Hello, hello again, Cha-bon and hopin' we'll meet again

Today I spent two hours in my second favorite place in the world, the local library. I wore my ugly, but comfy shirt, from my first favorite place in the world.

First I took a photo for FeeBeeKay. Michael Chabon is an author whom she likes. He thinks it is really cool that we graduated from college together. The second part of that sentence is true.

After I chose some books, I sat down at a table where someone had left three magazines. The librarians hate people who think graduate school is a training ground for Molly Maids. They love me. I always turn off my cell phone, reshelve out of place books, and push in my chair. Some of them even know my name. Mainly, they just refer to me as the mother of the deaf girl.

My magazine choices today were Martha Stewart Living, and Crafts 'N Things. I had to leave after two hours, because SH, BG, and I needed to visit my third favorite place in the world, so we could buy cheap groceries, condoms, and socks. Well, had SH not had a vasectomy, Walmart* would be our place for prophylactic purchases. That reminds me of a certain doctor who used to send me on condom runs. After I quit my job, he impregnated his girlfriend. I'm just sayin'.

The books that I borrowed today:

The 10 Best-Ever Anxiety Management Techniques: Understanding How Your Brain Makes You Anxious and What You Can Do to Change It by Margaret Wehrenberg

My Father's Paradise: A Son's Search for His Jewish Past in Kurdish Iraq by Ariel Sabar

Was It Something I Said by Valerie Block

Pink Slip by Rita Ciresi

*I noticed recently that Wal-Mart is using Walmart in their television advertising. My blog will now reflect this change.

Things I've Done...How About You??

Belle from Life of a Southern Belle

asked, "Things I've Done...How About You??"

1. Started your own blog

2. Slept under the stars

3. Played in a band

4. Visited Hawaii

5. Watched a meteor shower

6. Given more than you can afford to charity

7. Been to Disneyland/World

8. Climbed a mountain

9. Held a praying mantis

10. Sang a solo (glass was cracking, but yes.)

11. Bungee jumped

12. Visited Paris

13. Watched a lightning storm at sea

14. Taught yourself an art from scratch

15. Adopted a child

16. Had food poisoning

17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty

18. Grown your own vegetables

19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France

20. Slept on an overnight train

21. Had a pillow fight

22. Hitch hiked

23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill

24. Built a snow fort (I could go outside and build one now, but I will pass)

25. Held a lamb

26. Gone skinny dipping

27. Run a Marathon

28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice

29. Seen a total eclipse

30. Watched a sunrise or sunset

31. Hit a home run

32. Been on a cruise

33. Seen Niagara Falls in person

34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors

35. Seen an Amish community

36. Taught yourself a new language

37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied (as a child)

38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person

39. Gone rock climbing

40. Seen Michelangelo’s David

41. Sung karaoke

42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt

43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant

44. Visited Africa

45. Walked on a beach by moonlight

46. Been transported in an ambulance

47. Had your portrait painted

48. Gone deep sea fishing

49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person

50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris

51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling

52. Kissed in the rain

53. Played in the mud

54. Gone to a drive-in theater

55. Been in a movie

56. Visited the Great Wall of China

57. Started a business

58. Taken a martial arts class

59. Visited Russia

60. Served at a soup kitchen

61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies (helped a friend)

62. Gone whale watching

63. Gotten flowers for no reason

64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma

65. Gone sky diving

66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp

67. Bounced a check

68. Flown in a helicopter

69. Saved a favorite childhood toy

70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial

71. Eaten Caviar

72. Pieced a quilt

73. Stood in Times Square

74. Toured the Everglades

75. Been fired from a job

76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London

77. Broken a bone

78. Been on a speeding motorcycle

79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person

80. Published a book

81. Visited the Vatican

82. Bought a new car

83. Walked in Jerusalem

84. Had your picture in the newspaper

85. Read the entire Bible

86. Visited the White House (only been outside)

87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating

88. Had chickenpox

89. Saved someone’s life

90. Sat on a jury

91. Met someone famous

92. Joined a book club (only mail order)

93. Lost a loved one

94. Had a baby

95. Seen the Alamo in person

96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake

97. Been involved in a law suit

98. Owned a cell phone

99. Been stung by a bee

So...How about you????

'fro me to you, - Halloween

For more of the past visit 'fro me to you.

The reason I only use Chinet at all of my picnics

Forty years after being traumatized by the horror of being forced to wear a paper plate holder on my head, I am still baffled as to why my mother thought this was a suitable costume. Not only was it definitely not P.C., it was just plain stupid looking.

The girl in the pink was my neighbor. I was always impressed by her, because she helped the teachers clean erasers, something I aspired to being asked to do, when I reached fourth grade. I also was excited by the prospect of homework. Back then, homework was not given until fourth grade. I once asked a teacher if I could have some, anyway. Yes, I was a strange child.

Mom of the Year

B is for______.
Look closely.
Well, it made me laugh.

Outdoor Wednesday - Yard Anxiety Edition

Remember to visit Outdoor Wednesday.


This is proof that our yard is not always covered in snow or leaves.

Through the years I have planted all sorts of perennials. I will have to scan photos of more plants in bloom. All I could find on my computer were these. The lilacs are really pretty and do a great job in blocking the neighbor's yard, which features a trampoline as its centerpiece.

The trampoline, which I can view while at my kitchen sink, does not have a safety net. Groups of boys jump together. I find this extremely unsettling. It always brings to mind the often emailed piece that asks how we survived childhood without bike helmets, car seats, etc.. There is nothing amusing about safety.

When we moved into this house, PG was two. It was December, so she had to wait months for us to buy a swing set, play set, or whatever they now refer to the swings and climbing contraptions. We went for a wooden set, which we later removed, because of the wood possibly being treated with arsenic.

Being that I am rather bossy, SH prefers to work alone on projects. This time I wanted to watch.
I remember standing there, wanting to say something, as he put the ladder together, backwards! When he figured it out, I didn't say a word. Yes, sometimes I know when to keep quiet.

The tiny bit of blue in the corner of the bottom photo, was the plastic slide on BG's metal set. Instead of concerns about how the wood was preserved, I now worried about sharp corners and possible rust. It is now gone. The playhouse, child sized picnic table, and the Barbie blow up pool are mere memories. It makes you feel a bit old when your children outgrow yard toys.

