Who is the absurd man?: Camus: A Life

Who is the absurd man?: Camus: A Life

No Shoes No School and a Rant for the Record

Quote of the Week: The chief cause of human errors is to be found in the prejudices picked up in childhood. ~Rene Descartes

I am stunned to even be thinking it's already the end of Aug and I'm oh so very glad NOT to be going back to school! The delight in working at home is not having to put on shoes....awesome! Life IS good!

I'm totally immersed in course writing (signed on to write lectures and instructional aids for 6 MBA classes for the University of Sydney with a Pearson Education team of three other women--one in Austin, TX, another in Oregon, and my wonderful Canadian twin who lives with her mother in Barbados! This weekend I was delighted to sublet some of the work to Rosemary--she's 'local' and the topic is perfect--Cross-Cultural Management! Could there BE anyone more experienced? So--anyway, I felt like I could blog a bit before finishing another lesson.

It's keeping me busy day and night--the pace on this one has been brutal!!! It's bringing in some ca$h--so I can get on the road again :-) hopefully to visit each of them in person, because they're living at working in great locations. I'm thinking also of needing rum and Red Bull in Barbados with all the work arrives. Maybe I can wait for Barbados as a January kick off for 2010, then Portland and maybe a trip to Texas :-) to visit the Bush library to explore his legacy! Or better yet to Switzerland--by cruise boat so Bill goes, or in the air with whomever can get away to enjoy my somewhat controversial, baby boy Bob who always consistently seeks peace joy & happiness. And, just for the record, they will be here Sept. 27 through Oct 22. Hm, that's a reason to get Margaret & Dik to Charlotte--October 17 & 22 b'days. :-) We will be in IN/OH Oct 3 or thereabouts for Farmers Fair and near enough to Bob Krider's big day--Sept 30th--for at least a gallon of Graeters!!)

Ok--hit delete now to protect yourself from reading my rant! Did you even think I wouldn't want to respond to GOP commentary and fear mongering about losing Medicare and the horrors of socialized medicine? Yikes--I just started getting mine. OK--here I go:

Who believes that Obama can or will take away Medicare. A procrastinating, do-nothing Congress and accepting that the "status quo is the way to go" is what will do us in economically. It seems totally bogus, destructive and unproductive to think that we'll "lose" Medicare, or be denied our already limited choice of doctors. Limted not by government intervention or "socialized medicine" but because they "can't afford" to continue to practice medicine. We certainly don't need some government takeover to an already dismal, expensive, sickness model of a healthcare delivery system.

We have so much work that needs to be done to change and make simpler our lives. "Yes I have" the ability to live, enjoy the freedom and consequences of my own choices in pursuit of happiness. But it's so exhausting in this complex context of greedy, distrustful, dysfunctional, disabled justice and legislative systems--local to federal levels. It's such powerfully negative mis-trust to watch and hear media fueled fears of "don't-do-anything" name calling and to witness the bullying of intolerance. Glen Beck, Obama's not a name-calling racist. YOU ARE!

One of my least favorite sound bites is to hear someone preach that we must say no to spending any more money. We must stop healthcare/insurance reform because "we're going to leave our grandchildren in trillions of dollars in debt."

I believe my three grandsons are more likely to thank me if I leave them in debt for healthcare as an alternative to leaving them in debt for funding F-22's or un-necessary wars and multi-national stockpiles of US-funded, owned and operated weapons of mass destruction. Not to mention the choices made to go into local, county and state debt to spend $30,000 per prisoner or increasing numbers of cops on the streets while shelters are closed and children are shuffled and bused from school to school instead of being able to trust that wherever they go they will be able to walk or ride a bike home at 3:00, sit down to supper to tell their families "here's what I learned today." Yep, I'd rather leave my grandchildren in debt for funding greenways and school recess, art classes and sports and curing cancer than having politicians spend even one hour of the precious commodity, time discussing "the right to bear arms" as justification for selling automatic weapons or high powered hand guns to folks who will then use the guns to "protect themselves" against assault, domestic violence, pimps and drug dealers.

I digress, of course, but this is my rant and I get oh so pumped by politics. Talking politics is my verbal, mentally challenging international sport of kings and queens; it's powerfully competitive, anyone can play, there are always winners and losers, ties sometimes get accepted, and there's money in it. OK, back to healthcare, and losing my Medicare....

"What we have is working just fine arguments" especially when it comes to healthcare, leave me less protected from that which I fear most: individual, uncontrolled anger that is rooted in hatred, envy and greed. Oh yeah, I also fear nuclear war, and the day to day denials of justice and opportunity to the most vulnerable among us. What we do have is an imperative to repair our broken healthcare system--and to reform our "killer" insurance/politically self-serving systems. Politics is so about power and money, we all know that--it's the American way. I choose to spend money and use my individual and collective political power for personal gain, to develop relationships, to pursue and to fight for and respect folks around the world whose very existence "earns" them those same choices.

I'm committed to my belief that Obama is an American born (Rosemary & Erika visited his his home & saw the hosptial while THEY were in Hawaii!!) President who is doing his job. Working overtime, always in high gear, taking his wife and kids with him to squeeze in some family time and "local pleasured" during Shasa & Malia's summer vacation. Being oh so touched at Kennedy's funeral--he must have seen Ted as such a father/grandfather role model for all the right reasons.

How can anyone ever say he's taken on "too much" when there is so much to be done? Obama is young, bi-racial, intellectually and physically fit. He's a charismatic leader, good looking husband who listens to his wife, a super smart dad and knows himself as a spiritually grounded citizen of the world--I think he can handle it!

Kevin & Laura--Love, Laughter, Ice Cream and Cupcakes

Thursday: The Braves Game. We enjoyed Budweiser, popcorn, peanuts, wings, corndogs, brie, air conditioning, 50 seats for this Laura White & Kevin Powell the July 24, 2009 Super Bowl of Families Teams merger! Congratulations and thanks so much to the extremely proud "producers" Liz and Mark White. Their only child's wedding was a perfectly designed, planned, imagined and orchestrated celebration. I thoroughly enjoyed this VIP Suite gathering to meet Liz White, Mother-of-the-Bride, the owner/publisher of Atlanta Parent Magazine. Even Thursday's super Atlanta fans, Uncle Bill Satchwill & Jackson Powell, seemed to agree--Braves lost, we scored so many more "family connections" with the Kevin-Laura marriage.

For Margaret & Jack, parents of the groom, the first day of one more time to rejoice--5 down, and ALEX to go!!! and sincere congratulations on your achievement of getting all 10 of that gaggle of grandchildren all together, on time and all smiling for the family photo at 11:oo a.m. at the Decatur Town Square Gazebo.

Friday: I walked, shopped funky places in Decatur, visited the deKalb County Anne Frank Exhibit, and celebrated the random but oh so happy arrivals of every living Krider sibling/Kevin's Aunts and Uncles: Rosemary, Kathy, Betsy, Bill, Dik, Bob, Marijo & Kris--plus occasionally having actual sightings of the younger sister, super grammy, mother of the bride, Margaret. And there were so many more welcoming hugs and chattings with spouses, partners, cousins, children, in-laws, outlaws, friends so-close-they're family, more friends, greeting & meeting new friends & family from our connections and Laura's extended family. Then, mid afternoon--some serious recruitment, planning, and coordinating babysitters for those 8 grandchildren in anticipation of the 4 + hours while Laura & Kevin's parents and their wedding party, plus ring-bearer, Jackson & flower girl Caroline rehearsed and enjoyed an adult dinner at the Watershed restaurant.

