Saturday, November 5

We were invited to lunch at the Landwehr's home. Renee makes incredible lasagna! After lunch we took a walk along the channel that runs in front of their house. The layout of the channel and walking path and the locks are kind of hard to explain, but beyond where the locks are, huge chunks of limestone pile up. We walked out into the middle of the water on these enormous slabs. Scott is the cross country coach. I like this picture of Dwight with his dad and his coach. (Woody didn't get to go with us because he was busy driving w/the driver's ed instructor.) Not only am I thankful for this beautiful scenic spot -- but for Coach Landwehr and his wife Renee!

November 3

My little friend Phoebe celebrated her 16th birthday on Thursday -- with a big bash! She invited her friends out to the family farm where they had a bonfire and great food -- and games! The best part was -- she invited me too! The picture is hard to see -- but her mother, Christine, is standing behind the magnificent fire. I am thankful for Phoebe and Christine -- two of my WI friends!

November 4 --

Woody invited friends over to help him shoot a movie. I was busy baking cookies and making supper for all of them when suddenly I heard beautiful music! I absolutely love having guests play my piano! Here is Nate giving us a free concert. Later Becky played, too -- but I didn't get a picture of her. I am thankful for people who play my piano!!!

November

As I am sure you all know, November is just about the best month ever! Not only do I celebrate my birthday in this month -- but also my anniversary! And -- the whole country celebrates Thanksgiving during this month as well. Some years -- Thanksgiving and my birthday land on the same day. That's cool.

My plan for my blog this month is to take a picture everyday of something for which I feel grateful. Now -- we all know how faithful I am to this blog -- so yeah, if I post three pictures this month, I am going to call this mission a huge success!

Tuesday, November 1 --

Well, that was yesterday (I'm starting out a day behind), my anniversary -- 20th to be exact! My husband brought me flowers and candy at work, then took me out to lunch! I thank God for him! Also -- the restaurant gave us a complimentary mini cake -- which was a nice bonus. (Thankful for that, too!)

Wednesday, November 2

Just something simple today -- Hot Cocoa!!!!!!

Today was very overcast and rainy. I felt thankful to be warm and dry in my cheerful office. And -- I was so happy to have a little cup of hot chocolate! For some of you from the fam -- look very carefully at the picture -- see the spoon? Remind you of anything?

"No Capes"

Lucky for me, I arrived in Chicago first after Mindi Wood cleaned out her closet. This meant that I was the lucky recipient of the clothing she was discarding! I know, I'm kind of gloating about my good fortune!

In the fancy bag of goodies was a top that Mindi said didn't work for her. It was very cute, so I gave it a whirl. Let's just say that if it didn't work for Mindi -- it was a total disaster on me! I think perhaps it was one of those items designed for those 5'10" women who are mostly legs -- not really a Wood trait.

So -- in the spirit of Dave Ramsey, I decided to make-do. Mostly I just made-over. I cut the top along the sides, then re-cut the front -- and the back band -- stitched together the leftovers -- and voila! -- an apron!!!!!

Yeah -- check the picture -- it's awesome! I have never really had a fancy apron before. I had no idea how cool this would be! I swear the thing has super powers. And, upon further reflection, I've discovered why: an apron is pretty much just like a superhero cape -- only when you tie it around your neck, it hangs down the front of you! I almost like cooking when I wear it –clearly something magical going on there! Think any of Mindi’s cooking skills will rub off on me? The apron also emits this sense of comfort as well – kind of like a security blanket. I put it on – think of Mindi and the other nieces – and I just feel safe and happy.

I checked out the aprons at the local boutique: $25 - $35 (and not as cute as Mindi’s shirt-apron). I didn’t recognize the label in shirt (no big surprise there), but I preserved it – just in case it’s something really groovy!

!

I have worn it nearly every day for the past 2 weeks. I even speed over to the neighbor’s while wearing it – entertain company in it, have a hard time taking it off when I’m done in the kitchen.

Probably should have checked to be sure it was machine-washable before I started the project. Oh, well!

Thank you, Mindi!

Priceless Princess Moments

Every now and then in my adult life something lovely happens that probably would have made more sense if it had happened when I was younger.

