Centenarian!

Happy 100th blog post! This entry marks my "official" century mark. There were a few that were written and not posted due to the very non-Buddhist attitudes that they contained. A couple of them were written and taken down because I was worried that they would put my life in mortal danger. (Nevertheless, one was too funny not to share again.)

Overall, my family has been pretty good sports about all of the unflattering photos and stories that seem to find their way on this blog. So far no one has made flaming comments, probably because they wish to remain anonymous. Yes, I know you are out there, you have blown your own cover a couple of times. Even Zeus, who has rolled his eyes more than once at my ramblings, has not given me much grief about the time that I spend writing and has even sent more than one compliment my way. (An aside, when my laptop arrived last year he was worried that I would never leave my lair. That has turned out to be only partially true.)

It has been interesting to look back and see which of the posts generated responses, both written and spoken. Sometimes few words speak volumes. I also know that some of you aren't privy to our family history so some posts probably didn't make sense. I apologize for that and will gladly fill you in on any national security secrets to clear things up.

Numismatically Speaking has also occasionally proven to be a handy emotional outlet for my frustrations. Thanks for listening and making me feel better.

But best of all, I get to post photos of those who are special in my life and do some major bragging. Ahhh, life is good and just keeps getting better!

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$.86 (and a 9/16 wrench)

"I'll turn you into a hat!"

Earlier this year Eris and Mr. Eris Jr. invited me to read Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows along with them. The two of them read books out loud together nearly every night and this was the last one for them in the series. Since I hadn't read it yet it seemed like a great opportunity. Little did I know how fun this would be. It took a couple of weeks and frequently they were the ones waiting for me to catch up. We didn't read the entire thing together but met often to do a few chapters and to discuss what was happening in the stories. No one was allowed to read the last few chapters until we were all sitting somewhere quietly and wouldn't be interrupted.

A few weeks ago we started another adventure series, The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis. These books are easier and move much faster than HP. Already we have completed The Magician's Nephew and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. On Friday we started The Horse and His Boy.

Two days ago the kids were tired from too much swimming the previous night to go again (what???) so instead we all watched the movie version of The Lion, etc., complete with popcorn and other goodies. I've always preferred reading before seeing the movie so this was lots of fun. One of these days we plan to have a Harry Potter Movie Marathon (I've only seen the first one.)

Mr. Eris, Jr. is an accomplished reader. I believe he exceeded his reading goal for school last year by over 400%. Little Ms. Eris is already reading and hasn't even started school yet. This comes from having a mother who devours books as fast as she gets her hands on them. Personally, for me a good book is like fine chocolate. I want to savor and enjoy every second of it.

I better sign off and get reading or Jr. will be nagging me about keeping up.

Update, Sunday 8:30 p.m.: Read through Chapter 12. You guys better get reading so I can see how this ends! Aslan is cool.

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Two of my girls

Jubee gets prettier every year. She is always such a good sport when I ask for a model.

Oh Duchess, you are in so much trouble. Those blue eyes are going to wreak havoc when she gets older! She already has Zeus wrapped around her finger!

To see more photos click here.

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Aloha???

For the last two months Zeus has been forwarding travel promos to me. I always look at them and then take a quick look at the calendar to see when we can get out of here for a few days. So far no place has been irresistible or there aren't enough consecutive days available.

This morning I woke up very upset. We had just 20 minutes to get to the airport or our flight to Hawaii would be missed. The bags were still unpacked and for some reason there were lots of people in the house that I couldn't get to leave. Of course, it was a nightmare, but at the same time also a wake-up call.

I guess it's time to make a decision. Two magazines that have come to the house in the last week have had numerous references to the Big Island and places that I want to see again. I want to snorkel and swim with the big turtles. My mouth waters for a fresh Pina Colada. Every time I turn around I am seeing something that makes me think of what is waiting for us. It is very hot here, 100's expected next week, and the shave ice places are on every corner. Unfortunately, they just aren't the same as that wicked thing (the Volcano?) that I was introduced to last time in Kauai. Each time I turn on the computer the weather report for Hilo, all 70s, comes up to taunt me. The final straw occurred yesterday. While stalking a blog, can't remember which one, the writer used the phrase "stink eye". I love that descriptive expression.

