The Kennedy Legacy

Tonight I watched CNN's coverage of the Ted Kennedy Memorial. I laughed and I wept. My start in politic began in 1967 out in California as a volunteer for his brother. I was home on a visit June 5, 1968 and was awakened by my father with the news of the death of Robert. I thought that would be the end of the Kennedy political greats, I was wrong. History will, if truthful, grant Ted equal status with his brothers.

Sample from most recent work..first draft

The highlanders worked hard over the next months, completing the construction and began the planting of crops. This was accompanied by great ceremony. Before the first plow moved across the field, a sheath of grain that had made the journey across the sea was given to the team pulling the plow. Earth from the first furrow was rubbed over the neck and shoulders of the horses. Bread, cheese and a glass of whisky were given to the plowman, who drank then filled the cup again and poured it over the bridle, saying, “ G’wee speed the labour”. After the blessing no further work was done on that day, a supper and dance followed as was the custom.

During the supper a ring was hidden in the brose and whoever found it would be the next to wed. There was much laughter when the ring was found by Ian Baillie. The towering Scotsman blushed as he was teased by the women. There were few unmarried women among the settlers. Most of them women who had been widowed on the crossing or girls to young to be thinking of marriage yet. Ian had loved one woman and she had married his brother. When she died shortly after her husband’s death, it was more for her than his brother that Ian took on the task of raising the two boys. Though he was often stern with them , he loved them as if they were his own sons.

When the meal was finished, the musician brought out their instruments and the familiar sounds of Scotland filled the air. Dancers whirled about in abandonment. Robert watched as young Anne McIntosh parroted the steps of her parents, whirling about with more enthusiasm that expertise. With a smile, Robert walked over to her and executing a smart bow asked,” May I have this dance, my Lady?” and taking the young girl by the had led her into the dance while her brothers doubled over with laughter at the sight of their little sister with the tall highlander. When the dance was over, Robert again bowed and thanked her for the dance. With a shy smile Anne raced over to where her parents stood and pulled at her father’s hand to get his attention and then announced, “I’m going to marry Robert.”

Her father looked at his daughter and then across the gathering to where Robert Baillie stood with his Uncle. “ Aye Annie you couldn’t find a finer young man but you are only ten and the young man might not want to wait for you to grow up.”

“ I’ll make him wait!” was the reply and Anne skipped off to join her brothers.

Ebay Vultures

Today I was in a toy store and observed what some would call greed, some call enterprise, and some would simply consider it crazy. Two men came in and proceeded to load their shopping carts with zhu zhu hamsters. Now if you are not familiar with these creatures, they are plush toys with AI and come with all sorts of little extras just like a live hamster might require. The promotion of the toy has resulted in fantastic sales, much like the early Cabbage Patch Doll hysteria. Stores that get them in stock, sell out within hours and I am sure that eBay will have many reselling of this item as the profiteers seek to get something from the parent who just has to get the latest fad for their child.

Now I have had the opportunity to play with these and with some of the other AI toys and they are great. Missing is the actual interaction and learning experience that a child would get from the real thing but for many the draw is the fun without the fuss. But would I pay beyond the regular cost just to ensure that I get one at this time? No, I would not because I know that as with most fads they will soon come down in price, the lines of people jocking to get the most recent versions will disappear and if the toy is still one that I simply must have then I am sure that I can find it and at a reasonable price. So for me...no profiteers will get any of my money for these cute little guys...

Dating or Not

Yesterday I had a set-up date for lunch. It was not exactly a blind date since we had talked to each other regarding work for months. However, my boss asked me to have lunch with him and a client and then just before our seating, excused himself for an important business call and then back to the office.

"So how did you like him?" he asked me upon my return to the office. "I figured you two would hit it off."

Well, yes..good looking, talented, funny, single guy..what was there not to like but while we enjoyed our lunch conversation and I assume it was mutual, there was not the chemistry one would hope to find with a potential "date". I keep comparing guys to an ex ( let me clarify, not my ex-husband but a former love)..and really must get over that.

Summer In The City

One of the things that I like the most about where I am living is the wide variety of summer events. There are outdoor concerts, ranging from the back porch concerts, opera in the park, to symphony concerts on the square. There are art fairs and food festivals almost every weekend and within a short drive from here is the wonderful American Players Theater.

The city is situated on an isthmus between four lakes that offer swimming, boating, fishing, or just plain restful reflection. The city is a college town and as such the population fluctuates between the school year heavy with student "citizens" and the less frantic summer population of locals. Even with the absence of the major student population, the campus area bustles with activity in the summer.

All too soon summer will end and most activities will move indoors except for those for the winter hardy souls, of which I am not. It is during those long, cold, dark days that I find myself questioning my reasons for living here. I pull out some of my photos from the summer and remember...and hold on to that memory until springs rolls around...which Mother Nature might delay but eventually gives to us once more as the prelude of what is to come.

Weather or not...

The last week has been one of weather extremes, from temperatures in the 90's during the day to falling to the upper 40's at night, bright sunny days to frenetic thunderstorms. So far we have not had any tornadoes in the immediate area but the beauty and power of Mother Nature has been shown in the brilliant display of lightening and thunder with strong winds. Call me crazy (and some do) I love a good storm. I like watching it approach and enjoy the electric feel in the air. If I have the free time I like to grab the camera and see what I can capture of its wonder.

I have a collection of wind chimes on my front porch and they add their melodies to that of Mother Nature..it is wonderful. (So far none of my neighbors have complained, fingers crossed)

1+1+1+ good late night eating

I was up late last night doing some re-write and got the munchies..there was nothing in the house that met my craving so I decided to make some easy peanut butter cookies. They are quick to make and only require 3 ingredients: 1 cup peanut butter, 1 cup sugar, and 1 egg. Mix, form into walnut size balls, place on parchment paper lined baking sheet and bake at 350 for about 8-10 minutes. Cool and enjoy. Only one problem with the 1+1+1 and that is you can't eat just 1!