Back in the OR
I made these (heddles and the jig)! The jig was supposed to look more professional. This is the experiment – the jig made out of scrap before the final design is agreed upon. Heddles? Any weaver knows. They are made commercially. But we have an old barn loom. The request was for a handmade look. I’ve made/built the harnesses. Why not go ahead and make a jig for heddles too? Are you with me? No? Don’t fret. I have to tie the 8/2 cotton with (surgical) knots to create a hole/eye at the top, bottom, and middle. They need to be consistent. i.e. they need to be uniform. Damn! It ain’t easy. But yes! I started tying the heddles up and realized that my precision tying surgical knots gave me a distinct advantage. Don’t ask. I started. Then I was told there were four harnesses and that each harness required 200 heddles each. Maybe 400. But 200 for now. Per/each! Damn! I got myself into a load of work. Maybe I should make a nicer jig. Nah! No! That would change the eye holes. Yarggggh! Oh well! I’m back to work (OR). Remember that book? – Everything I learned in life, I learned in kinder garten. The very good news is that this operation can take days/weeks as opposed to an operation which is finished in the same calendar day. Oh yeah! I bet you have trouble even knowing what a heddle is? I’ve got about 750 to do as I write this post. Oh boy oh boy…
Pairs
Here’s a technical challenge. You don’t “stage” cats. They simply don’t pose. Ever! They sit. You get what you get. It’s an utter mess (in our house). They sit separately. They have messy backgrounds. They are not both in focus (at the same time). On and on, you get the idea. These are outtakes except that sometimes is superseded by the memory of what was “almost.” There are things Photoshop cannot help. You’d never see nuthin’ if I were to wait for the pic to happen.
Look-out
You can fool some of the people some of the time, but you can’t fool all of the people all of the time. Just when you think it can’t get worse, you realize that a serious mistake was made. Things never felt right since the election and inauguration. Things feel right; well, a bit better.
It’s not over by a long shot. People still believe in 45. But they were always a minority. Each day becomes a little more desperate. Just because Fox says “it is” doesn’t make it so. There is no fake news. It is what it is. Platitudes. But the truth is becoming more apparent with each passing day. One news show opens with, “Today is Day 432 and counting” as though the count will end at some point. We are getting nearer and nearer to the Day of Reckoning. We don’t need no stinkin’ yard signs to tell us which way this one’s going. Pack your bags.
Do you suppose they might pass gun control laws if they took away security at the Capitol and the White House? You know? Replace it with the same security they have at the school. How long will congress put up with the same security like the kids in Parkland or in any other public venue near you? You should have equal security and equal healthcare to congress. Why not?
Gnocchi
I made these! Ha! I’m happy, almost giddy, even now. Jules taught me how simple it can be. I had considered it a task that was beyond my (interest) skill. We made butternut squash gnocchi. They are irregular to emphasize that they are homemade. Ha! The photography lags way behind the taste and smell of a fresh dish covered in parmesan. Yes, we’ve been eating well at my house.
Side By Side
Look close. Side by side. I see this in retrospect as I view the edit. The ladies chose to take stand not by chance but by determined design.
They are in front of Trump International Hotel. On the margin… things played out. There will always be someone to try to change the dialog and shift the argument. It’s magic. Watch one hand while the other does magic. 800 demonstrations around the world. One purpose and one voice. For once, I am encouraged. Hopeful. But it ain’t over till it’s over. I’m voting. Another republican announced he would retire. Reason: He couldn’t win with Trump as president. A republican would have to deal with Trump’s base versus an aroused moderate base repulsed by Trump.
Mexican Night
It was an excuse for a themed pot luck supper. Barb won a raffle. It was “fixed?” it’s not her first (win) rodeo. Ha! My contribution was the cut tomato, lettuce, and onion. Really? That was what I was asked to do. How much? My tendency is to always cut way too much. I prepare with the idea that everyone would eat an entire meal out of my preparation. In reality, one eats a small amount or not at all. So, you need way less than you imagine. With that in mind I cut judiciously. And, there were still leftovers… just not so much as usual. Barb? She teaches ESL to immigrants too. Laudable. And no, this dinner theme was not some sort of ethnic aspersion.