A few days ago while driving down south near the airport I wondered what it would be like to just spontaneously jump on a plane and show up in Hilo at Les' door. We all know that Eddie would go!

Hey Les!!!. Is my room ready?

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Cavorting with Castro

The aroma of a burning cigar used to be offensive to my delicate sense of smell. This comes from hearing my mother gleefully tell the story of when she smashed a cigar in my uncle's face with a wooden spoon in 1963 because he kept smoking it in her house after being asked not to. Yes, she delights in repeating it as often as she gets the opportunity. I digress....

Every Sunday morning for the last three years I have had a covert rendezvous with a man who I have dubbed Castro. Our brief encounter takes place at the local artesian well and lasts only a few minutes (this sequence of photos took only about two minutes to take). He walks briskly to the tree, fills up his plastic container with water and leaves just as quickly to go home. I am there because it is a halfway point in my route and the pure, unchlorified water is a delicious treat, even in the cold winter. No words have ever been exchanged.

I know Castro is coming before I see him. The odor of his stogie gets blown all around the area by the canyon breezes. The clothes are always the same, the khaki shirt and pants and his signature patrol cap. In the winter he adds a heavy camouflage coat. The rubber boots, well I guess that's what they wear in Havana.

This morning I strapped my little camera to my wrist and headed out at 6 a.m., determined to capture his image to share with you. He didn't disappoint me. At precisely 7 o'clock my nostrils announced his arrival and by 7:05 he was heading back to his casa, probably to watch Musica y Palabra Hablada on channel KUBA.

Adios Fidel... See you next week...

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Scary creatures

Spoiler alert: Jubee, don't read this post.

Okay, last night at 2 a.m. I finished book three of the Twilight Series. I also read Edward's chapter this evening. It's a damn good thing that book four is coming out in a month because I didn't like the ending at all. Stephanie Meyers had better redeem herself in the next one and fix this mess!

I guess it all boils down to this choice: cold, hard and no sense of humor vs. warm, snugly and fun to be around. The lack of physical intimacy of the cold one didn't score points with me either. I'll take a werewolf any day.

My four hours of sleep last night plus a very busy day has left me pretty tired. Time to read a few pages in the Buddhism book (no scary creatures or violence there) before catching up on my zzzzzs.

Thinking about dogs, I miss Sadie.

Saturday afternoon update: Word on the street is that Athena and Eris are shocked that I would actually choose the werewolf. I have also been warned that the Duchess will probably join their little coven. Oh my, being surrounded by all these vampire lovers just might put my life in danger! Well, all I can say is that I still prefer the hunky one who phases her dumpster-bound piece of junk into a workable motorbike and spends nights on the beach sitting around a bonfire with his pack. You are all just enamored with the granite-skinned guy who "sparkles" in the sun like diamonds and drives his fancy silver Volvo too fast.

Question: what happened to my feminist daughters? That vampire is wayyy too controlling.

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Thank you to the Websters for letting me take photos of your special day! Wow, you guys must really like each other to get married twice! They are best friends of Eris and family.

Have you ever seen such blond hair? These three little girls are adorable and had huge smiles the entire time we were there.

Congratulations to all of you!

(To see additional images click here)
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Morning has broken!

This is what greeted me when I looked out my bedroom window this morning at 6:00 AM! That sight alone was enough to put a smile on my face!

That wasn't the only good thing that happened today! I actually ran! Yes, after being relegated to a fast walk for the last two months I fired up the Sauconys and stepped on the gas. Man, even the short trial distance of a couple of blocks felt like heaven. Mmmmm, endorphins..... want more... want more.....

Finally, finally, finally! Just four days ago I had to wear a turtleneck when I went out. This afternoon I folded my winter gear up neatly and put it on the farthest, highest shelf in my closet, hopefully not to be touched again until October. I didn't even have to wear a jacket this morning!

