Outside my window... the late afternoon sun simply glowing on the leaves and grass and across my desk.
I am thinking... about dinner, and how I should get up and make it soon.
I am thankful for... my new part-time seasonal job.
I am wearing... grey skirt, blue top, slipper-socks.
I am remembering... my neighbors and how we will miss them when they leave (later today).
I am going... to have a busy week.
I am reading... nothing until I get to the library on Monday.
I am hoping... that a special intention which I cannot mention will be answered and everything will be all right for a certain someone.
On my mind... Fort Hood and Obama-care.
From the learning room... Explorers, and the Letter J.
Noticing that... my desk is a mess, and so is our office (I share it with DoorMan).
Pondering these words... "If I had my way, I'd shuffle off to Buffalo, sit by the lake and watch the world go by."
From the kitchen... chicken chowder cooked by the Holy Name men.
Around the house... I need to clean.
One of my favorite things... last.fm
From my picture journal...
The Holy Name men (and woman) and the cauldron of chowder. Rumor has it, the cauldron was a fuel cell from a jet fighter in a past life.
Saturday, November 07, 2009
Simple Woman's Daybook November 7, 2009
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Book Review: The Night Watchman
A year ago homicide detective Ray Quinn had it all. Now he is a lonely night watchman at a condo, who gets around on his bad leg with a cane and a lot of pain.
One night he discovers two bodies on the premises, and his world, already turned upside down, spins out of control again. He reluctantly becomes involved in solving the crime, only to find that the answers he finds hit close to home.
This book was a very enjoyable read. Fast-paced and dryly witty, it is a police procedural with a twist. It is also a classic whodunnit, and the reader has all the clues in front of him to solve the case along with Ray. I appreciated the fact that faith is introduced and examined in an honest way, via the sister of one of the victims. There is also a blessed lack of gore, descriptive sex and foul language.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Day Book, Second Week of May 2009
BamBam humming and a lawn mower somewhere nearby, maybe Paul?
To be healthy and happy...
I had my eyes examined and am getting bifocals. Yes, I am an old woman.
customers!
Brownies, lots of brownies. I baked a double batch and am sending a bunch to the Buffalo Catholic Homeschool Conference this Saturday.
what was formerly a nice yellow short-sleeved tee. It is now grease-stained from moving old garage door sections out of the gusty wind this afternoon.
homeschool plans for next year, still.
On my iTunes...
lately I am loving Dire Straits and REO Speedwagon. Reliving my teen / college years.
hmmmm. I need to work on this one!
The Night Watchman
. I am reading an advance reading copy (ARC) to review for LibraryThing. I review books as a hobby. Also, The Penderwicks on Gardam Street
, aloud to the boys.I recently watched ...
The original Stuart Little
with Geena Davis and Hugh Laurie.I am working on getting more sleep, to get more done.
One of my favorite things ...
is the semi-annual library book sale. Ours just happens to be tomorrow at ten. I'll be there with a pocket full of money!
include the library book sale, Arch's final track-and-field camp, the BCHS on Saturday, and a blissfully empty calendar on Sunday.
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
Day Book, First Week of May 2009
the boys planning / discussing / arguing whatever escapade they are up to this afternoon.
To be healthy and happy...
we took a walk during baseball practice.
Arch's good results on his standardized test.
New Orleans Bread Pudding to use up some leftover bread from the Holy Name breakfast.
a pink shirt and brown skirt.
a more organized pile of chaos.
On my iTunes...
the Pledge of Allegiance to music. Arch has to learn it to sing at the National Day of Prayer on Thursday.
hmmmm.
The Penderwicks, aloud to the boys at bedtime.
I recently watched ...
Monk Season 6 discs one and two. Waiting to disc three to arrive in the mail.
that it does not rain on Niagara Square at noon on Thursday.
I am weeding out old stuff from my planner.
One of my favorite things ...
are old cookbooks for 49¢at the thrift store. I just picked up one called Thoughts for Buffets which is just chock full of cool menus and recipes.
include Arch's first baseball game, BamBam's last story hour. A trip to Buffalo for the National Day of Prayer and a visit to the Central Library.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Day Book, Last Week of April 2009
we have a groundhog living in our yard, under the shed. BamBam saw him first and declared he had seen a beaver! I'm torn between naming him Chuck or Grady.
the very quiet hum of my iMac's fan. The boys are asleep, that's why I can hear it.