Tempt My Tummy Tuesday - Beans

Visit Tempt My Tummy Tuesday for more yummy recipes.

We love beans. I often make Molasses Baked Beans, a
crock pot ham and bean recipe.

On a recent school snow day, BG created this recipe for our lunch. When we made it a second time, we doubled the beans. It appears she had a bit of difficulty choosing a name. The winner was:

Sweet & Salty Bean "N" Onions

This simple recipe proved to be quite tasty. Proving once again, that any food can be improved with the addition of balsamic vinegar or Tabasco (my fave).




Kidney and Black Beans






Chopping onions makes your eyes water.
Ask your mom to chop the onion. Adults
enjoy burning eyes.
We used an entire onion. I think
1/4 to 1/2 would be plenty for two cans
of beans.




Try not to spill the vinegar.
If your mom makes a mess, you can laugh
as you take a picture.








Pour carefully.
Add as much as you think looks right.





Add some olive oil.

Chill and Eat

Blue Monday - Vase

Visit Blue Monday for more blue inspiration.

When I was fifteen, I was hired as a cashier at a local five and ten, G.C. Murphy. This minimum wage job of $2.90 per hour, almost tripled what I had been earning as a babysitter. While I was ringing register, or selling Slushies and pretzels, I manged to save $500 over the next sixteen months. This became my spending money on a six week, mother-financed, summer trip to Europe.

My G.C. Murphy nametag

In Amsterdam, I purchased a vase for my mom. A while back, she gave it to me. It is chipped, but still quite lovely. I can't remember any of the other gifts, except jars of Nutella. Now sold in our grocery stores, this product has lost its excitement to me. Back then, it was a new treat, which I could not wait to share with my family.

My mom and I at the airport upon my return.
I was excited about giving her the gifts I had bought.

Yesterday, a woman approached me, telling me that she thought she knew me. I figured her to be in her seventies, most likely one of my mom's friends. She asked me if I had ever worked at G.C. Murphy's. Standing before me was the woman who had hired me in March of 1979! She was so sweet, a mother figure to a young workforce, eager to please, when we weren't flirting with the stockboys.

I am not a hugger. Other than my husband or children, it is very rare that I hug anyone. I have hugged my best friend only once in over twenty years. Her mom had died. I felt awkward, thinking that I was not doing well comforting her, so I reached out physically. I also gave her a book. She later commented that I always give books for gifts. I do, even to non-readers. I am much more comfortable with words, spoken or the written variety, than physical contact.

I was so excited to see Mrs. H., that I grabbed her for a hug!

She is just as amazingly sweet as she was back when we had to punch in prices, add the sales tax, and count back the change. Retail may have changed, but not people.

Sunday Stealing: The Sassy Meme

Visit Sunday Stealing for more takes on these questions.

1. If you could say anything you wanted to say to George Bush, what would you say?

My voting record is how I spoke. I have no desire to meet George Bush.

2. If you had to be the mother of Britney Spears or Lindsay Lohan, who would you choose and why?

I would choose Britney. It would be fun to have grandchildren.

3. You get to be Queen for a day. The kids are all taken care of, and you can spend as much money as you want. What do you do all day?

I would buy my older daughter a house, gift cards for furnishing of her choice, and then I would have a brand new car delivered to her.

4. Is there a song that brings tears to your eyes every time you hear it? If so, which one?

Little Drummer Boy

5. A fairy taps you on the shoulder and tells you that you can either have a perfect face or a perfect body for the rest of your life. Which do you choose?

Body

6. If you could live any place in the world and money was no object, where would you live and why?

Saint Augustine, Florida Many reasons!

7. What is your biggest regret in life?

We should have moved years ago.

8. If you could go back and visit one person in your life who is now dead, and ask one question, what would that question be and why would you ask it?

I don't have any unanswered questions for her. I just miss my grandmother quite a bit.

9. If you had the choice to age forward (like we are now) or aging backwards (think Benjamin Buttons) which would you choose and why?

Yuck, that sounds beyond awful. I suppose forward.

10. What will the epitaph on your headstone say?

I would imagine some form of the basic wife and mother. I don't have a life motto or an interesting quote.

Yummy Sunday - Beet Salad

Roasted beet and goat cheese salad with cilantro-lime vinaigrette

I happily devoured this lunch.

More Yummy Sunday can be found here

Photo Hunt - Chipped

Brought to you by the letter E


Her fingers fly, as she shares what happened at school.
Bits of her Christmas manicure remain.

More Photo Hunters can be found HERE

Show and Tell Friday - Dancing Daughter

Visit Show and Tell Friday for more Friday fun.

This video starts off with our younger daughter asking if she can take pictures of her sister, who is about to show us how she is putting all of those years of dancing lessons to good use. The video is blurry, but if you are so inclined, you can view it directly and click on watch in high quality.

Booking Through Thursday

Since “Inspiration” is (or should) the theme this week … what is your reading inspired by?

I live close to a wonderful library. My reading choices are often found on the shelves of new books. At times, I just wander and find older books.

Reading book reviews, online, and in magazines is another source. Book mentions on blogs, net new book ideas.

My mood determines the genre. I sometimes read everything a particular author has written.

I request books, maybe more often than most library patrons. I once asked for a book and upon giving my name, the librarian said, "Oh, so you're Lisa. I always wondered who you were, since I see your name so often."

My book choices this week:

and

Special Sisters

My first entry for 'Fro Me to You:
Please visit to read what other bloggers have shared.

1992

Our daughter was five years old when her sister was born. Although, there came a bump in the road, by the name of CHARGE Syndrome, she has always been the best big sister. I am sharing a Thanksgiving paper that she wrote when she eleven years old. Ten years have passed and their love is still an amazing bond to witness.





I am Thankful

I am thankful for a lot of things, but most of important of all is I have a sister. She is six years old. I love (her) very much.

When she was born she had a lot of problems. The doctors thought she would be retarded (apologies for the use of that word), but she wasn't. She had to have heart surgery when she was just a few weeks old. Then she had to get tubes in her ears, because one side wasn't all the way open. (Not close-one side of her nose- choanal atresia). I was scared, but she made it through both of them.