Grateful cheers for "local" Marietta recruits & my total dedication to the belief that "it will all work out." Hooray for Aunt Jean & Cousins Bonnie & Jackie, Aunt Barb & Uncle Jim Powell, and Cousin-in-law Carla's magic touch with baby boys! We two elders, Aunt Kathy & Uncle Bill, actually managed to keep up with the action and survived the trek to the park, delighted in some kid comments and especially enjoyed the mini-conflicts over scooters, swings & slides. Cheers too for the miracle-timing of Uncle Jim & Marilyn being able to drive to PeachTree Airport to pick up Uncle Bill & Aunt Pat--and double, maybe triple thanks for Jane's Wine Delivery!!! Yep--it "all worked out!" always does.

Saturday: Celebration of the Marriage of Kevin Josef Powell & Laura Elizabeth White! There already are over 1000 photos online--and more to come. There are links to online albums, photoshopped book promotions, traditional photos of the bride and groom cutting the cake, and shared moments by all present during the solemn and prayerful celebration at St. Thomas More Church sharing the quiet reflection for those who could not be with us except in our thoughts. There are 778 online pix in Meg's "smilebox" photobooth --including these of 2 of my boys, Jim & Sam & Carla & Uncle Bob, super videographer, Kathy Schmid & the Davidson Kriders, Olivia & Isablla, the youngest two among the 28 grandchildren of Bill & Georgia Krider. Oh--there was that one other grand delight for me: A first ever "why the heck haven't we been doing this forever" experience --An ICE CREAM SUNDAES BAR to accompany cupcakes, wedding cake and the champagne toasts! Happy, happy me...."these are a few of my favorite things."

Sunday: Getaway day. Transferring Grippos boxes and cartons of Diet Barq's Creme soda, delivering Kevin & Laura to the airport en route to honeymoon destination in the Virgin Islands, a nice but too short outing to Melissa's for a brunch and music visit with best man Alex--and back home to Charlotte. If you weren't able to make this typical but unbelievably spontaneously spectacular wedding, you already know we talked about you. and if you aren't already married, we're all putting odds on when and where and/or there's Indy in May, or any opportunity to get together anywhere in the world--there's probably a Krider Connection! See y'all there, or post a picture.

On Religion or Lack Therof

Islamic Non-Violence: The Legacy of Badshah Khan

"No true effort is in vain. Look at the fields over there. The grain sown therein has to remain in the earth for a certain time, then it sprouts, and in due time yields hundreds of its kind. The same is the case with every effort in a good cause." -- Badshah Khan

Thanks to Rosemary for forwarding me that quote just as I was questioning why I was bothering to go to yet another meeting of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Community Relations Committee. (Rosemary, reads, forwards good stuff and surfs the Internet even more hours a day than I do) So in my pleasure of having "nothing better to do" I went to the meeting, then came home and explored. Here's what I learned and feel compelled to blog about before we head back home to Indiana. We'll get to spend quality time with Satchwills, Kriders, friends and maybe get to go to the St. Lawrence Church festival. Summer festivals at the chruch where I was baptized, married and was expelled for the day from St. Lawrence School's 4th grade might be the ultimate "I was raised Catholic but I rarely go to Mass any more" experience for guilt tripping, bingo, fried foods & good times! So back to blogging and pondering...

Few people, both inside and outside the Muslim world, know anything about Abdul Ghaffar "Badshah" Khan. No, he isn't a hotshot cricket player or a renegade Afghan warlord. Khan, a contemporary of Mahatma Gandhi, was a proponent of Islam-centered nonviolent resistance to injustice whose ideas and achievements are being noticed as stories of a fractious Afghanistan, tribal Pushtun customs, and violence in the name of Islam fill the news.
Working alongside Gandhi to liberate South Asia from British colonial rule, Badshah Khan (affectionately known as the "Frontier Gandhi") spent his 98-year life proving that the highest religious values of Islam are deeply compatible with nonviolent conflict resolution, even against heavy odds. From the tribal Pushtuns, Khan assembled the world's first and largest non-violent army in the 1930s, the 100,000-strong Khudai Hidmatgars ("servants of God"). "I cited chapter and verse from the Koran to show the great emphasis that Islam had laid on peace," said Khan of his discussion with a skeptical Muslim. "I also showed to him how the greatest figures in Islamic history were known more for their forbearance and self-restraint than for their fierceness. The reply rendered him speechless." Could Badshah Khan's tactics work in modern-day conflicts in the Muslim world - Palestine, Kashmir, or Chechnya? Perhaps nonviolence isn't relevant in an age of smart bombs and cruise missiles, but the answer won't be certain unless someone tries it. Read more here: http://www.altmuslim.com/a/1590/

Additional ponderings on the subject of my history of anger, frustration, celebration and personal righteous indignation with my Catholic religious heritage.

I was thrilled at the term "congregation" used to describe the 20,000+ millions gathered to celebrate the music, dance, songwriting and smiles that Michael Jackson held dear for his own and children of the world.

Eva Staub Satchwill once said, "Oh yeah, I'm from Switzerland, but I'm hardly neutral!" Her husband, Bob, has long been more Swiss, I think, than American and makes me most proud when he stands up for his beliefs--that have nothing to do with organized religion and everything to do with peace, love & happiness! So I thought of Eva immediately when I read Sister Joan Chittister's column on a meeting of TED held in my favorite European country, Swizerland:

"They were Islamic scholars, a Hindu and a Christian nun, a Christian bishop and an ordained clergywoman, Jewish rabbis and even a Grand Mufti from Egypt. And what happened? At the end of the day, they all discovered that their separate religions had formed them well. Compassion, they agreed, is the universal in each of our faiths, the glue meant to hold the world together."

"Compassion, the Council said, is not pity since pity assumes superiority. Compassion is not an idea, it is an action that lifts the burden of the other because the other is of us. It is the determination to end the suffering of the other by spending oneself to do it. Compassion is fundamental to every faith and more urgently needed now more than ever. When whole people can be held hostage to robotized weapons of war and the kinds of "religious commitment" that makes the slaughter of innocents a holy act, compassion is needed."

"It is the function of churches to form the consciences of their members who seek to lead moral lives in their societies, rather than to take political sides against particular politicians or political systems." Joan Chittister on Mar. 05, 2009 From Where I Stand

To read more: TED a program launched in 1984 for the collection and pursuit of new ideas in science, business and the arts. (TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, Design.) The meeting referenced was Feb. 26, 2009. Links from atheism to Bill Gates, humorist Julia Sweeney and so many more thinkers and doers can be found free by finding TED online. Now I have to get OFF this computer and get packing.

It's My Party & I'll Cry if I Want To!

For my birthday week--a trip to Tybee then more and more and more to remember.

I was born on Saturday, June 26, 1943--at 5:41 p.m. at Christ Hospital in Cincinnati. Yes, Saturday's child works hard for a living. Might I add, the working at making a home wherever I am hasn't always been easy, but it has been worth it! I'm second of eleven, and so many, many people move in and out of my heart's home. Did you know that taking pleasure in making a home is the first thing the stars say about my birth sign?

So it works for me that on this morning, one of my two "next-to-me-sisters," Betsy, was the #1 birthday greeter before she & Jerry travelled back home to Indiana. My other "next-to-me" sister Rosemary who's local, was the next birthday greeting, first caller to sing, and tonight I'll celebrate with # eleven Krider--Kris in Davidson. In between, are birthday memories of sisters and brothers and mother and daddy. Those who've known me the longest, the best and yes, the worst of me! Margaret, Bill, Dik, Bob, Marijo, Jimmy and my almost ten years later life-twin Janie--ten years younger, ten pounds thinner and ten times more the traveller--we have all shared truths and such secrets. Rosemary, Kathy, Betsy, Billy, Dicky, Margaret, Janie, Jimmy, Bobby, Marijo & Christopher fill the tiniest crevices, zip along the superhighways and fill the endless skies of my so far oh so good journey! So how the heck did I get to be at home and online in my oasis at 5945 Prescott Court in Charlotte, NC? The answer is--the long way!