Marginalized… no more
I don’t ordinarily post twice in a day. I’ve been traveling. I’ve been processing. I’m moved. I’m hopeful. Maybe you weren’t there. Or the news did not mention. Fox reported crowds of “tens of thousands” grossly misstating the actual numbers of 800,000 upwards of a million.
Folks were on the margin of the rally for “March for our lives.” They chanted against gun control. It happened in DC and I read about the boy on a hill in Utah saying, “Take it from me.” (his AR-15). I passed folks who were chanting to the passersby that Planned Parenthood was a sponsor of the rally for gun control. Margin, they were marginalized on this day. This crowd was just one of more than 800 demonstrations around the world. Even with my extended telephoto the stage is barely noticeable in front of the Capitol.
The NRA has a war chest of more than $1 billion dollars to tell you that the second amendment is sacred. That’s more than enough to hand Marco Rubio $3 million in contributions. And there is much more money that has gone to many other members of congress.
“No more.” “Vote them out.” “Enough is enough.” And on and on. Slogans signs. Peaceful demonstration.
What I realize is that the boy on the hill and chants from the margins are indeed marginal. They are not the majority. There is a debate. It ends when no more kids are killed by guns. I got kids. Mine are at risk. Do you have kids? Are you a kid? Were you a kid once upon a time?
I’m old now. I saw 9/11 up close and personal. I was moved. Sad to say I’m am again moved deeply by what I witnessed. I bear witness to you who see this post. I’ve heard the arguments. Nothing can win against one more dead child.
If you are a Congressman who is not listening – one student speaker spoke, “Get your resume ready!”
Surprise
A few surprises. The lighthouse is in a traffic circle. It’s a mini not really a true one. Not much traffic this time of year. It’s cold and nasty, too early for beach traffic. I sat in the middle of the circle and took my pictures with nary a car in sight. Nicola? I’ve yet to go. I’ve tried a pizza. Not memorable. And the famous Nico-bo-li? Don’t know and haven’t a clue. The spinners? I’ve got a spot for one on my deck. I should pick one. Yup, it was a surprise three images in a row? Surprise? Three consecutive images – one post.
Group Photo
I get melancholy looking at this image. I’m thinking about what lasts in life. Fran was a “good person.” There are few who qualify for this designation in my world. I know a few and am blessed. She was a quiet dependable friend. What can you say? She was just there for me on so many occasions. I never ask/asked for help. It’s just me, how I operate (pun). I miss her… both Ginny and me and a lot of others.
Don’t laugh. I don’t fit into this tux any more. The occasion? It was a formal dinner for a hospital fund raiser. I do believe it was the infamous dinner where Richard left after the soup. Yeah, he was a weird guy. … just left without even a “good-bye.”
Iron Hill Brewery
We tried to break out of our old pattern. If we are up near Wilmington, go eat in Jessop’s Tavern in New Castle. This place was chosen after perusing the internet selections. Ha! Another brewery! It drew a larger crowd. It’s a large restaurant. Standing room only with folks out in the parking lot. We had a reservation and were early diners. Fortunate. The food was good. The beer was dark. The atmosphere was ok. We’ll go back to Jessop’s soon. It’s about the “ je ne sais quois.” (I don’t know what?{shrug?!}) Yeah, yeah, another place emphasizing ETOH (alcohol). No, I’m not an alcoholic. But, you might think so? It’s the food! Veggie burger, quinoa salad, schnitzel… Hey! Coincidence! They are opening a branch (Iron Hill) near me – soon!
Antiques – lately
Cart before the horse or horse first? Do my pictures inspire the post or do the posts inspire my pictures? I edit. I cull. I choose. But did I take the pic with the post in mind. It goes both ways. I wondered. My original premise was to cull my vast collection. I’m lazy. I have digitized more than 100k color slides. That would be the number of slides, not the kilobytes of memory per pic. By now some date back decades. I’ve got them on my hard drive but Lightroom takes forever to load the images. Oh well. I’ll remain contemporary for the moment.