The other thing that is very special about her is she is deaf. It is hard, but I am learning American Sign Language, so I can speak to her. It is a lot of fun. That is what I am thankful for. -1998

1994

2001

2001

2004

2007
Daddy and His Girls

2008
Big Sister Home for a Visit

Outdoor Wednesday - Summer Leaves

"Every leaf speaks bliss to me, fluttering from the summer tree."
~Emily (Lisa) Bronte

This was the view from my front porch on AUGUST 30, 2008. You may have heard of the month of August. It is a summer month, following July. I do not recall it referred to as Autumnul August. Augustus Julius Caesar reformed the calendar, not the weather, except in Pennsylvania, where all of the leaves exit the trees in our yard, in a month known for swimming, not raking.

Remember to visit A southern Daydreamer's Outdoor Wednesday .

Do as I say. Do as I do.

I will feel successful as parent, if my adult children, without fail, wash their hands with soap, after using the bathroom. SH drew the line at installing a spy cam in Miss Mini Adult's apartment, therefore, bathroom blind faith is needed. She appears prissy and clean, i.e., perfectly paranoid about germs, so I think I am safe is my hand washing assumption.

I have marched friends of BG, back into the bathroom with instruction on washing their hands. Fifteen year old girls should know better. I can hear the sink, even with the door closed. I have been known to sniff hands for evidence of soap. Yes, it is amazing anyone wants to visit. I also give out cute pencils for Halloween, not candy*. I am that kind of mommy.

Yes, I am scary!
(without a green face, too)

BG thinks I have magical powers. I always know when she removes her Boston brace. I will spring from my chair, running into her room, reminding her that we want her curvature to be halted, if at all possible. She doesn't have a clue as to how I know if she is taking a brace break.

Velcro at its finest, nestled with the contents
of BG's wastecan (on her bed-yuck)
in see-through bags , for your viewing pleasure.
She was cleaning her room, while I was sneaking photos.

I am magical. I can sense when anything happens in the house. I also can hear the Velcro pulling apart on the brace. Shhh.

BG has some amazing powers of her own. While sitting next to someone on the sofa, she can feel if they fart. Not that I know this first hand or anything.

*When PG still lived at home, this embarrassed her so much that she threatened to buy the candy herself. Let it be noted that while thirteen year old boys have been known to glare at me, younger children squeel in delight, rushing down the path with their new treasure, to their waiting mothers.

Tempt My Tummy Tuesday - German Apple Pancake

Fill your Tuesday with tummy temptation at Tempt My Tummy Tuesday. Be warned, eat before viewing or you might munch your monitor.

This apple pancake is one of my favorite breakfast treats. It can be served with maple syrup, but I think it is perfect served plain, hot from the oven.

German Apple Pancake

2 tablespoons butter 4 tablespoons sugar 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon 1 large Granny Smith apple, sliced thinly (I use 2-3 and add more sugar and butter) 4 eggs 2/3 cup milk 1/3 cup flour 1 teaspoon vanilla Melt butter in 10-inch cast iron skillet. Combine 3 tablespoons sugar with cinnamon and sprinkle evenly over butter. Arrange apple slices over sugar mixture in pan. Cook over medium heat 3-4 min. Cool slightly. Meanwhile, beat together eggs, milk, salt, flour, vanilla and 1 tablespoon remaining sugar. Pour over apple slices. Bake at 400 degrees until golden brown and sides are puffy, approximately 15-20 minutes. Serve immediately. Serves 2

Ruby Tuesday - Beads

Remember to visit Ruby Tuesday for more photos.

BG and our friends, who found the perfect gift while visiting India.

Blue Monday - Canned Conversations

Remember to visit Blue Monday for more blue fun.

One day last spring, after lugging home my umpteenth try at replacement cushions for patio chairs, the phone rang. Disappointed, that once again I would be making a return trip to a store with cushions, the call from a friend was a welcome excuse to postpone that for another day.

I tend toward marathon gabfests with my friends. Sometimes, we share with each other, what else we are doing, besides talking. Cleaning is the obvious choice, since one can dust or wipe quietly. Dishwasher loading or unloading is another common choice. I sometimes engage in more creative pursuits.

That day I decided to grab a few bottles of craft paint and see what I could do to spiff up the wall in the pantry closet.

When I happened upon a can of yellow squash, while buying canned beans, a frequent ingredient in our meals, I had to try it. See how pretty it looked on my pantry shelf. If canned goods could speak, I would imagine the squash was holding a conversation with the soup, discussing the stupidity of buying organic. The soup, not wanting to offend, would smile and nod. The squash then would turn to the store brand kidney beans, asking probing questions about his family, while speaking in a condescending tone.

I liked the label a lot more than the product. While I did finish the bowl of squash, it will not be making a repeat visit to my tummy. I guess there is a reason squash is not normally sold in a can.

Even with its over cooked, mushy appearance, the yellow squash made a pretty presentation in the bowl.

My very favorite squash treat is Italian Zucchini Crescent Pie. I use yellow and green squash in the recipe. I, of course, serve it on a blue plate. Happy Blue Monday!

Yummy Sunday - Dinners

Visit Yummy Sunday to see more delicious food.
Two of our favorite dinners:

Spinach with currants and onions - Chickpeas and Rice
Spinach Recipe

Lentils and Rice

Sunday Stealing: The Cannon Fodder Meme

Remember to check out Sunday Stealing to see how others answered these fun questions.

1. Is there someone you'd like to be kissing right now? I always like to kiss my husband. He just called me to alert me to the fact that the roads are really bad. He took BG to a father/daughter activity night at a church, not realizing we would get more snow. They are trying to drive home on icy roads. I will be kissing him as soon as they arrive home.

2. When you're being extremely quiet, what does it mean? I am sleeping.

3. What are you listening to right now? Other than the hum of the computer, nothing.

4. Are you a big fan of thunderstorms? No, they frighten me.

5. Do you believe in perfect? Aspects of things/life can be perfect. I don't believe there is total perfection. There is always room for improvement or someone brushes their teeth and again the mirror is spotted, the sink dirty, and the towels mussed up.

6. Are you a jealous person? No, I have never met anyone with whom I would want to trade lives. It would be fun to be my friend, Karen, for a day, but then I would want my life back. I also wouldn't mind being a man for a day. the whole peeing thing would be fun. That isn't really jealousy, though.

7. What was the first thing you thought this morning? I woke up with thoughts of a Carly Simon song in my head. I actually plan to blog about it. I am just too lazy tonight, so I went with a meme.

