How appropriate I am using "Georgia" font, since we have just explored Savannah and are heading for Atlanta. Savannah was absolutely charming! We had no idea previous to our tour here that the restored city is so well-known for its movie and literature relevance, reconstruction, arts, and food. So we picked up a bunch of trivia along the way.
We saw the park where Forrest Gump sat on the bench, in front of the church where the feather flew around. Nearby was the pub where Julia Roberts went in Something to Talk About. There were the houses seen and used in Cape Fear and The Legend of Bagger Vance. And we were most disappointed to learn that Gone with the Wind was filmed mostly in Hollywood on a sound set. The most famous local literary/cinema creation, however, was Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, which we had neither seen nor read. Of course, we decided to buy a copy of the book, and 1HW began to read it last night, proclaiming that it was quite strange. We'll let you know.
Other bits of trivia also amused us. It seems that when the city was first founded as a colony by George Oglethorpe for those in prison for not being able to pay bills (sounds like some of the recent credit card rate hikes to me), there were four things prohibited: slaves, Roman Catholics, alcohol, and lawyers. Needless to say, all but the slaves abound today in modern Savannah. In fact, the city allows "open containers," and one can see many people walking around with their "to go cups" of tasty beverages. Everywhere one turns there are CD's of Johnny Mercer music, as his family is from Savannah. And, did you know that a commemorative statue with a hand raised in the air signifies someone who died in battle? That was a new one for us, also. We saw the home of Juliette "Daisy" Gordon Low, founder of the Girl Scouts; the Independent Presbyterian church where Woodrow Wilson married Ellen Axson; statues to remember John Wesley, Generals Nathaniel Greene and Casimir Pulaski; and so many old buildings built with the old Savannah pink bricks. There were also countless art galleries, as the city is home to the Savannah School of Art and Design, with some 5,000 students. In the City Market area, signs read, "The Art and Soul of Savannah," indicating the importance of art. And, one simply cannot escape running into Paula Deen and her family, as there are tours with lunch at her restaurant, her store, her cookbooks, her brother's restaurant, etc. Since we are not Paula Deen fans, we ignored all of them and settled on more traditional places for the good food we ate. The Olde Pink House was wonderful!
One other item which amazed us was that the city has a huge St. Patrick's Day celebration, second only to Boston. The town's normal population of 100,000 increases to 700,000, as people flock there to celebrate. We could not even imagine where there would be room for all of them!
So now we head to the Atlanta suburbs where Chris and Traci live, and we are looking forward to our visit with them and grands Brittani and Tyler. Since we have already been to the Atlanta area several times before, this will probably be more of a family visit than a tourist one, which will be quite nice for a change of pace! With beautiful sunny skies and temperatures in the forties, we expect a lovely day! We hope you have the same, wherever you are!
Friday, January 25, 2008
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
One of My Favorite Things...
Years ago, Jerry and Marlene surprised me at Christmas with what has become one of my favorite things. As it turns out, over the years, it has also become an instant cause for conversation wherever we travel around the world! It is my Little People Necklace, which had four small girls on it when they originally gave it to me. Each girl had her diamond circle head and her own birthstone in the middle of the small triangle, representing a dress, and two arms and two legs dangle from the dress. So, it began with Ashley, Kaitie, Brittani, and Keilah.
Over the years, 1HW has expanded the necklace for me, and with the first boy, James, a fifth charm was added with an oval birthstone below the head and the same type of dangling arms and legs. The necklace now includes all thirteen grands, eight girls and five boys, with two small gold beads in between each of them.
Over the years, when they were young, all of the grandkids have loved the necklace, and all of them have taken great delight in knowing where they are located and seeing their birthstones. They also think it great fun to have me recite forwards and backwards the names of each grandchild. I think it is fun, too!
However, it doesn't stop there! Almost every day when I am wearing it as we travel, someone stops me to ask about it! Usually it begins with, "Oh, my gosh, are those all your children/ grandchildren/ or children and grandchildren?" Then they usually ask what the ages are, if those are the birthstones, how many there are, and how many of each. The other evening in NYC, Natalia stopped in the middle of taking our drink order to ask about it, even before we could tell her she looked like Minka Kelly on "Friday Night Lights." It transverses nationality, region, culture, color, and gender; regardless, people are fascinated by the Little People!
Best of all, when I am wearing it, the necklace reminds ME of my favorite "little people," our grandchildren, even if they are as old as 23 year old, married Ashley! They will always be my "little people" and will always be special to me! No wonder that necklace is one of my favorite things!