From a little house with a porch in a neighborhood called Parkview Heights in Cincinnati to Greendale to going away to school in Oldenburg to SMWC and then back to Greendale and then bingo--married and a mother and then almost 20 years disappear and after all those years of knowing where home is, I'm moving again and again and again!!

A trip--that's what I always want most for my birthday. "Home is where ya go when there's no where else, how long can you stay, where have you been, when will you be back" At home, I hear my mother's voice that challenged and questioned and who was and is my never-ending reason for feeling always loved, defended, and welcomed home. At home in my heart, I still feel the energy and passion of my dad's pride in me and in all we all did and all we his children and their children's children have become. What a trip!

My summer of turning 21 with Bill on a camp Ross Trails 5-12 getaway. Then what a wedding on September 26 and Jon William. April 26 & celebrating Jim on May 26 are easy to remember days and dates for marking best birthday memories. Then Dec 31 and Robert Eric to add "Makeing Memories" music to celebrate every New Years and holidays, and now birthdays, ice cream, cake and celebrating cousins, in-laws, outlaws, and cousins, and their spouses, and partners, and more cousins and more move-in's and move-outs of homes and families from around the corner and around the world.

Now I have Suzanne, and Carla and Eva and Sam and Sean and Jay, and nieces and nephews, and more cousins and more moves, more gifts and greetings and places to go, treasures to collect on oh so many more trips and travels. At my age, of course I'm tired & lazy, lazy & tired sometimes, but what a trip--so far so good. To all the folks who've punched my birthday trip ticket, thanks, I'm getting my money's worth.

Birthday memories remembering, wanting, wandering and wondering.

Remembering as far back as a summer when I was 3 or was I 4? A road trip to Florida to Auntie Maid & Aunt Sophie & Uncle Mark's house on some water that Rosemary fell into and was pulled out by her pigtails. I don't know if it was even near my birthday, but I close my eyes to see the earliest summer memories and there's Betsy with cute blonde curls as she toddled down some steps to come outside after her nap. It was always about "three girls" and then I skip along memory moments to daddy coming home from the Navy, and Billy's curls and then when Dik arrived, we moved down to 471 and I was having a backyard birthday party with our Ridge Avenue to St. Lawrence school bus stop riders--Chrissie & Sherry & Janet & Jerry and so many more whose faces are forever remembered in a black and white photo. Damn--I sure wish I'd learned to label and to have pasted more into albums. When I close my eyes for the worst memory--it's the fire of course. My photo album with those crinkle edged snapshots melted with names and events and Christmas trees and presents. No wonder I love pictures for marking and sparking the memories. Keep posting folks. Thanks for the DVD collections, Bob, I'm a frequent visitor to look at and love the shows!

Of birthdays beyond 6 to today's 66! Stopping by celebration 16 for first boyfriend crushes, Jim Streck & Jim Caldwell & forever friend JoAnn. Suddenly I'm up to 30 birthdays and Daphne, Janet, Laura, Charlotte, Carolyn, Andrea, and funnygifts and twirling in a flowery prom dress I could still fit into! Then it's my birthday 55 and I'm at Brad & Sabrina's wedding-family party at Dik & Jean's whose birthday is oh so close to mine that I KNOW why I love her so much. I turn pages and pictures and uncover summers with Patsy Satchwill whose birthday is the day after mine and then there are Satchwills for fish fries, summer cook-outs and Fourths of July at Uncle Jim & Annamae's and then I digress from birthdays and summers to paths less traveled, to trips I might have taken, to choices.

The memory-accuracy isn't any longer as clear--is it old age, denial or fuzziness that helps avoid the high definition wrinkles now. Was it last year or two years ago or three that we gathered the "locals" to a steak house in Charlotte with Justin--who's flying in because his birthday is oh so close enough for a co-celebration!-My birthday--how did I get there from here, and from here to there. What a trip.

I always want as many birthday wishes as I can collect. I'm greedy for forever receiving--ice cream, candles, cake, presents, cards and a huge family and so many friends who love me! Thank you notes to write to mother and daddy, sisters, brothers, Bill & my boys, cousins, friends, friends of friends and families of families. So many gone, so many more, I hope, yet to be. My mind floats through my high & low tides and summertime birthday breezes--I loved the beach this week for walking, swimming, and getting stuck in the still, sticky, hot, humid Hoosier days of trying to label and post all my June 26th parties. Wondering...how many more. Who will be there. Do you remember my birthday only because I reminded you? I'm wandering across miles of summer roads and June skies and across oceans...it's my birthday and I'll cry if I want to!

Whirlwind--no TIME for musings!

Friday was rather a frantic beginning with some heavy traffic and we had some missed communications, but what a weekend!  Bella off to a soccer game, thanks to friend Gwen (gotta love soccermoms!) Then we to get the BMW :-) and O while Kris & Michele to New Bern B & B to celebrate M's b'day #20x2.  Then down to Jim's for supper.

Carla made Pizza (except for Bill who brought his own tomato soup! part of  his creative diet-driven teeth menu) to rival, no, it was better than CPK--fresh basil, tomatoes--yummmmmmmmy!  Sat. a.m. up at 6:15 to get oatmeal & healthy breakfast down before Bella's 5K Race and O to 9 am soccer game.  Bella finished 3rd in her age group--despite having the wrong shoes. Not the brown runners, which of course as a typical 12 year old she couldn't find in the pre-teen strewn with laundry/books/games/etc. aka floor of her room! Familiar view--some things never change, right?

Just so ya know, Olivia skips across the soccer field more often than she seems to engage in competitive, aggressive running, but we can tell she's having a good time, so that's what matters.  Adults who coach 6 year olds are earning a few really sparkling jewels in their crowns. Then some time at Town Day (aka like an Arts-in-the-Park in L'burg) around the Library/Gazeebo on the Green in Davidson, then to the bleacher seats for the high noon thriller of a six inning nip & tuck Little League game--Sam's team continues to be undefeated, but this one went down to the wire!  Oh, and for sidebar entertainment, Jay and friends had their first sleepover at Aiden's b'day party. On Sunday he gave it a thumbs up, he won several competitions--the prizes were MONEY!  

Back to  Kriders to pack and ship for a sleepover at our house, some work on Olivia's Blue & Gold Macaw project, & Bella administering "foot first aid"--it worked--she was "cured" by morning--after staying up really late to watch Legally Blonde & Grease! The headrest on the pull out couch is such an attraction for all nite TV.

Yes, we all slept in and I made pancakes for breakfast--not as good as Marijo's OR "my dad's" according to the ultimate judge, Olivia.  Mid-Sunday afternoon--a Tinker Bell themed party for Olivia while Bella & I went shopping and "lunching" and getting cake decorating stuff for mom's cake/surprise.  (Eva--you may have some competition as favorite co-shopper--I might have to borrow Bella until you return!  She's a great shopper/bargain hunter :-).  We did Tuesday Morning for Michele's gift and with all the options in the store, Bella advised an "upscale" designer broom & dustpan and navy blue fuzzy/comfy bedroom slippers.  Bella's choices, my debit card!  Bella pointed out that "if mom doesn't like the slippers, they fit me exactly.She's kind of hard to buy for."  And "we really NEED a good broom in that kitchen!"

