Autumn at This Old House

  Blogging used to be a daily thing around here – When I picked up my editing job again for a local publication I  let it fall by the wayside, admittedly.  There’s just so much time in a day that I  am willing to give up in order to sit in front of a computer screen. For those of you who still drop by and join the conversations, I thank you for your time and sharing of views. 
   The blog was originally a way for me to document the restoration of This Old House here and people loved watching the transformation. I was happy to share. Some idiot on the internet started leaving really odd and sometimes nasty comments so I deleted the whole thing out of fear.   Never let fear get the best of you –  I regret it to this day, and cannot retrieve the archives… I tried and tried again…. Anyway.. I tell you this because there is a new project on the horizon, a renovation that I will share here shortly. Stay tuned…  I was going to start another blog on the transformation, but instead I’ll just keep tabs on it here.  Lets call it… Once Upon A Tide… 
   Have you peppered your home with autumn yet?  I love acknowledging the seasons with their hues, the natural elements brought inside and some whimsy too. This year both my children have places of their own and I have handed over some of the fall and Halloween decor so they can do the same.  They both appreciated the effort when they were younger and it appears they will continue the traditions as well, does my heart good to see it. 

     My son and his girlfriend adopted this beautiful kitten last week. They are head over heels in love.  Her name is Lily and she adores them just as much.  So many cats and dogs at the shelters all across the US – consider adopting when you add a pet to your family.  You are indeed saving a life. 

   Mom has been at a cottage on the water for the last two weeks of summer into fall.  We’ve enjoyed a few amazing sunset dinners on the deck, located on Long Island Sound… doesn’t get any better than that.

 Speaking of dinners.. this dish has been going around facebook in video form – Chicken Caprese- I don’t have the recipe but followed the video and will put it in simple terms below… easy, delicious, and good for you.

Chicken Caprese –  Put some olive oil in a large pan, saute chicken cutlets (or breasts but we prefer the thinner cutlet) in oil six minutes each side or until nicely browned, salt and pepper each piece when you begin.  Remove chicken after browned/cooked on both sides and add balsamic vinegar and chopped garlic to pan. Sautee for a minute and add halved cherry tomatoes… simmer for five minutes, add chopped basil, place browned chicken cutlets over the tomato mixture, place slice of fresh mozzerella on top of each chicken piece, place cover over pan to allow cheese to melt over chicken… remove cover and serve with warm toasty garlic bread.   YUM! 

How low are we gonna go?

 Seems there is no limit.  I wasn’t going to talk about the candidates anymore, but jeez, I just keep getting confounded by the bullshittery.

  Did you watch the debates?  Here was the Tangerine Screams time to proverbially SHINE, if ever there was one.  (there was indeed less of an orange hue to his complexion that night, perhaps someone important finally said something?)  And yet he was just more of the same… because I guess when push comes to shove you can only be you.  Apparently it doesn’t take much to shove him into defense mode either, he is bated very.. very.. easily. For a man to hold such an important office and wield the kind of power he would have, that should make every single one of us nervous. 
And yet. 
So coming away from that debate,  we learned he will always be him, he will never straighten up and fly right, for lack of a better way to say it.  He will not become “Presidential” in any way, shape or form.  He didn’t deny he hadn’t  paid Federal taxes because “he’s Smart”.    Oh, but he’s denying he said that now, even though it came right out of his mouth for all of us to see.  Doesn’t seem to matter! He  didn’t deny calling women some ugly names, saying they *deserved it*.  He never answered any of the questions put to him without having to be asked more than once, and even then… did we come away with any.. answers?   He didn’ t deny being sued twice by housing authorities because he was discriminatory against blacks years ago.  His answer was, in simplest terms, others were doing it too.  He settled with them!    That doesn’t erase the behavior, D*nald.    He was rude with the interruptions, he was bated into anger easily with simple comments. Jeez, you gotta have a thicker skin than that if you’re gonna have your fingers on those nuke codes.  Again.. that should make every single one of us more than nervous… how about scared sh*tless.  
 Two things  I have to give the D*nald… he was right about Trade issues, I do agree with what he has to say on that subject.  I agree that we shouldn’t be the World’s police without some form of payment, the burden of cost on many  levels should not be all ours and it has been in many instances. 
 Hillary was Hillary… I don’t love her.   But I will vote for her this time.   I keep coming to the same conclusion because I don’t like my options… there’s no other logical choice. What’s really pathetic is that these debates are no longer about We The People… the issues before us and solving them.   We all know what they are and know we have to find a better way, real solutions all across the board.   As for the first Tr*mp-Cl*nton debate, didn’t matter who you were cheering for.  It was mostly about jeers and leers and sneers, eye rolls, snorting, smirks, chuckles, insults and even some lies yet again.  For the Great Country that we truly are, how sad that it’s come to this.  Shame on all of us, shame on our government.  
I’m not a religious person but I’m compelled to say, God Help Us All. 
 

