Old Stomping Grounds

I miss DC so much every time I go and come back. I miss the architecture, the way all the original names were engraved in stone on some part of the building, the small city blocks, the slower-than-normal city pace. I just find this city to be sweet, perhaps because it's where I grew up.
As I've mentioned, my father had his own photography studio and his sister, Aunt Ollie, ran a sightseeing business. In the early days, their offices were right around the corner from one another on 6th street between E & F, NW. Not the best of neighborhoods in the 60s, 70s and early 80s. My brothers and I all had to work at a very young age. I remember selling souvenirs with my brother Jim at White House Sightseeing when I was still learning to count, subtract and multiply. That's how young I was! (I think I finally had to get a social security card when I was about 11!) I loved using the big old cash register that sat way taller than me and opening the counter and showing customers different DC trinkets. It was a lot of fun for a kid. When I grew a little older, I started working for my father after school, probably around 5th or 6th grade, either developing the negatives or cutting the pictures and wrapping them. As I progressed up the ladder, I started keeping the books, writing letters to customers and doing the payroll each week. There were times when I would be carrying thousands of dollars to and from the bank. I was never bothered by anyone--probably because my brothers and father knew all the "peeps in the hood," so to speak. Perhaps they were even looking out for me, who knows. And, of course, I always had that "don't even think about bothering me" DC look. I think my brothers had it worse than I as they were spread thin. They had to work at either the sightseeing business, the gas station my Aunt Ollie and Uncle Vin owned on 6th, the photography biz or later at the bus wash. I only did the two--being a girl, as it wasn't appropriate at the time for me to pump gas or wash buses, I suppose. Plus those were really dangerous areas. Jim tells the story once while pumping gas, the pump didn't stop and the gas flew up in his face (he was probably pre-teen) and the local bum (as we called them back then) jumped into action and pulled him away and flushed his eyes out with water. To this day, he still looks out for the homeless and down and out around his Capitol Hill studio, and they look out for him. Anyway, I feel this is my city and I would love to live there again one day. To hell with the terrorists, I say.

So, back to some pics. Here is the Cowgirl Creamery shots I took while the brother did some cheese shopping. I would love to have a shop like this down here in Nashville to pick through. (I'm going to come out there Val, I swear!)

Take a look at the vat of olive oil. Oh yummy!

This is 8th Street with the National Archives in the background on Constitution Avenue. There's a farmer's market here on certain days. I don't know why the rainbow on the street reminded me of Philadelphia, but it did. We certainly didn't have any farmer's markets on these streets when I was growing up! It all looks so different now, I could hardly get my bearings.

Ok, now I'm homesick, again.

Post DC

I finally got the pictures off the "travel" laptop (it's so old, that's the only time any one uses it). I don't even know where to begin, so I suppose I'll start at the beginning, kinda. The above shot is of the tidal basin and the Jefferson Memorial. In the foreground are the lovely Cherry Blossom trees that are absolutely gorgeous in the spring. It's funny when you live there and drive by them every day, you kind of take them for granted which is a sin because they truly are breathtaking. It's strange going back "home" as a tourist.

My brother Jim made sure that we left the hospital long enough to have a good lunch each day. On Sunday, we went to one of his favorite restaurants in Falls Church, not too far from the hospital. Since we don't have dim sum in Nashville, this is a must when I'm in DC. Sunday is their big day where they serve it "all" and we had to wait a little while before we were seated. We took advantage of the time and played with my camera, which Jim immediately fell in love with. He's the one who bought me my first Sony Cybershot.

"I'll take a pig stomach, cold knuckle and duck tongue to go, please. And throw in one of those duck heads for good measure." Mmmmmm mmmmmm good.






I loved the stills he captured behind the "carry-out" window. (I wonder what this man was saying to him. This one belongs in a book, I love it!) There were suckling pigs being carried out to cars (which I missed because I couldn't whip my camera out fast enough) and the older variety hanging in the back. You'll have to squint to to see it hanging back there, lovely.

And then it was time for some eating for ourselves!

The ladies come around the tables with carts full of goodies. You point to what you like and they put it on your table and then mark your tab. We probably shared about five or six plates. It was kind of dark so most of my pictures at the table are too blurry to share. But you get the idea.






Here are three different skies from my brother's ICU room, Arlington, Virginia. Still playing with the camera while Johnny slept.

A little flurry action going on here.

And just before I left for home, pretty blue skies. Johnny was coming around at this point. Alleluia!