To be healthy and happy...
we took a walk yesterday. Such beautiful weather!
everything!
came pancakes this morning. Not usually seen on a weekday, and probably won't be again for a long time.
my old blue-and-green floral shirt which I don't like. My boys were both telling me at bedtime how much they love it. BamBam remembered me carrying him when he was a toddler and him putting his hand in the pocket. Arch claims he likes it "because I grew up with it."
weekly lesson plans for Arch for the sixth grade. Most of the books are here, except math. After that, I'll move on to the kindergarten plans for BamBam.
On my iTunes...
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
with flowers hand picked for my by BamBam. Lots and lots of dandelions to brighten up the dining room table.
The Wisdom of Father Dowling
, which is a collection of short stories all previously published. I am also reading an advanced reading copy of a biography of Mother Teresa. I have promised to review it, and I'll post my review here when I'm done.I recently watched ...
an absolutely antique Alfred Hitchcock movie I had never even heard of before. Blackmail, filmed in 1929. He was still in his London period. The cinematography was amazing for what it was. The first few scenes were completely silent aside for the soundtrack! Thanks to Big Jim for giving us the video.
that the business continues to grow, despite the economy. We had good news this week, with the addition of at least two new commercial customers.
I have to weed the front garden on the next sunny day. The downstairs must be spiffed up tomorrow because the lady is coming to cut my hair in the afternoon. It's mostly just cluttered.
One of my favorite things ...
piles of clean folded laundry. I just wish it would stay clean and folded!
include co-op, baseball, track-and-field and serving at Mass for Arch. Story hour for BamBam, Holy Name Society for DoorMan. And me? I'm getting a hair cut tomorrow, and being treated to a mother / child breakfast at church after Mass on Sunday.
Monday, February 09, 2009
Marriage Meme
Now there's a marriage one. Again, I'm not tagging anyone on this, just do it if you want.
For all you married people out there! Tag your married friends that you want to know about!
(Don't forget to tag the person who tagged you!)
1. When was your "engagement" anniversary: May 17, 1994
2. When is your "marriage" anniversary: September 30, 1995
3. How long have you known your spouse: Since May 1990
4. How long did you date/court before you were engaged: 47 days
5. Where did you meet your spouse for the first time: Briandi's
6. What is your spouses full name: Stanley Francis Bernard, Jr.
7. Do you have any children yet: yes
8. How many: Two
9. Do you have any house pets: No
10. Do you own a house or rent: Rent
11. Do you live in the country or town/city: city
12. What is one of your favorite activities together: hitting the wine trail
13. Do you have a favorite vacation spot: New York City
14. How many siblings (including in-laws): 4 borhters; 5 sisters
15. What church do you attend: All Saints Lockport
16. Is this the church you were married in: No
17. What town is your current address: Lockport
18. Do you work or stay at home: Stay home
19. Where did you honeymoon: Finger Lakes
20: Leave a piece of marriage advice: Be yourself.
Friday, February 06, 2009
First Born Meme
I was tagged on facebook. I'm doing it, but not tagging anyone else....
Here you go mommies - a different kind of survey for a change - it's all about your first born! Just copy and paste it in a new note for yourself! Tag 10 mommies when you're finished.
Let's see how much you remember!
1. WAS YOUR FIRST PREGNANCY PLANNED? yes and no.... yes we were trying; no, I had a procedure performed that month, and my Gyn said I wouldn't be able to conceive until my next cycle. I never got a next cycle.....