For supper, Carla indulged us again with the yummiest of herb covered, melt in your mouth, fall off the bone fresh from the range roasted chicken, baked sweet potato medallions, lots of good greens, carrots, more tomatoes & chunks of avacados salad, and homemade BUTTERMILK biscuits--immediately followed by the Krider-Satchwill kids engaging in a glorious water gun battle in the yard.  Time outs for some additional ohhing and ahhing over the Originally $65 marked down to $3 book that Sam got--glorious photography of the World From Above and then back to Kriders to bake & decorate that cake,  finish the Macaw project, getting into an occasional argument with Bella about computer vs. doing math homework vs. getting to bed time--and whew--finally Lights Out.

About my usual Sunday commentary--I AM WAAAAAAY TOO OLD FOR THIS LIFESTYLE very often.  Having these young girls and boys around who are better, brighter and challenging life and ideas is more fun than I ever could have imagined when I was going through this with my own.  It's the best part of "waking up!"

But, glory be for DVR-ing my usual Sunday night TV.  Will Desperate Housewives & Brothers & Sisters keep me awake this evening?  Kids to school by 8:15 and finally I'm online at home to post, facebook a bit and begin my next course-writing project.  About that nap....

Noon--and a call from Kris--Olivia is sick & has to be picked up at school.  Back to Davidson. Maybe I'll get that nap much later.  Me thinks Ms. Olivia just wants to be there when mom & dad arrive in a couple more hours from their getaway.  Maybe I'll need to use another sick day!

Get me to that beach!  How DID our parents manage so many???? 

#1 Son is 44 & my other Sunday musings

This charming face and the sparkle=eyed guy's tee shirt says it all! If there was ever a man who know the meaning of making the best of any situation, it's Jon William Satchwill, #1 son to Bill & Kathy (aka Kate) Satchwill and #1 grandson to Bill & Georgia Krider.  What a day to celebrate!  One of those "mother" moments like no other is to be reminded of the pain and pleasures of child-birth and child-raising--and then, to sit back and watch them grow--and GO off to school, then East or West, or college or wherever they go!  (Do ya think  I ever suffered much from empty nest syndrome????)

Always welcome back, as my own mother used to say, it's "home you can go to when there's no where else!"  When it comes to Jon, Sue & their #1 and only son Sean, there is little or nothing that is finer than to spend time with them--online, on the phone, in person here or there or anywhere!  Thanks, Jon, for all you do for others to make sure that what your shirt states is true, "Life is good" because you're part of it--for 44 years and many, many more!

In other thoughts as I watched the Sunday a.m. shows, then off to watch Bella play soccer WOW it was one heck of a competitive effort that ended in a tie but what a great head Bella has for this game!  Pun intended, she made some super plays.  Oh, as we left,  I had my toes rolled over by the tire on Kris' car (no major injury--just bruised and sore toes!) and on the way home got a "please come join us at the beach" call from Princess Natalie. Bill fixed Skyline, and now I am watching a new Desperate Housewives to be followed by a new Brothers & Sisters.  Much to muse about.

Doris Kearns Goodwin & Jon Meacham's conversation on Meet the Press was good historical perspective on the "hallmark" media-created moment of the first 100 days.  Obama's measure is his ability as a leader--his ability to pay attention to "time, focus and imagination" Doris said.  And from Jon, the argument that the President is doing too much, too fast, underestimates the ability of Americans.  So I'm musing less on the political/economic/foreign policy stresses--and feeling as if perhaps the best lesson of the first 100 days is that "we're in good hands!".  One of the Time photographers whose access brings them in touch with the reality of this historic Obama Presidency says "when I look at him I don't see the first African-American, I see the President of the United States."  I feel the same way--and I always admire, respect and want to follow a leader whose character, intelligence and world perspective is restoring confidence, pride and a sense of direction.

Questions of my morning musings and all week's blabbering, blogging and media marathon hyper-talk re torture and the possibility that someone has to be held accountable, punished and/or at least show remorse:  Did fear of lynching keep black men from running toward freedom?  Did torturing women, children, families of salves or Native Americans, or murdering Jews, or bombs of villages in Vietnam do more to inflame hate, or keep people "safer"?  What will time and truth reveal of the decisions and, in my opinion, the moral judgements of the Bush Administration.  I'm reminded of that phrase "you will know they are Christians by their love."   Jon Meacham reminded me of admonition from St Paul to "be patient in tribulation."  So I'm hoping for more patience than a mere 100 days as we wind our way out of the morass we have found ourselves in on this date in history.

April 26, 2009.  It's a great day for thinking back, and for imagining at least that I'll be around for 44 more years of living all that is good about life as I see it, hear it, touch it, taste it's yummies and smell the wafts of whatever it is that is making me sneeze while I'm sitting and thinking and dreaming and musing.

Bob & Eva have left the USA--Bill's lost 6 more teeth!

By golly, Millsy & Bob look pretty much just like they did playing Annie's machines at the Greendale General Store!  Both have longer hair and yet, Vegas or the General Store--such easy goin' gamblers.  

After a long trip home by way of Jamaica (NOT the islands, the one in NY) and lost luggage, Bob & Eva have left our country!  

Good to hear that "we made it home, Mom" call, no matter how many miles or how many journeys.  Thanks, Bob. Hugs to Eva and Callicat.

Other news for those who knew--Bill did the minus 6 segment of his dental experience of a lifetime.  (7 gone, more to go!) For no one else is such a statement so nearly true--when he had to fill in the blank "last time to the dentist" he filled the blank with N/A.  In 71 years, he says he thinks he may have gone to a dentist once.  

Took another sick day--sick & tired, tired & sick and sick & tired of being tired & sick!!  Cold, wheezy nose drips and an ailing husband, do I deserve a break or what?  Good thing for this fun photo of "our boy Bob!" to cheer me up.  

CO April Snow Photos

Two reasons to double post this week--AND two great reasons why it's great to get up early in Broomfield, CO.  Sean Nathan who LOVES getting up (NOT!!!!) and beautiful sunrises to light up the mountaintops.  It's April, close to Jon's birthday so of course there is snow!   

Now it off to watch all the DVR'd late night shows that I fall asleep during.  

DAMN I am oh so looking forward to the end of school and the challenging-my-patience- responsibilities--and naps and not having to get up and be somewhere at 7 a.m.--I think!  

Sunday Musings

It's always fun to have someone call and say, "we're on on way from...and we'd love to stop".  Jane and Darrell hadn't ever been to Charlotte so they now officially join the group of folks who love the food, are a reason to gather together some "locals" have a good time, chatter through stories of who knows which Krider or in-law or outlaw or both--get Kris to cook in their super kitchen, Michele and the girls to hostess AND spend the afternoon on the bleachers cheering Sam's outstanding pitching! Plus perfect report cards, and tonight, supper at Azteca to celebrate #75 for the late great Joe Schmid--one"punny, punny" guy!  A special toast to the next grrrrrr---o-O-O-O-om, Kevin Josef. Call from CO that one more snow has already melted, a call from Bob & Eva--trip was terrific--lookin forward to a trip letter, cousin photos and a full report soon.  Heard from Jane that Brad's "visiting" Godmother Marijo plus some of her L'burg girlfriends will be there for blowing out candles-- I shall remind EVERYONE please, that I wanted a girl--everyone else including Dr. P. thought a "boy for Bobby"--I WAS RIGHT!!  