*Sigh – lets catch up, shall we?

   My thoughts on the jack*ss who refuses to stand for the National Anthem at sporting events is exactly this…. 
 Hey there, sir… you’re damned lucky to live in this U.S. of A, and one of the many reasons you should pick some other form of peaceful protest is the very reason you are able to do that despicable act in the first place.  And yeah, I think it’s a despicable act because MANY PEOPLE DIED in order for you to have that right.  They died serving their country, they believed in that flag, in what it stands for.  The reason you make that obnoxious salary for PLAYING A SPORT, yes indeed you play it well,  is because you live in this amazing country. You should consider it a privilidge. You should be grateful to those who gave their life so that you could do such an ignorant thing and not be penalized for it, severely if I had my way.    Let’s talk about that for a minute… If I had my way.   If I were the owners of the NFL teams or any other team for that matter – one of the rules in the contract, because I own your ass in that contract, is that you stand for the Anthem, you pledge allegiance to your flag and country and you show respect for it and the people who gave their lives for your freedoms.  If you do not, you’re off the team. That big fat paycheck you think is owed you.. is not. You earn it, and that’s one of the ways that are expected of you. 
                         ___________________________________________________
In other news… although this seems petty, trite, sooo non-issue compared to what we’re looking at on the political scene these days…   I can’t help but feel a little vindication for Team Aniston after all these years.  Just that. 
                          ___________________________________________________
   And Last for today, but certainly not least… I am so utterly disappointed in this election year I don’t even know what to say to express it accurately.  I will certainly not ever vote for Tr*mp,  Jeez, let me count the thousand reasons why,  but I am also  disappointed in H*llary in the ways she still thwarts her own campaign in unnecessary ways.  To be clear, I don’t believe she’s the villian or the murderer or the lying sociopath some of you believe her to be, and we’ve already been through all that so please… no more hashing it out here.  But I wish I felt better about casting a vote in her direction.  Honestly, even though she is far more qualified than the Tangerine Scream, it doesn’t feel great… and with such an important decision being made, I’d like it to feel great.   I bet many of us have the same feeling if we’re being honest, even if you’re a ….. Tr*mp…. supporter.  Surely.. you have reservations, even if you aren’t gonna come out with it.  If you’re a sane person, you’d have to have SOME reservations..   Ah, but I’m stepping over that line again. 
 
 

People let me tell ya ’bout my best friend

    Can anyone tell me where that line came from?   It should apply to our canine companions, truly wo(man)’s best friend.  So much we could learn from them, should learn from them.  They live in the moment, they forgive as quickly as the offense took place, they love unconditionally, they accept everything as it is, they don’t judge, their needs are so very simple. Uncomplicated beings.  If only we could all follow suit.  Alas, we are far too complex a creature. 
  I am lucky enough to work from home, whether it’s on the farm out back or in this house as it’s domestic engineer or at this computer editing, editing, editing. My coworkers are my dogs. Right now as I sit here typing, they surround me contented that I am near, the rat-tat-tat of the keyboard lulling them to sleep.   Their presence in my daily life is a treasure and I know many of you feel the same for your canine family members. 
   While I may feel  a little lost in this empty nest at times…. these characters keep me grounded with their expressions, their pure joys, their contentment at living in the moment in the company of the peoples that they love.  There are some that say dogs don’t feel or understand love.  I say they’ve never lived with a dog, never truly loved a dog. Because if they did, then they would know a whole new language and perhaps gain a new respect for these beings we are so lucky to have in our presence.  Is there any mistaking the look on that face above… he knows by the jangle of the car keys in my hand that I am going out on an errand and he is staying behind.  
  I’ve got a dog biscuit recipe to share with you today – the person who gave the recipe to me calls them Newf bars because she has a giant newfoundland  named Carbon who loves them. 
Home Made Newf Bars for Dogs

