I have had the great pleasure of spending some quality time listening to two great blues artists in the last 2 months at Rams Head tavern in Annapolis. Taj Mahal is still going strong after 50 years and then there's a new comer (sort of)-Shemekia Copeland, who roots come from her dad John.  I have a special affinity to blues music-seems it touches your soul and at the same time, makes you want to move your body.  How sexy is that?  Throw in some incredible guitar work, voices that began in gospel churches, and enough musical experience that could take us back to the days of Moses..well, how much better can it get?  There's just something about watching Bobby Blu Bland and B.B. King hobble out onto the stage, pull up some chairs (cause they can no longer stand) and belt out a song about loving your woman with that devilish twinkle in their eyes.  

Granted they might be beyond acting upon it, but its shared with soul and heart.

I've tried to love all genres of music and I know I might piss off a few folks, but I have trouble with the country music scene.  They all seem like they are whining about the wrongs in their lives or the loves they lost and I am not inspired to kick up my heels.  Yeah, I know, the blues sings the blues, but hey how can you go wrong with songs titled "Big legged Mamas are back in Style" "Big Kneed Girl" "Turn the Heat up" and Big Lovin Woman"?  And the next thing ya know, you are rockin your hips and shakin what your mama gave ya.  Music is one of life's greatest pleasures. Especially blues.

the allure of autos

I have often pondered why I take notice of the many makes and models of the auto industry as I travel the highways and city streets.  I strain to read the backs vehicles as they zip by..wondering why this is of importance to me.  Then I think about my upbringing and the fleet of vehicles (if you could call them that) that entered our families lives throughout history.  And then it makes sense to me. 
See, we looked for cars that had a working motor, a transmission that allowed you to back up and go forward, and I think that might be it. Our car history began with the infamous VW beetle..circa 1960's I believe.  Which wasn't too bad in 1972.  We travelled everywhere in that little car...all 6 of us,  and of course, the cat.  We took our annual pilgrimage to the Outer banks-bags tied to the roof, in the front trunk, parents in the fron seat, Chris and I in the back seat, and the twins in the 'well' all the way in the back. Cat was sandwiched between us. We stopped for gas, or perhaps to allow me to throw up (normal anytime we travelled) and we disbursed as if we belonged in the center ring of Ringling Brothers.
Once the bug died a slow death, we moved into the 1950's..with "Moby Dick", a ginormous 1958 Plymouth with a push button transmission and no floor. Well some floor-had to be careful where you put your feet. Poor thing needed alot of TLC-electric blankets at night, hour long warm ups before backing out the the driveway. 
Our next couple of purchases (or perhaps freebies) were station wagons..not even close to the decade we lived in. Want to mortify your 13 year old? Drive up Main Street of Annapolis as smoke billows out of the car and tell your daughter to hang her head out the window to get fresh air. And lets not forget the Chevy that had no power steering...that required at least 2 drivers just to get out of your parking space.
But amongst this colorful fleet was a moment in history I always remembered...my mother car sat for someone who owned a Triumph Spitfire.  What a sweet set of wheels that was!  And even though I was never old enough to drive it (although I do have some memories of being in the drivers seat), I swore to God that when I was a big girl, a sports car would be in my driveway.  One I OWNED.  A car that would bring me great joy and no embarrassment.
And yes, that sweet ride would be mine..we call her Zelda.  And even though I am a decade behind the times, time stands still for 2 seaters...simply doesn't matter. Especially on the open road.

offspring

Sometimes it is incredibly scary how much your offspring has been spit out with the same genetic make up as yourself or your spouse. First there's the physical resemblance,where you see what you mighta been as a male child as opposed to a female. And then there's the personality traits, which take on a combo of both parents. Maybe more of one than the other.
My son has just been asked to work on the Fiber Arts crew of his college.  All students are required to work 15 hours a week on a particular crew on campus, which contributes to the greater good of the college.  Presently he has the daunting task of cleaning dorm bathrooms.  Yeah. it is exactly as bad as you might imagine.  So this is a welcome change.  And what will he be doing on this new endeavor you ask?  Well, this is Warren Wilson College in Asheville NC, home of vegan cafes with campus grown produce, green dorms, and majors like outdoor leadership, where the school in nationally recognized for their mountain biking team.  He will be weaving, spinning, and creating naturally dyed yarns for apparel to be sold on campus.  Proceeds go back to the college. My true roots of a liberal hippee have come back to visit me. 
I have a suppressed side of creativity, which comes to light in the kitchen with cooking and baking. And Alan passion for food goes back to childhood.  Both kids have that gene.  Maddie will whip up cinnamon rolls one afternoon.  Andrew just called to ask for a seafood risotto recipe-he's cooking dinner on campus tonight.
And they both share the sarcasm gene from both sides of the family. Not always good, but thank god for Burns humor.  That would be my side.

