Maison Cou Rouge

The Japanese Tradition - Chopsticks

2012-01-28T11:56:00.000-05:00

The Captain has done it again. He found this instructional, yet HILARIOUS, video on the use of chopsticks. ENJOY!!!

Greenwood and Oakland Cemeteries

2012-01-28T01:39:00.002-05:00

If you haven't had your fill of Elizabeth's Ancestors......

I thought I'd show you the matriarch and patriarch of the Hutchinson clan in Louisiana.

We are now at Greenwood Cemetery, which was one of the first cemeteries in the parish. Oh, right...for explanation for some of you, Louisiana doesn't have counties like the other 49 states, it has parishes because it was settled by the French, and so the territory/state was organized around the parishes of the Roman Catholic Church. Additionally, the laws of the the State of Louisiana are organized around the French Code Napoleon, unlike the other 49 that are primarily based from English Common Law. Oops, sorry---the history lesson will now end and I'll get back to the graveyard.

Specifically, William Joseph Hutchinson and Adeline McDonald Strother. They came to Louisiana before the War Between the States to set up farming. Their plantation, Caspiana, is still on the map today.

They had nine--NINE??--- NINE children. I'm glad they had that many--because my great-grandfather was number EIGHT!

Greenwood Cemetery is a beautiful old cemetery, but I have one last stop to make...one of the oldest cemeteries, if not THE oldest in the area.

Oakland Cemetery is intriguing, interesting, and sad.

Why, I wonder, is this monument at an angle?

There must be a story here.

What a lovely thing to put on a mother's grave.

I wonder what she was like?

Part of Oakland is reserved for Jewish graves, the oldest in North Louisiana.

Sadly, parts of Oakland have been neglected.

And, even though it is on the National Register of Historic Places, has been vandalized in recent years.

Tragic.

But still beautiful.

Some Horne- Some Hutchinson

2012-01-28T00:31:00.003-05:00

There's a small plot in Forest Park Cemetery in Shreveport for my father's family.

Forest Park is a much newer cemetery, and there are not so many old-style ornate family plots. For the most part, simple family headstones are accompanied by individual footmarkers. Such is the case with the Horne plot.

Here's my grandfather--whom we called, appropriately enough, "Granddaddy Horne".

My brother Ed, who seems to be the family repository for all memories, remembers more about him than I do. I remember a stern older gentleman. And I vaguely remember Ed helping him blow out some candles on a cake and ending up IN the icing.

My Grandmother Horne (she was never Grandmamma, or a nickname of any kind. Always "Grandmother Horne" ) I remember a little more.

Sometimes I would go to her house-or more appropriately, her apartment after Grandaddy died, and sit with her watching the Laurence Welk Show on Saturday night. I also have a memory of her crocheting bandages for leprosy victims. One of those Catholic ladies' sewing circle things. And, for some CRAZY reason, I remember a chicken spaghetti casserole. I remember that darned casserole. I have no idea why.

And here's my Daddy.

He died when I was 27, but had been in ill health ever since he suffered a massive stroke a month or so after his mother died. Or was it a month before? Ed, help me out here.

Anyway, my father's brother, Charles III- or Uncle Charlie, as I knew him, is also buried here, and his wife, Aunt Jean. I remember them both, but her especially.

Now, if this isn't too crazy or morbid for you, I'll drive you up the hill to a familiar place to me...the Hutchinson plot.

Why familiar? It's a Southern girl thing, I guess....I remember many times coming out to the cemetery with my mother's mother- my Mimi- to take care of the plot, plant pansies, bring cut flowers, and generally tend things.

Walking the path, it seemed so much shorter to me now than when I was ten.

Gone is the small boxwood hedge that went around the headstone, with the spaces left bare for annual plantings.

Here's my grandfather-my "Gingy" --

Ok, ok--I know--weird name...but I am the oldest grandchild. If a grandmother was "Mimi", then my grandfather had to rhyme, right? I don't know how I came up with the name, I just did. Oh, he was wonderful. He would take me out with him when he checked on the cattle- and let me sit in his lap and "drive" the truck while he pushed the pedals! I was all of- what?-- 4 years old? Five??? And he and I would eat ALL the black olives at holiday dinners.

My Grandmother- my "Mimi".

She was amazing. She was a Steel Magnolia. We would listen to the Metropolitan Opera on Saturday afternoons in the living room, and I would sleep in bed with her- the same bed I sleep in now- and stay up listening to Chicago talk radio when the AM-waves bounced right. She kept the radio on because she had insomnia. She probably had insomnia because she kept the radio on.

My great-grandfather --"Daddy Charlie"--

I never knew him, but I did know my "Granny" - my great-grandmother.

The Martha for whom I am named (have you forgotten my birth name is Martha Elizabeth Hutchinson Horne?) - although she was called "Mattie" or more appropriately "Miss Mattie". Family called her "Pigeon". Yes, pigeon, like the bird. I kid you not. Oh, I remember Granny--she lived next door to my grandparents on Cecile and we would walk over and she would give us orange juice out of cut crystal tumblers and serve us butter mints. (Yes, I know that's a run-on sentence but that's how I remember it...just like a child would say it). You might notice she did NOT want the date of her birth on her foot marker for all to be able to calculate her age....but the secret's out, Granny. She was born May 26, 1880.

She was not only the mother of my grandfather, she was also the mother of THIS lady...

The one, the only...Arne. Pronounced Ah-Nee. Auntie Mame. The lady who let me stay with her in her suite facing Bourbon Street in New Orleans when I was eight. Who took me to my first Mozart opera, Don Giovanni (still a favorite). Who took me on my first Crystal Cruise. Yes, technically, she's not buried here--it's only a marker. We scattered her ashes off the stern of Crystal Symphony in the Sea of the Hebrides. And, yes, that's how I want to go, too!

And because my cousins read this blog, I am delighted to show Arne's consort, my "Uncle Robert"-

His family was from Shreveport, too, but I don't remember much of him.

Also "out there" with the Hutchinsons are my mom's brother, who was called "Bubbie"--

--but who was known to my brothers and me as "Unkee". He farmed with my grandfather and died from cancer much too soon.
You've seen photos of my beautiful cousin Ashley--it's her father. Ashley's mom, Jo Ann is next to him.

I remember their wedding. She gave me my own flowers. She was beautiful-in that delicate, dark-haired, porcelain skin, Snow-White way. I don't think she ever got over Unkee dying.

So that's the lot of 'em--my recent relatives. But just one more thing. Sort of cracked me up when I saw it, and I had to take a photo.

My grandmother, so diligently weeded and labored to have a pristine plot.....

........would she be horrified to find a weed blooming so near her marker????

Looking for Ancestors-St. Joseph's Cemetery

2012-01-27T23:24:00.004-05:00

If you have read my blog for any length of time, you know I love cemeteries. Far from being spooked by them, I find them quite peaceful places, full of beauty.

For a while now, I have been wanting to go through "the old Catholic cemetery"--or more properly, St. Joseph's Cemetery. I knew I had some relatives from my father's side buried there, so off I went in search of any Horne headstones.

I was intrigued by so many markers that listed birthplaces of "Cefalu, Italy". Here is one written entirely in Italian.

Many victims of the Yellow Fever epidemic of 1873 are buried here, including the five Catholic priests who died ministering to fever victims.

I spent almost an hour walking and reading names, wondering about lives long ago and taking the occasional photo. No luck finding any Hornes, though.

I hopped in the car, and, on a whim, drove through the center of the cemetery one last time. I noticed this beautiful statue.

And the name caught my eye. De Filiquier.

Bingo!

My great-grandmother's last name was de Filiquier before she married my great-grandfather Horne.

And so I found my paternal great-grandmother's family plot.

Lucien Blank de Filiquier and his wife, Mina Beyais de Filiquier came from France and owned a market. He died in 1895.

The next to join him was his little grandson, William, who died in 1901 aged 9 months.

I never knew about him!

My great-grandmother Emilie died when she was 45.

And then her mother followed 2 years later.

Here's my great-grandfather's marker.

Not nearly as elaborate as his wife's. He outlived my great-grandmother by 15 years.

The last to be buried in the deFiliquier plot is my great-aunt Lucille.

I remember Aunt Ciel- a tiny spinster, with white-grey hair and those '60 style eyeglasses who lived in the house next to my grandparents. Her house smelled like mothballs and was crammed to the rafters with the stuff of a lifetime. She was a ceramic artist- I remember her kiln and her molds and remember her greenware works-in-progress and how the glaze colors were never the same before the final firing as they were afterward. I still have one of her china Easter eggs.

Charles' and Emilie's eldest child, my grandfather Charles jr., is not buried with his parents and brother and sister. I'll take you there next.

A Week in Louisiana

2012-01-27T22:31:00.004-05:00

It was a big week for my family in Louisiana. My brother Ed had a "big bad birthday" as did CruiseGran. There was lots of celebrating.

I gave my high-school friends a "heads up" (thank you Facebook!) and we got together on Tuesday night at Genghis Grill.

We are a good lookin' bunch, if I do say so myself.
But lest you think that getting us all smiling in sync with our eyes open is easy, take a quick look at all the "takes" we had to take!!

Yes, that was my friend Nancy in town from Charlotte, NC. We finally managed to be in Hooterville at the same time. We had lunch at Cush's and then went to visit with her mom, Helen. Was a lovely, LOVELY afternoon.

I also had a awesome catch-up lunch with my friend David Hennington (why the heck didn't I take a photo of us, David??????? I'll get one next time!!!!)

Wednesday night, we fixed brother Ed's 50th birthday dinner at my mom's house. Ever the low-key guy, he wanted to keep it simple- steaks, salad and birthday cake.

Julie Ann's Italian Creme Cake, thankyouverymuch.

Ella loved the cake!

He got some cool prezzies.......

Brother Will delivered the cake with much ceremony.

And the birthday boy got a little annoyed (as he always does) with my photo-taking.

(I SWEAR he's not in the Witness Protection Program! He just doesn't like having his photo "out there" for the world to see.)

And Emerson helped her old dad cut it.

But my EP366 for the day shows the little brother in the pastel portrait all grown up!

Friday was the Cotillion Ball announcement party, and I am tickled to say that AJ was asked to be a Gentleman in this year's court.

I was so happy to see so many Shreveport friends, including my friend Mary, whom I have not seen in 25 years. Her daughter is also in the court, so we are looking forward to BIG times in April. Alix and nephew Austin have been asked to be ushers at the ball, and little cousin Julia is a herald...so it will be a big family affair!

Saturday, I had lunch with "the family girls".

Mary Cecile was able to join us, having just gotten back from a morning of duck hunting with her daddy, Buzz.

And then Saturday night, we celebrated Mama's birthday (I won't say how many). We had wanted to have a party for her, but the Shreveport Symphony was otherwise engaged on Saturday, so we just let them do their thing and we went to The Anvil.

The gang was all there...including the funniest woman in the world Kris Hiers and Austin's girlfriend Kelly.