6 cups oatmeal
4 eggs
1/3 cup honey
1 cup milk 
2 mashed bananas (optional)
2 cups whole wheat flour
1/4 cup oil
1/4 cup molasses
1 large can solid pack pumpkin (also optional)

Preheat oven to 325. Grease cookie sheet that has lip. Dump all ingredients in large bowl. Mix the whole mess together using your hands (easiest- and tip: remove rings beforehand).  Pat onto greased cookie sheet and bake for 1 hour. Turn off oven, crack door open and allow cookies to cool in the oven. Break into whatever size you want.  These freeze really well too. 

When all that is golden is lost

    You’ve probably caught some of the Olympic fever going around, and I have watched a few bits and pieces while trying to beat the heat that has blanketed New England this week.  Last night I watched an HBO show hosted by Bryant Gumbal -( haven’t seen him in a while, reminds me of just how much I have aged, let alone him.)   He and three others discussed reporting they had done regarding the ghosts of Olympics past, and… questioned the role of the IOC.  What an intricate mess, these Olympics we herald. 
  What’s the IOC?  I’ve never paid attention before until now..  according to Wikipedia and their website… They are an all volunteer group  –

 international, non-profit, non-governmental organization based in Lausanne, Switzerland, created by Pierre de Coubertin, on 23 June 1894 with Demetrios Vikelas as its first president.  The IOC is the supreme authority of the worldwide modern Olympic movement. The IOC organises the modern Olympic Games and Youth Olympic Games, held in summer and winter, every four years. …. their mission –  Blending sport with culture and education, Olympism seeks to create a way of life based on the joy of effort, the educational value of good example, social responsibility and respect for universal fundamental ethical principles. The Olympic Movement works year-round to promote Olympism and use sport as an agent for positive social change around the world. 
   With the S*chi games we did hear some grumbling about the $51 Billion dollar Olympian Complex P*tin built, displacing many of the poorer sector by demolishing their housing complexes to create his show case.  A prominent journalist who spoke out against the obvious issues was executed not long after the games. Oddly, on a stretch of road/bridge where the lighting was out due to “repair work”.   The complex now sits mostly unused, and the company that owns part of it is going bankrupt.  In Be*jing, 134 human rights attorneys went missing, some jailed, some never to be heard from again. These are just some examples.   
   The Beijing complex – all but abandoned.  Ath*ns – ditto. S*chi, barely used.   Many many  human rights issues arose within those countries during the bidding, the building, and the ultimate abandonment of the olympic facilities.   In an interview with a retired member of the IOC, he was asked if they were aware of all the horrors bestowed on the locals as the Olympic stadiums are built?  His answer was basically –  we weren’t aware of them because they are not our business.  We are not there to change the governing or laws of the countries who host. That is not our job.      But you have to ask the question – shouldn’t it be their job, when decided who will win the bid to host… to make sure it’s all done humanely?  To benefit all, not just the leaders who want the publicity?  To not significantly negatively impact the society in which it is being held in the big picture?   As he was repeatedly asked why none of the offenses were the concern of the IOC, he simply stated, (annoyed)  that’s just not our job.     
But it should be. Look at their mission statement – Seeks to create a life based on the joy of effort, the education value of good example, social responsibility… etc etc etc.  
Apparently they didn’t get their own memo. 
  The Olympics are an inspiration and a unification in so many ways around the world – for these athletes and the people they represent.  On that we can all agree. 
 But.. There is so much more that happens in the underbelly.  I was truly shocked to see it’s underbelly.   I have often thought – why don’t they just build an Olympic Stadium somewhere for the winter games and one for the summer games and call it a day.  Use those for all games.  Wouldn’t that make the most sense?   I wasn’t even aware of  the above issues.. OR the below, for that matter. 
Be*jing

