Category: Uncategorized

Lunch Date and a High Five

 High praise to all of you who left thoughtful and respectful comments on the previous post, regardless of where you stand on the issue. I’m often sad over the state of things all over the world and I wonder how a person with little significance like myself can make any kind of difference, aid in any way toward positive change.  Well, conversations like the one we just had is one way we can all make a difference in a very big way.  By changing the way we all communicate. Every step in the right direction paves the road to a better world, and I thank you.

The Mr. and I had a lunch date at Mystic Pizza

bottom pizza – the Mediteranean – artichoke, roasted red pepper, spinach, garlic, red onion

I could live here….

This shot was taken at about 25 mph while hanging arms out window because
someone has no patience when I want to stop and take a shot.
Not bad for a drive-by.

She’s a brick…..house….
she’s mighty mighty…
(anyone know the next line?)

I hope I’ve got you singing that song now, still one of my favorites
from when – we were young – the lyrics and tune elevate you, it can’t be helped
it’s gritty and funky and fun.
Trains run all along our shoreline, often right along the water –

Many Mystic homes in the historic district have widows walks…
According to Wikipedia if you’re interested…
A widow’s walk also known as a “widow’s watch” (or roofwalk) is a railed rooftop platform often with a small enclosed cupola frequently found on 19th-century North American coastal houses. A popular romantic myth holds that the platform was used to observe vessels at sea. The name is said to come from the wives of mariners, who would watch for their spouses’ return, often in vain as the ocean took the lives of the mariners, leaving the women widows.[1] In other coastal communities, the platforms were called Captain’s Walk, as they topped the homes of the more successful captains; supposedly, ship owners and captains would use them to search the horizon for ships due in port.

A pink house is always whimsical –
 and just look at the trim details…
This restaurant is actually painted the color of  the deep blue-purple
you see in oyster and muscle shells, my picture doesn’t do it justice.
I bet the food is spectacular.
…and that’s all I’m gonna say about that.
It’s a new day, folks – make it a good one.

Defining marriage

   We’re all aware of the national conversation taking place over the last decade or so about marriage, and in particular, gay marriage.  In 41 states, marriage is defined as a union of two people, a man and a woman.  9 states and the District of Columbia have declared gay marriage legal.  There are, of course, rumblings on either side of this issue. 

   My personal view is very simple… to each his own.  It’s not my business who someone else is attracted to, who they want to share their life with,  or what they do in their bedroom.  If you are a religious person, meaning you believe in God  our Creator,  are you of the belief that all are created equal?  One is supposed to believe that God loves all his children. How, then, could that possibly exclude those who are gay?  If two people of the same sex fall in love and want to live a life bonded in marriage and family, what gives us the right to deny them?   And this brings me to another issue – I don’t think gay people have a choice, anymore than I have a choice that I was born heterosexual.  I’m grateful that I am heterosexual, actually… because I don’t have to live with the prejudice that gay people still deal with on so many levels.

  You might wonder why I’m bringing this up today. Every now and then I see yet another article on this subject, and I keep wondering why it’s still such a big issue. There are so many BIG fish we need to fry in the national conversation, why is THIS still one of them?   I happen to know two gay couples who live  much more harmoniously and are more giving of themselves to their community and the world at large than many heterosexual couples I know.   As for the debate on whether or not they can be good or “qualified” parents… I can’t say I’m an authority here, but my belief is that in today’s world, if a child has two adults who are loving and nurturing and provide a quality life consisting of love, healthy living and education, what more could you ask?  So many children who were mothered and fathered in the “traditional” way,  go without. SO many.   

  I realize I am taking a risk by posting on this subject, because it’s controversial.  Hell, just the other day we had controversy over the issue of cell phone use,  knock me over with a feather!    I could make this blog conform solely to hearts and flowers, inspirational quotes, recipes, chickens and horses and fairy tales. Just to keep it safe.   I like all of the above mentioned things, but I want to talk about the Grit in life, too.   I think that’s why some of you come here, because we’re keeping it real.    I may offend some readers because your opinion may be very different than mine, that is not my intention.  I have no problem with differences of opinion and that you might want to share that opinion in the comments section here.  I believe that kind of conversation represents growth.   What I ask, though, is that you show respect and  refrain from putting down others.   If we could all just learn to communicate without insulting each other, we’d clear one of the World’s major hurdles and there would be a better understanding  and tolerance all around.