Mama and cousin Ashley looked radiant, as always.

Ok, so we got her a mushy card.

And a bracelet from us had to suffice for the lack-of-big-party.

Mary Cecile was out of cammo by now.

And JuJu and Woo were not to be upstaged.

Busy busy busy week in Hooterville-on-the-Red!!!!!!

Atlanta

2012-01-27T22:09:00.005-05:00

The day after Alix's birthday, I headed up to Atlanta to stay with my darling granddogter Molly. AJ and Anna-Grace headed off for an overnight of skiing in North Carolina with his fraternity.

I discovered that Molly likes to watch TV.

She plays hard......

and when she crashes, she crashes.

On Sunday, I trotted myself over to the High Museum of Art to see the Picasso to Warhol exhibit.

I had seen many of the works in the Museum of Modern Art in New York, but it was like greeting old friends.

I loved that, although you couldn't use "real" cameras to take photos of the works, you COULD use camera phones!!!!

Picasso's Girl Before a Mirror.

My beloved Matisse. Maquette for Nuit de Noel.

More Matisse. The sculpture is The Serf, with the painting "Artist's Model" in back.

Mondrian's Trafalgar Square.

Brancusi's Bird in Space.

Pollack's Number 1A.

Warhol's Campbell Soup Cans.

I could have stayed for hours. But the kids were due back, and WOW, were they tired!

The girls fell asleep on the sofa right after dinner...

And I had a long drive ahead of me.... to Louisiana!

The First Half of January

2012-01-27T21:43:00.003-05:00

When last I left here (well, aside from the EP366 postings...and honestly, if Jan-Olav tries to get me to do a third one, it will be 365 photographs of a well-padded booby hatch...but I digress), it was that lovely quiet week between Christmas and New Years, when I had the house all to myself (a toe-dip into the water of things to come). So what, you ask, has been going on around Maison Cou Rouge????

Well, Alix and super-beau Wesley returned from Hotlanta in time to celebrate New Year's Eve with me--and Anderson and Kathy and Lady and Dick. No, I wasn't having a free-for-all at MCR, and NO, Middle-Of-Nowhere hasn't had a sudden influx of residents....that would be my hot dates for New Year's Eve--Anderson Cooper and Kathy Griffin on CNN, and Lady Gaga and Dick Clark on ABC's New Year's Rockin' Eve.

Yep, it was a hot time in the ol' town that night....

I could have edited out most of the photo, and left you thinking I had a super-up-close seat at a Gaga concert, but I wanted to prove that I actually stayed up until midnight.

Proof.

Wesley was fascinated by the champagne bubbles in his glass...I think he did a right nice job of capturing them, don't you??

First portrait of 2012!

They weren't all perfect...

What else have I been doing?? Tackling peeling wallpaper...

I believe there is a special ring of Dante's Hell for people who put up wallpaper without prepping the walls first. This is slooooowwwww going. I'm still at it.

I also do not understand why wallpaper peels at the edges so badly that it will not be glued back down...but yet remains absolutely unremovable 1.5 inches from the edge. One of life's great mysteries, I suspect.

I took some photos out in the rain...

Why people through junk carelessly away instead of disposing of it properly really gets me. Add another ring of hell....

The big news was that Alix turned 18. She had some friends over for dinner...

Which included quite an interesting menu. Steak, mashed potatoes, butter beans and macaroni and cheese. Ok, I forced a salad in there, but it was wilted spinach covered in warm bacon dressing. That's not really salad, is it?

Oh, and a cake, naturally.

Paula Deen's Tangerine cake with Tangerine Cream Cheese icing. DE-VINE!!!

It was an exciting day--I can't believe my girl is 18. Grown. Voting.

I guess it's time to stop using my standard excuse for the shape I am in...."I just had a baby".

EP366 Week 36

2012-01-12T11:57:00.002-05:00

Day 246
January 1, 2012

Day 247
January 2, 2012

Day 248
January 3, 2011

Day 249
January 4, 2011

Day 250
January 5, 2011

Day 251
January 6, 2011

Day 252
January 7, 2011

EP 366 Week 35

2012-01-12T11:51:00.002-05:00

Day 239
December 25, 2011

Day 240
December 26, 2011

Day 241
December 27, 2011

Day 242
December 28, 2011

Day 243
December 29, 2011

Day 244
December 30, 2011

December 245
December 31, 2011

2011-2012

2011-12-31T13:19:00.003-05:00

If you didn't already know there is something weird going on here at Maison Cou Rouge, I give you this photograph. I even put the timestamp on the photo, so you wouldn't think I made it up.

Yes, those are tomatoes ripening on the vine by my back door.

I don't know whether this is an indication of the weirdness of the year 2011...or of the strange things to happen in 2012.

Ah, well...let the adventure begin.

2012 A Year of Change

2011-12-31T12:34:00.003-05:00

A new year is like a new box of crayons and a new pad of paper. Hmmmmm--what to doodle? What to draw? What to make of the next 366 days?

You know me--I'm not for making resolutions. But I do know that 2012 will be a year of change for me.

The biggie is that, in August, Alix will be joining her brother at Georgia Tech in Atlanta. I will have an empty nest.

Yes, Alix is gone a lot presently. But she's still officially "in residence" and, although she's quite independent, I do get the occasional "Maaaaaaammmmmmmaaaaa" and "can you do (insert request) for me?". In autumn, my baby bird will fly north and begin making her adult life without my daily guidance (or interference).

Another biggie is that I have to figure out how to earn my room and board. My mother has been incredibly generous in helping me through this period, but it is time I learned to stand on my own. Oh, man--this is the awful, big "scary" under the bed with me right now. How, what, who? The fact that I live in a tiny town doesn't help. But I love living here in Middle-Of-Nowhere-comma-Georgia--or as I should more properly call it, Tennille--and don't want to move. My friends are so supportive--"Oh, you're so creative, you're so talented--you can do ANYTHING"--I love them for it, but maybe I think what I need is some focus and a good swift kick in the pants...... And, of course, the sleepless nights come every so often, with me doubting my abilities to succeed at anything. But I've dealt with that all my life.

I think this year, I want to write more--and with more substance than before. One thing I learned from the past few years is that I stayed so long in an verbally abusive relationship because I didn't think I had any other option. Once I realized I DID have options, I recognized that there are others in situations so much worse off that I. And I want to help them.

I am also feeling a pull to write about living with depression. It will come as a surprise to many folks who know me - some quite close to me- that I have struggled with depression for as long as I can remember. It is only in the past nine years- with the help of my very observant doctor- that I have come to an armistice with my version of Churchill's Black Dog. Again- I am feeling the need to help others in similar circumstances.

Ok, enough about that. We'll see what evolves, shall we?

I want to live more simply. More honestly. More AUTHENTICALLY. I heard my friend Jane Marx once say to someone "I like you. You are authentic." I want to explore what that means.

Maybe that is my word for the year. Authentic.

Oh, I'm heading places....lots and lots of places...

To Louisiana- lots. I'll get to know Interstate 20 like the back of my hand. All 500 miles of it.

Cruisegran and I are heading to southeast Asia this spring- Cambodia and Vietnam. Angor Wat. I'm too excited for words. I just got my passport back with the visas- so it's beginning to feel "real" to me.

This summer, the Family (gosh, that sounds like the mafia, doesn't it?) is going from Venice through the Black Sea. I've never been to Istanbul or Greece, so it will be new to me.

I am sure lots of adventures are looming just over the horizon...so when my friend Diane reminded me just a few hours ago of this Mark Twain quote, I smiled.

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."

2011 Recap

2011-12-31T11:21:00.003-05:00

Well, I'm not much for looking backward (or forward, really) but I guess it is this day/evening each year when it is inevitable. At the first of the year, I wrote about 2011 being " A Year of Possibilities".

Let's take a look, shall we?

I used the "good stuff" more. Even just when it was I, by myself.

Treat my body with more respect?? Well, I totally blew that out of the water...but I will try... Lord knows, I will try.

I didn't get to meditate as much as I would have liked. I feel so much more whole when I do. Like in so many other instances, life keeps intruding.

I turned off the news A LOT this year. I used to be a news junkie, but found that switching the channel when people started yelling at one another made me less so. I switched from FoxNews (who now seems to be yelling all the time) to CNN. And if the telly is on in the mornings, it's now on Good Morning America, listening to fluff instead of manufactured "news alerts".

I don't think I had a glass of white zinfandel all year.

Did I have my friends more around me this year? I can't remember- a hazard that comes with aging.

My alcohol consumption went WAAAYYY down this year...but I did explore some great wines, and- as a consequence- did have more "chardonnay giggles"--heck, I even went to New Zealand and Australia and LEARNED to DRINK Chardonnay.....

One thing I do think I accomplished was looking people in the eye more. Asking them -and really MEANING it- "How are you?" And then, actually stopping to LISTEN. It was eyeopening- especially with store clerks. Actually, answering their tossed-off question "how are you"-- with something other than "fine"--and then returning the question to THEM and looking them in the eye and anticipating a response provoked more smiles in this year than anything else I did. Try it.

Did I finish the cookbook? I'm working on it, I'm working on it.

So--as I sit here with a fresh cup of coffee- what did I think of this past year?

I survived.

It wasn't the greatest year of my life. But it wasn't the worst.

I learned to live alone. Yes, I know Alix was here-and when I got down, that was such a comfort. But for the first time since I was a junior in college, I was single. I woke alone. I slept alone. I went to parties alone. I dined alone. I traveled alone.

I have never been "on my own" really. I married six weeks after I graduated college. I've always cherished my "alone" time- making a point to draw a difference between "being alone" and "being lonely". And, by my nature, I am a loner--a solitary character, content with keeping to myself in the company of books, music and my own imagination. This year, I have learned to make friends with being lonely sometimes. I have learned how to cope with it- how to cage it, how to corral it, how to manage it- but above all, how not to be afraid of loneliness.

I appreciate my family more. Maybe because I seem to have spent more time with them, traveling to Louisiana, or maybe it was the addition of my cousins on our summer family cruise. Or, maybe I am simply more sensitive to relationships, post-divorce. Maybe I have come to value those special ties of family more deeply. And, of course, I still like to remind my friends that they are my family--the family I got to pick.

In the past year, I have come to understand the Victorian concept of a mourning period. In a real sense (as the ever-wise Susanne pointed out), divorce is a death...and with it comes a period of grieving and change.

I worked on my photography-and with the help of some great teachers-have reawakened a passion that got lost somewhere in my teens.

I sold some artwork- needlepoint canvases, jewelry and photographs. (Yes, IRS, you will get your pound of flesh. Ah, if only the WOULD take pounds of flesh....)