Ath*ns

S*chi

 At the games in Rio, water quality issues abound – severe pollution in the venues for sailing, rowing and other water sports has clouded athletes and visitors enthusiasm and frightened many.  Raw sewage seeps into the bay where these events take place –  it’s beaches 1.7 billion times more toxic than a US beach.  There is risk of contracting Hepatitis, Cholera, other bacterial infections, and Z*ka is still being transmitted by moquito, among other things.  Rio had 7 years to clean up it’s environment, which they said they would do, and yet they didn’t.  Officials had hoped the Olympics would force them to finally do the clean up but that’s not what happened.   Shouldn’t the IOC be concerned for the health and well being of participating athletes also instead of deliberately looking the other way and putting them in harms way? 
Link to the HBO show HERE

Getting back to what really matters

    I’ve been getting tangled up in the ugliness of our current political scene and my body has been telling me it doesn’t appreciate the stress.  I’m sure many of you can relate… when you’re the kind of person who can’t help but Give A Sh*t about what’s going on out there, how people are treating each other,  how disrespectful and downright hateful some of the conversation is…. well, it’s just hard to tune it out.  Every time I sit at the computer to work at my editing job or scan facebook, I peek at CNN and the headlines are always – not the good stuff-.  When the husband and I sit down at night to watch a little TV before bed, we check the news.  Same negative crap.   I was  just about to start a post on the increasingly obnoxious behaviors of our political candidates, one in particular who just keeps unraveling.. and yet!!…   (ah, but I digress).

   What’s a girl to do.

   I’m purposefully redirecting my attention to the little things.  They’re actually the big things, the most important things that bring me moments of peace and calm and absolutely, joy.

    My kids made me an empty nester this year – I’ve shared some of my horror at the thought with you in previous posts.   If you haven’t already experienced it yourself, I can tell you that it’s not all bad.  (Wow, did I just say that.)  Oh, I do miss the sound of their heavy footfalls upstairs as they rouse themselves in the morning, and the breakfast and dinner chatter that occurred on a near daily basis.  SOMETIMES I miss making big meals regularly that will feed four plus leftovers, but on that particular point I don’t miss the gigantic grocery shopping and I enjoy making simpler meals more often for just the two of us.   What’s awesome is both of my children live in the next town over, just ten minutes away, and they’re doing great – they are responsible with work,  love their own spaces and they take care of their “stuff”, including bill paying and learning to cook.   You know you did something right when they do those things and enjoy the process.

    Icing on the cake – we still see them regularly and they ENJOY coming home to visit.

A text I got from my son yesterday –   He had gone fishing after work…

 “So I didn’t catch anything but it was pretty awesome, no one else fishing, high tide, 3 people had easel set up and were painting the bridge, saw two horseshoe crabs and a really cool big dark brown bird with a huge beak was hanging out ten feet away. “

  …and this pic from my daughter –  Look at the  tomatoes on my girl’s window sill – she’s got two big patio pots on the back deck of her condo and she’s proud of the harvest, as am I.

  They’re noticing .. and appreciating.. the little things. The important stuff.

– It’s a beautiful thing.

  And because I can’t be anything but me…. let me just end this post today with these words of wisdom I would like to bestow upon the powers-that-might-be.….

 Enough said –

But does he really want the job? (Viewer Discreption advised once again)