Over the years, 1HW has expanded the necklace for me, and with the first boy, James, a fifth charm was added with an oval birthstone below the head and the same type of dangling arms and legs. The necklace now includes all thirteen grands, eight girls and five boys, with two small gold beads in between each of them.
Over the years, when they were young, all of the grandkids have loved the necklace, and all of them have taken great delight in knowing where they are located and seeing their birthstones. They also think it great fun to have me recite forwards and backwards the names of each grandchild. I think it is fun, too!
However, it doesn't stop there! Almost every day when I am wearing it as we travel, someone stops me to ask about it! Usually it begins with, "Oh, my gosh, are those all your children/ grandchildren/ or children and grandchildren?" Then they usually ask what the ages are, if those are the birthstones, how many there are, and how many of each. The other evening in NYC, Natalia stopped in the middle of taking our drink order to ask about it, even before we could tell her she looked like Minka Kelly on "Friday Night Lights." It transverses nationality, region, culture, color, and gender; regardless, people are fascinated by the Little People!
Best of all, when I am wearing it, the necklace reminds ME of my favorite "little people," our grandchildren, even if they are as old as 23 year old, married Ashley! They will always be my "little people" and will always be special to me! No wonder that necklace is one of my favorite things!
More Ramblings
Modern travel continues to amaze me! Here we are on the highway (I-95) between Virginia Beach and Savannah, and I have just finished researching Savannah and reading about its background, history, and culture to 1HW, as well as recommended restaurants with reviews and menus. We will probably arrive there around four this afternoon, so checking out the local fares was important!
One idea we have generally adopted when on the road is to try and eat two meals a day (breakfast is usually supplied by the motels), even though all of the health experts agree that dinner should not be a big main meal. So much for their advice! There are just too many wonderful places not to enjoy the local cuisine! So the big question for tonight is: "Moon River Brewing," a local brew pub (always fun, since we try them wherever they are found in the US and Europe); the "Olde Pink House" (highly recommended for a romantic atmosphere and good local food); or Paula Deen's place, "The Lady and Sons." Now, if it was Giada's or Emeril's restaurant, we would probably go there, but Paula has little attraction for us, so it is likely it will be one of the other two. 1HW will report later!
We are also quite interested in hearing about the SC mood in the upcoming primary. The range of strong feelings and opinions we have heard lately about the candidates has amazed us. Phyllis and Pat, self-proclained liberal Democrats, listen to/watch many news programs, especially on MSNBC, and believe me, that is one of the strongest anti-Bush channels on the air or that we have ever heard. It almost makes Maureen Dowd seem tame, and that says quite a bit, since she is quite acerbic! It surprised us that so many people we heard from/about in the NYC/CT area do not care for either Clinton or Guiliani, but rather support Obama. Edwards comes in second to him. They also generally think McCain is the best shot for the Republicans, although they expect a surprise convention nominee, such as Newt Gingrich. Also, many people have expressed an opinion of annoyance or disgust at Bill Clinton's campaigning so actively for Hillary, as well as her being on the verge of tears before the NH primary. We find all of this very interesting to watch and hear, and we actually say very little at this point, since we have not made up our minds. Historically, it is just fascinating! What do you think? More ramblings later.....
One idea we have generally adopted when on the road is to try and eat two meals a day (breakfast is usually supplied by the motels), even though all of the health experts agree that dinner should not be a big main meal. So much for their advice! There are just too many wonderful places not to enjoy the local cuisine! So the big question for tonight is: "Moon River Brewing," a local brew pub (always fun, since we try them wherever they are found in the US and Europe); the "Olde Pink House" (highly recommended for a romantic atmosphere and good local food); or Paula Deen's place, "The Lady and Sons." Now, if it was Giada's or Emeril's restaurant, we would probably go there, but Paula has little attraction for us, so it is likely it will be one of the other two. 1HW will report later!
We are also quite interested in hearing about the SC mood in the upcoming primary. The range of strong feelings and opinions we have heard lately about the candidates has amazed us. Phyllis and Pat, self-proclained liberal Democrats, listen to/watch many news programs, especially on MSNBC, and believe me, that is one of the strongest anti-Bush channels on the air or that we have ever heard. It almost makes Maureen Dowd seem tame, and that says quite a bit, since she is quite acerbic! It surprised us that so many people we heard from/about in the NYC/CT area do not care for either Clinton or Guiliani, but rather support Obama. Edwards comes in second to him. They also generally think McCain is the best shot for the Republicans, although they expect a surprise convention nominee, such as Newt Gingrich. Also, many people have expressed an opinion of annoyance or disgust at Bill Clinton's campaigning so actively for Hillary, as well as her being on the verge of tears before the NH primary. We find all of this very interesting to watch and hear, and we actually say very little at this point, since we have not made up our minds. Historically, it is just fascinating! What do you think? More ramblings later.....
