Kudos to my Nephew

Okay, so i did go off a bit about those dang kids not sending me a thank you for grad money. Since then, my nephew has given me a very nice written thank you note and a pic of him from his prom. And I understand a friend's son is working on his-might take him a while, but that okay. I take back my whinin...partially...still haven't heard from 2 others.
To change topics, perpetual issues at the library. I really do think the powers above me would love to shut the doors of this building because of the rental issues we see everyday. Ideally, we need to be in our own building and get out of here.
Friday afternoon was full of new and favorite patrons. Our regulars appeared. The complainer who never has her holds waiting for her because we lose them (amazing, I say to her, that you are the ONLY person this happens to). Sit down man, who wears the same outfit every day-bathing trunks, button up shirt tucked in the suit, tennis shoes. The woman who claims to belong to the Mensa group (which I highly doubt), and a new person. She needed to tell me that the summer reading list publication had a GLARING editing mistake and what am I going to do about it? After all, she was editor of not one, but TWO new york newspapers and this was simply unacceptable. Perhaps she could just make paper airplanes out of those publications. And the roof continues to leak. Despite no rain in 2 weeks.
Perhaps its time for a vacation

Pet Peeves

Today has begun as a frustration day. I arrived at the branch only to see more water than usual pouring through the ceiling.  Haven't seen a roofing company in a week. So you know how this goes...you are already irritated and then all of a sudden you are thinking about all the little things that bug the shit out of you. Like manners.  Do you really need to be talking on your cell phone at the information desk when you are asking me a reference question?  Is it all that important?
 I sent out or gave out over 200.00 dollars in graduation money to seniors-either friends or nieces or nephews.  I have YET to receive any acknowledgement.  Not even a text message with a thank you.  If I thought enough of you to acknowledge your accomplishment, you could at least thank me.
My local grocery store up the street-please stop shelving out of date products. Why do I have to check every date on every food item to know its still fresh? Maybe I need to take my business elsewhere.
Walmart. I don't even need to harp on them. They just irritate me.
How come I have to replace my cell phone every year because it stops working?  Doesn't matter what model..guess the more bells and whistles, the bigger chance of a failure.  And yes, you have a 1 year warranty on it. But you are given a replacement that is REFURBISHED.  That works for a couple of months.
And don't tell me the water pouring into my building is residual water from the repair 4 days ago.I am not stupid.
Okay, I am sounding too much like Andy Rooney.  Off to lunch. If I can find something to eat because I live with 2 teens and often the fridge is empty.  Have a nice day.

Fathers Day

Yep. I know..I am a day late and a dollar short.  I thought about dads yesterday, called my brothers to wish good wishes; acknowledged Alan's good deeds as dad and then thought about my dad.  It's been 22 years since he was gone and there still days where I would like to pick up the phone to tell him something.  He was a jovial soul with a sharp, quick wit that everyone remembers about him.  My brother reminded me of our late night arriving home.  I was about 12, Chris was 9, twins about 6 or 7.  We would cruise down the dark road towards home and just as the road dips, he would shut the lights off in the car-we would feel like we were flying. Terrifying and yet exhilerating.  I remember many visits to New Jersey where he was living, where we would spend great times in the city, eating in the bast places (Windows of the World was a favorite), hitting piano bars, and seeing Manhattan from a native's perspective. 
He was also quite a drinker.  Scotch was his drink of choice and he could put a major dent in a fifth in one evening. Which is fine, unless we were visiting my aunt on top of a mountain that required some skill when leaving her house. And throw in deer to had to the terror. 
He had a lust for life.  Didn't pay too much attention to the small stuff, which presented problems in relationships.  He was well liked by many and loved what he did...librarianship.  He was instrumental in my decision to move into the field. I think it was really those phenomenal library conferences in great locations-he would fly me to New orleans or San Fransisco where we would hit all the publisher's parties for free drinks and tasty morsels. When that was done, we saw the sights of the city.  Don't think he attended one meeting the whole time we were there..except to stick his head in and get a general feel in case he was asked.
His love of life was ultimately his demise.  I am glad he touched my life and many others.  Is it time for a drinky-po?

summer has arrived!

And with it, we continue to have swimming pools in the library.  SO glad the worker bees replaced the ceiling tiles, only to be saturated and removed forcefully by massive water. It hasn't deterred the public-we attract large crowds once schools shut down.   But hey, its summer mode!  No more sports practices, homework, lunches..
TO celebrate summer, the library is hosting a Top Chef Pasadena program in August, where kids will compete for the title of Top Chef.  We have illustrious judges-our local councilman, our local delegate, and the owner of ther bakery next door.  Sharpen your knives and hone your skills..this will be a battle.
Veggies are just coming in in large quantities. It's time to be vegetarian.  More poolside reading. More days in the hammock. Day trips to Smith Island. Maybe in the convertible.
My favorite memories are summer days in Bay Ridge-filled with bay swimming (all day), sailing on our little sunfish (how I got that boat to the beach singlehanded and out to almost the shipping lanes without being mowed over is beyond me), pool until dark-robbing pinball machines for change to pay for lunch; playing pogo stick until I felt like I was always bouncing days when I was finished; stealing watermelons late into the night (another whole story); water balloon battles; bonfires on the beach...
I am so grateful my kids live near the water and can appreciate the joy of summers crabbing and swimming. Maybe not stealing watermelons.