We go around and see lots of old stuff. There are always surprises. Naked Poetry? Yes, the title stopped me in my tracks. Growing up the NY Times had ads for Naked Lunch. More hype than reality. But for teen age boys, it sure did get the imagination running. I’ve told you the story – (well, again) – of my friend in Elkins who could read but not spell. He came back from the magazine rack all excited that they were selling a copy of “Pregnant” (Pageant). Oh well. I’m old. I just try on shoes without measuring. But I sure remember the shoe size measure device when I would buy shoes as a kid. Do not throw out any metal tins. They all seem to be collectable.
Beach Day
February 21, it was a record day all around (72F). Ice skating rinks closed for the day in NYC– melted. It was a record here too. A walk on the beach? Of course! Old people, young people. A good time was had by all. Warm sun, balmy, the smell of salt air, a gentle breeze, what more could you ask for in the middle of winter? There ain’t no climate change… there ain’t no climate change… there …
Orchid
This is the orchid that came with the Valentine’s cacti. In my home it’s a desert. I forget to water. So, cacti and orchids should be very happy. We’ll see if it survives. Years ago I had an orchid that lived long. The bloom lasted long. Then the petals fell off and the plant died.
Currently my poinsettia and pines (mini/small trees) are surviving the Christmas season. Soon it will be spring. We got one horrible snowstorm this year. Otherwise there has been no inconvenience. Okay!
Elle
She does odd things. Her head is out through the rails of the chair. She’s quite alright. No harm was caused in takin this pic. Cute! We’ve come a long way. Earlier Elle was camera shy. As soon as a she saw a camera, Elle would run. Now, she’s like my kids. Resigned.
Pence’s gay rabbit
Here’s a big joke (if you’re not a Republican). Mike Pence, yes, that one, has a new book out. It’s about his bunny. Yup, his bunny. This is the man who supports anything against gay rights and against abortion and is generally not a friend of free thinking. True, all true. Sorry. He’s a sorry character. And he got f’d today. Last night John Oliver on Comedy Central wrote and announced his new counter-book parodying the soon to be released Pence book. Yes, same bunny – Marlon. Only, Oliver’s bunny is gay. Yup, total antithesis of the Pence family rabbit. Today, Oliver’s book has more pre-orders than Pence’s book. And Oliver’s urging even resulted in pushing Comey’s tell all from the top spot on Amazon.
Oh! By the way Amazon. Listen up. Pay attention! You still show the NRA channel. Yes! That channel! So, be aware that I’m going to Washington DC this Saturday to advocate for gun control. And I will refrain as much as possible from using Amazon till you respond in kind.
I’m a lone voice. But you start somewhere. I keep wondering where all the pissed off Democrats have been? There is a lot of anti-Trump sentiment. If your job as a congressman or senator is to be re-elected, then consider that it might just about be time to stand up.
’cause I’m mad as hell and I ain’t taking it anymore.
I got kids. I got kids who are teachers. I know a lot of kids and teachers. They deserve to be safe. The NRA does not deserve to force it’s conservative views upon the safety and health of my daughter and son. Sorry, your poor reasoning doesn’t wash anymore. Let’s start with the premise you can not shoot someone if you don’t have a gun.
See you all in Washington DC on Saturday.
Sewing Box
It’s an old sewing box. The holes? Inside, there are spools of thread. The ends are passed through the holes for use as needed. It’s a neat arrangement. Of course, we don’t sew or use thread much. Certainly, not at this price ($175). What I’ve learned? There was a time when folks used sewing boxes quite a lot. The kind I usually see are the wicker ones with Chinese bangles and decorations. No, I can’t lay my hands on one (picture) instantly. (Ha! I took one instead.)
This box (right) is one of the more unusual specimens – one of a kind for me. The one with the beads and rings (bangles) is one I see with some frequency. Sometimes there’s stuff inside and other times not. They don’t seem to have much cache as collectable or much worth.