It's What's For Dinner

The hub is on his way home from NYC and it's terribly cold, so I decided to make a corn soup from one of my favorite soup mixes--Bean Cuisine. I found a whole bunch that I haven't seen while in Alabama at World Market and brought some home to try.

Of course, I added and subtracted from the recipe to fit our likes and what was available in the homestead. I deleted the white wine, didn't have any and our super markets don't sell wine (I do miss that from DC). I added more corn and since I'm not fat enough (yea right), I added some cream.

While back "home," (DC) Mary Jane took such good care of me making these delicious dinners. One night, she made pork chops, cornbread. It was sooooo good! Now, being a quasi-Northerner, I like my cornbread a little sweet. Hers was just perfect. Then she whips out this bag that has everything in it and all you do is add water. She had two extra bags and insisted I take them home with me. I didn't fight her. Gee whiz, you'd think it would be fool-proof. Me being the fool baker, mine came out so thin, didn't rise. I think I must just stir mine too much. I'm sure it will still taste good though. I must start working on my baking skills (New Year's Resolution!). Lord have mercy. (I only took a pic of the top so you couldn't see how pathetic it is. lol.)

While in DC, my brother Jim took me to his favorite cheese shop, The Cowgirl Creamery. There's a story there about how the lady who runs the DC store visited the original in CA and had to have one at "home." I need to read up on that if I can. Funny thing is, it is right around the corner from where my father's photography studio was! This is where I practically grew up--6th and F Streets, NW. The old neighborhood sure has changed--I barely recognized it. I have photos to share as soon as I get them off the laptop to my computer. Promise. Anyway, of course, I couldn't bring any cheese home but there were other things I could. I have never seen rose petal sugar, you? And I'm a spreader freak, so of course, I had to buy two spreaders. I may just have to order some products from their website though. I miss gourmet shops so much. There really are few and far between here in Nashville, or perhaps I just don't know where they are. I doubt that, cause I'm normally pretty good at stumbling upon them wherever I go. Not here. Pout.

Speaking of brothers, I got a call from Johnny last night! His voice is strong and he told me he got his last tube (feeding) out yesterday and is eating on his own. I just cried (unbeknownst to him). I can't even tell you how good it sounded to hear his voice, stronger than ever. Last week, this time, I didn't know if I would ever hear it again. I teased him, pretty soon we would all be saying "Shut UP!! Johnny!" lol. Nope, never ever ever! My brother Jim gave me this magnet while I was there. I grew up with Frank Zappa playing by my brothers but my "love" was Alice Cooper. How perfect is this concert? WOW! I would have loved it at 11 years old (soon to be 12 in five days after this concert). I think I saw Alice when I was about 12 or 13. Loved him.

Blogger's Pie Day

Tammy has informed me that today is Bloggers' Share National Pie Day where we all are supposed to post a pie recipe--any ol' type of pie, sweet or savory, big or small.

Tammy has a list of all the blogger's posting recipes. (Click on her name at the beginning of the post to take you there.) Have fun!

This it the pie I tried to make for Christmas dinner . . . (it's still on the list).

Chocolate Pie

Crust

• 16 Oreo cookies, broken into rough pieces
  
• 2 T unsalted butter, melted

Set oven at 350 degrees (f). Pulse the cookies in a food processor until coarsely ground. Run the food processor until the crumbs are uniformly fine, about 15 seconds. With the machine running, pour the butter through the feed tube and process until the mixture resembles wet sand. Transfer the crumbs to a pie plate.

Press the crumbs into an even layer on the bottom and sides of the plate using a measuring cup. Bake until the crust is set, about 15 minutes. Let cool for about 30 minutes.

Pie

• 2 1/2 C half-and-half
• 1/3 C sugar (I use vanilla sugar)
  
• Pinch of salt
• 6 large egg yolks
• 2 T cornstarch
• 6 T (3/4 stick) unsalted butter ,cut into 1/4 inch pieces
• 6 oz. semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, chopped fine
• 1 oz. unsweetened chocolate, chopped fine
• 1 t vanilla extract

Bring the half--and-half, half of the sugar and the salt to a simmer in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.

As the half-and-half mixture begins to simmer, in a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks, the remaining sugar and cornstarch together until smooth.

Slowly whisk about 1 cup of the simmering half-and-half mixture into the yolks (to temper). Then slowly whisk the tempered yolks into the simmering half-and-half mixture and reduce the heat to medium. Whisking constantly, return the mixture to a simmer and cook until thickened and a few bubbles burst on the surface, about 30 seconds. Take off heat and whisk the butter then the chocolates and finally the vanilla until completely smooth.

