Happy Anniversary, Janet & Nate! (gratitude #32)

July 22, 2008

My in-laws are celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary.

True to form, they wanted to celebrate together with us: their daughter and their son and daughter-in-law. After a little bit of discussion, they decided on the location for the celebration - Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. It’s a fitting destination, the family camped here together often. Prior to [...]

Needing bread in response to a death in the family

July 7, 2008

Last week, in the middle of a workday, I got a call about a death in the family. I was shocked and sad - Somboun, the guy who died, was young, in his thirties, my husband’s age or so, and seemed in full health. He slipped away in his sleep, without warning.
I was busy, out [...]

My most amazing bridesmaid’s dress (gratitude #28)

June 29, 2008

Everyone complains about bridesmaid’s dresses. I’ve bought some pastel tiered wedding-cake-esque “wonders” that immediately went into the “for Kiwanis” pile after the event. But I did get one dress, for my sister’s wedding, that has become my go-to dress for formal events and weddings since.
My sister is a pragmatic woman. When she got married, 11 [...]

Spring Bounty (gratitude #26)

June 4, 2008

Today was a banner day. My sister and I stopped at a local farmstand for eggs, rhubarb, and asparagus. Tonight, we harvested wild leeks, though we were kind of wary since the leeks were in the spot folks have been sighting a juvenile black bear.
Dave and Nathan enjoyed a day fishing and catching (instead of [...]

Gardening = soil + plants + labor = home + family (gratitude #18)

April 21, 2008

I like plants. I was a plant ecology graduate student. I memorized their names, collected their seeds, learn how botanists classify their variety, and I grew and planted some in field experiments. I have worked as a volunteer to rid a nature preserve of invasive weeds (ongoing, neverending work), and I enjoy playing in my [...]

Barbara Higbie on YouTube

April 16, 2008

The absolute highlight of our visit to Indianapolis was spending time with Dave’s aunt Barbara. She is funny, insightful, and a joy to be around. She’s also an accomplished musician, and she just let me know she’s got some concert footage on YouTube.
This is my favorite clip from the set: “Tip the Canoe”.

Birds in flight (gratitude #17)

April 14, 2008

I’ve been noticing the birds. Maybe they’re returning from the woods (robins) or returning from the south (hawks). Or maybe I’m just more tuned into the sky.

Sandhill Crane Sense of Motion, originally uploaded by Fort Photo.
We drove to Indianapolis Friday evening, and then back on Sunday. On Friday evening there were thunderstorms forecast, and [...]

Catching up with extended family (gratitude, week 12)

March 23, 2008

My aunt Mercedes is the organizing force behind the Heinrich family reunions. My mom is one of 5 siblings, and her family is spread out across the US, with my sister’s family forming the southern border in Atlanta, my cousin Donie as the northeastern representative in Weymouth, MA, and my cousins Seamus, Anita, and Willow [...]

Encountered on the flyleaf of a Shakespeare anthology

January 27, 2008

Last night we were looking for a Shakespeare sonnet at dinner, so I pulled down The Globe Illustrated Shakespeare: The Complete Works, Annotated from the shelf and opened it to discover this inscription
“To my darling Deedee, Xmas ‘87. The greatest author in the English language! From the greatest Dad.”
I’m Deedee, my dad has been dead [...]

Best gift - Silence

December 31, 2007

I completely got away with something this year. I gave my husband something that will actually improve my own sanity and well being.
Dave and I get along, but we have pretty different leisure pursuits. He likes first person shooter, sports, and car racing computer games. He also watches some movies and TV shows I think [...]