2. WERE YOU MARRIED AT THE TIME? yes
3. WHAT WERE YOUR REACTIONS? shocked and very happy, speechless
4. WAS ABORTION AN OPTION FOR YOU? never ever
5. HOW OLD WERE YOU? 29
6. HOW DID YOU FIND OUT YOU WERE PREGNANT? test at the Gyn office, following up after my earlier procedure
7. WHO DID YOU TELL FIRST? husband
8. DID YOU WANT TO FIND OUT THE SEX? no
9. DUE DATE? July 18
10. DID YOU HAVE MORNING SICKNESS? yes, and severe food aversions
11. WHAT DID YOU CRAVE? nothing, I could barely eat
12. WHO/WHAT IRRITATED YOU THE MOST? the smell of food
13. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST CHILD'S SEX? boy
14. DID YOU WISH YOU HAD THE OPPOSITE SEX OF WHAT YOU WERE GETTING? no
15. HOW MANY POUNDS DID YOU GAIN THROUGHOUT THE PREGNANCY? 40
16. DID YOU HAVE A BABY SHOWER? yes, two
17. WAS IT A SURPRISE OR DID YOU KNOW? knew both times
18. DID YOU HAVE ANY COMPLICATIONS DURING YOUR PREGNANCY? yes: failed my one-hour glucose test; had slight hypertension; in early labor my contractions were very unorganized; at hospital had very high blood pressure, had to be in bed the whole time with a saline flush, fetal heart monitor in his scalp, fetal bloodwork, I had an oxygen mask and constant blood pressure monitor; the neo-natal transport team was in the delivery room ready to take him to Children's. He ended up being fine......apgar of 9.
19. WHERE DID YOU GIVE BIRTH? Millard Suburban
20. HOW MANY HOURS WERE YOU IN LABOR? 14
21. WHO DROVE YOU TO THE HOSPITAL? husband
22. WHO WAS WITH YOU WHEN YOU GIVE BIRTH? husband, doctor, nurse, two neo-natal paramedics (if that's what they're called)
23. WAS IT NATURAL OR C-SECTION? natural
24. DID YOU TAKE MEDICINE TO EASE THE PAIN? epidural, which they had delayed because they were debating a c-section. Then the guy was busy... finally I got it with my contractions about 15 seconds apart, and I delivered soon after.
27. HOW MUCH DID YOUR CHILD WEIGH? 8 lbs. 2 oz.
28. WHEN WAS YOUR CHILD ACTUALLY BORN ? July 16
30. WHAT DID YOU NAME HIM/HER? Robert Sean
31. HOW OLD IS YOUR FIRST BORN TODAY? 10
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
25 Random Things About Me
I was tagged by The Byrdman on Facebook.
Once you've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you. At the end, choose 25 people to be tagged. You have to tag the person who tagged you. If I tagged you, it's because I want to know more about you.
- I am terrified to fly. I had a bad flight once in college, going back to school from Winter Break. There were about five passengers on a big commercial plane, and we took off late from Newark in a blinding snowstorm, very early in the morning. Out of my window I saw lights, very close to our plane, as we were ascending. I think we almost hit another plane. Whether we did or not, it terrified me. Then, I flew into Boston for work once. No one warned me that it was perfectly normal for the plane to fly out over the Atlantic and bank so steeply that all you can see out you window is water. I haven't flown since 1993.
- I am a Mac person. I have never in my life owned a PC. I am on my fifth Mac in the last fifteen years.
- Autumn is my favorite season. Cool but not too cold. Apples, pumpkins, colorful leaves, Thanksgiving.
- I am from Queens. We lived in Woodside until I was almost five.
- I have lived more than half of my life in either Erie or Niagara County, counting college.
- I am completely Irish. Period.
- I have started to write at least five novels. I never finish them.
- I am a revert to the Catholic faith. I never formally left it, but I did not practice my faith (or any other one) for about eleven years.
- I love Golden Age detective books. I own have read everything Agatha Christie has ever written, including two autobiographies and a book of poems. I also own all of the Sherlock Holmes books and all of Chesterton's Father Brown books.
- I am an avid planner and a recovering procrastinator.
- I love to cook and bake. I seldom follow a recipe to the letter. My cookbooks are covered with notes in the margins about what I actually did when I made the dish.
- I would love to have a viable business selling used books online. I do that now, but I don't devote enough time to it to make it really profitable.
- I drink two cups of coffee every morning. No more, no less.
- I don't have any nieces or nephews on my side of the family, but on my husband's side I have eighteen nieces and nephews, two nephews-in-law and one grand-nephew.
