For those just joining us, my next door neighbors live in a trailer. Read my Neighborly Advice post to find out why, and scroll up for updates. I'm going to refer to these neighbors from now on as the Dobermans. I have no idea what their actual last name is, but I see their dogs more often than I see them, so I figured referring to them by the breed of dog they own would be more fitting.
I looked out the window this morning.
"It's gone!"
"The lawnmower? Seriously?"
Recently, Ken's father gave us their lawnmower to replace the piece o' crap that we had. So Ken put the old one in front of our mailbox with a sign, "Take Me." And someone did.
On my way to work, as I pulled out of the driveway. Something caught my eye. I couldn't quite make it out, but as I got closer to the Doberman's, I saw it. Our lawnmower. In their yard. The sight of it made me laugh out loud. I know they won't use it. Their yard is a mess, considering that there is a mobile home smack dab in the middle of it. I assume the primary reason they took it because it's free. But I question what it will be used for. A lawn ornament to cover a patch the last piece of visible crabgrass? Or maybe as a gentle reminder of what lies ahead when they move the trailer.
Time will tell.
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
Friday, July 22, 2005
I have a new theme
I've decided my blog needs a theme.
My new blog theme will be "Tales from the 'hood."
I have weird neighbors. They need to be addressed.
My new blog theme will be "Tales from the 'hood."
I have weird neighbors. They need to be addressed.
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
Cooking for Dummies
Confession: I love to cook.
I sometimes think that if I grow tired of marketing, I'd love to own a cafe. Homemade soups, salads, and sandwiches. Maybe I'd have a sitting area with a bookshelf and a rack of the daily newspapers for those that like to linger. I wouldn't want to be in the city where there is way too much competition. Just a small place in the 'burbs, on a somewhat busy street, with plenty of windows so passersby can see the pastry case in clear view. I'll rotate my soup menu each week, but in the winter, chili will always be served. I make a mean chili. What's your specialty?
On Sundays, I turn into the Weekend Gourmet. I am not restricted to ingredients on hand or time to prepare, like I am during the week. I'll find a new recipe (or use an old favorite), run to the market during my Sunday errands and pick up the ingredients I need, and take the time to prepare dinner. Ken blames me for the pounds he is putting on, but I cook extremely healthy, and he doesn't understand the term 'portion control." The again, sometimes I don't either.
The only dessert that has worked for me is pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving. For some reason other desserts never come out right. I'd love to take a dessert cooking class. I cringe when I'm asked to bring a dessert, and want to bribe someone into switching dishes, warning them that otherwise they'd be getting charcoal brownies.
I sometimes think that if I grow tired of marketing, I'd love to own a cafe. Homemade soups, salads, and sandwiches. Maybe I'd have a sitting area with a bookshelf and a rack of the daily newspapers for those that like to linger. I wouldn't want to be in the city where there is way too much competition. Just a small place in the 'burbs, on a somewhat busy street, with plenty of windows so passersby can see the pastry case in clear view. I'll rotate my soup menu each week, but in the winter, chili will always be served. I make a mean chili. What's your specialty?
On Sundays, I turn into the Weekend Gourmet. I am not restricted to ingredients on hand or time to prepare, like I am during the week. I'll find a new recipe (or use an old favorite), run to the market during my Sunday errands and pick up the ingredients I need, and take the time to prepare dinner. Ken blames me for the pounds he is putting on, but I cook extremely healthy, and he doesn't understand the term 'portion control." The again, sometimes I don't either.
The only dessert that has worked for me is pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving. For some reason other desserts never come out right. I'd love to take a dessert cooking class. I cringe when I'm asked to bring a dessert, and want to bribe someone into switching dishes, warning them that otherwise they'd be getting charcoal brownies.
Friday, July 15, 2005
Birds of Paradise, aka Neighbor Update!
I saw a dove on Wednesday. My mother and I were at the house on the Cape and while enjoying the weather on the deck, we saw a dove walking in the backyard. I asked, "Does this mean something peaceful is about to happen?" Black cats crossing your path are meant to bring bad luck, right? I could only assume that doves crossing your path bring peace.