8. What do you think about when you are falling asleep? I try very hard to make myself think of a fantasy. Not in a sexual sense, but more along the lines of how I want to decorate a bathroom when we move. If I concentrate on towel colors, I am less likely to be up all night with anxious thoughts.

9. Are you satisfied with what you have in life? I am with my husband and daughters. I want to be satisfied in another state, so I suppose I can't say I am 100 percent satisfied.

10. Do people ever think that you're either older or younger than you actually are? If they think I look older, they are wise enough to keep those thoughts a secret.

11. Do you think men truly understand women? I don't think we understand ourselves. The same can be said about men.

12. How about women understanding men? See above

13. Did anybody ever call you handsome or beautiful? Yes, but I have never felt beautiful.

14. What is one fact about the last person that called you? He has been married to me for almost 23 years.

15. Other than your current one, what’s the longest relationship you have had? Under two years.

Photo Hunt - Hats

My kids are quite fond of hats. Check out more hats at this week's Photo Hunt.

Saturday 9: The First Apartment

Here are my responses to Saturday 9: The First Apartment.

1. Where had you moved from? After my freshman year of college, I moved into an apartment for the summer.

2. Describe your first apartment. crowded, furnished, freeing

3. How old were you when you had your apartment? I was 17 when I moved there at the end of April. I turned 18 in July.

4. Did you have roommates? If yes, tell us more. I shared a bedroom with one girl. We had bunkbeds!!! I was on the top bunk. The other roommate had her boyfriend living with us. They graduated halfway through the summer and moved out. I didn't expect the guy to be living with us. I found the place, a sublet, in the school newspaper. There wasn't any mention of a fourth person.

5. What was your place of employment then? I didn't work, only went to school.

6. How were you finances at the time? My parents paid the rent and gave me plenty of spending money.

7. Tell us about a lover who spent a night there. I didn't have a lover.

8. Tell us about a band you listen to then. (You can cheat. Look it up.) In 1981 I was a huge Ramones fan.

9. How long did you live there and why did you move from there? In the fall I moved to another apartment with the roommate.

Show and Tell Friday - My 1968 World

My entry in today's Show and Tell Friday involves a trip back to 1968. While there was quite a bit of unrest in the world at that time, I was four years old. Learning to read and playing with paper dolls and Barbies was uppermost in my mind.

I still have my Barbie.

The Vietnam War was only as real as the images that I glimpsed on our black and white television, while my daddy watched the evening news. I was told not to worry. It was far away. I do recall my uncle being afraid of being drafted. He was as close to a hippie as anyone I ever encountered.

My mom called these shoes sandals.
I bought the same style for my kids.

My mom was pregnant with my sister, Jennifer. I was excited to finally get a sibling. Back then, I did not know any only children, except for me. My world consisted of families with two or more children, spaced two years apart. The daddies worked. The moms stayed at home.

My parents had a date night on Saturday nights. My mom always seemed so glamorous to me as she got dressed. She would tuck a special folding comb into her purse. Even with its missing pastel shells, looking at this comb takes me back to the excitement of a babysitter allowing me to stay up past my 8:30 PM bedtime.

My Mom's Comb

A highlight of the year was my two weeks on Romper Room. Because the show was live, we had to arrive early in the morning. I don't remember much, except for the trauma of not being able to copy the number four with a point on the top. I had quite a bit of trouble with eye hand coordination, due to my vision (amblyopia and rotary nystagmus) issues. A helpful camera man came to my rescue. When we held up our papers, I was not humiliated on TV.

Birthday parties were almost always held at home, although this changed when I got older. I would open my gifts with my moms admonishment in my mind, "Even if you already have the toy or don't like it, pretend you are really, really excited." I still do not like opening presents. I am always afraid I won't appear grateful.

My Fifth Birthday Party -July 1968.
I appear to be rather into Eensy Weensy Spider
I bet the little boy is thinking that girls are weird.

What were you doing in 1968?

Snow is Pretty to YOU!!!

Just in case you haven't read my winter whining before, I will say it again. I would be overjoyed if I never saw snow again. Forget a white Christmas. I never understood the appeal. Many people visit relatives and friends on Christmas. Snow makes driving difficult. Wouldn't a precipitation free holiday be nicer?

Remember the stories of immigrants who thought the streets in the United States were literally paved with gold? Well, my longings to move to Florida are sort of akin to those people's feelings, except I have been there. I have only been to a few cities - Orlando, Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Sarasota, and Cocoa Beach, where I dressed up in a harem outfit and acted out my I dream of Jeannie fantasies with SH. Yes, in my skirted bathing suit, I am quite sexy. I know this, because PG told me that I looked great. Okay, I admit that she said I looked like an old lady. Still, I felt sort of cute with my glowing white legs, because, darn it, I like the ocean.

Maybe I should blame my father. He (and his wife) winters in Florida. He likes to taunt me with "Oh, I walked on the beach this morning. It was only 70." PG, on the other hand, does her fair share of complaining during the humid summers. "As soon as I leave the dressing room, my make up starts dripping down my face."

A non-sweating PG November

Last night she told her dad that she was freezing. We were huddled under blankets, watching Bewitched (apples were only thirty five cents a pound, according to Samantha. I watch it for the history lessons), when she called. Yes, in her defense, she first called to tell us about classes this term. Then she launched into the complaints about the cold weather. Don't lie to me, missy. I literally check daily.

Thursday	Friday	Saturday	Sunday	Monday
63° F | 40° F 17° C | 4° C	56° F | 36° F 13° C | 2° C	61° F | 36° F 16° C | 2° C	65° F | 41° F 18° C | 5° C	63° F | 40° F 17° C | 4° C

THIS IS NOT COLD

This morning, SH asked me to find someone to shovel the driveway. I miss the days of enterprising kids. What happened to youngsters exiting the school bus, grabbing shovels and ringing doorbells?

Our Yard This Morning

Six years ago, I started calling neighborhood boys that were friends of PG. Finally, one boy said that he would like to make some money. What a crock. He passed it off to some kid who showed up, because he had a crush on PG. Okay, it was sort of sweet, but when I ask for one person and another is at my door, I get confused.

Beauty in the snow or Lisa's digression in the middle of this rant. Yes, a dead flower is pretty when surounded by a blanket of white. I took this photo in our yard in 2000. See, even I have my moments of winter "fun". Now, I will get on with the whining.