Ramblings
As much as I hate to admit it, my mood right before leaving Syracuse was pretty dismal. Maybe it was the gray scene, or maybe it was our trying to deal with Mom, who at 95 seems to refuse to recognize that she needs to leave her house there. We understand her feelings, but, at the same time, we realize that fewer people are now available to come to her aid at any given time. It is a dilemma.
She had mentioned the need to move, and we immediately found the perfect place near where Maurice and Gary live, a lovely apartment which even has a long-time friend in an apartment there and a doctor on the premises. After stepping in the door, she refused to look at it and wouldn't speak to the four of us, pouting for two days. As we were leaving, she said she might go see it again, but we doubt that anything will come of it. We want to remind all of our children and grands that if the need arises, they should, if necessary, bodily remove us! It certainly makes us more thankful to have sold the house and the antique business, to have fewer "things" with which to deal. "Things" are just not so important to us now!
Most fortunately, 1 HW helped me to get past my gloomy mood with advice he has given me many times when I forget it: GIVE IT AWAY! That advice worked once again for me, as it always does. If you have never tried that approach to dealing with troubles or problems, we would both encourage you to try it! Thanks Sweetie! I love you!
She had mentioned the need to move, and we immediately found the perfect place near where Maurice and Gary live, a lovely apartment which even has a long-time friend in an apartment there and a doctor on the premises. After stepping in the door, she refused to look at it and wouldn't speak to the four of us, pouting for two days. As we were leaving, she said she might go see it again, but we doubt that anything will come of it. We want to remind all of our children and grands that if the need arises, they should, if necessary, bodily remove us! It certainly makes us more thankful to have sold the house and the antique business, to have fewer "things" with which to deal. "Things" are just not so important to us now!
Most fortunately, 1 HW helped me to get past my gloomy mood with advice he has given me many times when I forget it: GIVE IT AWAY! That advice worked once again for me, as it always does. If you have never tried that approach to dealing with troubles or problems, we would both encourage you to try it! Thanks Sweetie! I love you!
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Some Thoughts on Happiness
Sometimes I think 1HW writes as though to make some people think I am always happy. As much as I would like to be that way, it is simply not the case, in spite of Lincoln's wise words. Maybe most of us are probably just not cut out to be happy all of the time, in spite of our desire to be so. So even though I may sometimes present an image of cheerfulness, believe me, there are times when I, too, am not happy. I would truly enjoy being thoroughly happy all of the time, but there are too many extraneous incidences which I cannot at all control which seem to prevent that.
A while back, one of our grandchildren of whom I am particularly fond, seemed to be constantly making fun of me. For a long time I simply tried to ignore it, not making a big deal of a small situation. But when I told someone else about it, that person suggested that it was not respectful, and that I should say something about my feelings being hurt. So I did, and I have regretted it ever since, because it seemed to damage something in my relationship with that grandchild. That has hurt me much more than the comments ever did, and I can't seem to find a way to fix it. So, that was once again another lesson in why I should keep my feelings to myself and not let people know when I am hurt or unhappy, or even what I am thinking or feeling. That same thing seems to be the case any time I am feeling sensitive enough on any topic to actually say something to anyone, which leads me to feel that I should just keep my feelings to myself and keep my mouth shut to preserve the peace, regardless of how I feel.
On the other hand, I would constantly advise and admonish young people to speak truthfully about how they feel, that honesty is better than being deceptive, regardless of the level. However, I guess it is the old adage of "Do as I say, not as I do," which seems pretty two-faced and ambiguous to me. Maybe life is just too complicated to apply any set rules to general situations. All I know is, I will continue to try and think happy, most of the time, if maybe not today. I hope that you will think happy tomorrow, and I will try to, also.