Coming home, Willie Nelson was crooning "Georgia on my Mind."  She and Dad should have lived to be 110 to see, hear and add to the stories.  Lengthy update from Linda Satchwill who last week celebrated #60, next week Marijo is #50, and April 23rd also is the date to think happy thoughts for all that Janie K. deYoung brought to us until those horrible final 84 days of a life too short.

Paul O'keefe, where & what # b'day were you celebrating?  I'm still jealous that Grandmother took Betsy to Boston (on the TRAIN!!!) to meet you!  

And then--April 29 is for celebrating Betsy and Grandma Satchwill.  THEN----IT'S MAY, IT'S MAY, THE LUSTY MONTH OF MAY!

April really is awesome.  

 

Hey Dad--Ya Watching?

WOW -- This Masters Tournament is frigging unbelievable! I'm on the laptop trying to keep from jumping out of my chair--I'M YELLING AT THE TV!!!!

At this point, it's just Phil and Tiger playing each hole at extraordiary levels of consummate confidence and competition. There's Kenny Perry the "old guy" at 48 who is from KY, back after knee surgery, & has a mom who's dying, & of course is my sentimental favorite, steadily staying in the moment, hoping to finish without blowing it. It's intense, competitive, spectacular to watch birdie boy Chad Campbell, funky Jim Furyk is so in it and Cabrera reminds me of Trevino and Murl Fox--and it's-- GOLF!

Where are you?

Bill and I had supper last night with Rosemary and as almost always, one of our usual topics: "Where in the world are so many people we know?"

Bob & Eva are traveling from Swissland to the USA, perhaps meeting up just-by-chance with Pam & Linda Satchwill  who are in Vegas for a George Strait concert. For certain they will also enjoy good times with Scott & Tonya in San Francisco, and so many other friends and perchance a couple of cousins in CA. 

Etsuko is working and visiting India,  Dr. Schmid in Russia, friend Laura Swartley in Croatia (When I Googled Croatia I sighed at the beauty of the place--I wasn't really sure where in the world it is--It's also where I saw these beautiful Easter eggs; noted that Croatia & Albania just joined NATO and am politically deeeeee-lighted at the change in direction for foreign policy.)  

Ben Kaplan also just returned from Europe, according to Ann Satchwill's quick facebook report; I think my sister-in-law Jenny's still in Florida, Ruth is for sure home from the hospital & doing great, oh, and we know that Kris & Michele & family are off to a mountain cabin, Renee Kaplan is visiting Davidson from Northport, NY, Marg & Jack are going to KS and OK next week, and Jane & Darrell will visit here April 16th.  I guess there's nothing more intriguing than on any given day, to celebrate all the places and people who are travel-bound for business or pleasure and all of us in celebration of mobility!

At the same time, I am enjoying the delights of a Spring Break night at home--hangin' out in my oasis, had a sunny day, blue skies, sent off the taxes, got the car washed (do you love that commercial where the guy reminds the other guy that the sign says, CAR WASH--not rinsed!!! But I guess it's NOT such a good commercial because I have no idea what they're selling) 

Oh--speaking of commercials--I think I HEARD Sara Krider as the mother's voice for Mrs. Paul's--and if you haven't--go immediately to facebook or You Tube to see Michael Krider's writer's credits for an extremely thought-provoking  Film-Fest entry.  

Thanks for all the many Peeps thoughts--buy em cheap (cheep?) two weeks from now, save me a pack or two--I had some last night that were for sure from 2007--perfect!!!  When I finally get finished with this teaching gig I'll drive around and pick up stale peeps!  There's a plan.

Hop-py Easter, Alleluias and skipping mountains in mother's memory; for my Jewish family, I'm remembering the meanings of Passover, and if we're not so into the religious celebrations, these eggs are soooooo beautifully detailed, look around, and remember to pay attention to the minutia of each moment.  It's my reminder to practice patience and think of Grandmother/Mother's advice, "pretty is as pretty does!"  No matter that I'm sometimes sad, angry with righteous indignation, have those awful creaks, moans and groans, I'm going to be pink and pretty this week.

Spring has Sprung

Daffodils are the BEST! Jon planted rows of them in front of our blue house with white shutters in Terre Haute--I love the memories still; while I was a Girl Scout Director of Education, the Daffodil Society sponsored troops of daffodil planters all over the Cincinnati area: "toss the bulbs randomly on any hillside" they directed.

And does anyone remember the thousands of daffodils planted in NYC after 9/11? I think I'll search the net for "where are they now?" Or inspire Mellen to inspire a GMA feature--or Tariq or Juliet to do a YouTube--it's all about the spring thing!

The iris photo comes from my brother Bob's collection of delights he and Marilyn encounter on their walks in Winton Woods, or from his yard, or maybe he took a trip back to Greendale to check and see if there are yet remnants of Grandmother Cole's glorious garden.

Yesterday we sat on the bleachers in Davidson to watch Sam the starting pitcher get 8 Little Leaguers out before giving up a great hit by the opposition kid. Next play, a pony tailed girl named McKenna scooped up the grounder to her at second, flipped it to first for the 9th out. Meanwhile, on offense, Sam struck out with the bases loaded (but hey, he doesn't get paid to hit or run!) did finally get on with a grounder, scored the third run, made an in-the sun catch at third later in the game. The Cornelius team did fight back, eventually tied the game--and that's how it ended. EVERYBODY was a winner! That's spring....

Oh, and then there's all this basketball.

All of this, and sunshine. Except in Washington where the fury and righteous indignation over bonuses seems like such perfect political b*#* S##*! posturing to prevent education and healthcare and energy reform as the Mostly Old White Guy fat pigs without lipstick can continue to complain about those horrible deficits--while corporate crooks continue to earn 400% higher salaries than their workers.

Maybe when the cherry blossoms come out, everyone will stop yelling, calm down and remember that gifts from Japan were given to the US in the Asian tradtion of appreciation of simple, natural beauty overcoming the most horrible of pain. We can learn from the world. Media plea, listen to more women...get Hillary on the air! Spring forward!

Wizard of Id

Thanks to my smart and sometimes smart-alec brother Bill for the cartoon that inspired a response to the Krider-Okeefe yahoo group site--he felt things on our site were too quiet and Margaret accused him of stirring the pot! I'm posting here because I do love pots--and stirring!

Yes, we do all have a "job" just going about multi-tasking, doing the day-to-day-chores of working class folks, cleaning up after the fat-cats whose lingering stench in the House & Senate left us with broken education systems, crooks and liars in insurance companies, and the most expensive healthcare delivery system in the world. Oh yeah, the CEO was the Bushy-tailed-cat who was spraying his macho "mist" in Iraq. There's not enough litter in the world to clean up his mess--however, some heavy duty long term renovation, long term thinking, intelligence, patience and responsibility is in order! The "party" thing is over, let's clean up, freshen the air, call off the dogs and move on!  

Today's Charlotte Observer had a 3/4 page spread about a family that has cut back by now choosing to do their own housekeeping! I think Congress and the financial services segment of our economy is going to have to do the same thing.  

AIG=Arrogance, Ignorance & Greed. The hearings today included looking for "sound bites" and feeding the media frenzy for those "fancy feasts" for the felines scratching in their own litter boxes. One woman asked, "if labor unions have been renegotiating contracts because the company's losing money--what is different for the 'contracts' of management?