Just sayin.

Signs

 …..We have many of them here at This Old House.


I think it’s important to find atleast a little humor and a  little inspiration in each day.
These signs serve as a reminder to the occupants of This Old House.

Love + Inspiration + Humor = a more contented World.
We could all use more of that.

Project 12- A Day in the life

     Since the Project 24 idea has been really fun and many of you like to participate, how about something just a little different.  We’ll call it Project 12 – A Day in the life.  Why 12 and not 24, as in the hours of the day? because 12 photos in one blog post is more doable for the taker and the poster…lol..

      So here’s the deal.  If you’d like to take this on… all you have to do is give me a date that you will pick for your “Day in the Life”.   On that chosen date… you take 12 photos from the start of your day to the end of it, photos that depict that day in your life how every you choose to portray it.  Then at your convenience, send me those twelve photos – to karenthisoldhouse@hotmail.com    you can caption each photo, or not. They can stand alone, up to you.  Your “Day” will be the guest post.   Doesn’t matter if you’re a stay at home mom, a weaver, a photographer, a janitor, a waitress,  a gas station manager, an engineer on a freighter,  a butcher, a baker, a candle stick maker.  Every life is interesting, it’s in the details, however minute.  

     Are you in??… let me know! Remember to pick a date, any date that works for you.   And here’s today’s question, to help swallow yesterday’s hard lump… thank you for your input and I do appreciate your support.  I did remove the post when we were through with it, because… well, we’re through with it, right?

  So, the question.   How do you take YOUR coffee?   My answer?… light, no sugar. The best cup of coffee I ever had was Kona coffee in Hawaii on my honeymoon. I still remember that  awesome coffee 25 years later.  I’ve even bought the brand since, but it’s not the same.   Must have been the water on the island.   My truth?  I don’t drink it much anymore due to acid reflux.  DRAT.   Truly, that cup o’joe is such a comfort, isn’t it? 

The cell phone situation

  I was surprised yesterday to learn that a blog buddy of mine does not own a cell phone. Neither does her husband…and I consider them to be a very contemporary couple. They have no use for it and are very content with their land line.   Another blog buddy wishes she had cell phone service, especially for her husband’s business purposes, however their rural area still has no service, eight years after they moved to their current farm in Tenessee.  They are frustrated. 

  I was surprised by both revelations, to be honest. Even though I grew up without a cell phone and the first 15 years of our marriage we didn’t have them,   I can’t imagine NOT having them now that they have become a part of everyday communication.  Why I love it?  It’s the most instant means of getting in touch with someone available today… and a really good way to communicate with teens especially. I am now the queen of texting…  this is a VERY valuable tool for the hearing impaired, and that would be me.  Mike would be lost without his cell phone as he needs to keep in constant touch with his work crew during the course of a work day.  Sometimes he and they are in three different places and issues arise that need decisions in order to go forward.

  My 73 year old mother didn’t have a cell phone for the longest time.  It was a foreign concept to her, and she was reluctant to get one.  Then as she began traveling to visit friends, etc… I insisted she get a phone because we wanted to be able to get in touch with her, Heaven forbid she had a problem or needed assistance.  She finally gave in and got one… but the next hurdle was TURNING IT ON.  *sigh*  I believe it took us three years to get her to leave it on and WITH her when she’s traveling.  She still doesn’t know how to get messages on it, but that’s OK.  If she needs us, she knows how to dial us.  If we need to know she’s OK.. she picks it up on the third or fourth ring. 

  We still have a land line at This Old House, but it’s not used very often.  Most of the time I give out our cell phone numbers for contact info, not the land line.  Curious minds want to know… do you depend on your cell phone? Have you ditched the land line all together?  Are you still primarly a land line user? 

Are you getting your GREEN on?

Although it’s never believed by my appearance alone,
I am Irish as well as Italian.  T’is a beautiful thing, if you’re to ask me 🙂
Amen, I say.