I saw some amazing places in 2011- I travelled to New Zealand, barely avoiding a devastating earthquake in the process. I experienced summertime in February in Australia and met an internet friend in Prague, of all places. I returned to Russia-still not quite understanding why I feel so drawn there. I strolled the streets of Stockholm and had a martini in a glass made of ice. In Copenhagen's Tivoli Gardens, I watched with tears of laughter in my eyes as my daughter and her beloved cousins linked arms and, skipping away toward the amusement park, broke into song..."We're Off to See the Wizard".

I watched as my daughter became more independent and my son became an adult. I stopped myself from dispensing advice to them on nearly every occasion and watched as they made mistakes. I watched them learn. I watched them grow.

Maybe the best thing I can say about 2011 is that I have learned to stop-and look-and appreciate. To realize- really understand- that this thing called "life" is a journey, not a destination. That it is the things that we do NOT plan that make up the richness of our lives. That it takes courage to choose to live life. That everything is impermanent.

And to smile because it happened.

EP 366 Week 34

2011-12-28T13:36:00.005-05:00

Day 232
December 18, 2011

Day 233
December 19, 2011

Day 234
December 20, 2011

Day 235
December 21, 2011

Day 236
December 22, 2011

Day 237
December 23, 2011

Day 238
December 24, 2011

EP366 Week 33

2011-12-28T13:32:00.004-05:00

Day 225
December 11, 2011

Day 226
December 12, 2011

Day 227
December 13, 2011

Day 228
December 14, 2011

Day 229
December 15, 2011

Day 230
December 16, 2011

Day 231
December 17, 2011

EP366 Week 32

2011-12-28T13:28:00.003-05:00

Day 218
December 4, 2011

Day 219
December 5, 2011

Day 220
December 6, 2011

Day 221
December 7, 2011

Day 222
December 8, 2011

Day 223
December 9, 2011

Day 224
December 10, 2011

EP366 Week 31

2011-12-28T13:20:00.003-05:00

Day 211
November 27, 2011

Day 212
November 28, 2011

Day 213
November 29, 2011

Day 214
November 30, 2011

Day 215
December 1, 2011

Day 216
December 2, 2011

Day 217
December 3, 2011

That In-Between Time

2011-12-28T12:25:00.003-05:00

I love the last week of the year. It's that calm-after the storm sort of thing....where there's always leftovers in the 'fridge and no one really has to be anywhere or do anything.

This was a different Christmas...but fun. All the chicks were home to roost- but in a semi-permanent state. AJ and Anna-Grace were at her mom's house for Christmas Eve and so it was Alix and I first thing on Christmas.

Before anything "began" we grabbed coffee and turned on the traditional "always on in the background" continuous loop of that Christmas staple "A Christmas Story". Still funny as hell, no matter how many times I see it.

Proper headgear donned, Alix telephones Wesley to wake him up..

Cruisegran always has clever and much-appreciated prezzies...

North Face Jacket. Score!!!

Then "GJ" came over in their jammies around 11am for stockings and prezzies...

Anna-Grace's custom-designed running shoes. Sooooo HER!!!

Molly found her master and mistress wearing those silly hats too much to take.......

Wesley came over around 1pm....

And another round of prezzies ensued.

AJ experimented with some bacon, onions and brussel sprouts (never a bad combination...)

The Beef Wellington came out perfect--yes, PERFECT...

There couldn't have been a better way to end the day!

Holy Frijoles!! 10 days and counting!!

2011-12-14T11:03:00.004-05:00

Yikes! Where has the time flown??

I've been crazy possessed, trying to get Christmas loose ends tied up before the chicks come to roost for the holidays!

I finally got Christmas cards and packages mailed not 30 minutes ago, and now I can begin to get the house ready for SANTA!!!!

On the academic front, Alix sitting the second of six exams as I type. Two tomorrow and two on Friday.

AJ has one exam- French- left. The fact that the subject matter of two of his three finished exams dealt with astrophysics and quantum mechanics makes my head hurt. I can barely spell them.

Wesley, that rat, has been off since Thanksgiving. Quarter system at Georgia Military College. This has not ceased to rankle Alix as she researched and wrote papers on stem cell research and Alice-in-Wonderland Syndrome (yes, a real disease).

And Anna-Grace....well, Anna-Grace is an official GRADUATE of the University of Georgia!! And she has a job!!!!! And she's researching Master's programs. Don'tcha think there's a little bit of overachieving in that couple?????

The tree is up.

Yes, Alix and I hunted it at "The Flower Garden", brought it home, trimmed the bottom and set it up in its stand together!! No fuss, no muss and no CURSING!!! Wesley did the lights and I did the ribbons. That's as far as we have gotten. Rome wasn't built in a day.

Alix also insisted on a mini kitchen tree--yes....a pink tinsel mini tree, with pink, purple, silver and white ornaments.

Oh, STOP THAT!! It's Christmas.

EP366 Week 30

2011-12-01T11:08:00.002-05:00

Day 204
November 20, 2011

Day 205
November 21, 2011

Day 206
November 22, 2011

Day 207
November 23, 2011

Day 208
November 24, 2011

Day 209
November 25, 2011

Day 210
November 26, 2011

EP366 Week 29

2011-12-01T11:04:00.002-05:00

Day 197
November 13, 2011

Day 198
November 14, 2011

Day 199
November 15, 2011

Day 200
November 16, 2011

Day 201
November 17, 2011

Day 202
November 18, 2011

Day 203
November 19, 2011

EP366 Week 28

2011-12-01T11:00:00.003-05:00

Day 190
November 6, 2011

Day 191
November 7, 2011

Day 192
November 8, 2011

Day 193
November 9, 2011

Day 194
November 10, 2011

Day 195
November 11, 2011

Day 196
November 12, 2011

EP366 Week 27

2011-12-01T10:55:00.002-05:00

Day 183
October 30, 2011

Day 184
October 31, 2011

Day 185
November 1, 2011

Day 186
November 2, 2011

Day 187
November 3, 2011

Day 188
November 4, 2011

Day 189
November 5, 2011

EP366 Week 26

2011-12-01T10:20:00.003-05:00

I don't know HOW I forgot to post these 366 photos....Please FORGIVE me!!!!

Day 176
October 23, 2011

Day 177
October 24, 2011

Day 178
October 25, 2011

Day 179
October 26, 2011

Day 180
October 27, 2011

Day 181
October 28, 2011

Day 182
October 29, 2011

Numbers

2011-11-28T10:09:00.002-05:00

733.1-- The number of miles from Maison Cou Rouge to my mother's house in Shreveport.

1094-- The number of photos I took over Thanksgiving.

5-- The number of hours AJ and Anna-Grace's plane was delayed from Shreveport to Atlanta yesterday.

7--The number of stops we made on the road on Sunday for the "convenience" of one 15-week old beagle.

16-- The number of miles of Vicksburg Battlefield toured by Wesley, Alix and I.

4-- The number of football games we watched on the television.

1--The number of football games we watched IN PERSON a family member win.

4--The number of over-the-top meals we ate.

4--The number of hours spent with Justin Bieber.

5-- The number of Strawn's pies sampled.

Unknown but ALOT- the number of bottles of wine consumed.

Needless to say--we survived Thanksgiving in Louisiana.

Photos to follow.

A Chiropractic Halloween and a new GROCERY

2011-11-04T13:01:00.003-04:00

I had no idea that my chiropractor, Kelley Morgenroth, was such a fan of Halloween. So when I checked in with her on Monday, I was surprised to find Washington County Family Chiropractic all decorated.

And Kelly was bewitching all her patients.

There were eyes everywhere.

And food was in abundance.

Anna was taking everyone's photos, but I managed to get a pic of HER.

How appropriate that the treatment rooms were covered in wallart.

Well, after that frightful realignment of my spine, I headed to Milledgeville to visit the BRAND NEW Kroger's grocery store.

Sweetjeezuzgawdammighty!

100,000 square feet of inspiration. I haven't been this excited since....well, SINCE.

Yes, I had to sit down a few times. It was that wonderful.

Now, I have my huge patch of lemongrass at MCR. But if I ever run out....hallelujah!

Oh, stop rolling your eyes. I take joy in the simple things. Like fresh lamb. Blood oranges. Maytag blue cheese. Fingerling potatoes.

I am happy. Happy, happy, happy.

And caught up!!!! Hooray!

Even More Fall Catch Up!

2011-11-04T12:40:00.004-04:00

Heck, I've almost caught everyone up to date!

Halloween came early 'round these parts- Alix and I each had our own Halloween parties to attend on October 22. And BOTH were costume affairs!

Alix decided to go to Sarah Smith's party as The Joker's apprentice, Harley Quinn. Here's a stock photo of Harley Quinn..

And here's Alix.

Aren't they a cute couple?

For my Halloween invite, I went to Jeremy and Emily Andrew's.

Jeremy took the cake for his costume "white lies"..

and Emily went as a Spice Rack.

(No, Michelle, aka Little Red Riding Hood, does not always make that face...she had just done a jello shot. Oh, did I mention there were jello shots at the Andrew's party??? Um...I may have had A FEW.....)

The Gilligan's Island gang was all there...

The Moms..

Sad when no one has any fun...

My cooking cohort-in-crime, Sharon...

Doesn't everyone take photos of themselves in the bathroom?

Medusa and Mrs. Thurston Howell, III

No matter what age--the guys sit outside and the girls dance...

There is simply no explanation available. But it sounded like a good idea at the time.

Someone KINDLY grabbed my camera...

I thought Tiffany's costume was both clever and appropriate.

Angelina JoLynn made an appearance

Complete with paparazzi

And as for Anna....no explanation necessary.

She's Greek.

More Tennille BBQ Blast

2011-11-04T12:30:00.002-04:00

You step outside on Saturday morning of BBQ Blast weekend and can smell that wonderful scent of barbeque- sauce and charcoal and hickory and pork.

It was enough to get me out of bed early and head out to take photos and see what was going on.

Penelope Pig, the BBQ mascot, was at the ready.

Teams were in high gear, getting ready for judging.

The menfolk from next door were readying their ribs and relaxing.

The train continued to run on time.

I decided NOT to add the redneck windchimes to my collection.

Here's just a little of the sights of Tennille's Fourth Annual BBQ Blast. ENJOY!!!

Tennille BBQ Blast

2011-11-04T12:15:00.002-04:00

This was the fourth year of the Tennille BBQ Blast. As it is now an event "sanctioned" by the Georgia BBQ Association (or something like that), the Blast drew many more teams this year.

Friday night kicked off the festivities, as teams set up and began the long, "low and slow" process for their bar-be-que.

It was nice to see that vendors also set up, so when your tummy started rumbling to all those great smells coming from the cook tents, you could grab a bite (or sixteen).

The street dance featuring the Booty Pappas lasted well into the wee morning hours.

Susanne's husband John was my companion for the evening. Susa wasn't feeling great, but we enjoyed talking to everyone. John always finds a fellow Harley fan.

And friend Karen has a smile that always lights up everyone.

Our sheriff uses the transportation du jour...

I love Lee Strickland's rig--they are all volunteer firefighters. Can you tell?

There were even bubblewands for sale.