- We own a huge amount of books. We have books in every room of our house except the bathrooms. Even have bookcases in the hallways. I am supposed to be organizing and cataloging them, but..... (see # 10 above)
- I have read every Jane Austen novel, and seen at least one movie adaptation of each one.
- My grandmothers were named Catherine and Kathryn. My aunt was named Katherine. My husband's grandmother was named Katarzyna. If we ever have a baby girl, she will be named Cathryn.
- I have more blood relations (first cousins once removed and second cousins) in Ireland than in America.
- I have always loved to watch sports. I have been a fan of the Mets since I was eight. My favorite sport to watch on TV is baseball. Close seconds are football and NASCAR.
- I have a devotion to St. Therese of Lisieux. My father grew up in Little Flower parish in Flatbush, Brooklyn. My mother grew up at St. Theresa's in Sunnyside, Queens. I took Therese as my confirmation name.
- Before I was married, if you considered my confirmation name, my initials spelled MATH. I aced the math regents my freshman year in high school, and earned the monicker Ms. MATH from a certain disgruntled classmate who only got a 99.
- We don't have cable TV or a video game console. My children don't have hand-held games or cell phones. They are not allowed to watch TV commercials or to be on the computer without me. They read things printed on paper, and play with things they can actually touch.
- Wherever we have lived, we have had homeschoolers as close neighbors, just coincidentially. I think there are a lot more homeschoolers out there than people imagine.
- I have learned that motherhood makes one much less squeamish. I'm not even afraid of spiders anymore.
- I love to do needlecrafts like crocheting and counted cross-stitch, but I seldom find the time. I have a pile of unfinished projects. After my mother-in-law passed away, I found some of her unfinished projects. It made me sad, and I determined to finish all of mine. I haven't stuck with it.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Pelosi on Contraception
From This Week on ABC yesterday, explaining why in this time of fiscal disaster the federal government must spend hundreds of millions of dollars on contraception:
"The family planning services reduce cost," Pelosi said, "One of the elements of this package is assistance to the states. The states are in terrible fiscal budget crises now and part of what we do for children's health, education and some of those elements are to help the states meet their financial needs. One of those - one of the initiatives you mentioned, the contraception, will reduce costs to the states and to the federal government."
Reduce costs by reducing people? Two examples to illustrate how this does not work:
- Europe - contracepting western civilization on that continent right out of existence. They are not even able to reproduce at replacement rate anymore.
- Social Security - the idea that many workers being taxed to pay for the retirement bliss of the few depends on there being more workers than retirees. We've known for at least a decade that we have a severe shortage of workers compared with retirees.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Reagan on Abortion
"I've noticed that everybody that is for abortion has already been born."
Ronald Reagan, quoted in New York Times, 22 September 1980
HT Lady in the Pew
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Getting to Know You: 2009 Edition
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Obama Inaugural Speech
Here are some quotes from the transcript of Obama's inaugural address today:
"The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.Had I fallen off the turnip truck yesterday, I would have said, "Oh, good. He's pro-life."
[...]
It is the firefighter's courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent's willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate."
Monday, January 05, 2009
Book Review: The Virtue Driven Life
Fr. Groeschel brings his wisdom to bear in an exposition of the seven main virtues of Christian life. Beginning with the four cardinal virtues (prudence, temperance, fortitude and justice), Groeschel explains their human characteristics, and how they can be elevated by grace to a supernatural level. For the three theological virtues (faith, hope and charity), he explains how they flow from God's grace. Examples from life pepper the text, making for clear examples and keeping the material interesting. A good introduction to the important virtues for anyone interested in the Catholic faith.
Friday, January 02, 2009
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Nocturnal Visitor
Two nights ago I was up. I got out the fleece blanket to snuggle under on the couch, and set out to update my planner and read a book until I either fell asleep or it became too late to.
I heard a curious cooing sound, like the muffled sound of a mourning dove in the shrubs outside. Mourning doves are frequent visitors to our feeders. But this was the pitch black, freezing early hours of the morning. After listening a few times, I turned out the lamp, wrapped myself in the fleece and squeezed myself between the over-sized Christmas tree and the front window. I listened.
