Summer Crossing


DONE! Told you it would be a quick read.

Some Things Never Change

It is true, some things never change -- I guess the way we do things is just imbedded in our DNA -- or something. At any rate, I have always been an impulsive, or maybe compulsive, reader. Reading has always been a fascination for me ever since I sat next to my mother while she read the newspaper and I would ask her what it felt like to be able to read. When I went to school I was a quick learner and I was probably the only child in my class that looked forward to the required reading list passed out at the beginning of the term. I found our public library to be a completely magical place and loved to spend time there. I had my favorite authors, even at age 8, and would strive to read all their titles.

However, I have never been able to just sit down and read every day. I would either sit and read for entire days or let many days pass between books. It would go in phases and it still does. Right now I am in my "read everything I can as fast as I can" stage. I don't know if it has to do with the fact that I have so many "to be read" books filling my two book cases and my window seat that I had to go out and buy three more bookcases or if I am anticipating my Nook being delivered tomorrow and don't want to forget about my hard copies. It could have to do with the fact that it is my least messy pasttime as well. I don't take that lightly.

At any rate, I am starting a new book today -- "Summer Crossing" by Truman Capote. It is set in post World War II New York and it follows a young socialite named Grady McNeil who has been left alone in her parents penthouse for the summer. It is a light romance which turns serious and, apparently, the young woman must make serious decisions that will affect her life as well as the lives of everyone else. Sounds like serious business to me.

I tend to read the reviews on the backs of the books and here are a few from this one:

"The writing is nervously alive with the excitement of Capote enjoying his own strengthening powers." -- Entertainment Weekly

"An outstanding piece of literature...a page-turning story." -- The Sunday Oklahoman

"Witness the coming together of Truman Capote's voice, the electric-into-neon blaze that is surely one of the premier styles of postwar American literature.: -- The Washington Post Book World

"Summer Crossing" was Capote's first book, apparently written while Capote was working for "The New Yorker". It was lost, or thought to be destroyed, but was, in fact, rescued from the rubbish by a house-sitter occupying an apartment that Capote had once resided in. The work was put up for auction at Sotheby's in 2004 and when to the publisher in 2005.

It is a short work and I am sure it will be a quick read. I have a feeling this is going to be one of my "all day reading" days.

An Amish Gathering


Although I wrote exemplary book reports in school, I am a lousy book reviewer. I find that I only explain the plots and never get into character analysis, setting, subplots or any of that so I will make this brief.

I just finished "An Amish Gathering -- Life in Lancaster County" by Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller and Barbara Cameron. It is actually a compilation of three novellas depicting the life of different families in the same area. Each story contains elements of loss, love, redemption and, ultimately, a happy ending.

I really enjoy reading the Amish novels and I am not sure why. I think I like them because so many of them take place in Pennsylvania and I identify with PA because of my family who were decidedly NOT Amish. In any event, these novellas seem to be a bit edgier than most of the others I have read. One deals with anger and abuse, one deals with friendships outside the community and the desire to have a career other than the traditional Amish wife and one deals with mental health issues with a bit of pride and jealousy thrown it. These novellas actually seems more real than what I have read in these types of books before -- there is a real human element in them.

I enjoyed this collection and read it very quickly, for me. I will probably seek out more works of the authors.

Happy Birthday, PaPa





Yesterday was my grandfather's birthday. He was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania on January 10, 1896. Even when I was a child that seemed like a very long time ago. He was born to James and Dinah Davies who had immigrated to Pennsylvania from Blaina, Wales in 1890. Half of his siblings were born in Wales and half were born in the United States and two of his siblings died as babies are are buried somewhere in Wales.

My grandfather's surname was really Davies but a clerical error in the local Catholic school resulted in the "e" being dropped from his name -- not, however from his brother's name -- the brother who stood in line right before him! But, because of that error, Jim was forever more a Davis.

When he was born they had gaslights in their house, outdoor plumbing and he rode a horse to the nearby school they called "the sister school". His feet were so small that he wore the same oxfords the nuns did. When he was eleven he left the sister school and went to work in the coal mines with his father and his brothers, bringing their pay home to Mam. Sounds like a scene out of "How Green Was My Valley" doesn't it. I am sure it was similar.