Caravans have been refitted into portable kitchens--some quite impressive!

A long night lay ahead for some teams, but I decided to head home fairly early and fall asleep listening to the band play on.

More Fall Catchup

2011-11-04T11:42:00.004-04:00

Before we knew it, Thursday had rolled around and it was time for the Homecoming Pep Rally!!!!

Countries of the World was the day's theme, and of course the Seniors chose the USA!

Graham and Caroline, as class spirit leaders, were Uncle Sam and the Statue of Liberty.

Friday night was the actual Homecoming game, and the Senior girls made up the homecoming court.

Alix and Sarah- looking much different from Cross Country meet days!

Suzanna, Taylar, Emmaline and Caroline- looking so grownup!

Alix and Cassie sharing some boiled peanuts before halftime!

Sometimes, even ballroom dance shoes hurt your feet...after all, they are made for dance floors, not concrete stadiums!

Everyone was delighted with the upper school's selection of Carson McDavid as Homecoming Queen.

Surprised and radiant--she looked AMAZING!!!

Alix was glad it was over and ready to change to get comfortable.

After that week's goings-on..we had a quiet weekend and then--MY BIRTHDAY!!!!

When you are as old as I, you don't celebrate birthdays the way you did when you were 5, or 16, or 21. Maybe we all should.

The Brown House timed the opening of the annual Art Show perfectly, so Alix, Wesley and I attended.

In addition, the new room devoted to the Old City Cemetery was formally opened, and three of my photographs were selected for the exhibit.

Here's a look at my work (with the green matting) before identifying labels were added....

Next year, I'm hoping to have some artwork ready for the Festival exhibit as well.

The Tennille Agricultural Fair was in town.

I love a fair....actually, I love fair food the most, but I do love a fair!

What's an agricultural fair without agricultural contests?

Hooray Emmaline!

Newly hatched chicks under the warming light.

As a knitter, you know I love an alpaca!

Mr. Tom Turkey looked appropriately regal.

But Miss Turkey was not at ALL pleased with my photography. She pecked at my lens!

I really hate riding ferris wheels, but love to photograph them.

Our little Tennille Fair has something for everyone.

NO ALIX.

You may NOT have a bunny!

And then there was the actual Kaolin Festival itself. I don't have any photographs of the parade, because while the parade was going on, I was at my booth.

I did sell some photos, but not as many as I would have liked. The reason, I think, is that it wasn't exactly my target market...

But I am not discouraged in the least!

Anna-Grace and AJ came down, and I got to see my Grandog-ter!

And had one of my favorite fair foods.

Fall at Maison Cou Rouge

2011-11-04T11:20:00.002-04:00

Well----- I am sure that if it weren't for my Project EP366, you would have thought I had dropped off the planet. We've had a LOT going on 'round these parts. Such is our busy life in Middle-Of-Nowhere.

What have we been up to, you ask? Well....

Back toward the end of September, I took the gang to see Wicked in Atlanta at the Fox Theatre. Alix, Wesley, Sharon (Anna-Grace's mom), and I drove up Sunday morning and had brunch at AJ and Anna-Grace's (or GJ's as I have started calling it...)

We played with puppy Molly.

Isn't she the sweetest, tiniest little thing?

Properly attired, I might add....

Wicked was FABULOUS!!!

Just as terrific as it was on Broadway!

Then back to the apartment for a little more cuddle time with Molly.

Next on the highlight film was Spirit Week at Brentwood. Starting off the week was Homely Coming and PowderPuff football. I don't have any photos of HomelyComing because I WAS PLAYING FOOTBALL!!!! It was Senior Moms (and teachers) versus Senior Girls...and while the Moms were defeated by a touchdown, it was fun!!!!

Warming up--the Moms needed more stretching than the girls did!

Please note the silk rose in my hair...a very festive touch, don'tcha think??

The name on the back of my shirt, appropriately, was "Tsarina"...which announcer Danny Brown could NEVER pronounce correctly!!!

Afterward, all opponents were on friendly terms again.....we even went for Mexican!!!

I said that week was a busy one....The day after the Powderpuff Game, my friend, amazing eye doctor Kreslyn Odum Brook's hosted a "Touch the Crown" tea party, where girls of all ages had the chance to meet 2011 Miss Georgia Michaela Grace Lackey and Miss Georgia's Outstanding Teen, Julia Martin.

Michaela really let everyone touch her crown!

There were crowns and beads, facepainting and delicious nibbles!

And Joel loved getting a hug from Miss Georgia.

And we were only on Tuesday!!! More of Spirit Week to come!!!

EP366 Week 25

2011-10-26T12:03:00.003-04:00

Day 169
October 16, 2011

Day 170
October 17, 2011

Day 171
October 18, 2011

Day 172
October 19, 2011

Day 173
October 20, 2011

Day 174
October 21, 2011

Day 175
October 22, 2011

EP366 Week 24

2011-10-25T12:07:00.005-04:00

Funny how I get these photos edited and forget to post them.....

Day 162
October 9, 2011

Day 163
October 10, 2011

Day 164
October 11, 2011

Day 165
Octobert 12, 2011

Day 166
October 13, 2011

Day 167
October 14, 2011

Day 168
October 15, 2011

World Cruise 2011 Links

2011-10-18T22:30:00.002-04:00

As stated in my last post, most of the links from my Picasa account and Blogspot were damaged, resulting in a whole ton of pretty black triangles where color photos should have been.

But it seems (for the time) that things have all been put right. Well, it was a code-learning experience....

Anyhow....

If you were not fortunate (tongue firmly planted in cheek) to view my tales from Down Under, here are the links to the updated, PRETTY, blogposts COMPLETE with COLOR photos!!!!!!

Itinerary

The Beginning

Auckland, Day 1

Auckland, Day 2

Waiheke Vineyards

Embarkation Day

Tauranga, New Zealand

Napier, New Zealand

Wellington, New Zealand

Wellington Botanic Garden

Christchurch and Overland Trip 1

Christchurch Fireman's Reserve Memorial to 9/11

Into the Southern Alps

Mount Cook

The Flight to the Glacier

Mountain High

Mount Cook to Queenstown

Queenstown to Dunedin

New Zealand Sounds

Tasmania

The Yarra Valley of Australia

Melbourne, Australia

Last Sea Day

Sydney, Australia

Sydney 2

Summer Family Cruise 2010 Links!!!!

2011-10-18T22:13:00.003-04:00

I have spent the majority of the past week repairing some broken photography links on the blog. Most of them, as luck would have it (and remember I have the luck of the Irish....the Potato Famine Irish....) they were days of heavy-duty visuals....mainly the Summer Cruise from 2010 and the World Cruise from 2011. So in case perused the writing surrounded by a bunch of black triangles with exclamation marks, here are links to all the posts for our Summer Family Cruise 2010 from Italy to England.

Itinerary

Heading to Rome

Rome

Rome 2

To The Ship

Pisa

Monaco

Barcelona

Tangier

Lisbon

At Sea

Bilbao

Le Verdon to Bordeaux

Bordeaux

Final Sea Day

London

Bristol 1

Bristol 2

Bristol Cruise

SS Great Britain

Windsor and Home

EP366 Week 23

2011-10-14T11:34:00.007-04:00

Day 155
October 2, 2011

Day 156
October 3 2011

Day 157
October 4, 2011

Day 158
October 5, 2011

Day 159
October 6, 2011

Day 160
October 7, 2011

Day 161
October 8, 2011

EP366 Week 22

2011-10-14T11:31:00.005-04:00

Day 148
September 25, 2011

Day 149
September 26, 2011

Day 150
September 27,2011

Day 151
September 28, 2011

Day 152
September 29, 2011

DAY 153
September 30, 2011

Day 154
October 1, 2011

EP366 Week 21

2011-10-14T11:17:00.006-04:00

Day 141
September 18, 2011

Day 142
September 19, 2011

Day 143
September 20, 2011

Day 144
September 21, 2011

Day 145
September 22, 2011

Day 146
September 23, 2011

Day 147
September 24, 2011

EP366 Week 20

2011-10-14T10:53:00.003-04:00

Did you think I'd fallen off the face of the planet? Well, I'm here, diligently working on all sorts of stuff...and playing catchup!

Let's start off with bringing the EP366 up to date...

Day 134
September 11, 2011

Day 135
September 12, 2011

Day 136
September 13, 2011

Day 137
September 14, 2011

Day 138
September 15, 2011

Day 139
September 16, 2011

Day 140
September 17, 2011

Thank you, Steve

2011-10-06T19:59:00.000-04:00

Our world is better because you were in it.

Yep, It's Here AGAIN...

2011-10-03T11:08:00.002-04:00

I thought this was hilariously appropriate for today......my birthday.

One of the many great things today.......it can only go up from here!!!!

My Last Will and Testament

2011-09-26T10:55:00.002-04:00

If I die tonight playing PowderPuff Football........

I leave everything to Alix, AJ and Jan-Olav. Y'all sort it out. But Jan-Olav gets the Titanic books. And the killer rabbit. And my geek duckie. Take the damn recipe files and publish them---FINALLY.

Throw my ashes off the back of Crystal Serenity a la Eleanor. Preferably somewhere wonderful. Wait a minute...everywhere is wonderful on Crystal Cruises....

Remember that I died in the process of making people laugh. And they were happy.

Which is all I ever wanted.

Hello...goodbye?????

2011-09-26T09:09:00.006-04:00

Just checking in here for a second...I have been busier than a one-armed wallpaper hanger!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am in the middle of getting photos matted--I am going to have a booth at the International Kaolin Festival!!!! I figured that if I sell 6 prints, I will break even...so what the heck? And so, right now, the dining room has become a workroom.

Wish me luck.

I show any sort of success at all, I might open up an online store.

We will see. BABYSTEPS.

Yesterday was a total blur. I took the kids to see "Wicked" at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta.

I've been wanting to take them to see it ever since I saw it in New York...and that was 2005, I think! It was just as awesome "on the road".

I bought the tickets in April!

Alix, Wesley and Sharon, Anna-Grace's mom, hopped in the car and went up to Atlanta where AJ and Anna-Grace fixed a yummy brunch and we got to meet Molly the Beagle!!!

Could this tiny little thing be any darn cuter????

More photos to follow...maybe.

Why do I say "maybe"? Well, because today is the beginning of Homecoming 2011 at Brentwood School. While it culminates with the Homecoming Football Game (and Homecoming Court presentation, including the lovely Alix!!) on Friday, it begins with Homely Coming and the PowderPuff Football Game on Monday.

You might remember when AJ participated in HomelyComing....

I was so proud.

This year, the Senior Girls are playing the Senior Moms.

I might not live to see another sunrise.

I am playing center on offense, and outside linebacker on defense. "Playing" really is the appropriate word here. Before we had a coach (oh, yes, we have had all of 3 practices, one of which I missed....), we had a team trainer, team chaplain, and two team doctors. I have requested the doctors stand by on the sidelines with the cardiac paddles in case I need reviving.