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Note: It looks like the developers are relocating the entire town of Harrisville into our backyard, one truckload of dirt at a time. Damn.

Two for one

Tomorrow we are celebrating two very special occasions. It will be our 17th wedding anniversary and also Father's Day. The families will all be coming over to grill burgers and to reminisce about old times.

For those who don't know our story here's a short list of some interesting facts.

**We were married by our son, the Judge. Now how many of you have heard that one before?

**We knew this was serious after I proved I knew the song "Spring Can Really Hang You Up the Most" on our first date by giving him a mixed tape. It was one of my favorites by Bette Midler and his favorite from his younger days.

**Our cute little neighbor Maude watched the ceremony from her bathroom window next door.

**I told Athena and Eris before our first date that I would marry him if he asked me.

**Zeus was a teacher at the high school I attended. Luckily, I was never one of his students. He loves my class reunions more than I do!

**Our family tree is so confusing that we usually don't try to explain it to anyone. One example, I have stepchildren who are my age. We also have grafted a few branches on that are now part of us.

**Eris was angry with Zeus that morning because he told her to turn her music down. In some of the other photos it is obvious. It didn't last too long and she learned to keep the noise down.

**There were more than a few people who gave our marriage slim chances for survival. Obviously, they had no idea how truly meant for each other we are.


As for celebrating Father's Day, I can't think of any Dad in the world who deserves more kudos than Zeus. He has been Athena and Eris' greatest champion, always there to cheer them on in their many achievements. He has also been there to help pick up the pieces and offer support whenever it is called for. He is totally dedicated to them and to the grandchildren that they have given us.

Zeus, I love you!

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Moola, moola!

For those of you who make fun of my numismatizing, today was payday.

The bag that I took in weighed twenty pounds and had been accumulating for eight months.

This is what it means to laugh all the way to the bank!

Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!

What's in a name?

From the years 1981 thru 1984 I worked with Jan teaching Special Education. Each winter and spring we had a team that participated in Special Olympics. It was a rewarding four years. We grew to love each student and appreciate every little milestone that they reached. Over the years I have occasionally seen a few of these kids and have kept track of some of them. For the most part they have all been able to lead fairly productive lives, thanks to programs designed for those with special needs.

This morning while out for my walk I had an unsettling experience. At first I thought the couple on the sidewalk in front of the IHOP was homeless. (At 6:30 in the morning I see lots of interesting things.) The guy looked to be in his mid-30s and had a familiar face. He was looking at me with a strange expression and then suddenly said "You look just like Mrs. Be***rd!" After my initial shock the only reply I could come up with was a sincere "You have an incredible memory". (Athena and Eris, did you just spew?) The man was one of my former students (he is not in the above photo) but I'll be darned if I can remember his name.

As I finished my walk I realized that I was nauseous from this innocent encounter. I was also uncomfortable with the realization that for some people I will be forever associated with that moniker. This is not the first time, nor certainly not the most unpleasant experience I have had with it. In 1988 I had it legally changed and was proud to go back to my maiden name for a few short years. In 1991 I married Zeus and was thrilled to take on his honorable name.

What's in a name? More than you realize.

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How long will this last?

Last week I took Little and Littlest to our local park for a Happy Meal lunch (ewww) and some time on the playground. They had a ball playing together for about an hour. When I looked at the images this was one that caught my eye. I immediately sent them on to Athena and Eris with the question "How long will this last?" They both had interesting responses.

An annoying thing happened while we were at the park. There was a little boy, about 3 years old who kept spitting on the slippery slide that Littlest was using. I quietly asked him not to do it anymore, not once, but three times. His mother was sitting about fifteen feet away totally engrossed in a book and not paying attention to her two kids. The fourth time I made sure she heard me. Looking back, I'm positive the book she was reading was that evil vampire book "Twilight".

So, how long?