After PG rebuffed the snow shoveling guy, I could no longer find anyone to work. The reason that I do not shovel snow is simple. I have asthma. I also do not want my children working in the cold. BG had heart surgery as an infant. PG, when she lived at home, was either at the dance studio, school, or a part time job. SH works long hours. He has arrived home at 8:00 PM, skipped dinner and shoveled. That is crazy and dangerous.

The bird was pretty, See, I am not completely negative!

I am sure you hardy types are laughing at me. We don't get snow measured in feet, except on rare occasions. There is most likely under four inches out there, but it is COLD!!!!

Thursday	Friday	Saturday	Sunday	Monday
12° F | -4° F -11° C | -20° C	4° F | -1° F -16° C | -18° C	20° F | 13° F -7° C | -11° C	29° F | 13° F -2° C | -11° C	25° F | 9° F -4° C | -13° C

ATTENTION DAUGHTER O' MINE THIS IS COLD

I think that I have found someone to shovel. He said he would do it for $25. That seems fair. I hope he shows up. He is older. He won't be here because he fancies PG. On that note, last winter a guy showed up one night asking if I wanted the driveway shoveled. I was afraid to open the door, since I didn't know who he was. He solved that problem when he announced, "I used to be your neighbor. Is PG home?"

There you go! It was the same kid, now grown, who was crushing on my daughter when she was in high school. I should have lied, saying that PG was out for the evening. Instead, I explained that she had moved to Florida in 2006. Bad move on my part. He has not returned for more snow removal.

Photo - 2006 PG posing on her drive to FL

Booking Throuh Thursday

But, enough about books … Other things have words, too, right? Like … songs!

If you’re anything like me, there are songs that you love because of their lyrics; writers you admire because their songs have depth, meaning, or just a sheer playfulness that has nothing to do with the tunes.

So, today’s question?

• What songs … either specific songs, or songs in general by a specific group or writer … have words that you love?
• Why?
• And … do the tunes that go with the fantastic lyrics live up to them?

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The Shades

Warren Zevon's song, Lawyers, Guns and Money from The 1978 album Excitable Boy, brings back memories of 1983, being a junior at the University of Pittsburgh, and working as a waitress at the Razzberry Rhino, a bar in Shadyside.
The lyrics that still make me giggle are:

Well, I went home with the waitress
The way I always do
How was I to know
She was with the Russians, too

There was a band, The Shades, who played at the bar and covered the song. The singer, Gary did indeed go home with me, the waitress. In fact, we have been married since 1986. It might be an unusual "our" song, but it fits.

Outdoor Wednesday - New Hampshire

My first entry for A southern Daydreamer's Outdoor Wednesday, are photos that BG took in August 2008 at camp in New Hampshire. While I miss my daughter the month that she attends summer camp, I am always excited to see the pictures that she has taken.

While I was busy uploading her photos, she was plopped on her bed, watching TV. A month without TV is a long time for a teen. The sacrifice is well worth it, if just for the photos. Oooh, I love my little shutterbug, the way she silently takes in the world, and comes up with images that make me smile.

Bordering on Books

I should not be blogging. I need to be at the library. Because I despise leaving the house in the cold, I have not borrowed one single book in the new year. Reading is a huge part of my life. Yes, I have magazines, and of course the Internet. Still, I need a book.

I did read a bit at Borders on a Saturday night. Our favorite Saturday night activity is mall walking, followed by coffee and books.

I can not drink with a lid. SH prefers a lid. What does that say about us?

Where I added cinnamon and skim milk to my coffee

PG always buys a book. On the last visit, I believe she purchased a book about horses or maybe dogs. I am such a great mom, that I can't remember. I do remember that she bought a packet of dried fruit and nuts. She picked out all of the almonds and I happily ate those. I have never met a nut that I didn't like. Hmm, corny, eh?

Yummy Snack

I just looked at cross stitch pattern books. I need to finish the small project that I have barely started, a garden saying. If I finish it by Mother's Day, it will be my mom's gift. I have until next October for her birthday!

My mom loves to garden

I need to start stitching

SH read a car magazine. He loves cars from back when we were born. My dad owned some sort of Chevy convertible back in 1960, when he married my mom. Too bad he didn't save it for my future hubby.

Okay, I am now going to the library, maybe!!!

Tempt My Tummy Tuesday - Minted Couscous Salad

Tempt My Tummy Tuesday is a lot of fun. I am submitting my favorite couscous salad recipe. This is my signature dish, the one that I have served to everyone I know. Many years ago, I entered it into a local recipe contest. It won first place in the salad division. Unfortunately, I don't have any photos.

Minted Couscous Salad

1 10 oz box couscous

2 Cups boiling water

1 cucumber,peeled, seeded and chopped

1 19 oz can chick peas

8 oz feta cheese, crumbled

2 tomatoes, diced

3 green onions, sliced

1/2 Cup parsley, chopped

1/2 Cup black olives

1/4 Cup chopped fresh mint (or dried equivalent)

Dressing

1/3 Cup olive oil

3 Tablespoons lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

1/4 teaspoon ground cumin

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Pour boiling water over couscous in a large bowl; cover and let stand 30 minutes until water is absorbed. Add remaining ingredients. In a small bowl mix ingredients for dressing. Pour over salad and refrigerate for a few hours. six servings

I posted a bunch of couscous recipes at Couscous Corner. I made the website a long time ago. I don't know the login, so I can't update the email address or website.

Tag

I am so excited. I have been tagged by FeeBeeKay, a new blogging friend, who exhibits a great style of whimsy, as well as being the mummy to an adorable tot. Check out her blog!

1) Choose the 4th folder where you store your pictures on your computer.
2) Select the 4th picture in the folder.
3) Explain the picture.
4) Tag 4 people to do the same


The result is a photo of me from a hair show in 1982. When I was in college, I sported a completely different look than I have as an adult---a real adult. I had a young friend ask me to post a pic of the young me, which is why I scanned the photo originally.

I had many different colors in my hair. And yeppers, it was permanent. It was quite a lot of fun, except for the way I was treated by merchants. I remember being asked for I.D. while using a credit card. This was not common back then. I knew it was a direct result of my look.