I forgot about the bird until I came home a few hours later. My mother was pulling into my street when lo and behold, we saw furniture on the sidewalk in front of the neighbors house, waiting for trash pick-up. And one of those huge driveway-length trash receptacles in the driveway, almost filled. And the windows open! (Though I do question how long it would take to air the house out since no air has gotten in there in a year.)
This must mean that they got their insurance reimbursement. Could they be done by the end of the summer? I wouldn't think they'd stall and risk another winter in that thing. I can't even imagine having a trailer-less view from my bedroom window. I forgot what that was even like!
I forgot about the bird until I came home a few hours later. My mother was pulling into my street when lo and behold, we saw furniture on the sidewalk in front of the neighbors house, waiting for trash pick-up. And one of those huge driveway-length trash receptacles in the driveway, almost filled. And the windows open! (Though I do question how long it would take to air the house out since no air has gotten in there in a year.)
This must mean that they got their insurance reimbursement. Could they be done by the end of the summer? I wouldn't think they'd stall and risk another winter in that thing. I can't even imagine having a trailer-less view from my bedroom window. I forgot what that was even like!
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
Signs My Father is Close to Losing It
1. "I want a BMW."
In a little over two weeks, my father will be officially retired. He will wake up on August 1st and for the first time in 40-something years, he will be out of a job.
In a little over two weeks, my father will be officially retired. He will wake up on August 1st and for the first time in 40-something years, he will be out of a job.
As the responsibility-free days approach, the realization of waking up without a thing to do are sinking in.
2. "I'd love a boat. Not a big boat, just a small boat to sail in a lake and be able to relax."
He wants part-time work, nothing to do with what he does now. And so I helped him create his very first resume.
3. "Wouldn't it be cool to work for the Cape Cod Potato Chip Company? I could answer the hotline and talk to people about how great the chips are."
This is when my brother and I tease him about the prank call we'd make telling him we'd found a finger in one of the bags.
4. "Maybe I can apply to the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute. Just part-time. Maybe I could do some office work."
This is actually a good idea. It would be a great fit for him. In browsing through some job postings, he finds a few part-time listings for seniors, then is disappointed to learn that the qualifications are for seniors in high school as part of an after-school program.
5. "No, we are not selling my computer desk. Hear me out. We can put it in the storage area and I can use it the top of the desk as a workbench. You know, for cutting wood. Or maybe if I have to glue something."
My father is not handy. He's never cut a piece of wood in his life.
And my personal favorite...
6. "You know what I'd love? A metal detector. I'd love to wake up at 6 every morning and head to the beach and walk around with a metal detector. Wouldn't it be fun to see what I'd find? You don't think that's cool?"
He wants part-time work, nothing to do with what he does now. And so I helped him create his very first resume.
3. "Wouldn't it be cool to work for the Cape Cod Potato Chip Company? I could answer the hotline and talk to people about how great the chips are."
This is when my brother and I tease him about the prank call we'd make telling him we'd found a finger in one of the bags.
4. "Maybe I can apply to the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute. Just part-time. Maybe I could do some office work."
This is actually a good idea. It would be a great fit for him. In browsing through some job postings, he finds a few part-time listings for seniors, then is disappointed to learn that the qualifications are for seniors in high school as part of an after-school program.
5. "No, we are not selling my computer desk. Hear me out. We can put it in the storage area and I can use it the top of the desk as a workbench. You know, for cutting wood. Or maybe if I have to glue something."
My father is not handy. He's never cut a piece of wood in his life.
And my personal favorite...
6. "You know what I'd love? A metal detector. I'd love to wake up at 6 every morning and head to the beach and walk around with a metal detector. Wouldn't it be fun to see what I'd find? You don't think that's cool?"
Blog Under Maintenance
When I started this blog, I had no idea what it would be. What would make up my stories? Would I talk about my day? Would I talk about my life and family? What would drive me to write?