A while back, one of our grandchildren of whom I am particularly fond, seemed to be constantly making fun of me. For a long time I simply tried to ignore it, not making a big deal of a small situation. But when I told someone else about it, that person suggested that it was not respectful, and that I should say something about my feelings being hurt. So I did, and I have regretted it ever since, because it seemed to damage something in my relationship with that grandchild. That has hurt me much more than the comments ever did, and I can't seem to find a way to fix it. So, that was once again another lesson in why I should keep my feelings to myself and not let people know when I am hurt or unhappy, or even what I am thinking or feeling. That same thing seems to be the case any time I am feeling sensitive enough on any topic to actually say something to anyone, which leads me to feel that I should just keep my feelings to myself and keep my mouth shut to preserve the peace, regardless of how I feel.
On the other hand, I would constantly advise and admonish young people to speak truthfully about how they feel, that honesty is better than being deceptive, regardless of the level. However, I guess it is the old adage of "Do as I say, not as I do," which seems pretty two-faced and ambiguous to me. Maybe life is just too complicated to apply any set rules to general situations. All I know is, I will continue to try and think happy, most of the time, if maybe not today. I hope that you will think happy tomorrow, and I will try to, also.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Turn on the Lights!
As we wander around the country, we have thought it interesting to note the culture and disposition of the areas we visit. One of the best things about both Texas in general and Omaha in particular is the attitude of the people we have seen and spoken with there. The majority of people are polite and cheerful, making most outings some sort of fun adventure. They hold doors for each other, say "please," "thank you," and "excuse me." They chat with each other while waiting in lines and have smiles for each other. Considering the geographical disparities, one would think the same pattern would follow in all parts of the country, but that does not seem to be the case, although the people at Trader Joe's in Ann Arbor are delightful, as are Kim and Chuck's friends.
For years daughter Kimberly has complained about the "gray days" of Michigan's winter, and she has often mentioned how depressing it gets to be by the time spring arrives. Surely, those same gray days plague the Syracuse area, too. So, we were wondering if that is why so few people look happy and smile around here. As we have walked the malls, visited shopping centers and grocery stores, we have noticed that the majority of the people not only look gloomy; they look positively miserable. It is a challenge to get anyone to even make eye contact, let alone smile. We found a three young ladies, at check-out counters at Penneys and Sam's Club and the candy girl, and one elderly lady, a ticket taker for "Charlie Wilson's War," who were cheerful and smiled. That is about it, and we both have really made an effort! No one EVER seems to talk in the check-out lines here. How boring! It forces me to read the tabloids! Even a lady at church, after learning where we were from, grumbled, "Why would anyone ever want to live in Texas?"
I heard some years ago that psychologists were experimenting with various sources of indoor lighting to see if that would relieve the depression of the "gray days," rather like grow lights for people, I guess. All I can say for Ann Arbor and Syracuse is "Turn on the lights!" These people need help!!!!!
For years daughter Kimberly has complained about the "gray days" of Michigan's winter, and she has often mentioned how depressing it gets to be by the time spring arrives. Surely, those same gray days plague the Syracuse area, too. So, we were wondering if that is why so few people look happy and smile around here. As we have walked the malls, visited shopping centers and grocery stores, we have noticed that the majority of the people not only look gloomy; they look positively miserable. It is a challenge to get anyone to even make eye contact, let alone smile. We found a three young ladies, at check-out counters at Penneys and Sam's Club and the candy girl, and one elderly lady, a ticket taker for "Charlie Wilson's War," who were cheerful and smiled. That is about it, and we both have really made an effort! No one EVER seems to talk in the check-out lines here. How boring! It forces me to read the tabloids! Even a lady at church, after learning where we were from, grumbled, "Why would anyone ever want to live in Texas?"
I heard some years ago that psychologists were experimenting with various sources of indoor lighting to see if that would relieve the depression of the "gray days," rather like grow lights for people, I guess. All I can say for Ann Arbor and Syracuse is "Turn on the lights!" These people need help!!!!!
Friday, January 11, 2008
Familiar Names
Happy New Year to all! After almost two weeks of letting the wrist heal from the sprain/strain/jam/whatever, I am back to writing. We are on our way back up to Fayetteville, a town just outside of Syracuse where Mom lives. This area is called Upstate NY, as opposed to NYC, and Fayetteville is this area's version of Ann Arbor to some degree. Certainly, the housing prices and school taxes are similar. This area is the home of Stickley furniture, and so the shopping center around the huge Stickley showroom is loaded with the names one would expect... Panera, L.L. Bean, Chico, Anne Taylor, Bonefish Grille, etc. Instead of Whole Foods, they have the local equivalent, Wegman's, where I will be heading later today.