The worst treatment I received was from a jerk of a writing professor. My hair was blue at the time. He told me that knew I was on drugs. No, I just liked creative haircoloring. He finally told me that he could not teach, as my hair was distracting.

I would like to say that I stood up to him. Unfortunately, at the age of 20, I lacked the balls, so to speak, to do anything more than cower. I dropped his class.

I wish that I remembered his name. All I can recall is that he worked for PBS. He was flown in weekly from Boston, to teach the class, which I suppose was a bit impressive. Too bad he was a total bullying jerk. I should have hit him with the whip that I am carrying in the photo.

I am very interested in how looks determine how a person is perceived. I have tested this many times by dressing in casual outfits and hitting higher end stores, then returning, wearing a different outfit. While I don't enjoy shopping (except thrift or antique stores) I do enjoy studying people.

Now for the four people. I don't know anyone well enough in the blogging world to choose. I would be thrilled if anyone would take part in this. So, even if you aren't listed on my page, have at it. Please!!!! Link back to this post and make me feel loved. Oh, and thanks again, FeeBeeKay for making me feel all happy inside.

Ruby Tuesday - Red Cookbook

My entry for Ruby Tuesday is a well-loved cookbook with a red cover. The copyright is 1980. I purchased this cookbook sometime in the early eighties, the heyday of my cooking frenzy.

I did a ton of cooking during college.
Senior year my boyfriend gained forty pounds. I fed him a bit too well. Apple pies and cheesecakes were baked at an alarming speed.

My Christmas gift that year was a microwave. It sounds funny now, but back then, all of my friends thought I was very lucky to own one.

While I miss the constant baking, I would not be too keen on my husband gaining weight from all of the goodies.

This red volume features a few of my favorites, including spanakopita, and herring salad. I would be happy eating those everyday.

You should be able to enlarge the photos, if you would like to read the recipes.

I always write "very yummy" on recipes that are well liked. This cookbook has quite a bit of those.

Inside of the back cover are notes for dinner parties that I held. I also kept a journal with details of the dinners, including the reaction of each guest to a particular dish.

It is a hoot to go back and read comments such as, "Mario was the only person who tried the carrots."

Blue Monday - Laundry

Blue was definitely my mood when I woke up this morning. My mood improved considerably when I saw this. I am very touched that the time was taken to honor my request for a photo of your super cool wedding cake.

My Blue Monday entry is much more mundane. I did not wash clothes over the weekend, therefore, there is quite the pile. I found blue in the laundry room.

The blue laundry basket is used for clean clothes. I don't like things to be out of place. When I use the basket, I must immediately return it to the laundry room, after depositing the clean clothes on my bed for folding (hey, you do it, too!), or at least throw it down the steps. I know that SH enjoys putting down his briefcase, keys, and travel mug, so he can walk up the steps. I try to be thoughtful, giving him that fun at least thrice weekly. Yes, I am that kind of wifey.

The white laundry basket is for dirty clothes. BG's blue bathrobe is her favorite. The hamper from her closet is blue. She is good at making sure the clothes are in the hamper. She has been guilty of changing her mind about a clean clothing item and dropping it in the hamper, instead of rehanging. I never ever did anything of that nature when I was a teen. I was perfect. (No, my sister and my mom do not read my blog)

The jeans in the washing machine are blue. See how I arranged the greenish blue pajamas to artistically peek out of SH's dark denim and BG's lighter pair. Yes, I have so much fun with appliances. No, I don't mean reinacting Kate Winslet's dryer scene in Little Children.

The dryer sheet box is blue. Those dryer sheest don't do a thing for static cling. While I am all for helping the environment, I am going back to the bad chemical sort. I could try vinegar in the rinse water. That sounds even smarter. I need to stop being so lazy.

I have six bottles of All. I chose only one to pose in front of a framed art poster. Wow, isn't that pretty? I have never seen a difference in laundry detergent performance. I have asthma. Just walking down the laundry care aisle in a store, makes me cough. All doesn't make me sick. The clothes appear clean.

The knobs on the dryer have a blue dial. I dry everything, except for towels and sheets, on delicate. I use a lot of electricity with that dyer. I drive a Yaris. This offsets my larger carbon footprint.

Yummy Sunday - Potatoes

My dinner, a bowl of cheesy potatoes and broccoli, was made even tastier with Tabasco sauce.

Tabasco sauce history.

Photo Hunt - Aftermath

This is what my daughter, PG, returned home to find when she left her puppy alone . I think it makes a good entry for PhotoHunt

Food Questions

A realtor was bringing someone to see the house today, which meant I had to make myself scarce for a few hours. I ended up driving around an area where I had not been in many years. I did notice that it has been built up quite a bit. I wonder if all of these new restaurants and stores will stay in business.

One of the chains that I noticed was On the Border. We don't have any locations close to us. We do like Mexican food, although Indian is always our first choice. I noticed an Indian place, too.

Is On the Border a yummy place to eat????

Pico Shrimp Tacos

Two fresh flour tortillas with shrimp sauteed in our own spicy salsa fresca. Served with black beans and grilled vegetables.

That sounds good. As does:

Jalapeno-BBQ Salmon

Salmon fillet mesquite-grilled with a mild Jalapeno-BBQ glaze. Served with black beans and grilled vegetables.

I am not hungry, although food is on my mind. I noticed that we somehow opened the yogurt boxes out of order. I bought three cartons of Yoplait. The box that expires today, had not been used. I had a cherry yogurt for a snack. I wonder what will happen if we consume the rest of the yogurts in the next few days. Do dairy products really go bad a week after the use by date? That is what it says on the box.

My Vote for No More Icky

BG begged and begged for me not to make her go to school after her doctor appointment this morning. After her appointment yesterday, she did return to school, so today I gave in, after she pointed out to me, that she would be missing lunch. It did seem silly to be forced into a restaurant lunch, where I would undoubtedly be hurrying her to finish her lunch, so she could get to school for perhaps an hour.

BG is in her room working on her blog. It is about Little House on the Prairie, which would come as no surprise to anyone who knows her. I am trying to relax. I feel like someone is shaking my insides, if that makes any sense. I get very tense whenever we have to go anywhere that isn't going to be much fun. I suppose no one enjoys the "icky" in life. While BG, has had her share of icky, she has plenty wonderful. Tonight's wonderful will include chess. On Wednesday nights, SH always brings home a Panera bagel for BG's Thursday breakfast. That once a week treat is something BG enjoys quite a bit.