3 of 5
My camera sits on the counter. Yup, so does the phone. Each day I try to take a few pictures. Some days there are more than others. The cats are always about. They kind of watch over me. They like to know where I am.
We play a game. Sometimes I chase them into the basement through the cat door. A few minutes later curiosity overcomes fear and they return to check on what I’m doing. They like to hang out and nap when I’m in the office. Other times they are napping in designated spots of their choosing. Each has a rug or a basket that is a favorite spot. I bet you care and needed to know this. Anyway, I got three out of five today. Hey! Did I tell you we keep going to the pet shop for food? We get tempted by the little rescue kitties every time. Thankfully we don’t see rescue dogs.
Curiosity
Got cats? They’re curious. Right?
The result of a recent foray into the antique shops was a cane rocker. They vary in price. This one was $20, the low end, a bargain. It’s small, probably fit for a child. Ah! We had one in mind when we got it. It will be a perfect reading rocker. Of course, once we placed the chair in our home, the cats were immediately curious. Two parked themselves under it. Elle parked over the top. They sat content as the cat that ate the canary. Once satisfied, the cats have ignored the rocker since. There is an understanding. We get stuff. They approve.
Black Smith
Another day, another restaurant. Funny. We set off to try a new place. Just something out of our ordinary. We looked up likely offerings in Berlin. And what! We ended up in a place that was somewhere we’d been this past summer. We had not planned to return. The ambience was a bit sketchy. In the dark and in the winter the place looked entirely different. The garden tables where we’d eaten were covered for the winter. Funny. A cousin told us about the place a few days later. It was his latest find. Ummm, we’ve been there too. Coincidence!
Happy
This is for Ginny. It was her going away party. Retirement? Nah? Don? He’s a good sport. He does some weird shit?! In this case he was setup by the OR nurses who dressed him in a fake butt and sock filled jock strap. Yeah! You can’t make this shit up. Surprise?! Yup! She was! The photo is priceless and the expression barely recorded. I didn’t know what was coming. So, credit me for not dropping the camera and recording an image or two. There was a group of high school soccer girls in the next room who rapidly departed.
Why today? She’s been asking me to post people. It’s her birthday. She’s old! Really really old. Happy!
Food Photo
I don’t style my food photos. I do some minimal staging. And the lighting is whatever. It occurs to me that there’s a lot to be said to improve my technique. Still, it’s a good remembrance of what I have cooked though pictures hardly do justice to the taste and smell. That said, I do pay attention to light and background. It seems that I see food and extrapolate taste and smell.
Cacti
Well, I bought my love a cactus for Valentine’s. Actually two, and then I got an orchid…(later post). It was sort of a joke. She’s definitely not prickly. I am,… if I forget to shave. The red cactus is real. The green is dyed? It seems unnatural. I’m not sure. There was a purple one too. So, I think it’s like an Easter chick – dyed. I’m glad I don’t see Easter chicks for sale. For now, the brilliant green cactus seems happy enough. I water faithfully.
Valentine’s – part I, II
We tried a novel approach to Valentine’s Day this year. We stayed in and cooked. Butternut ginger squash soup; Roast butternut squash rings; Marinated asparagus; Gnocchi with mushrooms and asparagus; Sparkling cider. Dessert was deferred.
Part II: The main meal was generously portioned. We were too full to contemplate the chocolate fondue. That course occurred a couple days later. Yes, even a candle. Chocolate! Sublime!
University Cafeteria
We went to Salisbury University. I was a commuter to NYU. So, I never set foot in the cafeteria. Hospitals are the pits. Jules had a decent cafeteria at Hamilton College. However, after a semester of cafeteria food, every kid craves outside food. So, we ate in restaurants whenever I visited her. Here we are in Salisbury listening to a warm up blue grass concert before the main even in the music hall. Wow! And the food was varied. It was Mardi Gras theme night. Wow (again), it’s nearly decent and way different than any school cafeteria I had experienced before. You pay more (tuition) now. So, I guess you eat better too. I would almost eat there again… not.
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