I think my grandfather was a little scrapper -- he was always in trouble -- so much that his older brother, Louis, had to pick him up from school to keep him in line. I think Louis kept all the kids in line because he carried a whip with him and, from all accounts, he knew how to use it.

In 1914, James Davies passed away leaving Dinah with still young children. In 1918, Jim and brother Dan joined the army and Jim was sent to San Antonio, Texas for basic training. That is where he met my grandmother, Madge Foreman.

In 1918 they married, lived in Scranton for a while and eventually ended up in San Antonio where they raised four children and lived out their lives rather uneventfully. Jim passed away in 1969 with Madge following in 1987.

I remember my grandfather well -- he was short, about 5'4", and small. He was gruff and no nonsense but I think he really liked his five granddaughters. He didn't fuss over us but he took care of us when we needed him to. I remember spending a Saturday in the backyard with him as he picked up pecans that had fallen and as he picked them up I did the same -- the only thing different was he put his in a bucket and I replanted mine in the flower beds. He grumped about those trees coming up in the flower beds for years after. He didn't really get angry though. I used to love sitting at the kitchen table having "tea and toast" or "cheese toast", which was really Welsh Rarebit, with him. I still have the table. He used to take me into the garage and show me where he had the stash of "emergency" money, divided up by denomination in baby food jars --jars of dimes, quarters, nickles and silver dollars. I still have some of the dimes. He was a very precise little man.

I remember many things about my grandfather and I wish I had had the foresight to ask him about his youth, his life in Scranton, his mother and father but I didn't -- I was only 19 when he died and was much more interested in my boyfriend and going to college. I have had to find out all those things on my own with the help of Joy. So, I actually know more about him now than I did then, I just wish I had learned it from him.

Papa would be 114 years old which sounds very old to me. However, when you think about it, in his life span, they went from gaslights to electric lights, from the horse to cars and he was fortunate enough to live to see the first man on the moon. He lived during an incredible time of growth and development and advancement -- more so than any of the rest of us.

So, happy birthday, PaPa -- I wish you were here to see me write this on a computer, put up a photo that was sent to me electronically by Joanie and put it out for all to read. I wonder what you would think about it -- about us -- about our world today. It is something to think about.

Off to a Running Start

As I promised myself, I started on my new cross stitch project -- "Fuji" by Terrance Nolan. I began this on 16 count evenweave but after a few stitches realized that my eyes would be better suited to 14 ct. aida. So, I started again. Now, I am not good at figuring out how to convert sizes so I figured I would just use a really big piece of fabric. I bought the biggest packaged piece I could find which is 30" X 36". Needless to say, when you begin in the center, this is more than a little unwieldy. At any rate, I should have plenty of fabric.

I am going about this project a bit different than I usually do. While I am starting in the center I am completing one grid square at a time. The pattern is divided up into five parts, each part being on a different page so I started with the top, left hand side of the pattern but began at the bottom, right hand side which is the corner in the middle. Confusing, I know. At any rate, the first grid square is about 36 squares and that is what I have completed. That 36 squares was made up of four different colored threads -- I can tell this is going to take a long, long time. That is ok, though, because this is the first project I have done that I haven't been under some sort of deadline to finish. That is sort of throwing me off a bit but I hope to be able to enjoy making the picture rather than just trying to get it done.

I haven't taken a photo yet because there really isn't much to take a photo of -- 36 squares of varying shades of beige/brown with a little grey/blue in it. I will take a photo tomorrow when I get a bit further.

I also started reading "An Amish Gathering -- Life in Lancaster County". It is a work of three Amish novellas written by Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller and Barbara Cameron. I was in B&N the other day, looking for Nook accessories, and it caught my eye -- again, a catchy cover. I am really glad the Nook shows the cover of the books otherwise I would never know how to choose one!

