Boo!

It's getting kind of ghostly around here.

Wake up, Blog!

Instagram and I need to get a blog (like when two people are making out right in front of you and you're all "get a room!")

Pride Cycle in Gatsby

I am always one and a half steps behind of late. Probably since....well, Christmas. And there is always something I am forgetting.  My keys.  My composure.  My good sense.  My humility.  Always something.   I just finished reading The Great Gatsby.  That's the book from which my mom got the idea to name me Jordan.  Jordan Baker in the book is a tan tennis player who has a voice like an angel.  I think my mom just liked the name for a girl.  I am not tan nor a tennis player--nor do I have such a voice.

The book is heralded as Fitzgerald's greatest masterpiece.  In short, it is about the disintegration of the American Dream in the 1920s.  Unprecedented prosperity and wealth lead to downfall.  Period.

But, I think it's also about our individual histories.  And also, as F. Scott says,  that we beat on in a boat against the current "borne back ceaselessly into the past."

What?!  Is this true?  I haven't decided yet.  I think it might be.  I think the idea of eternity plays in to this idea.  It sounds depressing but does it have to be so?

I will get back to you.  This post is basically history.

Christmas in February

We were home a lot during the Christmas 2012 season.  A lot.  The papa had the whole week off and we didn't go anywhere further than caroling in Chapel Hill.  Which is actually pretty far.  We brought most of the party to us, as we do.  

It's not Christmas without doling out the task of picking the pomegranate.  Dr. Gooch was the lucky recipient of this reddish chore.

Lamb sliders and Citrus Salad with fried Rosemary and Crispy Olives

Apple Cheddar Beet pastry squares and Crudités of course!

Speculoos Buttons and Crystal both looking pretty.

Heidi and Ami in the Decked Dining Hall

A new treat this year: Italian Soda Bar and Sarah P Tuttle in her Senior prom dress.

The ever-present cheese table, accoutrements accounted for.

Platinmum Chrissy and Prawns.

The tree complete with track and Polly with her plate.

All the lovely ladies didn't show empty-handed: cue all the lovely lads!

I just have to say, that truly, there is no use pining for Spring when February has only just begun.  May as well reflect on Christmas Past in order to pass the time til the tulips bloom.  That's what I say, at least.

A New Year's Letter to You: R&R

Rain and Resolutions.  Those are the words for these first few days of January.  They remind me of the time we ran away for a day or two.

That trip we took to Asheville!  We left our progeny in the capable hands of a few handpicked protectors.  That trip where we drove under the Blue Ridge Bridge past the showoff trees and hot coal-colored leaves of the mighty Southeastern Fall.

In January, 2012, last January, we made a heap of resolutions like we do, you and I.  Among them some went undone.  We still don't have food storage, although I did get the backpacks (6) for a kit that will last 72-hours, also yet to do.  Instead we are now praying for no ice storms.  Let it rain and rain, keep the ice away for we aren't ready!  But, more than all that, we'd rather sun.

But, a few we did do!  Those pesky resolutions that I love and that keep us honest.  You, too.  We swore to getaway together.  Really away, not just away to the parking lot of the preschool .4 miles down from Cicada Cottage.

And we did it!  A resolution resolved!  We drove away.  After some spectacular sun, it rained in Asheville.  We ducked in and out of shops and restaurants sitting, chewing, smiling at one another.  You're the best. I'll not forget 

The run through the woods up those steep hills where I rediscovered my calves and we began our running together which is more like funning.

There was that gross drink you had at the bookstore and the art that we didn't buy in that basement.  Also, remember when we almost bought a guitar for our friend Duane but we couldn't find the one he wanted?  Then that night we watched the presidential election '12.  Yeah, there was that.

Back at the hotel, while you learned how to better relieve the insufferable emergencies that plague the people, I dunked my mother body quickly in ice cold water then quietly back into warmth of steam and lavender and minted scented towels.  I've never felt anything like it.  Thanks for that.

Rest and Relaxation.  I don't ever give you that.  I make you foot bills for holiday parties and pretty pieces of clothing and also food for that pooch on our back porch.  But you give R&R to me everyday just by 

The marvelous man that you are and have become and are becoming still.  Just by letting me be the number one in your arms.

So let it rain and let the resolutions find their repose in this new year.  We made too many again.  It is the only way.

And if you promise to remain I will find it within my heart to give you more

Rest.

And even a little Relaxation.

Happy New Year!

Before Christmas, There Was A Giving of Thanks...

2012 is coming to a close today.  We are homebound.  A second child has the stomach bug that won't die so we are staying in on this semi-sunny shivering December day.  The last day of the year.  I'm disinfecting doorknobs hoping to ring the near year in with health and a happy home.

 Whether that happens or not, 2012 was very good to us and I see no reason why 2013 will be any less than the same.

In fact, I have a sneaking suspicion she'll outdo the two-oh-one-two!

But, here, now, at the kitchen table, I pause in my sanitation frenzy to also give pause and pay respects to the year [still] at hand.  

I'm dubbing 2012 the "year of blossoming friendships".

For many did...blossom.  And we are the better for it.  Blessed with generous and jovial people in our life, we feel anything is possible

And everything is more enjoyable.

Especially eating. 

There is something about breaking bread together again and again that takes friendship into another realm.

We like to call it...family.  Happy Thanksgiving, 2012!

Hazel Rae is Six Today!

There are certain children that you just don't worry about. 

They have a solid sense.  They observe wisely and act carefully.

Responsibility is woven into their DNA and they are born with the gumption and fortitude to carry out tasks.  Both the daunting as well as as the doldrum.

This child believes she can do anything and succeed.  Hesitation is a non entity in her enthusiasm.

And in the excitement, energy and ambition, you find this tender little spot for empathy

An empathy void of stinginess and flowing with sincerity.

Happy birthday Hazel Rae.  I love who you were born to be.