I heard it again, much clearer now, and I was sure. It was an owl. And not just any owl. A great horned owl, one of the largest owls in North America. I tried to find him. He was close by, I could tell. But it was too dark with no moon, and the one streetlight did more to blind me than to illuminate the area. I listened, though, for about fifteen minutes, until the whoo-ing stopped.
I was still thrilled. I haven't heard an owl in years. And never in the city. We do live near a cliff, and great horned owls like to nest in cliffs. So maybe he'll be back. Arch made me promise to wake him up if I ever hear it again.
Monday, December 22, 2008
The Centurion's Wife
The Centurion's Wife is the first installment in a promising new series entitled Acts of Faith. Set in Ceasarea and Jerusalem at the time of the Crucifixion of Christ, the story is told from two perspectives. First is Leah, a poor relation of Pontius Pilate whose circumstances force her to become a servant in his household. Then there is Alban, a Gallic Roman centurion who has offered for Leah's hand in the hopes of advancing his own career.
The events surrounding the trial, death and subsequent disappearance of the body of Jesus have everyone unsettled. Pilate and Herod are concerned about a possible Jewish revolt in the province. Pilate's wife is suffering from unspeakable headaches and nightmares.
Pilate allows Alban to become betrothed to Leah, who is legally a Jewess by her mother's mother, in a traditional Jewish ceremony. To claim his bride, Alban must find the body of Jesus, and determine if a revolt is imminent.
Leah, who wants no part of marriage, is tasked by Pilate's wife to find out all she can about the followers of Jesus.
The characters are interesting and sympathetic. The title of the book, and the fact that it is proclaimed a "first-in-series," give away the ending. But how they manage to get there, and what happens Leah and Alban along the way, is an interesting tale.
Most interesting for me was the reaction of people to the Resurrection right when it happened, as portrayed in the book. It led me to ask myself what I might have thought, might have done. I was a little uncomfortable with development of personalities for Biblical characters such as Pilate and his wife, Mary Magdalene, Lazarus and his sisters. But, how else to tell a story?
The ending of the book was left a definite cliff-hanger, with Alban's fate as a centurion in the balance still. I think they overplayed their lead-in to a sequel just a bit. I would have liked a major issue such as that settled in the same volume.
Overall this was an enjoyable, thought-provoking tale of Judea at the time of it's biggest crisis.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Just Two of the Reasons I Love Our Papa
- "Joy is often found behind little things and is reached by following one's proper daily duty with a spirit of devotion." -- Pope Benedict XVI, address on the occasion of the canonization of St. Felix of Nicosia, October 2005
- A recent article in the National Catholic Register suggests Pope Benedict XVI is considering moving the Sign of Peace to another (more appropriate) place in the Mass. For instance, at the Offertory.
Monday, December 08, 2008
2009 Reading Challenge
It's that time of year! I'm doing some things differently for '09 than I did in '08, namely:
- Less books. I'm aiming for 25.
- Less categories. I'll have 5.
- On-the-go book list, instead of writing out ahead of time what I plan to read.
- Theology
- History
- Literature
- Arts
- Sciences
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Sign the Academic Freedom Petition
Ben Stein highlighted the discrimination against intelligent design in his movie Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed. This discrimination is why it is so important, now more than ever, to stand up in support of academic freedom.
Sunday, November 09, 2008
Opposite of Writer's Block?
What is the opposite of writer's block?
I started a novel a few weeks ago, that I simply cannot get out of my head. I wonder if Jane Austen felt this way?
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Local Hero
I have a friend who is an in-law of the Cote family here in WNY. This is a sad disgrace for our country.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Expelled
Do not miss this movie, just out on DVD this week. Ben Stein looks at the academic, media and court barriers to the discussion of intelligent design in the United States today. He then looks at Darwinism's influence on Nazism. Must see!
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Book Organization
Way back in April I wrote a post about how I manage our books. It was meant to kick off a series of posts on the topic, but I never followed through.
So in the same vein, six months later, I am going to talk about managing books on LibraryThing.