Pour the warm filling into the baked, cooled pie crust. lay a sheet of plastic wrap flush to the surface of the filling to prevent a skin from forming and refrigerate until the filling is cold and firm, at least 3 hours.

Just before serving, add whipped cream and spread over the pie.

YUM!

Rainy Days and Rainy Nights

It's been raining here since last night. It's beautifully foggy today. We were supposed to get a little freezing rain or snow but no deal. Think we all were hoping for a little more of the white stuff before we go into full-fledged spring fever mode. After taking this photo of one of the hollies on the side yard, I noticed there is not one berry. Wonder what the migrating robins are going to eat during their pass through? They are normally the ones to rid the hollies of all their berries.

I'm getting a little antsy about getting out and cleaning up the beds. They look a little dishelveled, don't ya think?

I went out this morning to run some errands and came back to oily pawprints all over the countertop. I had oiled the soapstone sink before I left, and I suppose Dave (I know it was him) had to investigate. lol. It takes about three products to clean the countertops of any prints. Fun.

I am still struggling to get this kitchen finished, if you can believe it. The countertop folks come back on Thursday to "seal" the Silestone. Yep, seal it. Isn't that why you get Silestone vs. granite? So there's no upkeep? On this particular style, you can see every little fingerprint. It's almost as bad as black stainless steel! Ooooooof! Anyway, the rep swears this new chemical will seal it and make it so it won't absorb oils and such. Fingers' crossed. This kitchen is going to be the death of me. The second icemaker was delivered today, a full four months after it was decided that the other had the wrong door to sit flush. Do you think the new one sits flush? Nope. The cabinets weren't made deep enough for a flush door, come to find out. Same ol' same ol'. Shoot me now and put me out of my misery. grin.

The good news is I got just about all the Christmas stuff put away, hurray! There's still a couple of pieces that need to be boxed--somehow everything didn't fit back like I had it. Hmmmmm. lol. I am glad to have it out of sight. It was beginning to wear on my nerves, what little nerves I have left, anyway.

When I got home last week, I started conquering my desk (which has been relocated to the study). I'm like a gypsy, I can't stay in one place too long. ha. It's been moved at least three times in the last year. Go figure. Saving grace is I have to clean it each time, so it's all good. I decided to move it into the corner so I could see everything going on in the house. Better feng shui not having your back to any doors. I'm all for better feng shui. I'm loving it in its new spot. I do have to squeeze a tad to get into the corner. Not sure if I like the two chairs together; but they'll stay that way for a while. The rocking chair is non functional under the big horn of the old Edison but it too will stay there until someone knocks their head on it then it will retire to a new spot in the house. And guess what? My printer is on the other side of the room with NO wires! Woooohooo! I think everything these days should be wireless, don't you?

And here are the new views I have; I can see the front of the house, I can see the back of the house. How about that? Too comfy.








Well, you know what happens when you start moving stuff around. What do you do with all the junk? It just gets moved to another spot--say the dining room table--to sort through. I'm in the middle of ordering the teenager's senior photos. Oy. What a joy that is, NOT. In actuality, they're not as expensive as I thought they would be. Big surprise there. It's just difficult choosing from like 20 shots in four different locations. I do have to say, 15 of the 20 are junk. I can't believe they call themselves photographers. Geesh. Anyway, it's kinda fun, regardless. I can hardly believe this time next year, he will be finishing up his first year of college! Oh OH OH!! He was excepted at University of Tennessee! Wooohoo. I think I had mentioned that University of Alabama had accepted him way back when. We are now waiting to hear from Auburn; and then he will make his choice. So proud of that "boy."

And so, it's about dinner time. Looks like it's just me and the kid tonight--hub still in NYC. Hmmm, what will it be tonight? Leftovers!

Monday, MLK Day

One man come in the name of love
One man come and go
One man come here to justify
One man to overthrow
In the name of love!
One man in the name of love

Early morning, April 4
Shot rings out in the Memphis sky
Free at last, they took your life
They could not take your pride
U2's "Pride"

Today, I met up with Beth and her mom Lottie. We had lunch (thank you Lottie!) and then headed over to Michael's for a big sale. Of course, the stuff I wanted wasn't on sale. Always the way. Regardless, it was wonderful seeing them both again. It's been a while, which is sad. They're being close by and all.