At least it's flag football, not tackle. But still.

Pray for me.

I wonder if vodka mixes well with gatorade? I am going to need some anesthesia....anesthetic.....anti-inflammatory...

Something to get me through tonight.

EP366 Week 19

2011-09-13T10:10:00.003-04:00

Day 127
September 4, 2011

Day 128
September 5, 2011

Day 129
September 6, 2011

Day 130
September 7, 2011

Day 131
September 8, 2011

Day 132
September 9, 2011

Day 133
September 10, 2011

EP366 Week 18

2011-09-13T09:48:00.005-04:00

Day 120
August 28, 2011

Day 121
August 29, 2011

Day 122
August 30, 2011

Day 123
August 31, 2011

Day 124
September 1, 2011

Day 125
September 2, 2011

Day 126
September 3, 2011

EP366 Week 17

2011-09-13T09:37:00.003-04:00

'Bout time for a few weeks of catchup!!!

Day 113
August 21,2011

Day 114
August 22, 2011

Day 115
August 23, 2011

Day 116
August 24, 2011

Day 117
August 25, 2011

Day 118
August 26, 2011

Day 119
August 27,2011

On Being Human

2011-09-08T08:21:00.001-04:00

Rigpa Glimpse of the Day for today---

Enlightenment is real; and each of us, whoever we are, can in the right circumstances and with the right training realize the nature of mind and so know in us what is deathless and eternally pure. This is the promise of all the great mystical traditions of the world, and it has been fulfilled and is being fulfilled in countless thousands of human lives.

The wonder of this promise is that it is something not exotic, not fantastic, not for an elite, but for all of humanity; and when we realize it, the masters tell us, it is unexpectedly ordinary.

Spiritual truth is not something elaborate and esoteric, it is in fact profound common sense. When you realize the nature of mind, layers of confusion peel away. You don’t actually “become” a buddha, you simply cease, slowly, to be deluded. And being a buddha is not being some omnipotent spiritual superman, but becoming at last a true human being.

Shoes For My Heart

2011-09-07T16:28:00.001-04:00

It’s just one of those days. We all have them. Today I felt like....

I’m nearly 51.
I’m divorced.
How many pounds...still?
My last child is about to leave the nest.
My dear friend is seriously ill.
I’m nearly broke.
I have no job.

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. (Psalm 121:1) I don’t even have any hills ‘round here in Middle-Of-Nowhere ™.

So I let myself wallow in that pity party for a little while, then attempted to drag myself out of it.

In the Tibetan Buddhist tradition I follow, we are taught not to shy away from all the negative “stuff” that surrounds us, but rather to go toward that pain, to understand it, therefore to expose the tender heart of compassion that lies underneath. We can use everything in our lives to make our lives filled with happiness.

Obviously, all this piled-up pity stuff is a way of gently pointing out to me that I have not been practicing my meditation, my reading, my training.

Pema Chodron, the Buddhist nun I consider my teacher, has a wonderful analogy. She said that often we see our world and we are so pissed off by it...This lousy word, this lousy government, this lousy person ahead of us is too tall, lousy mosquitoes are everywhere, it’s too hot, it’s too cold, the toilet is leaking, we weight too much, we’re lonely, our stomachs are grumbling, the traffic is parked and we are late. The world is against us.

It’s like walking barefoot over hot sand or glass shards. We hurt. It cuts us, it causes us pain. We have the idea to cover it up...Put down leather everywhere!!! Get RID of the lousy government, that lousy person who’s too tall...get RID of everything that bothers us. Make everything perfect for us. And THEN we will be content and happy.

Our feet don’t hurt when we cover the boiling sand with leather. Our souls don’t hurt when we cover up our feelings. But these approaches aren’t practical. Isn’t it impractical to demand that leather be everywhere we walk??? Isn’t it impractical to demand that the world be perfect for us alone?

Why don’t we put the leather on the soles of our feet? Call them SHOES! Now we don’t have to cover up everything with leather...just a little bit of protection for us to manage. So we will be able to experience all the glories of this world. In the same way, why not expand our mind, learn to work with it, to train our minds to be open, acknowledge the aches, pains, suffering, sadness that is there, learn to accept it...and use it. To fully live in all the wonders of being human. Including pain, sadness and "pissed-off-ness".

It sounds good, but it is so hard sometimes to stay in that second of agony. To stay present, to stop yourself from diving under the covers to hide. To not give up for just a second longer. Then it’s two seconds. Then 30. Then a minute. Then an hour.

Maybe situations listed up above haven’t changed. It’s all still there. It’s just the way I perceive those situations that change.

Somehow, it’s not so bad anymore.

Little tiny sandals for my heart. To help me walk through the rough bits.

I wonder if I can find strappy, high-heeled, sexy ones?

See....I'm back.

Peace.

Captain's Entertainment

2011-09-06T09:00:00.013-04:00

My dear darling friend Jan-Olav is back in the hospital again. This time, my "internet boyfriend" (a nickname given him by a family member, but I can't remember who) is in isolation because some infection has gotten a stronger-than-normal of hold his impaired immune system. Poor thing can't have any visitors...which is difficult for such a gregarious people-person as the Captain.

So in an effort to bring the party to HIM, I will try to be a better blogger.... trying to make my quiet life here in Middle-Of-Nowhere, Georgia ™ (or as he calls it, MON) a little more visible...and interesting. And while I write this blog for my family and friends--so that all of you can keep up with me and the kids- if I seem to explain things that make you think "duh, E...." remember that he's not Southern...and, as a Thai guy trapped in a Norwegian body, some things don't translate.....

So, while you, Jack, (a nickname with at nod to our mutually favorite movie) have been lounging around in the Infeksjonsavdelingen of St. Olav's hospital (which, I might add, is a pathetic way of getting out of your 36-hour long day shifts as ferry captain...) we had Labor Day weekend here in MON....

I went to Atlanta weekend before this last one, on Sunday night to spend the night at AJ and Anna-Grace's apartment and run some errands. I had to make an IKEA run to pick up an IKEA starter pak for my housekeeper, Lily. Her house burned to the ground last spring, and, when I asked her what she needed, she said she would really need kitchen and dining things....so that's what I am doing for her....

Ok, I'm back...I swear to Gawd, I just heard a cow moo-- like 50 feet from me. I had to go investigate. Either a trailer of livestock was just at the stoplight (yes, THE stoplight..the ONE stoplight in Tennille), Chip is playing with one of her chew-toys or I am starting to hear voices. Bovine voices. The last one is the scary one. Voices..yes...okay...but ANIMAL voices???) Where was I..oh, yes...IKEA.

So I went to stay with AJ/A-G. That was surreal.

Staying at your grown child's grownup apartment. I also found some great material for my office makeover ..for curtains and chair cover.

Very me, dontcha think? Remember all those years ago (I think now almost 3) when we laughed about sharing digs in the looney bin? I think we decided on a blue and orange color scheme...this works well...nothing changes...

Alix recovered from her first cross country meet. Her time, while not great in her book, was under 30 minutes, which was way better than she hoped for.

The week was quiet, and I got some projects around the house accomplished.

I replaced the peeling wallpaper in the dining room.

I weeded out cookbooks. Oh, and that horrible depression I just couldn't shake last week finally lifted. Thank you for calling me and "talking me down" in between ferry runs. And in the middle of the night for you. You are a true friend. I love Skype. Oh, you, too...but that goes without saying.....

Alix and Wesley went to spend Friday /Saturday with her dad, and he took them to the Auburn football game. No, not "real football", American football....the kind with helmets and protective gear. You're not a sports-guy...you really WOULD NOT understand American football. I had dinner with Susanne and John* and sat outside on their porch on Saturday night and watched the hummingbird wars and drank wine.

Perfect evening.

I also worked on refinishing this old washstand I bought 2 years ago.

It's a slow process, because it's so DAMN hot outside. When I get it finished, it will go in the newly refinished breakfast room/bar.

Well, almost refinished...I still have to paint the countertops. Can't decide whether to go for a dark granite look or a light marble paint effect. Opinions?

Since Monday was a holiday (Labor Day, remember? The traditional end-of-summer weekend), John and Susanne came over for supper on Sunday. When I asked them what I should make, John said "make something Louisiana"--so I made a big pot of sausage and chicken gumbo.

I know you are a world traveller, but you might not know gumbo--it's like a real thick soup/stew made with okra, onions, bell peppers, celery, whatever meat you have around, and served over rice. Get well and get here, and I will make you some. Oh, and in honor of the remnants of Tropical Storm Lee that was raining on my high school classmates partying in Biloxi, Mississippi over the long weekend (yes, girls, I will join you next year!!), I made a batch of hurricanes--coconut rum and fruit juices (which you would love, if all that medication you have to take would let you drink alcohol). Which accounted for my wee headache on Monday morning. But I digress.

Over the weekend, I got more photographs mounted for sale. I am thinking about getting a booth at the Kaolin Festival with some fellow amateur photogs to see if I can earn a little income. Or a LOT of income. Which reminds me.... I gotta find a job. Seriously. Fast. Being a goddess has its perks, but the base salary sucks. Do you know how ridiculously clever one has to be when one tries to write a resume when one has been a stay-at-home-mom for 20 years? The fact that I churned one out is a testament to my clever writing skills. (Oh, to anyone wishing to view said resume (or CV as they call it in the world outside of the USA), just email me. Happy to share.)

I went to see "The Help" last night with Wesley, Alix and Will (Wesley's brother).

Cried. Several times. PROMISE me that when you get sprung from isolation and this movie arrives in Trondheim...GO SEE IT. You will understand me even more. As it is set in 1963, I would be the same age as Mae Mobley. My early years. You will love it. It is a movie right up your alley. I am so glad the writer/director stayed true to the book. My mom and sister-in-law Julie kept saying "read it, read it," but I didn't want the whole "southern-upper-class, black and white race thing in the 60's" being thrown in my face...but I finally broke down and it was A-MAZ-ING!!!" Not at all what I was expecting. I would tell you to read it, but as I know you aren't a reader...oh, just go see the movie. Oh, and they make a reference to hitting someone over the head with a skillet. Just so you know I didn't make that up.

Well, I have to run. I have a Guild meeting to run in 2 hours (how I ended up as President I will never understand.....), and then a 2 hour drive for a cross country meet. Can't forget the vuvuzela. I am now a legend in the high school xc world for my vuvuzela...at least in my own mind.

Now, get some rest, Captain...and don't make me open up a can of whoopass on those t-cells of yours!!!!!

*For those of you who are saying "John and Susanne?" You know them. Susanne is my crazy friend who is like a sister to me. She's made a few appearances here.

Heat Relief

2011-09-01T11:23:00.004-04:00

I don't know about where YOU are, dear reader, but here in Middle-Of-Nowhere, Georgia it has been one of the hottest summers on record. In Louisiana, it's even hotter. So in honor of all of us baking away, I thought I'd post a few photos to remind us what it was like just a little under 9 months ago.......