LibraryThing allows users to catalog and tag books they own, read, want to own, etc. Users can log in 200 books for free. Above that you can purchase an annual membership for $10 or a lifetime one for $25. I have been a lifetime member for over two years and have never regretted spending the $25.
There is a lot of detail in the information you can input and edit. For those of us obsessed with books, it could turn into an addiction. But we busy homeschool moms don't have time to devote to every aspect of LT.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Brainstorming
I was sitting up the other night brainstorming ideas for making extra money, and trying to prioritize them.
I have been selling things, mostly books, online for nine years. At various times in the past I have put quite a lot of effort into it, and made some money. I need to revisit where I am with all of that and get a move on using my time wisely.
So, here is my list of online moneymaking priorities:
- Sell and swap books: I have at least 200 books to get scanned, described, priced and listed. I have about 25 done. There is much work to be done here, but since the stuff is already on hand, there is no real cost outlay involved unless I list on ebay. I used to sell only on ebay. I am over that now, and cross-list my books on up to five selling venues. I also list low-value books for trade on seven different swap sites. I can then use my swap points for books we need for homeschooling, or books with a decent resale value to get and sell.
- Sell hand-rolled beeswax Advent candles: Last fall I made my own hand-rolled beeswax Advent candles. I still have some sheets of beeswax, so I just need to spend an evening cutting and rolling them. I will probably put them on ebay and etsy (a new venue for me). Again, I have all of the supplies on hand except shipping boxes. I need to check out USPS Priority Mail boxes to see if there is a good size, or decide if I want to order boxes for shipping (I really don't want to do this unless I have to). I have plenty of bubble wrap and peanuts in the basement. But I need to move fast on this one, and get these done, photographed, priced and listed in the next week. I also have some natural beeswax sheets and if the Advent candles sell I may make up some sets of natural tapers, too, afterwards.
- Sell hand-crocheted wrist warmers: Last winter I crocheted myself a pair of wrist warmers from a pattern I found online. I love them. My hands always got cold in the house because we keep the heat at 68 during the day to save money. I think these will be a good seller, and I can get them posted after the Advent candles, before Christmas, and hopefully I will sell them all winter. Again, probably mainly etsy and possibly ebay. I don't think I have enough yarn on hand, so I will have to purchase some.
- Photography and Graphic Design: As I stated in my last post, I have been playing around lately with Cafe Press. I really need to take some kind of community college graphic design class to understand how to make quality products. I am pretty happy with my photographs of nature, and maybe I will sell something.
- Virtues Guide: I have had it in mind to write a virtures curriculum for some time. I don't know if I will get to this during the current school year, so this is on the back burner. I would self-publish this on lulu.
- Mystery Novel: I am writing a murder mystery novel in the style of the Golden Age detective novels. Will I ever finish it? Hard to tell. Sometimes I think "yes" and other time I have no idea how I will do it. I have pages upon pages written out longhand in notebooks, and I have typed exactly one and one-half pages of it into the computer. If I ever do finish it I will self-publish it on lulu.
Cafe Press
I have been playing around with Cafe Press. I made two cards from original photographs I took with my digital camera. I just made a homeschooling car magnet. Come check it out!
Friday, October 10, 2008
Franz Joseph Haydn
Franz Joseph Haydn is our composer of the month. I thought I'd put up a quick post linking to our resources. Most of these are from the library.
Plus I bought copies of the Farewell Symphony (No. 45) and the Surprise Symphony (No. 94) on iTunes.
Our spine for classical music studies is:
Thursday, October 09, 2008
The Collapse of Unrestrained Capitalism
Here is a line I just can't resist quoting:
Proper restrictions and regulations were lifted and, in a mind-staggering glut of greed and speculation, money was loaned on money that was borrowed on securities that were based on other monies that were insured by companies that had borrowed more money that only existed as computer calculations -- and if that explanation is not exactly correct, neither is the reality any simpler.
Monday, October 06, 2008
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Campion
I am a Golden Age Detective Fiction junkie. This year I have been on an Albert Campion tear. Reading everything Campion in order of publication, plus watching the eight novels made into TV movies on DVD.