Two years ago, my friend Gail asked me to sit for her. She didn’t mean she needed a babysitter. She is a portrait artist. Generally, she takes lots of photos of her subjects, and then selects the best parts and pieces from the photos to combine them into a portrait. Then, she sells the masterpiece for hundreds – possibly a couple thousand -- dollars (depending on how many subjects are involved). She told me that she needed more practice painting from real life – rather than from photos. Would I sit for her? Would I sit for her!!! There is something intensely flattering about having someone want to paint your portrait. And, if that wasn’t already lovely enough, she insisted on paying me for “modeling” for her. Several afternoons a week for a couple of weeks, I went to her beautiful home and stood in my pose in the window of her studio. I loved the experience! Part of what made this so magical was spending time with my friend. I confess a little hero worship for Gail Palpant. Sometimes I think that I would like to be Gail Palpant when I grow up!

At some level this beautiful moment seemed odd to me, though – to be painted when I was older, when my most beautiful, youthful days were long behind me.

See if you can find me on her website: http://www.gailpalpant.com/gallery-II.htm

Just recently I had another such experience. Our school had a huge auction in March – a major gala event. Because John was serving as Master of Ceremonies – or host – or whatever the title was, the auction committee wanted him to wear a tuxedo. A friend of the school offered to buy me an evening gown for the event. This charming, generous benefactor prefers to remain anonymous; so, sadly, I cannot name him or post his picture. He did give me an extremely generous budget for shopping. I don’t believe I have ever shopped for an evening gown before. I wasn’t even sure how to go about it! I thought I needed something long – since John was going to be very formal. After looking at the mall – and rejecting the cupcake prom look – we tried a bridal shop. The little sales girl had an interesting idea. She asked if I would like to look at some of the bridal gowns on the discount rack. I hadn’t thought of that – but it sure sounded fun! What old married lady gets to try on wedding gowns?! I believe she was thinking that some of the champagne or cream-colored ones would suit as an evening gown. The auction had an old Hollywood “red carpet” theme, and one of the wedding gowns looked like retro glam to me. And it fit! – Mostly. Of course it was 6 inches too long and had a significant train.

After trying on wedding gowns – all of the bridesmaid gowns at the shop looked so – um, ordinary. I put the dress on hold so that I could “sleep” on it. I slept well and went back to buy it the next day. I then had to take it to a tailor to have the 6 inches cut off – as well as have the train removed. Let’s just say I spent nearly as much $$ at the tailor as I did for the dress in the first place. I tried to find a wrap to add some color to my outfit – but with no success. (I really didn’t want to look like a bride.) In the end, I bought a white cape – also retro glam. So – off I went to the ball in the most-incredibly exquisite Cinderella gown of my life! The auction itself was so magical. I continue to be amazed by the staff/faculty/friends and family that comprise our school.

Again I had that odd feeling that the timing was muddled – as though my days for dressing up like a princess should probably remain in my past.

So here’s to my past youth – and some of the leftover glories of it – still lingering into my “later” youth! I feel so thankful that God would put these untimely blessings and beautiful people in my life!

Winter for the Wisconcitizen

I am a MI girl. I was born in Grand Rapids. And I spent 6 years of my adult life in MI as well. Winter is not exactly a picnic there. For several years, we lived in Watervliet -- an itty-bitty burg in the "lake-effect snow zone" near Lake Michigan. Recently we moved to WI. While the move was in process, people asked me if I was ready to be cold.

Am I ready to be cold? What kind of question is that? I'm a MI girl, for Pete's sake! You think I don't know what winter is? People then looked at me wisely, smiled politely and changed the subject.

Haughty of me, I suppose. Now I know. And, no -- I'm not ready to be cold!!!

When the thermometer launches into the 20's -- I think, -- oh, it's warm! I won't need so many layers! I wear hiking boots to Walmart in order to accommodate that extra layer of wool socks. Sometimes I just keep my bib-overall-snowpants on inside the house. Cuddle Duds are a standard part of the WI wardrobe (along with a great deal of green and gold). I have a personal relationship w/my space heaters -- one at home, one at work.

I try to remember to run down to do laundry while I still have my boots and coat on -- so much more comfortable. Actually, our basement is so very cold that I have considered just washing the laundry in a bucket in the back yard because it might be warmer!