At any rate, I am a few pages into the first story. It is about a young Amish woman who dreams of being a writer and writing about the English who seem, in her eyes, to have problems with religion. Of course, while the young woman is busy trying to be a writer her sister and her mother are busy trying to get her married so her rebellious streak is rearing its ugly head. As I said, only a few pages in so I am not sure if I am going to enjoy it or not.

I also started trying to keep a journal. Ha! Not doing any better job now than the million other times I have tried but I will keep after it and hopefully not give up after the first three days.

After thinking about my time management "issues" I decided to try to budget my time to do more of what I want to do. I think I have done pretty well for the last couple of days. I feel better about doing what I have to do when I make time to do what I want to do.

Off to a Good Start


As I said in a previous post -- I don't believe in resolutions for the New Year. I did do some soul searching, however, and realized that I don't use my time well. There are things I love to do but I procrastinate terribly -- that translates into watches too much television. So, I decided to make a concerted effort -- within my perameter of living one day at a time -- to do more of the things I love to do and quit worrying about the things I don't -- that translates into worry about housework.

One of the things I love is quilting. I have two projects going but can't show you here because they are a secret! I will show you photos eventually, just not now.

Another thing I love is cross stitch. Four or five years ago I bought some patterns by Terrance Nolan. The names of the patterns are "Fuji" and "Haiku" and they are the most beautiful birds I have ever seen -- they work up very nicely as I saw the models. I did start these once but was using 16 ct. even weave and, after about 20 stitches, I realized that is just too small for these eyes so I bought 14 ct. aida and intend to start over. Since I hadn't gotten very far I don't feel bad about it. I will be doing the work without a hoop as I am finding that my fingers don't do well while clutching things for long periods of time -- like the remote control or the Wii controller.

I will begin with "Fuji" as seen below. He is really a gorgeous little guy and I will post photos as I progress. I don't think this will be a quick finish.

When I get done with "Fuji" I will start on "Haiku". I am sorry the photo is so small but it is just as lovely. Actually, the patterns don't look too difficult, lots of colors, and some specialty threads -- I am looking forward to it.

Another thing I am trying to do more of is read. I was always an avid reader and have somehow let the pasttime slide. However, mid-month I am getting my Christmas present -- a Nook, the e-reader introduced by Barnes and Noble. I can hardly wait and have already purchased a cover for it that looks like this--


Another thing I am going to try to do more of is cook. It is difficult with an overweight me and a diabetic husband who doesn't like leftovers but I am trying. So, with that said, I am off to bake a cake for lunch tomorrow. I hope it freezes well since neither one of us are supposed to be eating it!! Maybe I will post a pic of it --

January 1, 2010


Today is the first day of, not only a new year, but a new decade as well. I have never been one to think much about the changing of the year except to wonder how many checks I will mess up writing the wrong date.

However, it was brought to my attention that this year is not only the beginning of a new decade but it is the end of one, as well. This is the end of my 50's. I will have completed six decades.

Wow, I don't know what to do with that.

I don't even remember my 50's. Let's see, I was busy with the last stages of child rearing -- college, broken legs, broken hearts, new loves, weddings, babies, new houses for all, new cars, smashed cars, surgery, fear, prayer, tears, laughter and most of all, love.

But, I don't remember my age -- or what I wore.

Clothes have always been an necessary evil. I was never at the "right age" for the clothing I was interested in. The last time I remember being what I thought was correct was probably junior high school -- Bobbie Brooks and soft socks -- not difficult to achieve. I remember trying to figure out what to wear to work -- it shouldn't have been that hard but it was at a time when slacks were just becoming acceptable so that just sort of threw a monkey wrench into the whole thing. Then, I remember my mother telling me that 27 was the best age -- the clothes were great, you were adult and could dress up but still be young.

Hm...27, I was wearing rice cereal and formula most of the time. Don't get me wrong, I loved every minute of it but still, not exactly the picture that my mother painted.

So it went for the next few years, I was a stay at home mom, IT DIDN'T REALLY MATTER!