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Back in the lair

For the past six months I have spent very little time at my sewing machine. I believe this was due to severe burnout after 2007. During the last two weeks the humming sound of my Bernina could once again be heard coming from my lair. Little and Littlest Ms. Eris were both in need of quilts for their new bedroom so it was time to get busy.

The twin-size quilts are now finished. They have been appropriately slept under and await pickup.

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P.S. Athena, your tablecloths await you as well.

When it rains...

Little Ms. Eris had a T-ball game last night. It was raining. Game not cancelled. Eris was filling in as substitute coach and also suffering from one of her bad-tummy episodes, pale and in pain. It's cold, mid 50's. We drag chairs, blankets and four umbrellas over to the baseball field. Forty-five minutes later the game is over. Eris, Little Ms. and Mr. Eris, Jr. are all soaked to the bone. Littlest and I are just cold. We hurry back to my car, throw all the wet stuff in the overflowing trunk and buckle everyone in. This is the written sound track:

"Hurry up, it's cold!"
"I want my treat!"

"I have to go potty."

"Me, too!"
"You will have to wait till we get home."
"Where are my keys? Oh here they are."
(buzzzzzzz) (puzzled looks on faces)
(wait for one second, more bzzzzzzz)
(dread.......)
(buzzzzzzz)
"Damn. Where's my phone?"

Thanks to the Duchess for coming to rescue us and take us all back to Eris' house. Zeus came to pick me up and we went back to the park where a quick jump got me home.

Note to self: Get off the computer and dust your house. Also, clean out the messy car.

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A view from the deck

In my backyard I have a patch of wild roses. When we built our home four years ago I discovered these roses along the canal bank that used to run behind the house.

Last year the canal was piped in preparation for the rest of the subdivision that will be built behind us. For some reason this patch of wild roses survived all of the heavy machinery that kept us entertained (and dusty) for a month. The roses didn't bloom last year, which I expected, but nevertheless I kept them watered and pampered.

This year we have a beautiful patch of wild roses to look at from our deck. We also have an incredible view of the majestic mountain peak Ben Lomond. It's June and there is still snow up there. My guess is that the snow will be gone by the 15th if it ever warms up.

When we purchased this lot we knew that homes would eventually go in and that would mean losing a portion of our breathtaking scenery. They have now started homes on the east and west ends of the street behind us. It looks like we will be able to enjoy one more summer out on the deck looking up at the hills before the inevitable happens and we get neighbors behind us. In the meantime, this is the view from my chair on the deck.


Guess I better enjoy the roses while I still have them.


Note: I am considering selling tickets to those who would like to sit on our deck with a cool glass of lemonade to watch the tanned, shirtless construction guys work their muscles. For your viewing convenience I can provide a spotting scope and/or binoculars. For those of you who live far away I might consider putting a long lens on my camera and emailing.

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For my neighbors, and others.....

Mexican Navy Seal

Serious about soccer

Okay, you have all been good sports (pun intended) for the last couple of weeks while I talked about the grandkids and all of their sporting events. I promise, this is the last one, at least for a while.

Two weeks ago I joined Eris and family in Pocatello for a soccer tournament featuring Mr. Eris, Jr. He plays in a competition league with a team called Crossfire and I'm proud to say that they won all four games, bringing home the 1st place medals!

Jubee joined me on the trip and didn't groan too loudly about my choice of music, which was "44 Wacky Songs". However, she did manage to sleep all the way home in order to avoid 90 minutes of Rod Stewart.

While in Pocatello we also spent some time with Muriel and her family. We got to cheer at her boys' soccer games. After all the games were over we went to an incredible all-you-can-eat pizza place. Five adults and nine kids leave quite a mess!

This photo was Jake's first year, I think 2003.

Let's hear it for "Littlest"

Finally, it just wouldn't be fair to not give Littlest Ms. her moment of glory. For the last two years she has been the #1 fan at all of these games. It won't be long until we will be adding her schedules to the rest of them!

Soccer is over. Only two weeks left of T-ball. Good thing the pool is open. Now if it would just get warm enough to swim.

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