I hope it helps.

Hang in there....the weather's gotta break soon...........

EP366 Week 16

2011-08-30T11:28:00.003-04:00

Day 106
August 14, 2011

Day 107
August 15, 2011

Day 108
August 16, 2011

Day 109
August 17, 2011

Day 110
August 18, 2011

Day 111
August 19, 2011

Day 112
August 20, 2011

EP366 Week 15

2011-08-30T11:22:00.004-04:00

Day 99
August 7, 2011

Day 100
August 8, 2011

Day 101
August 9, 2011

Day 102
August 10, 2011

Day 103
August 11, 2011

Day 104
August 12, 2011

Day 105
August 13, 2011

EP366 Week 14

2011-08-30T11:17:00.003-04:00

Day 92
July 31, 2011

Day 93
August 1, 2011

Day 94
August 2, 2011

Day 95
August 3, 2011

Day 96
August 4, 2011

Day 97
August 5, 2011

Day 98
August 6, 2011

Natural Born (Mouse) Killers

2011-08-26T13:08:00.002-04:00

Alix and I have had to learn to handle things around Maison Cou Rouge that traditionally and historically have been handled by men.

Thanks to my friends at Captains Voyage Forum, we were inspired to document one such activity.

Without further ado, I give you "Natural Born (Mouse) Killers".

What a difference 4 months make......

2011-08-22T12:24:00.002-04:00

Before- April 23, 2011

After- August 22, 2011

Before April 23, 2011

After August 22, 2011

There's a potential hurricane developing and heading toward Florida and Georgia...so who knows what the garden will look like next weekend!!!!!

(okay, okay...I know it's not much...but I've been painting, wallpaper stripping, clearing out lots of junk--that sort of stuff. Cut me some slack!)

Do You Know What Aisle They Are On???

2011-08-10T09:11:00.002-04:00

As I slept last night, my grocery list on the refrigerator got updated by someone.........

Wonder which brand to buy..................

June Cleaver (um...Amanda) and the Beav

2011-08-04T21:55:00.001-04:00

Here's a link to the story of my friend, Amanda, and the baby beaver she rescued.....

Beaver's artwork raises funds, awareness for riding therapy program | Shreveporttimes | shreveporttimes.com

Very proud to say I know Amanda and I think her idea of using Caddo's artwork is the BEST. Well Done!!!! I know she is missing Caddo so much--he went to his new home at the Alexandria zoo on Wednesday.

Just a great example of making the world a better place..one beaver at a time!!!

EP366 Week 13

2011-08-01T20:18:00.004-04:00

Day 85
24 July 2011

Day 86
25 July 2011

Day 87
26 July 2011

Day 88
27 July 2011

Day 89
28 July 2011

Day 90
29 July 2011

Day 91
30 July 2011

EP366 Week 12

2011-08-01T20:12:00.002-04:00

Day 78
17 July 2011

Day 79
18 July 2011

Day 80
19 July 2011

Day 81
20 July 2011

Day 82
21 July 2011

Day 83
22 July 2011

Day 84
23 July 2011

EP366 Week 11

2011-08-01T20:08:00.003-04:00

Day 71
10 July 2011

Day 72
11 July 2011

Day 73
12 July 2011

Day 74
13 July 2011

Day 75
14 July 2011

Day 76
15 July 2011

Day 77
16 July 2011

EP366 Week 10

2011-08-01T20:04:00.002-04:00

Day 64
3 July 2011

Day 65
4 July 2011

Day 66
5 July 2011

Day 67
6 July 2011

Day 68
7 July 2011

Day 69
8 July 2011

Day 70
9 July 2011

EP366 Week 9

2011-08-01T19:54:00.005-04:00

Day 57
26 June 2011

Day 58
27 June 2011

Day 59
28 June 2011

Day 60
29 June 2011

Day 61
30 June 2011

Day 62
1 July 2011

Day 63
2 July 2011

EP366 Week 8

2011-07-25T17:14:00.003-04:00

Day 50
19 June 2011

Day 51
20 June 2011

Day 52
21 June 2011

Day 53
22 June 2011

Day 54
23 June 2011

Day 55
24 June 2011

Day 56
25 June 2011

Norway

2011-07-22T16:59:00.002-04:00

So much is filling my heart at this moment. Norway, that breathtakingly beautiful and peaceful country, has become a terrorist target.

I'm desperately trying to be true to the Buddhist teachings to forgo anger and hostile feelings, and to focus instead on positive and compassionate thoughts. But it is so difficult.

My prayers are with Norway, her King and his subjects.

Summertime..But the Livin' Ain't Easy...

2011-07-20T14:22:00.002-04:00

Why, yes, my dears, I am back after the lastest globe-trotting excursion with the fam. My attempt to avoid the hell that is summer in Middle-Of-Nowhere, Georgia was an epic fail, however. Nothing like arriving in the normally cool Baltic to face the hottest summer weather they’ve had on record. Typical.

But before THAT, we popped out to San Diego for my cousin’s wedding. So I have THAT to tell you all about....oh, and catching up on project EP366.

It was a fine “welcome home” to find that one of the toilets upstairs had developed a drip right after we left for 3 weeks. Luckily, it was directly above the ex’s bedroom closet. Oh, did I tell you he still has crap here? Loads of it. And that the closet door was shut? Yes, it smells like a wet hunting dog kennel in there. Dommage, as the French would say.

But my marvelous plumber, Keith McDonald (or rather his marvelous assistant, Tim) came out and fixed the leak. Not the mildew, I’m afraid, but that’s not really my problem. Ok, the wonky sheetrock is, but I’ll worry about that tomorrow (thankyouScarlettO’Hara).

Less than 72 hours later, I discovered whilst endeavoring to take a shower that I had no hot water. Ah, the luck of the potato famine Irish continues with me. Bright and early Monday morning, Tim returns to teach me all about dusting under the water heater in order to keep the pilot light lit. Hey, cut me some slack...in my adult life, I never lived anywhere longer than 4 years...until Tennille. I’ve been here 10 years as of March 2011. I never KNEW you had to dust under water heaters. Those of you who know my domestic habits will not be surprised that I had dust rhinos under there.

I quake in fear to see what the cost of having Tim visit so frequently will be. I think I will start pouring a large glass of wine BEFORE I open the mail for the next week.

Who knew you needed ventilation in closets ANYWAY? And what BRILLIANT designer put BOTH the hot water heater AND the electrical box in a WOMAN’s clothes closet? OF COURSE I put a shoe holder up on the water heater door. If you need to get to a circuit breaker on the electrical panel, just move some of those purses.

But be very careful with the ones in protective bags. I may not give a rat’s ass about a former spouse’s hunting clothes....but I DO care about my Tori Burch tote!!!!!!!!!

My Calendar?? How Can It Be?????

2011-06-23T13:39:00.002-04:00

I just had a bit of a shock.

I was just replying to an email from one of my college friends. "The Six of Us" are trying to arrange a girls getaway weekend sometime next year instead of attending reunion at "that college that USED to be Randolph-Macon Woman's College"

So I was checking my calendar, as every parent of a high school senior must, given the importance of the pomp and circumstance surrounding graduation.

In the first half of 2012, two-thirds of my weekends are already booked.

WHHHHAAAAAAAA???????????????

That's a YEAR AWAY. A FREAKIN' YEAR AWAY.

I detest having my life ruled by my calendar....go here, go there. I'm much more of a seat-of-the-pants kinda girl, wondering what the next day will bring. Keep my options open. Take a detour if I want.

Good thing each child only graduates high school once. If I get any more overscheduled, I'm gonna be in a straightjacket.

Maybe I should deliberately overbook myself, like the airlines. Start my own personal "frequent flier" program. I could award points for events I don't attend. But then, I'd have to have a personal reward scheme. I don't think I want to go there.

Been there. Done that. Got that t-shirt. For 28 years. Not bitter or anything, just don't want to go down that highway again.

So if anyone anywhere wants me anywhere anytime the first half of 2012, BOOK ME NOW! Only nine slots left!!!!!!!!!

EP366 Week 7

2011-06-23T12:54:00.002-04:00

Day 43
12 June 2011

Day 44
13 June 2011

Day 45
14 June 2011

Day 46
15 June 2011

Day 47
16 June 2011

Day 48
17 June 2011

Day 49
18 June 2011

EP366 Week 6

2011-06-23T12:42:00.004-04:00

Day 36
5 June 2011

Day 37
6 June 2011

Day 38
7 June 2011

Day 39
8 June 2011

Day 40
9 June 2011

Day 41
10 June 2011

Day 42
11 June 2011

EP366 Week 5

2011-06-23T12:34:00.002-04:00

Day 29
29 May 2011

Day 30
30 May 2011

Day 31
31May 2011

Day 32
1 June 2011

Day 33
2 June 2011

Day 34
3 June 2011

Day 35
4 June 2011

1938 Dating Guide For Single Women

2011-06-22T07:50:00.001-04:00

Superbeau Wesley pointed this gem out to his sister...and when I saw it on Facebook, I knew I had to share it here.

I'm off to go check my seams.

1938 Dating Guide For Single Women - Alligator Sunglasses

Please Don't Shoot Me...

2011-06-20T23:16:00.009-04:00

Why, YES...I was away for a few days. How KIND of you to notice.

I went to San Diego, California for my cousin Andy’s wedding to the beautiful Brittany.

Where it was 68 degrees. 72 tops.

I can’t say that loudly around these parts. Some folks 'round Middle-Of-Nowhere-comma-Georgia routinely carry firearms with them, and this heat is beginning to make people ornery.

“Hot” does not begin to define what is going on here, weather-wise. Today it was 99. Tomorrow it’s supposed to be around 102. That’s 37 and 39 for my Europals.

After a while, you get used to the heat...sorta. But go away for even a few days, and----KABLAM! Come home and it’s like being slapped in the face by a hot-water soaked string mop. Rivulets of sweat start dripping down your body searching for the path of least resistance like a flooding Mississippi before the levee system was put in.

Alix described it perfectly when we stepped out of the air conditioned door of the plane last night. “Mama, you can smell the humidity”.

But yes, I was in San Diego. (Oh, there aren’t any mosquitoes in Southern California either.) We had the usual fun that you have when our family gets together.

Lots of wine.

(The head table's private stash- with the Father of the Groom reloading. I was within arm's reach at all times).

Lots of food.

Lots of partying.

I got a good look at the USS Carl Vinson, just back (on June 15) from burying Osama at sea.

Thanks, guys.

So I’m back...even had jury duty today. But all the cases were settled. Rats...and they were all criminal too. I’m the only human on the planet who WANTS to be on a jury.

And I’m up to my ass in alligators (as we say in Louisiana), doing the vacation-rebound.

Because I leave again on Saturday. For Stockholm.

Where it’s 65.

I think I hear the ammunition being loaded.........