So, here I am. Almost -- well, almost not 59 anymore and the question still comes up, what am I supposed to be at this age. I realize that question emcompasses more than just attire. It also relates to attitudes, concerns, acceptable appearance, societal expectations -- wow, who knew that a birthday meant more than a cake and some gifts.

I don't feel my age -- well, my right knee does. I am shocked everytime I look in the mirror and see silvery hair -- THIN, silvery hair rather than the thick, dark auburn mane I used to possess. If I don't use the 10X mirror I don't see the little wrinkles but if I don't use the 10X mirror I can't see to put on my makeup. I realize I am wearing cardigan sweaters more and more -- that is definitely an "old" lady thing. It is like the upcoming decade is sucking me up into the mist of old age! I must fight this and fight it now!

So, I have been doing a lot of thinking today -- what does this age mean? I think it means what you want it to mean. I guess for some it will be Vicki Lawrence's character "Mama". For others it will be Meryl Streep or Paula Deen. I think that in this day and age the concept of age is going the way of newspapers and books and pay phones and corner mailboxes. Age, or aging, just doesn't exist -- after all, isn't 40 the new 30? Hmm. then I guess 60 is the new 50 --- damn, that still sounds old. But, I think my mom was right -- age is a matter of the mind and with all the technology and "stuff" we have out there today, age isn't really as much of an issue these days.

So, I think I am going to approach this decade the same as I have the past ones. I am going to ignore it. And just think, with debit cards, I don't even have to worry about messing up the date on the check. Ain't technology grand!

My apologies --

In re-reading my post of earlier, there is a typo that I can't seem to correct because google won't let me! Trust me that I do know the difference between there and their and they're -- I just don't type so well anymore. So, lest I offend anyone (dear daughter comes to mind) I will rectify the error as soon as Google lets me. I hope I don't have to go back to Wordpress.

Ushering out the Old and Ringing in the New!

I have read on several blogs, FB comments and heard in queues that people are glad to see 2009 go -- don't let the door hit you in the rear as you exit! I don't feel that way about 2009. Of course, it could be that I didn't have a bad year. I didn't have a monumental year, either. I just had a year. It was quiet -- thank God -- and uneventful -- again, thank God. As I age I recognize the value and blessing of "uneventful" or "boring". There is nothing quite as comforting as "boring".

Of course, there are things I wish I had accomplished like losing weight, exercising more, reading more books, being a nicer person but there are no huge regrets. I was blessed by becoming better acquainted with my DOK sisters and actually seeing the power of prayer through the diligence and faith of these women. I was blessed by my increased involvement in DAR which has strengthened by belief that we do, in fact, live in the greatest country in the world and that we should not take it for granted but be staunch in our values and standards for which our flag flies and our troops defend.

It goes without saying that watching the g-kiddos grow is a blessing and a privilege for which there are no words. Learning, during the latter part of the year, that there is to be a new addition to the family in 2010 has brought joy, excitement and blessing to this family and we can hardly wait to see Bean Wilcox in the summer. What greater purpose can their be for the new year than to gather around these children and watch them grow and flourish.

As New Year's Eve approaches AW and I are settling in for a home cooked meal as the rain falls. There are no parties or get-togethers planned -- we abandoned all that years ago. It is a joy for us to kick off the shoes and watch a movie or listen to music.

I am sure by midnight we will be past the point of no return.I am sure that Rollie, being the teenage cat that he is, has other plans, however.
I sincerely hope, however, that he lays off trying to eat ribbon. It doesn't work well for him and isn't a pretty sight.

So, as the end of 2009 approaches I just want to say to everyone
whatever that means to you. As for me, I am hoping for another "boring" year

New background!

I just changed my blog background from the Christmas theme it had been sporting for the last couple of weeks. I have done all the regular backgrounds, vintage backgrounds, holiday backgrounds so this time I wanted to go with something upbeat, quirky, and a bit springy so here it is! I hope I can live with it for a while. Maybe not. Hmmm.....we will see.

Current Read

This is the book that I am currently reading. I borrowed it from my daughter and I need to return it. It is not a long book and has caught my interest keenly so I doubt I will take long to finish it up.

I must remember to add it to my Good Reads list.