AHHHH- but hooray for having a contract. I called off today--teacher fatigue, tired of musty, frustrated, marginalized, angry African-American teenage boys telling me I'm racist, and not being allowed to walk outside and breathe fresh air, and who have been lied to, promised fairness and been locked up for months while the overloaded system figures out if they have enough evidence to proceed. I'm tired of having to listen to school administrators earning 300% as much as I do -- blaming teachers for low achievement scores based on a "corporate testing industry" that if summarily eliminated could provide free healthy lunches and breakfast at IHOP for everyone! Geez, wonder if those "fat cats" running the ACT/SAT/State testing giants could pass the poop test?

Stirring the pot? Right now, it's more like a cauldron.

Obama has only just begun. We elected the smart guy who was willing to step up and go for the open shots, get back on defense, or pass off to others on the team for at least 4 years. We barely survived 8 years of the dumb guy with the team skills of an overweight lazy 6th grader--because that's the way it works here in the USA. Presidents get 4 years, Representatives get 2 years, Senators 6 and for the majority of the rest of us, it's one day at a time and/or employment at will.

But speaking of pot let's legalize it, and then the 90% who ARE working will relax, have the option to enjoy the "less" that we have, and fly!

k.k.s. (that would be Kate Kan Stir!)

P.S. My question of the day yesterday was "what's an antonym for racist" ? Any ideas what was the response?

Barbara Boxer, Meet Megann!

Sen.Boxer, meet Meg Powell Herston--a CA constituent--and MY niece!! (OK, Marg & Jack, take another Powell Bow!!!!!)  How cool is this?    The Satchwill-Kaplan-Yashoff connections/Obama sitings in DC seem to be contagious!

Here's what Meg reported about meeting Barbara: 

I was VERY impressed with her. She's even more classy, smart,articulate, assertive, thoughtful, et cetera than I thought she was going to be... and I had some pretty high expectations.. :)

It was a town hall meeting with about 50 other people, so all I got to say to her directly was a big THANK YOU.. but I did make sure to sit front and center. She had a lot to say about the stimulus package and how the CA state government (in general) needs to get their act together!!! She wants to get the money out ASAP to on-the-ground infrastructure projects, but is worried about the state government and their stubborn partisanship. I appreciated how she discussed green energy and rebulding infrastructure as the new mobilizing factor that is going to help us band together and get out of this economic mess...

Quite an experience this week. I met Congressmen Blumenhauer (Oregon) also, who is everyone's favorite alternative transportation advocate. All of my productive meetings were with congressional staff though ... we're just trying to get the message out that communities need the stimulus money for infrastructure, and we needed it yesterday..

Anyways, my feet hurt from wandering the halls of the House & Senate office buildings, and walking all over downtown DC... but I'm feeling extremely optimistic about the stimulus and recovery. No pain, no gain, right??

Saturday Stuff--SPRING FORWARD!

It's a gorgeous day! Yesterday I heard an NPR commentator, an advocate of light therapy, suggest that we have it backwards--we should be maximizing LIGHT when we get up in the morning--so Daylight Savings Time should apply to sunshine mornings in order to maximize feelings of enthusiasm for getting out of bed!! I love it.--sunshine I mean, not getting out of bed unless the sun is up before I am.... How about you?

I also want to share a fun Obama sighting report from our niece Ann Satchwill and her family of Georgetown, DC ( Husband, Ben Kaplan, international legal eagle who used to be the corporate counsel for Seagram's, daughter Alli, a Columbia student and son Nate, a wonderfully articulate & fun 10 year old who is a Sean Nathan look-alike!)

Here's the story she emailed to her mom and her mom cc'd to me:

Guess what? The President & Mrs. Obama came to Sidwell this evening for Sasha's parent-teacher conference! There were temporary no parking-tow away signs all over our street first thing this morning - and then the street was parked up with secret service and other mobiles (like ambulances, police cars, you name it) from about 3:00 p.m. Things got really busy around 3:30 - three men on the roof of Sidwell with binoculars and rifles. Tons of secret service men all over the street. Unbelievable! So I started watching in the front yard, and neighbors walking their dogs stopped to watch (and to meet our new puppy) - and soon there were over 50 people in our front yard! One of the secret service guys asked who the owner of the house was - which was me - and then whether everyone present was a relative, and I said no they were all neighbors though, and then he asked whether they could search us all for weapons. We said sure thing - search away, just let us see the President and tell us how long we would have to wait! (He told us nothing!) The motorcade -- three limosines, motorcycles, huge SUVS, came in through the parking garage under the gym, so we got to see them walk from the garage to the school. Then we all waited for 45 minutes until they came back out - b/c then we would be able to see their faces! Mrs. Obama came out first with secret service guys, and then the President came out with ss guys. Do you think they came out separately for security reasons? Anyway, we clapped for Mrs. Obama and she waved to us - and then we clapped and cheered like mad for the President and he waved, and then he really grinned - he seemed genuinely touched by our cheers. He's had a long week, so maybe we made him feel a little better. Anyway, it was really fun. Nate was with me for the whole thing - I just wish Ben & Allie had been home, too.

Midweek

I'm feeling guilty because the blog thing is blank--but so it goes.  Can't keep up with all the sources for online information as it is.  Opinions and attitudes fly around like popcorn, get a little salty, swallowed, and then--yikes, that cutting kernel cover gets stuck somewhere.

 Jay has a bit of minor surgery today, Sam's trip to DC was awesome and I have "freebies" to collect from him--what a great chat we had.  Carla's better from her flu, Jon is recovering from his serious cold, Su is headed to FL to hang out with her mom, Sean's got a bit of a limp from the broken leg, and Bob & Eva are about to head across the big pond.  

Meanwhile, I'm getting increasingly frustrated at all the "experts" who are suddenly interested in the CMS/MCJN programs (follow the money--duh!) but grateful for the richness of material I'll have to mull over next year when I'm doing something else.  Oh yeah--Bill's finding the cell phone is a reminder that he's still terrific at not forgetting details!  

Betsy & Jerry are in Texas so no doubt having a great time exploring the newly restored Baker house--I'm hoping for photos from Natalie's b'day party, have a babysitting gig on Sat. with Bella & Olivia, and longer range, I'm really excited at the numbers projected for the Kevin/Laura celebration in July. Right now--outta here and off to teach and learn about life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness with 30 teen agers.  

Sunday Musings Feature Mary, Rita & More

IT'S MARY'S BIRTHDAY!!  I'm musing mostly about Mary and her mom and her dad and her sisters and her grandparents--well, you know the family connections!  Proud godparents first appreciate the parents who selected them for the honor.  Thanks, Dik & Rita--I was honored and continue to be extremely impressed with Ms. Mary's Marvelous Moments of Glory, Fame & Continuing Pursuit of Fortune!

I so remember happy, fun snatches of The Baptism in Chicago, one of those hundreds of times over the years that this family gathers to celebrate. Anyone else remember more details?  I mostly remember ME!! AUNT KATHY--holding a BABY GIRL!!!   I don't remember who all else was there, I know there are more photos somewhere, and would welcome memories & pix from any/all whose "stories" will add to the joy of celebrating "through the years" with Mary! 

Thanks to Bob K's discs for the photo here. Maybe not one of those totally lovely photo ops, but don't you agree that Mary's eyes closed-in-delight and Rita's happy-as-a-clam smile are as good as it gets to show a prediction/reality moment of genuine pleasure!  