*ps- more wedding photos to follow!!!!!

Making Room For Popsicles

2011-06-20T22:39:00.002-04:00

“Miss Elizabeth, the freezer stopped working and everything is thawing out.”

Not the thing you want to hear 20 minutes before your cousin walks down the aisle. And you are 2,283 miles away, on the other side of the US.

So, in my best Scarlett O’Hara “tomorrow is another day” mindset, I told Caro to just shut the door and I would deal with it when I got back.

Turns out, there wasn’t anything wrong with the freezer... just the operators. In order for food to freeze, the door must be shut. Which it did. Refreezed beautifully. Once the acai berries had liquified and dripped down over everything.

Lesson one. Never put anything once liquid in the top of a freezer. Equilibrium and gravity take over.

Those damn acai berries. A year or two ago, the ex thought it would be a great idea to try these new-fangled cure-alls from South America. So he purchased a 25-pound box to get free shipping. Well, at least he got that economy-of-scale thing down pat.

I’m truly sorry I didn’t get a photo of the freezer. Picture boxes of vegetables, puff pastry and phyllo dough, sheets of fresh pasta, bags of shrimp and salmon filets (ok, and the occasional Hot Pocket and Toaster Strudel) thoroughly glazed with mix of grape jelly and corn syrup. I will never think of the color purple in the same way again.

It really wasn’t that bad to clean out....well, nothing that a few rolls of paper towels and some aerobic exercise couldn’t handle. And now, my freezer looks like this.

It was a blessing in disguise....because NOW, instead of forgotten dove breasts, half-used bags of English peas and that forgotten can of lemonade from 5 years ago, I now have......

POPSICLES.

SFC 2010 Windsor and Home

2011-06-12T21:14:00.006-04:00

We had such an incredible time with Andy and John in Bristol. Thank you both from the bottom of my hearts for the IMMENSE fun and good times we had. I love you both so much!!!

All too soon (as Crystal is fond of saying), it was time to head back to the train station to return to Windsor.

I spotted a GREAT pub sign...

Sounds like the PERFECT name for a bar or restaurant near Georgia Tech.

AJ thought so.

The trip to Windsor was uneventful. Standard train trip. We arrived in Windsor precisely 100 yards from our hotel, the beautiful Harte and Garter.

The cousins, who had gone to Bath, also returned to Windsor that day. It was fun to trade "war stories" with them over..what else? Wine.

Alix's shipboard friend came to spend the day with her at Windsor, and while they were out and about, they just happened to see Burgundy Rolls-Royce drive past. A tiny lady in a lavender hat was sitting in the back. I didn't believe her...until I saw a photo from Royal Ascot, Ladies Day. Which was the day we were in Windsor.

Yep. Alix scored a viewing of Her Majesty the Queen. On her way back to Windsor Castle after the races.

That night, we saw more absurd hats all around- in shops, bars, and patios.

Windsor was a cool town to people watch after Ladies Day at Royal Ascot.

The next morning, while the rest of the family slept in, Mama and I went for a walk across the river to Eton.

Yes, Her Majesty was in residence.

And in just a bit longer than the blink of an eye, we were almost home.

Luggage retrieved, and we were on the road. Lookchin picked the tunes.

Well, I hope it was worth the wait.

If it was, let me know.

If it wasn't, don't!!!

and remember....

Life is Good!!! What a Wonderful World!!!!!

SFC 2010 SS Great Britain

2011-06-12T20:04:00.005-04:00

Ok...I admit it.

I have a "thing" for ships.

Imagine that.

So I was excited when Andy suggested that he hire a private guide to take us to see the SS Great Britain.

The SS Great Britain was the first screw propeller steamship to cross the Atlantic Ocean. In 1845, she crossed the ocean in a record-breaking 14 days, and established the first reliably-timed transatlantic passenger service.

She was designed by a Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the same genius engineer who built the Clifton Suspension Bridge and the first major British railway (the Great Western).

I won't bore those of you who aren't interested, but if you want to learn more about Brunel, you can start here, and here.

The SS Great Britain was retired in 1884 to the Falkland Islands, and was scuttled there in 1937. In 1970, the SS Great Britain Project was organized to refloat and restore this priceless maritime treasure. After a two month transatlantic crossing on a pontoon, she arrived home to Bristol, and berthed in the drydock where she was built. The amazing process of her conservation was begun and continued until just a few years ago.

Today, she is a marvel.

It was almost too difficult to choose which photos to share here. I took more than 250. But I managed to give a taste of this magnificent great ship in just over 30. But it really doesn't do her justice.

Our guide with our group.

In order to preserve her corroding hull, a glass ceiling was built around the ship and drydock. Below, the hull is kept a desert-like 20% humidity.

Part of the equipment used to dehumidify the air around the hull.

The caisson that keeps her drydock...dry.

The ultra-modern screw propeller.

Below deck is just as beautifully restored.

First class.

Officer's quarters.

Engineering.

Galley.

Not first class.

DEFINITELY not first class.

Cargo

Furnaces.

Oh, enough. Just go see her yourself.

You will be glad you did.

SFC2010 Bristol Cruise

2011-06-12T18:41:00.004-04:00

Continuing the saga of our glorious day in Bristol...

Andy and John arranged a surprise for us. They hired a riverboat to take us around the floating harbor of Bristol.

We waited on the quay as the swing bridge opened so out boat could come through to us.

Surprise!! I was thrilled to have an evening cruise aboard Elizabeth.

Now I must say....Andy and John have STYLE. That must have been apparent when they rented a private capsule for a champagne trip on the London Eye for us.

Champagne and nibbles on the water at sunset--on your private boat.

Doesn't get much better.

Something obviously interested Alix.

She has that famous "scarcastic BS" look on her face.

John, Jane, and Andy.

St. Mary's Redcliffe was quite impressive from the water.

I don't think our pilot knew what to make of us.

(He reminded me a bit of George Carlin, don'tchathink?)

More of Bristol's wonderful bridges.

I was so glad to get this angle of the "horn" bridge!

Andy and John's house (brick with the black door)

Swans and sailors.

Big boats and little.

Yet ANOTHER bottle of champagne.

I think we went through 5?

Here's a waterview of the swing bridge in the video.

We sailed past beautiful flats...

...and abandoned buildings.

All too soon, we had to return to the quay and leave Elizabeth. But it was fun.

Life is Good.

SFC 2010 Bristol 2

2011-06-12T17:46:00.010-04:00

Andy is justifiably proud of his beautiful city of Bristol. And he showed her off to us wonderfully well.

First thing, we headed across the street from the hotel to visit the Church of St. Mary Redcliffe.

Queen Elizabeth called St. Mary's "the fairest, goodliest, and most famous parish church in England."

That would be Queen Elizabeth the FIRST.

As Andy once said, "The United States OLD? In my country, we have PLUMBING older than your country."

I thought this was a nice testament to the church's age.

St. Mary's has some interesting features. My physics-geeky family was highly interested in the chaotic pendulum.

World Cup fever was all around Bristol.

Well, not everywhere.

We visited the ruins of St. Peter's Church...

...then stopped for coffee.

I thought the Alm's House was one of the prettiest buildings in Bristol.

Next we headed uphill (UPHILL...SERIOUSLY UPHILL!) toward Clifton and the bridge.

We had a bit of lunch and sat outside enjoying the perfect weather.

Andy had organized a private tour of the bridge, but before we did that, we headed to the to see the Camera Obscura.

In today's modern internet age, it's sometimes hard to remember that telescopes and such weren't always ordinary objects. It was fun climbing up to view the world from 360 degrees the way they did almost 200 years ago.

Then it was off to the bridge.

Try to imagine what a feat of engineering it was to build this sucker in 1836. It had never been done before.

One small thing I totally forgot. We all totally forgot.

AJ inherited my fear of open heights. He pushes the borders of acrophobic. I think you can tell by his body language.

He was a trooper, though. Walked across the whole bridge. Not complaining a bit.

It was a beautiful view, with the tide out.

As long as I didn't look down.

"No, Dad...I DEFINITELY do NOT want to look out at the harbor."

Alix was fine.

In a previous life, she probably was one of those steel workers who walk unteathered along skyscraper beams. SHOWOFF.

Hooray! Made it across.

But we still have to go back.

He's a good sport about all the ribbing he took.

Then it was back to the hotel for a quick change and it was time to meet up with John (who couldn't take so much time off as Andy) and we were ready for a little cocktail cruise!

SFC 2010 Bristol 1

2011-06-12T15:58:00.003-04:00

It was time for adventure as we packed up our tote bags (believe it or not, we CAN travel light when we need to!!!) and headed toward Paddington Station.

Just about two hours later, we were in Bristol and meeting up with AJ's godfather, Andy. (Also an AJ--Andrew James. He calls himself "AJ1" and his godson "AJ2". )

We tossed our bags at the Mercure Holland House and headed to Andy's house for a delicious lunch...and a new discovery--Pear Cider!

This is the walkway outside Andy and John's home--isn't it brilliant?

Andy is a terrific tour guide... and Bristol is a lovely city!

The SS Great Britain...we'll see more of her later!

The Bristol suspension bridge--another of the amazing engineering feats of Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

I became absolutely fascinated with this guy's story...and his designs and engineering feats. I could fill a book-well, several already have. So we'll just admire his works.

But first, more pear cider.

Some great Bristol artwork.

And on to Bristol Cathedral.

I've been a fan of fan vaulting (moan.....) ever since an art history paper in college.

One of the old city gates. I THINK this is the one built in the 14th century. (Andy, correct me if I am wrong!!!)

Bristol has some of the coolest bridges EVER! This is Pero's Bridge- those are counterweights for the drawbridge!

We walked, we laughed, we rode the on-off bus...it was a grand day!

SFC 2010 London

2011-06-12T15:21:00.003-04:00

I woke up early, and, with the bags already out of the way, took Lookchin around for some photos.

With our adorable stewardess, Maria...

...and with Allan and Joseph, two of Jan-Olav's friends and fellow crewmembers from when he was on Symphony.

Alix has a habit of doing this. Lookchin doesn't seem to mind.

Most of the family had to leave earlier than we had to leave. Austin needed coffee.

The five of us- my four and Jane- did not go back to the States immediately. We were going to spend some time in southern England, with our dear friends Andy and John.

The day went like this:

Debark.
Visit Runnymeade.
Go to Windsor, drop off luggage at hotel we're staying in in two days' time.
Go to Lunch en route.
Go to Blenheim Palace.
Go to London.

And it was smooth as silk. Planning, children, planning. Take a lesson from your mother and grandmother.

At the Runnymeade car park, I saw this hilarious auto emblem.

Windsor was beautiful.

The things one sees driving down the motorway in England.

Time for lunch at The Bear Hotel in Woodstock, Oxfordshire.

Although I was not responsible for booking this lovely luncheon spot, it did allow for cute photo ops with Lookchin.

Then it was off to Blenheim Palace, Winston Churchill's birthplace and boyhood home.