Any excuse to  join in in some way, celebrate and have a little fun
should be put to good use – whether you’re Irish or Italian or German or Japanese.
Today, where ever you are…In large cities, along the beach, at church, 
  or in small town USA… , notice the camaraderie.. the wearing o’ the green,
the serving of the green beer, the green bagels at the bakery… The PARADES!
Anything that brings us all together in a good way, is alright by me.
My mom has already prepared the corn beef, cabbage, potatoes and Irish Soda bread.
Delish!
Are you wearing your green today?

Buck

  The Mr. has a thing for old wagons.  We have one on the front lawn, you’ve seen it in my blogposts before I ‘m sure.

 We used Emmaline as a vegetable cart and now she is a lawn ornament.  She’s also a darker shade, as we have fortified her with linseed oil several times over since this photo was taken in 2011.

 M wanted something a little heavier to display vegetables out at the road… and had a friend of his keep an eye out for a buckboard wagon down in Amish Country. Emmaline hails from the same area. 

 Why am I naming these wagons?  I have no idea, it just seems appropriate.  They’ve  worked hard for many years and deserve the respect, don’t ya think?

Meet Buck… currently out in the mini orchard, but soon to call our roadside vegetable stand “home”. 
Note the metal rimmed wooden wheels, how well crafted they are.
The Amish know how to build a wagon…
they still use them for farming and transportation!


Heirloom Tomato Pie

  The spring-like weather had me in a garden state of mind yesterday, so  I made an Heirloom Tomato pie recipe for dinner, along with Dad’s swedish meatballs   The men in the house would not be satisfied with Tomato pie alone.  This recipe is an adaption from a recipe posted on the Food Network, but I think I found it last year on someone elses blog.  Let me know in the comments if you are the someone.

Ingredients:

Pie crust, either store bought or home made (I used stored bought – the shame of it! )
3/4 cup  shredded manchego cheese
3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
extra-virgin olive oil 1/4 cup sour cream
1 large onion, thinly sliced
2 1/4 pounds mixed heirloom tomatoes ( I bought what the store had since it’s not garden season yet)
salt & pepper
3 tablespoons breadcrumbs
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, divided
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme ( I left that out, not a fan)

Directions:
Line the crust with foil and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake until the edges are golden, about 20 minutes. Remove the foil and weights and continue baking until golden all over, 10 to 15 more minutes. Transfer to a rack to cool.

To make the filling: in a large skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add the onion and cook, stirring, until golden, about 15 minutes. Let cool.

Thinly slice the tomatoes and toss with 1 teaspoon  salt in a colander. Let drain, gently tossing occasionally, about 30 minutes.

Increase the oven temperature to 375 degrees F. Combine the manchego, mozzarella, sour cream, breadcrumbs,  2 tablespoons parsley, thyme, 1/4 teaspoon salt, pepper and the sauteed onion in a bowl. Spread into the crust. Arrange the tomatoes on top. Drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and season with pepper. Bake until the tomatoes are browned, about 50 minutes. Top with the remaining 1 tablespoon parsley.   YUM~ try it! you will not be disappointed.

I can smell it

  Do you see what I see this morning?  the GROUND!!… and the scent as I stepped outside to take this picture was of wet earth, and  the promise of SPRING!….. do I hear a Hallelujah!  The birds are chirping, the chickens are roaming, the horses are muddy and I don’t care. 

 It’s a new day, folks – make it a good one! 
and thank you to all who are donating a book to This Old House’s
Little Free Library.  I’ll let you know what we all put together 🙂

Just a thought here….

  Now, first understand that I don’t need donations to start up my Little Free Library.  I’ve got plenty to stock it.   However,  if you love the idea too… and are an avid reader and  book collector as I am… you can help me stock the library by sending a book you have already read and don’t mind never seeing again.  It can be a childrens book or a gardening how to book or a romance or mystery, best seller or new author, whatever!   I think it would be really fun to see the diversity of what we can throw together.  If this is something that you’d like to join in on, I also recommend writing your blog address on the inside cover  indicating to new readers that  you donated the book.   Send me an e-mail if you want to donate, and I’ll give you my mailing address.   karenthisoldhouse@hotmail.com

Below are a few more…
 cute window box! 

This one is located in Ghana….

And this one is in Memphis!…

alittle imagination goes a long way!