crabs and roof leaks

I had the opportunity to spend some time with my old and dear friend Alex this week.  They had a big crab feast at her ex-husband's place-an aging home where he conducts a seafood business out of in the summer months.  The house is no worse for the wear..bustling with a steady flow of people all evening. I imagine that is what happens all the time.  In any case, we sat down for a few crabs, burgers, sausage, raccoon salad, pasta salad, as well as a few other salads.  yes, that was not a misprint..apparently they were serving raccoon salad.  Not sure if they were pulling anyone's leg, but no one seemed to be eating it.  Okay, i took a taste.  it was an odd color..a very dark meat.  And it really did taste like chicken,  So, was it real or not? Saw no coon pelts laying around..I prefer to think it was chicken.
Monday morning arrived and I was greeted with a call to tell me we had a massive roof leak over the weekend in the library.  Nothing unusual-although this might the worst yet..we lost 250 books in water damage.  We took the proper procedures and called HDQ.  They contacted the owner, who thought it was an exageration and would come out right away to see the damage.  And lo and behold, he never showed up! Wonder if we were handing him a wad of cash if he would post...  Massive mess.  I suppose this is better than the roof almost collapsing a couple of winters ago. 
Is it the end of the day yet?

life's oddities

What a strange week its been.  Our illustrious sit down man has moved to his summer wardrobe-which consists of a short sleeve button down shirt, tucked into his bathing suit trunks and sneakers.  Same outfit everyday.  I attended a meeting yesterday and an attendee was wearing very nice black and white dress, big pearl necklace, and an apron.  Hmmm...June Cleaver look?
And how could we not know about Sarah Palin's latest screwup, where she reported that Paul Revere was ringing bells to warn the BRITISH that they were not gonna take our guns away...or something like that.  I couldn't even follow her logic.  Please lord, have her run for president..imagine the entertainment factor.  I also understand her supporters went on Wikipedia to reflect this chage in our history.  Fortunately, it has been 'padlocked'.
Also worth a mention...Congressman Weiner couldn't keep his weiner in his pants.  I really do wish these idiots would simply sleep with someone and not turn is into an Internet sensation.
And to round off the news this week, Republican Sharron Angle, who lost her race in Nevada, was on the Today show toting her new book "Right Angle".  Highlights included the fact that Obama was elected because he was black and just a pretty face and accused Harry Reid of stealing the election.  So, I am very impressed with what she thinks of the integrity of our American people, never mind the intelligence to vote simply on charisma.
Okay, advice to all of you-keep your private parts in your pants and focus on facts.  And those of you making fashion statements, please call Tim Gunn for advice.

peninsula living

Seems I am always destined to live on a peninsula.  I lived in a small community growing up in Annapolis called Bay Ridge-only one road in and one road out.  And here I am again..living off one of the longest dead end roads in the country (at least its rumored to be that).  In any case, we had a typical Friday afternoon in hell this past weekend, which also happened to be the eighth grade social night.  Apparently, a high school bus was involved in an accident with 2 cars, which resulted in towed all involved and an ambulance or two. So, now the only road in is closed.  No buses to the middle school.  Maddie sends me a text at 2 :40-just as school lets out.  No kids are going home-they are all in classrooms waiting on buses to arrive.  Traffic is grindlocked.  At 2:41, our electricity goes off.  A tranformer blew-just to add to the chaos. 
I get a text from maddie's teacher-please come pick her up if she is going to make her hair appointment. No one is allowed to leave unless they come into the office and sign them out.  office is chaos-parents in line picking up kids. Phone is ringing off the hook.  I gather Maddie, only to sit in traffic until things cleared up.  We make her hair appt, head home, still a huge back up because middle school kids are just getting home and the elementary kids have to picked up now. Run home, change, jump back in the car..now its backed up going out.  Seems something was going on at the local liquor store..perhaps a robbery.  And who is stupid enough to rob a store on a peninsula?
Okay, its time to start looking at a boat.  Much faster and a guaranteed alternative route. 

goodbye middle school...

Maddie is wrapping up her final year at Chesapeake Bay Middle School. it has been a mixed bag of highs and lows.  Certainly her academics have been outstanding.  Amazing how different your kids can be..don't think I have looked at a homework assignment in 3 years. Andrew required a bit more monitoring :-)  She had some great teachers..this year's language arts teacher was one of the best.  She hailed from New York, where writing was a big focus.  Good thing-we don't do much of that here.  And we had a few not so great.  A few who might want to retire.  No names to protect the guilty.
Tonight is the 8th grade social to send them on their way to high school.  Obviously I won't be attending as a chaperone, although Andrew had no issue with this.  Maddie is going all girl tonight, which is a bit of an adjustment for me.  She's always been the sports girl.  Never thought we would be painting toes and discussing makeup.  But is all good...and she would look beautiful in any fashion statement she decides to make. 
So yeah, they grow up.  And sometimes you wish you could have those days back when they were 5 years old, believing in Santa and look at you with complete admiration and awe. Then I remember child care issues, illnesses, and temper tantrums.  And I count my lucky blessings. Go forth and conquer Maddie!

grads for forth!

Today the local high school will be holding commencement for a number of kids I've seen grow up.  In the school's standard fashion, tradition will continue to hold true and they will be the only high school to hold the graduation ceremony AT the school.  it is supposed tobe outside, but again, will be moved indoors to the gymnasium...average temperature on a good day 78.  Put 1800 bodies in there and the temp is now 110.  Think maybe its time to let go of tradition and move it to a spacious air-conditioned hall.  Which unfortunately is out of county.  I find it amazing the county seat does NOT have a large enough hall to house graduation ceremonies for local high schools. But thats another issue.  When i graduated, it was held outdoors and the navy stadium.  I don't think they do that anymore.
In addition to my friend's kids walking on stage, I must also offer a congrats to my nephew Conor and my niece Abby.  Conor is headed to Frostburg and Abby is headed to AACC...I am very proud of them.  Just remember not to get arrested, keep your grades up,. and make your parents proud.  You have your whole life ahead of you.  Don't screw it up.