A very young BG playing chess with her daddy

BG first learned to play chess at school. She went on to join a local group when she was eight. SH plays with her at home, but she always wins. This year she is on her high school team, as well as playing locally. When I think back to the doctors' dire predictions of what the future would hold for BG, it makes me very, very happy to watch her play chess.

BG practicing before a tournamnet

As much as I think chess is a great activity for my daughter and I do wish more GIRLS would learn the game, I don't know how to play, nor do I have the desire to learn. I am not much of a game player, although, lately BG and I have been playing gin.

Ruby Tuesday - Red Signs

Here are some signs from places that my family has been. Remember to stop by Ruby Tuesday, to check out other red signs.

Top Row: 1. Lahaska, PA We enjoyed dinner with an old friend at this restaurant 2. Frazer, PA - Typical American mall 3. Manchester, NH - Younger daughter found the name hilarious, since NH is far from FL. 4.Windsor, NH - a camp sign 5. Older daughter took this while she was driving to FL (She had never before seen a Sonic, so she was thrilled)

Row 2: 1. Frazer, PA 2. PA This sign won a neighborhood contest 3. Hillsboro, NH Younger daughter adored this place. It sadly was lost to fire.

Row 3: 1.Walnut Grove, MN- We spent a few days visiting here with our younger daughter, the ultimate Little House on the Prairie fan. 2. Manchester, NH I was super happy to find an outlet 3. Kutztown, PA - We had eaten prior to arriving at the Kutztown Festival, so we didn't get to partake in this feast.

My Favorite Cookbook

I am posting a piece that I wrote last month. Remember to visit Tempt My Tummy Tuesday to read about other people's favorite cookbooks.

My parents hit the nail on the head in 1973: They presented me with "Betty Crocker's New Boys and Girls Cookbook." It further fueled my love of cooking and reading. The cookbook, which I still own, provided me with the inspiration to create family dinners. As a 9-year-old, serving "Tuna and Chips Casserole" was a culinary triumph. While I never created the "Enchanted Castle Cake," a masterpiece, complete with ice cream cone turrets, I baked "Speedy Gingerbread Boys," which delighted my 4-year-old sister. While most of my attempts were well received, the "Rolled Biscuits" on page 31 were not a hit. My mother penciled in, "BAD," above the title, in case I would ever be tempted to try again. This started my own habit of writing in cookbooks. When I am pleased with the results, I write in the date and follow that with "Yummy." It is a culinary walk down memory lane, when I thumb through my now large collection of cookbooks, although, none are quite as special as the yellow cookbook with smudged pages.

Blue Monday - Kitchen

I thought today for Blue Monday, that I would share some of the blue found in my kitchen. The objects range from an old blue dishrag to the loose tea container that my hubby received as a gift. Since we didn't own a tea strainer, when we were shopping at Pier 1, we asked if they carried them. Luckily, they had received a shipment that day. The sweet manager, searched the stockroom, deposited the box on the counter, and disappeared. The sales clerk, not understanding that we did not want a case, announced the total as fifty odd dollars. I know it doesn't come across as hilarious, but at the time, it was funny.

The blue bowl is an art creation of my daughter, BG. I decoupaged the clock, using paper napkins. The light fixture, while not the most beautiful, was the one thing we kept from the previous owners. When we bought the house 19 years ago, the kitchen was blue and white. I was pleased with the color scheme, so when we remodeled, I chose blue again.

The napkin holder is used constantly. I sometimes think we spend more money in napkins than any other family. I like cloth napkins. I am afraid with my weird habit of wiping off my lipstick before eating, that cloth napkins would become a stained mess, therefore we are sticking with paper.

Does anyone else find it disgusting to eat while wearing lipstick? I don't eat like pig, i.e., I am not licking my lips while I dine. Still, I do not want to ingest any lipstick. After a meal, I do not feel comfortable applying lipstick at the table. I grew up with a mom who would immediately whip out a compact mirror and lipstick after dinner. She assured me this was not akin to brushing your hair or filing your nails in public. I still cringe when I see it done.

The vacuum is lightweight. I like watching the dustcup fill. I am weird that way. I actually enjoy cleaning.

The pot lid is old. My sister gave me a set of pots. She had received them as a gift. At the time she was feuding with the person who had given her the gift and the sight of the pots upset her.

That reminds me of a recent conversation with PG. My husband was on the phone with her, explaining how to make an omelet. He asked if her pan was Teflon. She had no clue what that meant. I suggested asking her if it were non-stick. It is funny how words change with each generation.

I had a conversation with a friend, where she recounted a story about how her son had torn up a baby picture. Embarrassed by the picture, he had secretly removed it from his childhood album. When my friend explained that she was sure she still had the negative, her 16 year old son had no idea what that was.

I asked BG if she knew what a negative was. Being that BG is deaf, her vocabulary is not always on the level we would hope. We do try to teach her new words, but obviously, we don't normally have the need to talk about photographic negatives.

BG ran in to grab her cell phone. She showed me the setting for negative. That was new to me! I found a picture on Google, of the type of negative in which I had referred. She shook her head in remembrance. I have the feeling she was humoring me.

Manic Monday #149

Do you have any idiosyncrasies or unusual quirks when it comes to food and/or eating?

I like food served cold. For example, I could never eat an apple that had not been refrigerated.

I like spicy food. I add Tabasco to many foods.

I like most fruits and vegetables. I do not eat kiwi or oranges, except mandarin oranges.

I am not too keen on large chunks of meat, except what I call garbage meat. I like sausage, corned beef, and salami. The fattier, the better it tastes.

There is no way that I could eat stew. I will not eat vegetables that are ruined with meat drippings.

I don't like lettuce, except in salad. I can not eat a sandwich with lettuce.

Have you ever written love letters? If so, do you still have any of them?

I have the letters that I wrote to my husband before we were married.

How easy or difficult is it for you to say you're sorry?

It is easy.

Sunday Stealing

Here are my answers to this week's Sunday Stealing!

Sunday Stealing: The New Year Meme

1. Looking back on 2008, what might your theme song have been? I can't think of anything.

2. If 2008 were a movie, who would play you? Susan Sarandon. We look nothing alike, I just have liked her since her RHPS days.