Beth and I were so impressed with Shelley's paper white display that we decided to take a look and see if we could find some. We didn't. But, I did see a tea cup with flowers in it. Hey, I could do that. And that is just what I did when I got home. I still have all my Christmas stuff up and I definitely need to move on. How pathetic. Tomorrow. I promise. It's getting put away. Lost my momentum last weekend when I left and I haven't got it back. That's my excuse, anyway. lol. Oh! Beth made this lovely necklace for me, here on the left. I absolutely love it.

Any motivation is good motivation. So, I took two of my old teacups and decorated them with spring flowers and put them on the island. I told Beth I would be calling her and crying the blues once spring fever set in, still in the thick of winter.

On the way home as the sun was setting, I couldn't help but stop and take some pictures of our pretty valley (in the distance). It sure is changing, day by day. This entire area is still pretty though.

Well, this was written pretty fast because the Democratic presidential debate is ready to begin! Somehow I missed the last Republican debate. Oy. I'm hoping the American public will become a little more educated with the candidates this time round!

Celebration!

I received a phone call last night from Rosemary, my brother's nurse, and she told me to hold on a second. Then it was Johnny on the other end! He had his breathing tube removed yesterday and he is able to talk again! How fantastic is that! (I have tried to make my rounds and thank each and every one of my blogger buds for all of your thoughts and prayers. At this time, I am totally lost and don't know who I have thanked and who I have not. So, if you don't get a personal thank you, know I am thanking you in my little noggin. If you got two thank yous, you deserve it.)

I had taken lots of pictures of Sunny, my SIL's kitty, who made me feel absolutely at home at "their" house. It made me not miss Bella (shhhhh) in the least. He is the sweetest kitty; and if I could, I would marry him and Miss Bella. They would make the best couple in Catland.

I'm slowly waking up from last week's bad dream. The key word is slow-ly. The hub has been in Las Vegas, leaving Friday and returning today. Gee whiz, we are just two ships passing in the night, it seems these days. Then he's off to NYC tomorrow for more hot fashion scenes and new fabric unveiling's. With him not here, you know what that means. I have done absolutely nothing. I haven't even unpacked my bag yet. How pathetic is that? I did straighten up the kitchen this morning, not knowing what time he arrives home. lol.

Here are some pictures I took while leaving DC on Thursday. I don't think I have been in the new B terminal at National Airport (I REFUSE to call it Reagan National Airport! What in the world did that man do for DC?? Absolutely NOTHING! Why didn't they name a California airport after the man? Lord only knows. Ok, rant off.)

Beautiful Snow

Anyhoo, I have to admit, that area sure does raise my blood pressure any more. I even had a conniption at one point. I never have conniptions (outside the privacy of my own house, anyway). Without going into any details, I went off on some poor man at the Popeye's' drive through after waiting 20 minutes for some STUPID idiots couldn't decide what to order, first at the little speaker thing and then AGAIN at the window. He should have told them to drive around again after they made up their minds. The line behind me was going out to the street! I kid you not, I sat behind them for over 20 minutes!!! All I wanted was some beans and rice, go home, eat and go to bed. It was already 10 pm and I was tired; and I admit I snapped. Suppose I just needed a release. That poor man got it. I have never yelled like that in public before. After I yelled "WHAT IN THE WORLD WAS THAT ALL ABOUT??!!!!!" (all I could spit out in my anger), the poor man answered, in his broken English "I just try and make every body happy." Grrrrrr.

After New Year's, I was missing my fresh flowers so I ordered myself flowers of the month from Flowerbud, which sweet Pammy tuned me in to. My first bouquet arrived the next day, beautiful lilies. They arrived in buds and open slowly. Upon my return from DC, most were opened and absolutely gorgeous. The smell is amazing. They are the most fragrant lillies I have ever smelled. Yum. The pollen sure is a mess to cut out though. I had that stuff everywhere! My amaryllis is still blooming. The sun was shining through the flower and I couldn't resist capturing it. The colors are so pretty.


I went out Friday and bought a new fish. One had passed right after Christmas. I figured I better get a replaced before I messed up the good chi in the "travel area" of the house. I thought Mr. Nu (new) was blue when I bought him but somehow turned red by the time I got him home. Go figure. I think I was just imagining things now. grin. Anyway, he seems happy with his fellow mates close, but not too close, by. (Can you tell I am loving the closeups my new camera takes?)