Pressures of blogs and tweets

I promised myself that I would visit my blog every day and put some sort of pithy entry for all to read. Wait, who am I kidding?  No one is following this other than me :-)  Not that it matters,this is an exercise to keep my writing skills flowing and to exercise those few brain cells that still exist.  I sorta feel like Seinfeld...all sorts of ideas about....nothing.   And look how successful that was.
It's not like I have a focus with this, like Julie who wrote about Julia Child; or a blog about travels; or someone's experience with online dating.  And of course, I have no one following this because no one knows about it.  Well, that will not be the case in the near future.  I really didn't want anyone to be excited (right) about this until I knew it was going to be a normal everyday thing and not one entry a year.  I also wasn't sure what direction should it go in..a venue to vent my frustrations with public service, a bio with all my dirty secrets, or simply sharing fun and silly moments.  I choose the later.  With a few frustrations thrown in..and I'm not naming names.

PS  Let us all sing the joy that Glenn Beck will be defunct on FOX News in the near distant future.There is a God.

Looney Lucy

After my beloved dog Bamboo died, we took a small dog break until pressure from the kids was driving me crazy and we started our search for the next perfect family dog.  After much discussion (about an hour), we decided on a labradoodle.  They don't shed, they are very smart, and love people and dogs..actually they love anything that is breathing.  We piled into the car and headed to Caroll County, where we observed the litter of puppies screech across the yard.  We picked Lucy because she couldn't stop wagging her tail.
The ride home was interesting-she threw up and drooled..obviously never been in a car before.  That mighta been the first sign.
So, onto the life of a puppy.  Here is a small list of items consumed by our lovable dog: 12 shoes, 5 pairs of underwear, couple of pillows, a camera, speakers for an ipod, hats, the couch, Alan's rose bushes, and various library books. 
She is now approaching 3 years old and has been a little more controlled in her habits.  However, she has moments of devil possession in our absence-yesterday she ate my shoe.  And 2 weeks ago, she ate Maddie's 265 dollar retainer.  Things are looking up!

Dare I be Hopeful?

It's April and its baseball season!! Oh joy.  I am a long time orioles fan..dating back to the late 70's.  I spent many afternoons at memorial Stadium cheering on Rick Dempsey, Ken Singleton, and Eddie Murray.  I looked forward to Earl Weaver's rants, especially when he threw his hats at umps.I had a mad crush on Jim Palmer-even bought him an orange juice at the Owl Bar one afternoon.  But alas, all came to a screeching halt as the o's dived in oblivion.  Years of losing seasons and an owner who won't loosen the purse strings to buy some talent. 
This year, for the first time, I am somewhat optimisitc. A 4-0 start with a great line up-actually picked up decent talent in the off season.  They came out of the gate at full speed-giving up only one run in each of the games.  Please oh great oriole gods..let me be excited about baseball again!

fools unite

Ah..April Fools Day.  A favorite holiday among many.I can attest to the jokes played on me in the past.  One morning i arrived to work and found leave slips from everyone in the branch..all for long term leave-2 months or more.  I had a moment of panic..then wised up.  On another year, I had 2 staff members annouce they were pregnant.  Think they were both very happy to say it was a joke.
My daughter headed off to school today with Spanxs shorts under her clothes-says you run the risk of someone pulling your pants down in school. Really???  I thought of calling my son at school to tell him we won the lottery, but why pull his hopes up only to dash them as he works diligently to keep those grades on track? 
And I loved what a local radio station did one year.  They changed their format to all women's music, even used just female DJ's. They changed their website over night and now called themselves WOMB. I really thought it had gone in another direction, much to my sadness. Ha! Got me again...what do they say "fool me once..fool me again, shame on me".