3. What was your greatest gift of 2008? Seeing PG happy.

4. What is your New Year Resolution, or, what are you committing to this year? The three of us moving to Florida.

5. If January could be represented by one song, what would it be? I am drawing a blank.

6. What do you wish for your body in 2009? health

7. Name one new thing you would love to try in the New Year. Living one day anxiety-free.

8. What do you long for 2009 to bring? A better economy.

9. If that happened, how would you feel? Duh, happy

10. Where would you love to vacation in 2009 if money were no object? I am a Disney geek. I would spend a month there.

11. What would you like the theme of 2009 to be? The three of us together-new beginnings

12. If 2009 was a book, and the title was 5 words or less, what might the title be? No More Snow

Molasses Baked Beans - Crockpot

This is served often in our house. Although, it is delicious served hot, we all like best when it is eaten cold.

Molasses Baked Beans - Crockpot

5 (15 oz) cans beans- great northern, pinto, butter, kidney, navy, red, black, whatever suits your fancy
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce


1 pound diced ham (or cubed, but diced is nicer)

1/2 cup molasses

4 Tablespoons cider vinegar

4 teaspoons dry mustard

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Combine all ingredients in a crockpot. Cook on high for 2 1/2-3 hours or on low for 5-6 hours

Put on a Pretty Face

I am one of those women who should never leave the house without make up. I do. I can be seen blotchy-faced, wearing only Chapstick and black eyeliner (I always wear eyeliner or I would frighten small children), on a consistent basis. I would like to tell you that you will never run into me at the library (Wal-Mart, Borders or Goodwill*) in anything but full face, but honestly, I am just not vain enough to care. I should note, that while I am not beauty queen material, I am the least photogenic woman on the planet, i.e, I look a heck of a lot better in person than my crappy photos on this blog.

I thought, being it is a new year, that I should make more of an effort in the looks department. Okay, the truth is, I have finally run out of the discontinued Revlon lip color that I adored. I bought a whole bunch of it half price, but now I am forced to find a new product.

My favorite lip color in a shade that I wouldn't wear

Armed with $2 off coupons, I hit Wal-Mart and settled on old fashioned lipstick. I grabbed two tubes of a shade that wouldn't look like my lips were going to jump off my face. I have never been a fan of regular lipstick. It always rubs off and just feels plain greasy on my lips. To me, the worst offender is Clinique. Yuck, I don't know why that lipstick has fans. I will assume that my lips are made of the basic lip material as others. Still, that brand doesn't last more than five minutes on me.

My new lip color in a shade that I wouldn't wear

Now, I have to find the mirror that wraps around the tube. I believe it is in my nightstand in a black patent leather make up case. I am pretty darn organized. I almost only lose things when BG borrows something and doesn't return it to the correct spot. Cuticle scissors are always being taken and landing on her night table. They are supposed to go in the outside zipper compartment in the purple make up bag, in my middle dresser drawer. Just in case you want to borrow them, now you know.

I also bought myself a new mascara and and 2 eyeliners. Oooh, I am living large in 2009, with new cosmetics in my drawer and my purse. Not that I would ever be sitting at a red light, applying eyeliner or anything like that.

I have tried many brands of mascara, always returning to the old standby. I like the pink and green. It is a great reminder that cheap doesn't necessarily mean junk.

The Old Standby

I had been using Define-A-Lash. It was fine, but I think I still prefer the classic.

So-so Product

While I often go for bargain brands in make up, I am in love with this moisturizer that SH brought home for me last year. I also use their facial scrub and when I remember I take the vitamins. It made by a company called Nude Skin. It is far from cheap, but definitely wonderful. I like the packaging. I also still love my duvet cover, which is the background in the photo. I guess I will sing the praises of Country Curtains products in another post.

*I live for reading, thrift stores, and low priced groceries.

Show and Tell Friday - I.T.A.

Lisa age 6

In 1969, I walked into a first grade classroom, excited that I was going to learn to read. My mom and dad had placed me in a classroom that was using an experimental teaching method for reading and writing. Because I am lazy, I have borrowed from http://www.omniglot.com/writing/ita.htm. Look below for part of the article that explains the unusual way that I was taught.

I also have included the obituary for my wonderful first grade teacher. That may seem odd, but I remember reading it and thinking her family most likely had no idea the impact that she made on so many children. Without Mrs. Kleber's teaching, I might not have grown up to be who I am. Hmmm, maybe this would have been a blessing! No matter, the obit is at the end of this posting.

My show and tell for Friday is a recipe card that I received as a holiday gift from Mrs. Kleber, my first grade teacher.
I adored my teacher, learning to read, and cooking. I still make these cookies. They are similar to the treat that Rhoda featured recently on her blog, except they are rolled in coconut.

Pitman Initial Teaching Alphabet (i.t.a.)

The Pitman Initial Teaching Alphabet (i.t.a.) was invented by Sir James Pitman, grandson of the inventor of Pitman shorthand. It was first used in a number of British schools in 1961 and soon spread to the USA and Australia.

It is designed to make it easier for English speaking children to learn to read English. The idea is that children first learn to read using the i.t.a. then are introduced to standard English orthography at the age of seven. Opinions vary on the efficacy of the i.t.a. and it never became a mainstream teaching tool.

The main problems of using the i.t.a. include the fact that it is based on Received Pronunciation, so people with other accents find it difficult to decipher; the lack of material written, and the transition to the traditional orthography, which some children found difficult.

Notable features

• The i.t.a. consists of 42 letters, 24 standard lowercase Latin letters plus a number of special letters, most of which are modified Latin letters.
• Each letter represents to a single phoneme.
• Some of the phonemes represented by digraphs in the traditional orthography are represented by ligatures in the i.t.a.

Pitman i.t.a.

KLEBER
ETHEL M. (BALZER)
Age 92, of Lancaster, PA, formerly of Monroeville, on Wednesday, April 28, 2004. Daughter of the late William and Minnie (Pohl) Balzer; Wife of the late Kenneth William Kleber; Sister of Edward G. Balzer & Dorothy K. Neuin, both of Landisville, PA, formerly of Pittsburgh; also survived by several nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her brother, William Benjamin "Ben" Balzer. Ethel was a First Grade School Teacher for the Pittsburgh Public Schools for 38 years until her retirement in 1970. She was also a member of the Monroeville AARP and Bethel United Presbyterian Church, in Monroeville.