Things I Love

For the month of hearts and Valentines, my sister Stephanie had a splendid idea: to list some of the things she loves. I decided to copy her idea and list some of my own. So here goes...

Black currant flavored drinks, especially the British soda Ribena (I get it from London Market), the sparkling cider from Kristian Regale (Smiths and Ikea carry it), and London Fruit and Herb tea (which Ross occassionally stocks). Black currant is sooo tasty and good for you too. I want some right now!

Wax seals! They add style to any correspondence and are so fun to use. I feel lah-de-dah when I sue them, even if I'm in sweats and having a bad hair day. I have several that I've picked up here and there, and some thanks also to my good friend Emily. If I had LOTS of money, I would order several custom made seals from Europe for myself and all of you. The average price for the ones I desire average $600, but one can dream. Some day I want my own seal ring, like the Scarlet Pimpernel.

I totally love the Everlast workout pants Stephanie gave me. They make me feel skinny and athletic - a great combination.

Un Jardin perfume by Hermes of Paris. I got it at a parfumerie in Paris, so it's extra special; and it smells delicious, just like a flower garden. It brings back happy memories when I wear it.

And, not at all the last of my loves, but the last to list today, I truly enjoy my EMU Ridge slippers my hubby gave me several years ago for Christmas. The soles are now coming off, but I hate to give them up. They are so comfy and they fit perfectly to my feet, which is rare with my high arches. I need to find an exact pair.

That Itch is Back

First, Happy Valentine's Day everyone. All of you kind people who read my posts are definitely on the list of those I love. Isn't it good to love people...fills you up with happiness.

I probably should quote some wise person on the benefits of love on a special day like today, but instead, I want to talk about dirt. Now that the sun has been out and it's felt so warm, that old familiar itch is working on me again. The itch to get out and dig in the dirt, plant pretty things, clear out the debris and trim roses. I feel such a connection to the earth when I'm out digging away. (Hmmm, why don't I feel such a connection to my home when I'm cleaning....?) I enjoy a few months of rest, as I'm sure the land does, but I'm always ready to get back at it when there's just a hint of warmth and a mirage of spring. I think it's in my blood. I come from generations of farmers. My dad would go to work as a principal, come home for dinner and fit some planting or weeding in before he had to leave for a council meeting or go to watch one of our games. You could often find him in slacks, dress shirt, and tie, with his garden boots on standing in mud. He said his dream job would be to farm in the spring and summer, and write novels in the fall and winter. I relate to that dream.

Tomorrow for President's Day, I think I'll celebrate my freedom and get my hands dirty! Sound of rubbing hands together...I can't wait!!!

Yu-Gi-Oh-No

My 4 year old is a HUGE Yu-Gi-Oh fan, thanks to his big brother and idol, Joseph. He is always trying to find someone to duel with him. It is, of course, on his own terms, with his own rules. Duels also come with re-enactments of Yu-Gi-Oh episodes. Tonight, while I was playing what was certain to be a losing battle on my side, I played a trap card which said I got to remove one of my opponent's cards. "Ha, Ha! I just destroyed your monster card!," I yelled. "Nooooo, mom." "Oh, yesssss, I did. See, the card says I get to send one of your cards to the graveyard," I replied. Jensen countered, "No, mom. That's not what it says. You don't know how to read. You haven't read any books, so you don't know how to read." So, not only do I get stomped on during our game, but I'm accused of ignorance too. I think I need to find a new form of entertainment on a Friday night. Enjoy this little video of a sample of dueling with Jensen. (Please ignore the background noise, which is the tv in the other room set at the LOUDEST setting, because my husband didn't want to miss American Idol while he dueled with his son....we really need to get out more.)