Looking back, all of my blogs are pretty lighthearted. Rants about what makes me tick. Neighbors who would assumably choose to live in a trailer rather than expedite their home repairs. Raves about what I like. Websites that made me laugh. Even a few travelogues.
I never wrote anything from the heart, choosing (an attempt at) humor instead. I sometimes question blogging my hurt, my confusion, my anger alongside the other stuff, but always chose not to because it was safer that way. Do I really want to open myself up? By being somewhat anonymous and not letting anyone know what I'm about, I'm sort of protecting myself, right?
I'm getting a little bored with a sugar-coated blog. Maybe I need to revamp things a bit.
Looking back, all of my blogs are pretty lighthearted. Rants about what makes me tick. Neighbors who would assumably choose to live in a trailer rather than expedite their home repairs. Raves about what I like. Websites that made me laugh. Even a few travelogues.
I never wrote anything from the heart, choosing (an attempt at) humor instead. I sometimes question blogging my hurt, my confusion, my anger alongside the other stuff, but always chose not to because it was safer that way. Do I really want to open myself up? By being somewhat anonymous and not letting anyone know what I'm about, I'm sort of protecting myself, right?
I'm getting a little bored with a sugar-coated blog. Maybe I need to revamp things a bit.
Friday, July 08, 2005
While I Slept
While I slept a city was attacked. Commuters going to work. Tourists starting their daily adventure.
While I slept phone calls were made to cell phones, frantically hoping the call would be answered.
A witness was in London at a meeting, right down the street from one of the underground stations. In an interview this morning, he told of how the British were so incredibly together through it all. So brave. So prepared.
"Prepared?" the interviewer asks. He mentions the abundance of the many terror threats that they have received, as well as the IRA attacks 10 years ago. They were prepared. And I wondered how anyone could be prepared for something like this, and of course I wondered if I was prepared. If Boston were attacked would I know what to do? To save my life, I'm sure I would. But now I wonder.
Red often uses lyrics of songs in her blog to portray her feelings in a given situation. Today she uses Living on the Edge by Aerosmith. It reminded me of this song, which I played often after our 9/11. I hope she doesn't mind that I'm using her idea:
Land of Confusion - Genesis
I must’ve dreamed a thousand dreams
Been haunted by a million screams
But I can hear the marching feet
They’re moving into the street.
Now did you read the news today
They say the danger’s gone away
But I can see the fire’s still alight
There burning into the night.
There’s too many men
Too many people
Making too many problems
And not much love to go round
Can’t you see
This is a land of confusion.
This is the world we live in
And these are the hands we’re given
Use them and let’s start trying
To make it a place worth living in.
Ooh superman where are you now
When everything’s gone wrong somehow
The men of steel, the men of power
Are losing control by the hour.
This is the time
This is the place
So we look for the future
But there’s not much love to go round
Tell me why, this is a land of confusion.
This is the world we live in
And these are the hands we’re given
Use them and let’s start trying
To make it a place worth living in.
I remember long ago -Ooh
when the sun was shining
Yes and the stars were bright
All through the night
And the sound of your laughter
As I held you tight
So long ago -I won’t be coming home tonight
My generation will put it right
We’re not just making promises
That we know, we’ll never keep.
Too many men
There’s too many people
Making too many problems
And not much love to go round
Can’t you see
This is a land of confusion.
Now this is the world we live in
And these are the hands we’re given
Use them and let’s start trying
To make it a place worth fighting for.
This is the world we live in
And these are the names we’re given
Stand up and let’s start showing
Just where our lives are going to
While I slept phone calls were made to cell phones, frantically hoping the call would be answered.
A witness was in London at a meeting, right down the street from one of the underground stations. In an interview this morning, he told of how the British were so incredibly together through it all. So brave. So prepared.
"Prepared?" the interviewer asks. He mentions the abundance of the many terror threats that they have received, as well as the IRA attacks 10 years ago. They were prepared. And I wondered how anyone could be prepared for something like this, and of course I wondered if I was prepared. If Boston were attacked would I know what to do? To save my life, I'm sure I would. But now I wonder.