      
      My husband is cheering the D*nald on, as are some of my good friends… friends I have long considered to have rational opinions on the subject of politics, even when our views didn’t align.  Something about this particular election has become so polarizing.  Entire relationships are being ruined over this circus. I’ve unfriended a HS acquaintance  because her views are so out there, and the humor mean and yes – stupid –  I could no longer look at her the same way, nor could I just shut up when I saw something flagrantly outrageous.  Her remarks were  reminiscent of the mean girl  or bully attitude we all remember or may even have been a victim of in our youth and the stupidity of the humor besides the meanness is just another example of how we are dumbing ourselves down.  I think that saddens me more than anything else. As for the Mr…. I understand his complaints, he has reason to gripe. I have to give him this  –  He’s a very hard working middle class business man who has seen obscene taxation and policy that undermines the success of our nations small businesses. Change Is Needed, to be clear. 
   So, back to the job – the POTUS.  I believe the D*nald was unhappy with the state of affairs here in the US and wanted change, a sentiment felt by many.  I believe he indeed thought the GOP needed a shake down, and rightly so. I think initially he intended to do just that and end it, but it snowballed.   I  don’t believe he actually wants the job,  I bet he didn’t think it would get this far.   Now he’s stuck.  BUT…. he’s already back- peddling, subtly. He is many things, but he  isn’t stupid.  He’s planting the seeds.  Yesterday at a campaign event in Ohio……. 
  “I fear the Election in November is Rigged”.  – Donald Tr*mp
   Already.  *sigh
   Think about this –  Can you imagine a man who takes orders from no one, (admitted and confirmed by his spouses, offspring and employees),…… conforming to the restraints of living in the white house, for four long years, maybe eight….  under the watchful eye of many, having to conform to centuries old rituals, the pomp, circumstance,.. and most importantly scrutiny?   The role of POTUS is so much more complex than the dictatorship he is accustomed to.     And  oh, that thin, thin skin is going to chaffe constantly.  At the age of 70 when he could be kicking back and enjoying that massive empire he has built, do you really believe he wants this job?  
 I think not.  I think yesterday’s statement at an event in Ohio was telling…. he’s already coming up with excuses for a possible loss.   Maybe hoping for it, and  he’s using inflammatory remarks, mocking the very Democracy that makes us the great nation that we are,  to achieve his goal.  Like us or not,  we are still Governed by the People, controlled by the majority. Don’t like what you see right now?  We have only ourselves to blame. 
 A line from a childhood classic comes to mind as I see a dictator before us whose position and  message should embody unity, yet only serves up inflammation… 
Don’t Drink the Milk, It’s Spoiled. 

   

MV 2016

    I’m like a kid on Christmas morning when we roll into the Ferry line at Woods Hole headed for the Vineyard.  Then when the Jeep is safely tucked in the belly of the Ferry and we take our positions upstairs on the deck, the engines roar to life and the navy and emerald green sea churns below and I know…. we’re on Island Time. 
 Our first stop is usually the Black Dog Tavern – where the seafood and the ribs and their red wine sangria are not worth dying over, but pretty darn good.  Why did anyone ever coin the phrase – to die for – anyway?   Would you really be willing to die over an exceptional meal or slice of cake?  No food is that good.   Anyway – the Black Dog  cookbooks share some great recipes too, I recommend ordering one if you want to treat yourself. 
 This was our view from the Harborside Inn, where we’ve stayed when only on island for a long weekend.  Right smack in the middle of Edgartown and also on the water, it’s a convenient location, walking distance to just about everything in town…… 
… including Edgartown Light. Mike and I are early risers, and we’ve made a tradition of walking to the light and along it’s beaches before most people have fetched their coffee from Espresso Love. 
This year I found a live scallop… it hissed and snapped as I tried to observe it… 
 The quiet mornings before the rest of the tourists have come out to play is when I enjoy the island the most.  I can only imagine what the residents think of those of us who invade their space for three months of the year.  On one hand the tourism is great for business, on the other, a big nuisance for the locals. The population swells from 15,000 to 100,000 every year.. can you imagine.  Then throw in a Presidential visit!   We got in before the POTUS this year. 
  The walk to the light brings us past so many stately old sea captains homes and lovely cottages full of whimsy….. their gardens very well tended and brick walks add to the charm.  
This pagoda tree is absolutely HUGE, notice how little the man is standing next to it. 
The story behind it is pretty cool. 
My son, years ago at the same tree… 

 Just down Water Street a few blocks over is the Chappy Ferry – a three car, two minute ferry ride to Chappaquiddick.  
The beaches on Chappy or more wild and untamed with less people traffic.  The Mr. prefers it and so we go…. 

 While it’s nice to get away, just the two of us… I miss my kiddos when they’re not tagging along.    But don’t ya know… two of them  just happened to be on island at the same time. The family of my son’s GF rented a house just up and over a few blocks from the harbor.  We had a wonderful evening together, getting to know the new faces and sharing stories with the familiar.

  
We visited the Tisbury Farm Market and oh let me tell you… these jams are – not worth dying for, but pretty darn good.  Especially the Lavender Nectarine.  They ship, fyi. 