It wouldn't be Sunday if I hadn't had my "fix" of ABC/CBS/NBC Sunday news shows--all chatting away about the stimulus--no one being specific enough for me.  I'd like some MICRO views and more specific numbers and a chart or two--like, how many people have been foreclosed and what % and what is the real number of first home mortgages at BOA are actually in foreclosure, how many foreclosures are for 2nd or speculators' properties?   In CA, the actual number is 49 homes in 5000.  I like that kind of specifics!  Thanks, Arnold.  I enjoyed it as well when Donna Brazell on CNN reminded the Lousiana governor that Kristina and Rita were opportunities for "government help" that everyone could agree with--and we all know the stories of fraud & abuse that were involved in a dishonest administration.  Focus on facts, please.  Provide information not rhetoric and political ideology.  There is NOT a high speed train from Vegas to Disneyland--or is there?

In other news and notes--it's exciting to think that Kris is going to learn how to shoot free throws this week from a neighbor/nephew who scored 98 in a row?  (Hmmm, I didn't know that!)  If Kris wins the car, does Jim drive it one day a week?  I hooted at UConn's coach telling folks he deserved his $1 M salary because basketball "brings in" $12 M in revenues.  Yeah, right--what are the basketball team's expenses, including travel, scholarships, yadayadayada. We almost always only hear the sensational numbers--again, details and a micro economics perspective would be welcome.  

It's chilly & sunny in Charlotte--and the BIG news of a brand spankin' new i-Mac desktop in my oasis room is keeping me happy (and busy exploring!) during this first month of getting Social Security!  Got free and welcome i-mac purchasing advice from Bob Krider--always welcome, always free advice is, like being picked to be a godmother, --priceless and infinitely  rewarding!!

In the weeks ahead, Jennifer's sports news and her baby boy-to-be-named later discussions will be among my favorite items to read on the family site.  Oh, and thanks, Bob K for the urban dictionary link, I'll use it often to translate the jargon my student entertain me with on a regular basis. 

Happy February 22nd everyone!  Especially Mary Christina Potocny Krider--and will you let us know if our clicks for Chuny got results?  

Family, politics, learning, friends and other coincidences

Mandelas are those sacred drawings that like mazes and myths and memories have infinite numbers of points that connect--with no easy ways to find beginnings or endings.

I didn't go to Greenville to see my sister Betsy. I am old! Woke up with a pain--yes, Bill was still there! I also had a pain in my back and another in my head. Got up, took Aleve for the back, Advil for the head--and my daily dose of blood pressure medication to help cope with Bill!

Two hours later, at 11 o'clock, my loving and kind driver Bill graciously got up (early for him) and wanted to get going, I still ached in the back & the head, so no go. I hope Betsy isn't too disappointed. Probably not, because I know she & Deb, plus Georgia, Salsa & two other travellers I forgot their names, are enjoying the glories of a great dog show, it's a really pretty day and she understands--because she IS BETSY! Did you ever notice how wonderful women like Betsy always understand! Of course, she would for sure have been in trouble if she didn't call and say she was an hour & a half away, but despite being YOUNGER, she does understand aches and pains, and I know she would drive an hour and a half to hook up with me or anyone in the family--even for a short visit. Because, she's Betsy!

Other updates and commentary: Fun time with Bella on Friday--she is one fun young lady--what a gorgeous, long legged, savvy 6th grader. Kris & Michele went to Kris' UNCC college friend's 41st consecutive Friday the 13th party! A tradition that evolved during their "any reason to go out and party youth" years--and has continued in the same vein. Olivia was engrossed in watching TV, but ever the gregarious Bella was just fun to hang out with in that fabulous Kriders of Davidson kitchen.

Also, this week at our house, Bill finally went with an infected, swollen, painful jaw, to a dentist who then referred him immediately to an oral surgeon. So he's started that ever so needed process. KY and GA wins yesterday, good pain meds and of course a wonderful, doting, caregiver of a wife all have contributed to his recovery from this first of many extractions.

We had great news that after 16 weeks, Sean is totally cast & boot free--plus he had a great report card and loved our birthday box of Bakugan Warriors--only ONE duplicateof the many in his collection. In other grannykate news, Sam goes on his 5th Grade class trip to DC soon, and also soon Jay will have a minor surgery repair of a hernia--another "inheiritance" from his dad's gene pool.

On How & What Else I've Learned just this week: I have finished reading both Good Houskeeping & Atlantic Monthly magazines I got this week, and all the cartoons poetry and most of the commentary in the NYorker, plus my kids in jail wrote some nice essays about Abe's 200th Anniversary. Although one defiant kid told me it was BHMonth so he chose instead to write a great essay about Malcolm X. When I said his work earned him an A+ for content but an F for following directions, he told me that he did it for me--because I probably knew more about Lincoln and needed to learn more Malcom! Great rationalizing--got him where he is today, I said with my best teacher-knows-best smile :-)

On this week in Politics: The stupidity of "just say no" irritates the heck out of my sensitivity to an impatient inner voice that screams, "DON'T JUST STAND THERE, DO SOMETHING!" to those who only criticize and won't come forward with reasonable, specific alternatives. And, just so's ya know... Women's rights took long strides forward on this date: In 1820, suffragist Susan B. Anthony was born--and in 1973, Leah Michelle Krider!

On this week connecting politics, learning family & friends: Had a long really on the phone-not-email visit with Pat Krider, and read with delight some great facebook news that Sara's coming to Indy for the 500, and Jane & Darrell will stop by in their RV after Easter.

I also delight as many folks connect on Facebook to other interesting folks that I haven't thought about in years--like Josh Hadley or Lisa King or Diane Jung who are friends of family or friends of friends that have skirted in & out of my life. Diane reported that her parents' house on Tanner Ave. in Greendale is on sale--Her parents bought it for $35,000 in 1964, it's for sale for $300,000+ and we sit in amazement at the housing bubble?

Oh how I loved reading about Susan's gift to Will's teacher, and enjoyed the "perfect gift" timing from Fred for Valentine's Day. And kudos to Meg and Ben for being recognized as proud parents of a Student of the Month. I found a letter dated March 5, 1984 from Richard Negangard naming Bob as Student of the Week, "We sincerely appreciate the extra effort that Bob demonstrated, and we are proud to have him as a studnet at GMS"

Of course, I'm always a proud parent, I've NEVER been noted for humility! What struck me most--the "connection" links of Meg & Ben young, proud super parents of three adorable, smart kids to finding that old Student of the Week note about Bob /to learning aobut Diane Jung's parents house on Tanner Ave where Dick & Andrea Negangard lived, and who died waaaaay too young/to getting updated GMS demolition photos from Carolyn Blevins--and just a week or so after getting that funky t-shirt that Margaret found at Goody's.

No matter how I "spend" my time, as I blog and slog along through life, there are smiles of satisfaction--and endless circles of pain at how my memories and musing, both simply and with a complexity that I can't trace, link us through infinity. Knowing we are connected by just 1 or two degrees of separation because we're connected to someone who's my facebook friend--it's fun! Or because Jack's Dad and Elsie met up with Bill & Pat at an America concert on the Riverboat Casino in Rising Sun. Who knows. Providence? Magic? Mystical? Accidental? Encounters of Aliens? Doesn't matter, really. It is was it is--I am happy and probably have said enough.

Erika's #37- pinhole cameras-women-china- & of course, politics

First on the list--Jim & Sonya gifted Erika with a fancy but well worn, silverplate-patina-almost-gone, antique, dressingtable hairbrush & hand mirror. So--does anyone have mother's? I hope so. If it was thrown away or put into a box for giving away, I wonder even more if someone we don't know is treasuring it.