Red often uses lyrics of songs in her blog to portray her feelings in a given situation. Today she uses Living on the Edge by Aerosmith. It reminded me of this song, which I played often after our 9/11. I hope she doesn't mind that I'm using her idea:
Land of Confusion - Genesis
I must’ve dreamed a thousand dreams
Been haunted by a million screams
But I can hear the marching feet
They’re moving into the street.
Now did you read the news today
They say the danger’s gone away
But I can see the fire’s still alight
There burning into the night.
There’s too many men
Too many people
Making too many problems
And not much love to go round
Can’t you see
This is a land of confusion.
This is the world we live in
And these are the hands we’re given
Use them and let’s start trying
To make it a place worth living in.
Ooh superman where are you now
When everything’s gone wrong somehow
The men of steel, the men of power
Are losing control by the hour.
This is the time
This is the place
So we look for the future
But there’s not much love to go round
Tell me why, this is a land of confusion.
This is the world we live in
And these are the hands we’re given
Use them and let’s start trying
To make it a place worth living in.
I remember long ago -Ooh
when the sun was shining
Yes and the stars were bright
All through the night
And the sound of your laughter
As I held you tight
So long ago -I won’t be coming home tonight
My generation will put it right
We’re not just making promises
That we know, we’ll never keep.
Too many men
There’s too many people
Making too many problems
And not much love to go round
Can’t you see
This is a land of confusion.
Now this is the world we live in
And these are the hands we’re given
Use them and let’s start trying
To make it a place worth fighting for.
This is the world we live in
And these are the names we’re given
Stand up and let’s start showing
Just where our lives are going to
Thursday, July 07, 2005
Blank
My mind is blank.
I just don't know what to write.
I'm sad for the Brits today. To have to go through what we did. Anger, confusion, sadness. I wonder if it's someone's birthday. I can relate.
Work is busy. First a lull. Then piles of paperwork. Landing on my desk all at once.
My contact lens ripped last weekend, so I've been wearing glasses all week. I seem more alert with my contacts in. Like they are made with caffeine. I seem more absent-minded with my glasses on. Forgetful.
I quietly wished my neighbors a happy anniversary. A year ago, July 5th, it happened. Nothing has changed. Trailer is still there. Dogs are still barking. I've grown tired of fighting. But that could be because I'm wearing glasses. My other neighbors, on the other side, have a young daughter. And last weekend, they put one of those inflatable pools on the side of their house, facing mine. When she was in the pool with her daddy, the dogs were barking. Scaring her I would imagine. The father wasn't too happy. Maybe that is all it would take to get the dogs off my lawn. A father, angry because his little girl is too scared to play in her pool now.
To my friends across the water, Daniel, this includes you. Know that we think of you today. I wish my arms were long enough to reach out to you.
I just don't know what to write.
I'm sad for the Brits today. To have to go through what we did. Anger, confusion, sadness. I wonder if it's someone's birthday. I can relate.
Work is busy. First a lull. Then piles of paperwork. Landing on my desk all at once.
My contact lens ripped last weekend, so I've been wearing glasses all week. I seem more alert with my contacts in. Like they are made with caffeine. I seem more absent-minded with my glasses on. Forgetful.
I quietly wished my neighbors a happy anniversary. A year ago, July 5th, it happened. Nothing has changed. Trailer is still there. Dogs are still barking. I've grown tired of fighting. But that could be because I'm wearing glasses. My other neighbors, on the other side, have a young daughter. And last weekend, they put one of those inflatable pools on the side of their house, facing mine. When she was in the pool with her daddy, the dogs were barking. Scaring her I would imagine. The father wasn't too happy. Maybe that is all it would take to get the dogs off my lawn. A father, angry because his little girl is too scared to play in her pool now.
To my friends across the water, Daniel, this includes you. Know that we think of you today. I wish my arms were long enough to reach out to you.
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