We also had breakfast one morning at the Right Fork Diner, at the Katama Air field.  This plane
was made in 1940, the wings made of cloth, if you can believe it.  You, too, can take a 45 minute ride around the island in this dual winged beauty.  We declined – as the Mr. said… “There are many risks in life, and you have to decide which are truly worth the possible worst outcome.   For me, This ain’t one of them”.  

 Alley’s General Store has been in operation since 1858… it’s so chock full of sillyness and well as the necessities, a visit isn’t complete without a stop in at Alleys just to see what’s new and  piled high and grab a drink or three for the trek up island.

   They say the Vineyard is for the Democrats and Nantucket is the Republican Island.  Judging by the amount of Bernie bumper stickers, I say it’s probably true.  The POTUS will arrive shortly for his yearly vacation with family, and I hope people will be kind.  Seems they either love when the Pres visits or hate it, depending on how much motorcade traffic and cordoned off restaurants they have to put up with, I suppose.  If I were a resident, I’d consider it an honor, just sayin – 
Thought this was kinda funny… I CAN RELATE. 
 Hope you’re having an enjoyable summer – we are, despite the drought and heat.
Until soon –  thanks for stopping by. 

When opposites occupy one household

   First.. thank you to all who commented on my Fibro post the other day – your input is so appreciated as I navigate this -thing-.   I’m changing my diet to stay away from gluten, dairy and pork, I’m going to lose that damned 15 lbs and I am continuing to work out, even when it hurts.  I’m talking a magnesium supplement and I am going to try like heck to get more sleep and less stress. 
    Speaking of which…. the post title.  *sigh   I love my husband, he’s got many good qualities.  We all have some crap qualities too, and with luck and effort we manage to find balance and happiness most of the time with our chosen partners.  When it comes to politics, we in this house are polar opposites on some very important things.  And yet we agree on others.  He is a dyed in the wool Republican, I am unaffiliated.  I believe the party system divides us further, and what this nation does not need is further division.  ( Man, the headlines lately.  Not even going there, we’re all sick over it.)
   We are so divided on some big issues, that we have vowed not to talk politics with each other, period.  How far do you think that got us?   It’s just about impossible, and leads to some pretty heated discussions.  Neither of us is going to change the others mind, so the arguing is futile.  And yet.   Have you ever looked at your significant other  with disgust and thought…. how can he/she possibly think that way?    I’m sure my husband has the same thoughts about me on occasion.  What is most damaging is when the person you have chosen to share your life with treats your ideas as if they are ridiculous and without any value or berates your intelligence just because your views are different than his/hers.  I try not to do that, but I don’t always succeed. Neither does my other half.  Wouldn’t it be awesome if those in the BIG HOUSE could figure out how to debate and find solutions for the BIG STUFF  without doing the same.   And yet… 
   The Dog Days Of Summer are here… nothing like the A/C to keep those dogs cool. 
 Three little eggs in the nest made in a wreath on my front door.  One hatched so far… 
   Hoping you are all finding peace of mind in the lazy days of Summer and may there we Peace on this restless earth once and for all………..
Just Sayin- 
   

Fibromyalgia

   I’ve always been a pretty active person, and shoveling shit, hauling water buckets and chucking hay bales has been part of my repertoire for over 30 years.  So… some muscle ache and pain is to be expected, right?  But lately, my 51 year old self has been in chronic pain.. everywhere.  Every muscle is sore and stiff, especially the bigger ones – the traps, the lats,  arms, the glutes, the calves, thigh muscles.. everything.
   A visit to my GP and a lot of bloodwork, twice, revealed all looks good there.  An Xray shows stable degeneration in the arthritic neck, but nothing horrible.  Off to the rheumatologist I went for further examination and she concluded I am a classic case of fibromyalgia.
   Because I am on meds for high blood pressure and I truly hate being on meds of any kind, I am not going to add pills to this regimen as I am sensitive to just about every med there is anyway.  I am looking for organic ways to improve this fibro pain, and so far what I come up with is mild exercise and good sleep. (ha!)   It’s hard to exercise when every muscle in your body says OUCH with every step.  But, I will do it.  Sleep comes easy but STAYING asleep does not.  Not sure how I’m going to work on that.  Another pill was recommended.  *sigh    I hate that cycle.
    So, if any of you has experience with this ghost disease, would you be willing to share your coping methods/remedies?  I’m all ears (and muscle pain).