Tomorrow night we are having a thank you dinner for the neighbor who helped Mom with her nose bleeding attack. Fellow neighbor Marge informed Mom that they eat Italian food (they are of Italian descent), and we assured Mom that Northern Italian cooking was not too spicy for her. While she was inviting Tom, I had asked her to inquire about anything they did not eat, so she put me on the phone to hear the answer. I was a bit unprepared for Tom's hale and hearty responses, as I have never met him before. In the space of two minutes, I became "Hon" and "Honey." Those of you who know me realize I am usually outgoing. However, I have never become used to people other than close family or dear friends calling me by names other than Judy.
Now, in our traveling around I do not mind being called the various familiar names one receives at the Mel's Diners, such as "Hon," "Dear," "Sweetie, " etc. That just seems to be part of the territory, rather like "Well, eat ma grits." And, I can tolerate it in sales associates/clerks in stores, although I am not fond of it, as in the "Oh, Honey, it is YOU" catagory. But, I generally do not appreciate it coming from other people
One offender was a prissy, fussy, ever-so-wonderful antique dealer in California, who was just much too precious to learn our names. George never referred to 1HW by any name at all, and I was always "Dear." Since he bought large quantities of expensive items from us, I was forced to overlook it and frequently bit my tongue to hold back smart aleck comments.
Probably the worst case was from my step-mother Fang (aka, Hang-Nail by 1HW), named thus because her fake, curving nails stuck out 3/4 inch beyond her fingertips, much like talons, and the little finger was a gold one with a cubic zirconia in it. Really. I am not joking. Her self-proclaimed "profession" of nail "stylist" meant she glued on fake nails for people, most of which came unstuck and flew around the room. The one time she forced me into having my nails done (at a hefty price, too, I might add), one of them went across a dinner table and almost landed in someone's wine glass. Not good. She wanted everyone to think she was from Texas (instead of eastern NM), and she adopted a fake accent and called everyone "Dahlin'." She never once called us by our names. Some time I will relate other stories about Fang, as she was a work.
So, as we get ready for Saturday's dinner, I just hope that Tom will remember my correct name and use it. More later on our "candlelight supper," as Hyacinth on BBC's "Keeping Up Appearances" would call it! Have a happy Friday!
Tomorrow night we are having a thank you dinner for the neighbor who helped Mom with her nose bleeding attack. Fellow neighbor Marge informed Mom that they eat Italian food (they are of Italian descent), and we assured Mom that Northern Italian cooking was not too spicy for her. While she was inviting Tom, I had asked her to inquire about anything they did not eat, so she put me on the phone to hear the answer. I was a bit unprepared for Tom's hale and hearty responses, as I have never met him before. In the space of two minutes, I became "Hon" and "Honey." Those of you who know me realize I am usually outgoing. However, I have never become used to people other than close family or dear friends calling me by names other than Judy.
Now, in our traveling around I do not mind being called the various familiar names one receives at the Mel's Diners, such as "Hon," "Dear," "Sweetie, " etc. That just seems to be part of the territory, rather like "Well, eat ma grits." And, I can tolerate it in sales associates/clerks in stores, although I am not fond of it, as in the "Oh, Honey, it is YOU" catagory. But, I generally do not appreciate it coming from other people
One offender was a prissy, fussy, ever-so-wonderful antique dealer in California, who was just much too precious to learn our names. George never referred to 1HW by any name at all, and I was always "Dear." Since he bought large quantities of expensive items from us, I was forced to overlook it and frequently bit my tongue to hold back smart aleck comments.
Probably the worst case was from my step-mother Fang (aka, Hang-Nail by 1HW), named thus because her fake, curving nails stuck out 3/4 inch beyond her fingertips, much like talons, and the little finger was a gold one with a cubic zirconia in it. Really. I am not joking. Her self-proclaimed "profession" of nail "stylist" meant she glued on fake nails for people, most of which came unstuck and flew around the room. The one time she forced me into having my nails done (at a hefty price, too, I might add), one of them went across a dinner table and almost landed in someone's wine glass. Not good. She wanted everyone to think she was from Texas (instead of eastern NM), and she adopted a fake accent and called everyone "Dahlin'." She never once called us by our names. Some time I will relate other stories about Fang, as she was a work.
So, as we get ready for Saturday's dinner, I just hope that Tom will remember my correct name and use it. More later on our "candlelight supper," as Hyacinth on BBC's "Keeping Up Appearances" would call it! Have a happy Friday!
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