After my crabcakes & rasta pasta & French fried sweetpotatoes dinner at Anntony's Caribbean, cards & gifts opening, candles-blowing out, and a group photo-op, at this "locals" celebration of Erika's birthday there was a lot of talk to blog about. Kathy Schmid arrived about 8:45 for a first hand, live report on her sports gig of the afternoon--she had been hired as a personal assistant to Marv Albert at the oh so exciting Davidson loss :-(

Some threads and quick-shots of chatter and "deep conversations:" Have you seen Renaissance Man Alex Powell's Award winning photo of the Getty at Sunrise? It's gorgeous. (The Getty is one place that I'd live in LA just to be near--but now that the Satchwill's are in Davidson, maybe I can get them to take me along to visit again.) I digress--here's the point: if you haven't already done so, find Alex on Flicker and check it out.

Carla, Jim & Kathy & Rosemary Schmid also were into a wonderful chat/informal workshop of shared learning--about Carla's college photoclasses, to the ongoing debate of "is it cheating" to select a sky from this photo and a sunset from this photo, to the "good old days" of dodging the print in the developing trays in the darkroom techniques to an artist using a photograph so he can capture the sunrise in paint. Cheers to visual images and artists and choices and opinions.

Oh--and then Carla brought up pinhole cameras--so of course I was thinking of Jon's wonderful Sunday afternoon with Bill Krider/Dad/Grandaddy, making a pinhole camera and capturing a picture of Nanki Poo (or some Siamese relative) to create the beginning of his Regional Award Winning GMS Middle School History Day project. (That's why the photo of dad is my find and share of the day)

As we often do, for birthday ice cream, cake, & coffee I enjoy our heritage Haviland & Wedgewood china. That lead to more discussions of history which led to the question from Jay about how long ago his Great, Great Grandmother might have gotten married, and how much did she have to save to buy this China, which led us to the Bible and falling out clippings to read & stories to tell from Jim's trip to Cooperstown to reportcards (as you might imagine--some revealing history there, folks!!)--and yes, finding the actual date, June 1, 1909, for Tillie & George to have married.

Then, this morning's TV News Shows--and BookTV and more pictures and words and historical perpsectives and now I'm blogging, blathering and eager to go out and buy the book "So Damm Much Money" (I won't though--will wait for the Library!). The CNN Crawl says Kathleen Sibelius is indeed top-of-the-list for the Daschle position at HHS. Good on 2 counts--woman and outside the Washington/Congressional Corruption at the expense of citizens.

Speaking of women in government and really grassroots political activism--Pat Summit reached 1000 wins (cheers for lobbyists who made Title 9 happen & Cable TV for being desperate and telivising women's sports), and a tip of the family traditions hat to Marijo, editor of the LHS Dark Star that was "BANNED in the BURG" for criticism of the basketball disparities.

More blog topics I could blather on about because they are all good news and worth mentioning: Triple plays winners news of Sean, Sam & Jay's grades; I fun-chatted on Skype with JaneE in Cincy, tried to get Bob in Swissland, (wish I could jet to Vegas while they're here in the US); Did get online & videocam with Ann Satchwill's son Nate & hubby Ben Caplan in Georgetown, DC; got an updated series of photos on the demolition of the Greendale Middle School from Satchwill 2nd cousin once removed, Carolyn Blevins. Oh, and a lovely, handwritten thank you note from Carla's Grandma Irene. Carla had a fun-in-the-CITY--weekend to celebrate Grandma Irene's 90-something b'day amidst all the other FEB celebrations--which ain't over yet!!

Whew. Everything's all connected, isn't it? Women, men, marriage, family Bibles, sports, money, gifts, silverplated hairbrushes, DNA, photography, politics, lobbyists, TV, money--and words for my blog. How could I not paraphrase to act on Mother's admontions? "Since I have so much good stuff to share--I will say a lot!" Thanks, Betsy, for insisting I blog, and Susan Baker for setting a frequency standard.

So--Sunday musings over... I'm off to the mall for some shopping--it's friggin 72 degrees outside! And Eva's Kohl's peel off sticker is worth the max 30% off! Life's good.

Beer, Friday Night Lights, & Friends

It's not just any ole Friday night and time for a beer--it's DAVID POWELL'S BIRTHDAY BEER!! A great opportunity to raise a glass of anything you've got to the joys of godchildren, nephews, nieces, cousins, their kin and all those kids your kids bring in to your life. Then, suddenly, they are all grown up, marry wonderful folk, have kids of their own, and ta-da, give you more and more reasons than ever you could imagine--to be proud, to be honored by Dave's mother who picked me to be godmother, and of course to have a beer on a February Friday night! The photo-shop by super brother Bob Krider is worth another look if you've seen it before. If you haven't seen it before, yes, Bob has incredible talents.

I love TV! Watching Friday Night Lights is an emotional punt-pass-kick contest of my life from the good ole glory days of PeeWee, Little League, North Dearborn, LHS Tiger Pride, North Dearborn Bleachers, ALLLL great stuff. Recently I did dredge up with Margaret my worst sport memory ever--NEVER being a St. Lawrence Panthers cheerleader. I'll never get over it, probably.

This week I called Alice just because I have been thinking about her. Do you take time to call people you've been thinking about? Better than email, for sure! I certainly have some extraordinary friends --learned from Alice of an online organization KIVA that is intriguing. They loan small amounts of money to women around the world with ambitions to help themselves plant seeds (literally and figuratively) of opportunity. Ever the techno-wizard, she also waxed nearly poetic about the latest version of google earth and bemoaned the misery of Hoosier winter 09. Nope, don't miss it!

On Thursday night, I joined Rosemary to listen and learn from Marian Wright Eldelman, one of those women whose passion for activism for children in poverty began in the Civil Rights Movement. In addition to all the devastation of these days of economic ruins, Ms. Wright continues to inspire energy for helping the most vunerable of the poor, children. She warned us about the consequences if we don't--and begged for kids--while telling us to call Congressional reps and say "Don't touch money for kids!" Get this bill passed, Congress.

IT'S BELLA'S FREAKIN FABULOUS SNOWMAN! Other chills & thrills.

Yipee! It's another snow day!! The Krider girls piled almost every available flake in their front yard to build what Isabella commented on Facebook--A FREAKING HUGE SNOWMAN! (Photo by Kris online at www.DavidsonNews.net )

Learned some new data, was entertained by and thoroughly enjoyed hearing/watching Eric Schlosser (Fast Food Nation) speak about his upcoming book on the prison system. Thanks to Carla for free tickets--and for a yummy broiled flounder dinner! Nothing like living down the street from a college like Davidson! And, despite their tough time adjusting from the sunshine of LA to this winter in NC, this morning Carla was waxing poetic about the magic of her late night after the lecture walk with Jim through the magic crunch of the inch or so of new snow.

The chill of this blustery winter has blown into to D.C. as CEO's are gonna have to cut back to $500,000 salaries? Cheers for the whistleblower in the Madoff case. I think HE should get a spectacular job ASAP. Markopolos, Harry Markopolos! Let his name become a household favorite!

How about Tom-who-didn't-pay-taxes going to have to work somewhere else? Probably we do need a smart, smart woman in that position anyway. Kathleen Sibelius from Kansas (and Cincinnati!) might be ok--or some super smart healthcare executive or a stellar human services professional who has a double degree in psychology and a Wharton MBA? Have you heard someone mention Dr. Howard Dean?

The worst worst chill of the day: listening to Dick Cheney's dark, dire, sinister, meanacing voice warning us --no, attempting to terrorize us--into believing that if we are attacked, it will be "all Obama's fault." He is evil incarnate. He speaks off camera--not in a face to face dialogue on subjects that reflect his total inability to recognize the horrors of the wars and destruction of human life, quality of life, and economic wreckage that are a result of the previous administration's arrogance, greed and absue of power. Cheney lies.