If the refrigerator gets too full -- no problem. We can just store the perishables in the kitchen cupboards -- plenty cold in there!

A previous owner of our antique house explained to us the importance of running a fan behind the vent to the pipes to the shower in the master bathroom. Failing to do so might allow the pipes to freeze. Doesn't that create images of a warm toasty bathroom? We didn't follow his directions one night, and the water in the shower drain did indeed freeze. After a few minutes of running the water, the ice melted and the water drained. Thank goodness!

Even on the most painfully cold days, I still walk the dog about 3 miles. Sometimes I think it takes longer to put on all of my layers - and later take them off again -- than it takes to walk the 3 miles! Don't envy my "Nanook of the North" fashion statement!

This week -- on Wednesday -- March 23 -- we received 6 inches of fresh snow. So --yeah -- WI stands for WInter! I gotta run. I need to empty the dryer before the clothes get freezer burn. Where's my parka?

The Royal Flush-- Priceless

Perhaps everyone won't find this topic tasteful. I know I certainly don't. For my faithful readers -- both of you -- you know that we recently moved into our beautiful 1920's cottage. The historical architecture of our home has been really carefully maintained -- or in spaces restored. I love this about the space -- mostly. The upstairs family bath -- which initially was the only bath -- still sports its original tub -- tile -- medicine cabinet -- flooring -- and possibly sink. A previous owner told us that he had a nice vanity installed there. The most recent owner found the old sink hanging on a wall in the basement and hauled it upstairs to "return to the era". Yep, hot water on one side, cold on the other. If you wish to wash with warm water, you must swish your hands back and forth very quickly between the spigots. However interesting that tidbit about the sink maybe, it is really merely background to my story. The old water closet also still offers the original toilet! Talk about an amazing antique! This puppy was top of the line back in 1924 -- a Saneto Crane air toilet! Because early indoor plumbing lacked a vertical venting system, this toilet has it's own personal vent. The water enters the tank from the wall -- at about 4 feet off of the floor. The vent sits behind the toilet -- beneath the tank -- about the same height as the toilet seat. The drain sits slightly forward of the modern space

Being a bit of a retro fan, I don't mind the antique bathroom. Besides, I have a beautiful master bath with jetted garden tub and separate shower, modern toilet, and double vanity. I don't even use the "family bath". My boys use it. Did I mention that the original tile is pink? I try to describe it as "salmon." The guys call it the Barbie bathroom. They also don't like to clean it.

Upon first moving in, I discovered something icky growing in the bottom of the antique toilet bowl. The plumber diagnosed this problem as lime. No, I didn't call the plumber because of the gray film growing down the drain. I know to call the Tidy Bowl man for that kind of problem. Unfortunately, about the time I tackled the icky growth, I discovered that the toilet was actually leaking. For this, we called the plumber.

Washington Avenue is famous in Oshkosh as the historic street. The guy who owns the plumbing company lives down the street from us. His employee came in -- took one look at the toilet and said, "hm". He should have said "h$m". He almost immediately assessed the problem --diagnosed where the crack was and called to check if they had the parts in stock. After making a few calls -- he announced that this would be a 4 hour job -- and would run in excess of $500.00. Yep -- you are reading that correctly -- $500.00. And your mind went in an entirely different direction when I announced that my topic might be in poor taste!

$619.00 was the final total -- speaking of obscene! I am happy to say that the home warranty covered a majority -- but not quite all of the bill for fixing the primitive potty! We did get to "donate" toward the cause from our own pocket as well.

Perhaps you are thinking -- good grief -- why didn't you just buy a new potty with a retro look to it? -- and saved some $$ ? -- Good question! -- Remember when I carefully described my antique potty. Remember how I explained the location of the water line -- where the drain sits -- the vent spot? Right. To replace the poor ol' potty with a new one would require major demo, and re-plumbing, re-plastering, re-painting -- to the tune of approximately $1500! Makes the repair bill sound better doesn't it?

To be fair, I can't say that we flushed money down the toilet because the toilet is repaired! It no longer leaks! We're sitting pretty! Now if I could just get those boys to clean the bathroom consistently!