Last winter, I blogged about our experience renting a silver Volvo when we traveled to Southern California for a wrestling tournament. It only matters because the main character of the Twilight books, Edward Cullen drives a silver Volvo. When that’s what we were assigned as a rental last winter… I had to smile. When Steel decided to purchase one today, I had to laugh.
This is Steel’s new ride. I think it suits him perfectly. A new vehicle for a new start away at college.
With the recent success of my tiny vegetable garden, I took advantage of the fact that Leroy had to stop at Home Depot today. Steel and I went straight for the plants to see what herbs we could find. For me, basil is a must, although I have never had much success with growing it. I was also looking for cilantro (another tough one for me) but we couldn’t find any. I grabbed a parsley plant (easy to grow) and Steel threw in a Jalapeno plant. I didn’t read the directions (maybe that’s why they don’t always do well) before planting, I just threw them all in the same pot. Now we’ll see what happens.
My doctor’s office called today to say that my lab results came in. She informed me that I’m STILL anemic. The problem is that I never knew I was anemic in the first place. Apparently, my iron levels were low on my last blood test (June of 2009.) She assured me that they informed me of this fact, but I sure don’t remember, and I know I haven’t been doing anything about it. I knew my Vitamin B levels had been low, and I had even been going in for quarterly injections… but the iron was a new one. My doctor has suggested Ferrous Gluconate as a supplement. Good thing I’ve been taking my vitamins again… now all I need to do is add one more pill.
This evening, I was privileged to attend the Paradise School Music Concert. I was the guest of performer Brooke Lemos. Brooke performed a medley of songs from the Pirates of the Caribbean movies under the direction of String Instructor, Mr. David Poteet. It was extraordinary, and while I did enjoy the Chorus and Guitar Ensemble, I’ve always favored the violin.
In a time when music programs are being cut from school curriculum, I am impressed with this first year program at Paradise. With financial support from parents, the Parent Teacher Group as well as corporate sponsors this little school is offering programs that are hard to find with the budget cutbacks schools are facing. The enrichment these children are receiving from their involvement in the music programs will enhance all areas of academic study as well as their social skills and self confidence. I look forward to see what they can achieve in the future.
One of the best parts of living on the dairy is having my mother in law so close. This was especially handy when the kids were little, but I have to say, my favorite part is the special food deliveries that are made periodically. I’ll never forget one rainy night shortly after we moved here in the early spring of 1988. I was home alone. My mother in law came to the door with fresh, hot Filozes. (Portuguese donuts.) I knew right then and there that this arrangement was going to work out perfectly.
Today, she brought over a fresh, hot loaf of her famous sweetbread. This is not ordinary Portuguese sweetbread… she adds a special touch with a layer of cinnamon in the center. It is absolutely delicious. And, when I say famous… I mean it. Everyone knows about my mother in law’s sweetbread. It always brings rave reviews and high prices at the charity auctions when she donates it. We are spoiled, that’s for sure.
I planted my tomatoes on Holy Thursday (April 1) which is VERY early for me. The following week, we had one morning of frost so I thought for sure they were going to die. We’ve had so much rain that I haven’t paid much attention to them, but when we went over 80 on Monday, I thought I should water them and much to my surprise, they are really growing and even beginning to flower already. (I don’t know if that’s good or bad.) I’m sure they’re pretty confused. We’ve had such extreme weather (hot and cold) that I’m sure they don’t know if they’re supposed to grow or go dormant. I also planted zucchini and it’s looking good too. I can’t wait to harvest… there is nothing like a homegrown tomato in the middle of the summer.
Unlike most “normal” women… I actual hate getting a real pedicure. I like the way my toes look when I’m finished, but I hate all of the prep work that goes into the polishing… In particular, I hate it when they buff, scrub and exfoliate my feet. It’s absolute torture. On top of that… there is the cost factor as well as the time commitment… it’s just not a good situation for me. But, I do like having some color on my toes during sandal season. I think my toes and feet look so much better with a little “make up” on.
I actually painted my toes yesterday, but it takes a day to look good. I’m not very neat with the paint, you see. I usually get a lot on my toe and have to wait until the stuff dries and peels off of my skin in the shower. Fortunately, the polish sticks to the nail so I just wash away the excess. It doesn’t take much to make a huge difference on the appearance of my feet.
I recognize the fact that it must not be easy having the paparazzi follow you around everywhere you go. I do hope that someday, my children will overcome any resentment they may feel about my following them around with a camera. My prayer is that someday, it will all seem worth it and they will treasure the photographs as much as they treasure the memories they are attached to. Steel was patient with me today as I tried to get a few shots in for his graduation announcements, but I’m sure this particular shot is an accurate image of his attitude. I’m sure he felt like hurling that football right into my camera lens to stop the whole process. But, fortunately, he showed restraint and was cooperative.
Every four years, Central Catholic High School puts on a presentation (in conjunction with the California Highway Patrol) about drunk driving. The program is called “Every 15 Minutes” and the last time it was at CCHS, Sierra was a junior. In the back of my mind, I’ve known for a while that we were do to hold the event again and yesterday, it started. This program involves the emergency response agencies in the area but the most important component are the students who participate. When the student body sees their own friends and classmates participate: in the crash scene, placed in a body bag, flown away in a medical response helicopter, given last rites, missing from class, etc. they get a glimpse of the tragedy that can come from drinking and driving. This program is a difficult thing to witness, I can’t imagine being a participant. It was difficult enough to watch the video on the local newspaper’s website. I ask for God’s blessings on everyone involved. Thank you for the sacrifice you went through to bring home a message of such importance.
It’s been a long time since I’ve read a real book. I read all the time, but lately, all of the books have been on my e-reader, the Amazon Kindle. I’ve written before how much I love this gadget. One of the best parts is that I can pre-order a book (before it’s release) and it will be automatically downloaded when it becomes available. I was anticipating one such down load for yesterday. The 8th book in one of my favorite series was scheduled to be released yesterday, so I placed my pre-order over 6 weeks ago and marked the event on my calendar. I was VERY upset on Saturday morning to receive and email that said that it was not going to be immediately available for the Kindle. (I don’t know why.) They offered me the hardcover edition at the Kindle price and so, of course, I purchased it. They did send it out right away, but I did have to wait 24 extra hours. It arrived today and I’m already on chapter 8. I have to admit that I miss the Kindle edition and will probably purchase that too, when it comes out just so I can always have it with me.
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