Thursday, after arriving home, I received a box on the front stoop. I wondered what in the world I had ordered. Well, I hadn't ordered anything. It was a gift from Natalie Sarabella. When I saw the return addy, I just squealed. As I opened, layer upon layer of beauty, this is what was inside. To say it it absolutely breathtaking is an understatement. She sent the sweetest note along with it. She is one of the most thoughtful persons. I can tell you, it definitely raised my morale. Just home, still feeling guilty for leaving my brother, it was a welcome lift. Tucked inside her note was a sweet little piece of mink (from one of her projects). I have been carrying it with me every since--my rabbit's foot, so to speak. So precious. I can't wait to display my Kissing Ball in a most appropriate place next year! Woooohoooooo. We all need lots of kisses.

Well, word around the house is that the hub is back on Tennessee soil. So I best run and make the bed. lol.

Happy Birthday Jacq!!

A very Happy Birthday to you GF! I miss you. I love you. Enjoy your day. Big One-Two! Woooohooooo!

Thank You

I cannot begin to thank each and every one of you who have helped me through this most difficult week. All of the thoughts and prayers were heard and my brother is on the mend. For that I thank you all.

When you are asked to come to a loved one's bedside to say goodbye, it is a moment you will never forget. I can't even begin to express the emotions that arise from such a conversation. A week ago tonight, this is exactly what I was told by my brother's personal nurse, Rosemary. I can tell you, I never want to hear those words again.

I have been surrounded by so many friends and family that have helped me through this painful experience. I cannot begin to thank each and every one; but I will try.

My brother Jim was my rock. He phoned me as soon as I arrived at the airport and met me at the hospital late Saturday night. And, he was there with me every day. Each day, we left the hospital only to have lunch; at which time he made sure it was a good lunch, of course. We hit our favorite restaurants; and it was a well needed break for both of us. The time he needed to be away, he phoned me, I phoned him; we stayed in close contact. I can't express how desperately needed he was by both me and our brother John. And he was there. Thank you, Jim, for holding me together.

To Mary Jane, my dear sister-in-law who took me in, cooked dinner and waited up each night, I owe you so much. Coming "home" made the day's tribulations disappear. I don't know what I would have done without you and Sunny (her kitty). And to MJ's family and friends, my niece Kelly, MJ's sister Trisha and her friend Tanya who phoned in every day to see how Johnny was doing, I send you my love and thanks.

For all the friends who phoned me to see if I needed anything, offer a bed, a bite to eat, a visit and offered their thoughts and prayers, I thank you. The GGC--Kelly, Amy and Pam--were there from the get-go. We made a pact during our reunion this fall that we were to keep each other posted on our ups and downs. It was them I sent my first email to explaining Johnny's condition. Knowing they had me covered for anything I needed made all the difference in the world. Thank you guys.

Linda, who was on the phone to me as soon as she heard, I thank you for our wonderful conversation. I can't tell you how peaceful it was to hear your voice and to know you were there, just a short drive away if I needed a place.

For all the personal emails and comments left on the blog that just warmed my heart, I thank you.

To Sherrie, the biggest thank you for popping in on such short notice to watch over mom in the boys' absence. How reassuring it was knowing mom was being taken care of in our absence was one less thing for me to worry about. You are the sweetest person ever.

The boys--the hub, the teenager and the kid--who pitched in and made sure mom didn't even miss me, all the phone calls, the reassurances and just knowing you were there, I give you all big hugs and kisses forever.

To Alisa, who is there by my brother's side, day and night and who made him smile ear to ear after he awoke and saw her walking in; I send you my warmest thanks and love. It was such a pleasure finally meeting you.

To the visitors who came by to visit John, I thank you. I know he heard each and every word of encouragement you whispered in his ear. I will never forget you.

And Rosemary, John's personal nurse, who admitted him to the hospital, pushed him to fight when he fell so ill, stayed on top of the doctors and kept us informed on what it all meant and who pulled us all together, you are our "Florence Nightingale." John is with us today because of you. Words cannot express the sincere gratitude we have for you. You are a true angel here on earth. (I swear I saw your wings.)

And all the nurses in the ICU. How awesome they all were. I thanked them all over and over again.

So you see, my family and friends, I have a lot to be thankful for. I am thankful for each and every one of you. Please know how much I appreciate everything. Every big thing. Every little thing. It all amounted to my brother getting better. And he will continue to get better because of us all. We all can make a difference. We all did make a difference.

Thank you.

Update

First of all, from the bottom of my heart, thank you all SO much. Keep the thoughts and prayers going, my brother still needs each and every one.

Johnny is still on a respirator and is still battling his infection in ICU. But, today, his fever went down, yay, and he was responsive several times with his eyes open. I can't tell you how good it was to see that.

Thank you all.

Heading North

My brother is not doing well and it was suggested that I come up.

Please continue to say your prayers if you can.