Blenheim was amazing, but I could not take photos inside. Domage.

After Blenheim, we headed into London. The traffic was surprisingly light. Along the way, our friendly driver pointed out the areas that would be used for the 2012 Olympics. Soon we were at our London abode for the night, The Stafford.

We had a lovely two-bedroom suite, complete with rubber duckies.

It gave me a smile, and made leaving Symphony behind a little easier.

SFC 2010 Final Sea Day

2011-06-12T15:08:00.003-04:00

Final day of the cruise. Bummer. Of epic proportions.

Packing is never fun. We had even less fun, as we couldn't throw everything in the bags like we usually do. We were heading to London and Bristol after we debarked in Dover, and planned to leave most of our luggage at our hotel in Windsor, where we would retrieve it the last night before going home.

I ran around the ship like I always to, taking photos of crew, places, sights and sounds. You've seen all these before, though. So much so, you could probably find your way around Crystal Symphony blindfolded.

We had reservations for the last night dinner at Silk Road for sushi. We met up in the Connoisseur's Club to watch a World Cup match.

Then it was off to dinner.

You know, it's sad we never have any fun. Willy always takes such care of us at Silk Road.

We toasted each other and Arne/Ma/MeMa/Eleanor, who brought us all together.

And YES....I had TWO desserts.

I never can decide between the trio of creme brulees or sesame ice cream. So I got BOTH.

I got a quick photo with my friend Bart, who was about to become the Head Sommelier on Crystal Serenity.

Do we really have to leave tomorrow?

Life is GOOD!!

SFC 2010 Bordeaux

2011-06-12T14:11:00.004-04:00

If you are in Bordeaux, you should go exploring the vineyards, n'est ce pas?

Well, that is what we did.

My cousins in California are wine fans. Megafans, actually. So they organized a wonderful family day trip into the vineyards of the right bank of Bordeaux (with more than a little help from our travel agent extraordinaire, Teri Crane!)

FIrst stop, Chateau du Tailhas.

We were met by the owner/winemaker Luc Nebout.

He's passionate about his wine. He considers them his children.

His passion and commitment shows. As does his enthusiasm.

We got the "fancy" tour...at least I thought so. We explored EVERYWHERE.

And then on to the good stuff!

We had a little time before our lunch reservation in St. Émilion, so we stopped for a photo op (and to genuflect) at Chateau Pétrus.

And then it was on to St. Émilion, and lunch.

St. Émilion is a charming town, filled with cobblestone streets and lots of hills.

Next stop, Couvent des Jacobins.

Our local guide was very knowledgeable- not only about wine, but also about the architecture and history of the buildings.

I loved that this old (OLD) book was sitting out in the open.

With just this simple sign.

Hutch found a hideout in the tiny courtyard garden.

I thought this was fun...the winemakers give each of the fermenters girls' names.! And as each fermenter is emptied into barrels, the barrels are marked so you know what came from which!

Down deep into the cellars of Couvent des Jacobins. All of the old wines are stored here.

We learned that most of St. Émilion is connected by underground tunnels.

Even tinier stairs further down into the ground.

Wine cellared in the most unusual places.

Then, off to a another winetasting!

How awesome a cellar like THIS would be.

Afterwards, we had a bit of a wait for our transportation.

Which was fine because it was a glorious summer afternoon.

Another fun fact about growing grapes.

Know why they plant rosebushes at the ends of the rows? Well, it's pretty, yes...but any insects that might attack the grapevines are attracted to the roses first--thus giving the winemaker a "heads-up".

It was a quiet ride back to Bordeaux and the ship--we had had a long day. But back aboard our verandas and ready to depart...

...what should come driving by but a bridal party!

Joy and happiness!

We ate for the last time in the Crystal Dining Room. I got a great photo with my friend Mario.

Sailing down the Gironde, toward the Atlantic, with the sun setting on the vineyards of Bordeaux.

Wonderful day.

SFC2010 Le Verdon and Bordeaux

2011-06-12T12:31:00.003-04:00

It has been mind-numbing trying to condense these next two days of the trip into something that does NOT resemble the length of "War and Peace." So many fun things this family can find to do!!!!

Crystal Symphony docked in Le Verdon, on the Atlantic coast of France very early in the morning. Many of the excursion that day were to the "left bank" area of Bordeaux-home of the famous premier cru chateaux. The cousins took off on an overnight trip, which we planned on joining the next day.

We took the shuttle into the CHARMING town of Soulac sur Mer.

I HAD to go in the local market, just to see what was available.

And of course it was beautiful.

It's looking at THESE foody photos that inspires me when I get back home.

At midafternoon, we headed up the Gironde River that cuts through the most famous winemaking area of the world.

Lookchin was prepared.

Vineyard after vineyard. Chateau after chateau.

Ella seems to be enjoying herself.

Grapes don't appear to be the only business in this area.

It was different arriving at Bordeaux in the evening instead of first thing in the morning. Everyone seemed to be on hand for the arrival.

Julie and Jane.

AJ (oh, what a night he had in store for him...he went off with some crew friends and arrived back at 4am, having gotten totally lost in Bordeaux after several vats of wine.......)

Lookchin was briefly bear-napped by Julie and held ransom for a bottle of wine....

But was valiantly rescued by Dena.

I think he learned not to be QUITE so cheeky with Jules!!!!!

SFC2010 Bilbao

2011-06-12T12:17:00.003-04:00

Bilbao is quite a pretty little city in the north of Spain

WooHoo! My kids are thrilled to be up ready for an excursion!

Our highlights tour took us past an interesting cable-stayed swinging bridge.

And we passed the Guggenheim Museum.

Ed and his crew opted for an excursion to the Guggenheim, and they enjoyed it.

From the top of the mountain, we had a beautiful view.

and there were some unusual pieces of artwork to be seen.

Well, some of us enjoyed the view.

Will and Hutch walked passed an interesting named shop.

Another door knocker, like the one in Tangier.

We stayed in town after the tour and wandered to find some tapas.

What a charming little place we found in the old section of town.

Even the pigeons were picturesque.

SFC2010 At Sea

2011-06-12T12:03:00.003-04:00

I've said that sea days are my favorite aboard ship. No excursions to catch, no arriving at ports. Leisurely breakfast, good lectures, art classes, formal nights. And once each cruise, the Grand Gala Buffet.

This is when the galley gets to show off. And they do a splendid job.

Lots of food.

Cute and clever food.

One of the more humorous aspects of the grand gala buffet is watching the guests. They hover taking photos (ok, I participate in that) and then, after the presentation of the chefs and galley staff, the guests descend upon the stations as if they have never had a meal in their lives. Rail-thin women who up until now have barely eaten more than a lettuce leaf walk by with plates piled precariously with lobster and shrimp. Middle-aged men defy their cardiologists by heaping slab after slab of prime rib onto plates. Ladies of a certain age who NEVER touch dessert hand over plates loaded with 6 or 9 mini sweets to waiting staff so they aren't publicly responsible for their actions.

And they go back. And back. And back.

It's a feeding frenzy. In our family lingo, the gala buffet is nicknamed the Chum Fest.

I've learned a secret, though. The same food that is at the gala buffet is also available upstairs, without the crowds. Which is where we retreat after having a good laugh at the run for the lobster.

And Lookchin?

He's happy with his nightly pillow chocolates.

SFC2010 Lisbon

2011-06-11T17:17:00.004-04:00

Lisbon will forever be etched in my mind as the country of the enormous shrimp.

Wait, I can't call these creatures shrimp. Prawns doesn't even work.

But I am getting ahead of myself.

Cloudy day dawned. But that's okay by me.

We took a short sightseeing trip and a riverboat ride.

The jacaranda trees were in glorious bloom.

Photo ops in spite of the clouds.

The teens were overwhelmed by beauty, no doubt.

When the going gets tough, the smart climb onto cousins' backs....

No one told me Lisbon was HILLY.

Most of the family left us at the end of the tour and went back to the ship, but Will, Hutch, Dena, Austin and I accompanied the (little did I know at the time in 2 months would be ex-)husband in search of a restaurant he had visited whilst in Lisbon two years earlier. He wanted to go back for the shrimp.

Shrimp, allegedly, the size of small children.

He found it.

Nothing like a little vihno verde.

Nothing like a LOT of vihno verde, I say.

For starters, a cold seafood platter.

Starters. Enough to feed an African country.

I tried barnacles for the first time.

They were good. But I mean, LOOK at the size of that platter!

Will enjoyed them.

On to the main courses. Austin adores crab, so one was selected and brought for his approval.

Three shrimp the rest of us? THREE???

Behold.

In the words of Gomer Pyle.."Shazam!!!!!"

You thought I was joking about the size, didn't you?

So Austin has a stone crab that looks like something out of a Godzilla movie, and we have 6 halves of shrimp/prawns/whatever that could have been raised by aliens on steroids for all we know.

Hutch had the foresight to "borrow" one of Austin's claws to play with his action figures.

I'm doing everything in my power to capture the SIZE of these crustaceans, but I'm not going a good job,

Maybe this will help.

Austin, meantime, has a whole pile of shellfish to finish.

But he's happy.

Hutch is happy.

One wild ride back to the ship (involving two taxis- one for the girls, one for the boys following each other and getting ship names mixed up) we arrived back in time for the annual family photo....in which we say we all look like a bunch of conventioneers.

That ordeal behind us, we head down en masse for MORE food.

Bill and Merrill had found this HUGE bottle of Chianti...and Mario was kind enough to decant into more reasonable portions.

Vlada made caesar salad.

And Mario poured still MORE wine.

Yes, we drank every drop. You even QUESTIONED that???

SFC2010 Tangier

2011-06-11T17:11:00.004-04:00

Remember when I said that I get up to see anything important??

5am. Gibraltar. Pretty much have to take my word for it.

I went back to sleep. Such is the excitement of my life.

Once out of the Med, into the Atlantic, and docked in Africa in Tangier, we were ready for a short excursion.

Most of the family (well, um..ALL of the family except me) are happy to say "Been there, Done That...Got that Tshirt".

I don't know why.

Look, CAMELS!!!

The oldest rubber tree in Morocco. It's older than the United States of America.

The base is painted white (limestone) to protect it from bugs.

I could have stayed longer. We practically RAN through the market...I was snapping photos left and right as fast as I could.

Those olives just about made me weak in the knees. Glorious!

I loved this door knocker on the old wooden door.

Of course we were taken to the state-sponsored store to look at rugs.

I think every tourist must pass through this place once. Believe it or not, I watched a guest drop $15,000 on a carpet in under 10 minutes. Walked out with only a receipt. Had it shipped home. I had to take a couple of deep breaths....

Lovely colors, with no time to shop.

I think my nephew Hutch looks like something out of Aladdin, don't you think?

Well, I would have liked to stay a bit longer and do some exploring, but it wasn't my decision. With Captain Giske calling the shots, it was load up the gangplank and sail for Lisbon.