Over the past few weeks, as I worked on this last page, I thought a lot about it.
It’s okay, don’t worry. I’ve thought before and I was alright when it was over.
Although I cannot say what the year will hold, here’s what I’m thinking:
1. Get older, not old
As I have mentioned, I work a lot with our older population. They will often say to me, when complaining about their aches and medications, “Don’t get old!”
I jokingly respond “It beats the alternative!”
After thinking about it, they are right. “Don’t get old” doesn’t mean “don’t get older”…it refers to the negative aspects of aging. Aches, pains, procedures, and limitations- that’s what they are referring to.
Though they seem to take great pride in comparing things like ‘procedures’ ‘meds’ and ‘movements’.
There are numerous healthy choices to prevent those negatives. Gardening is a great one that I already enjoy; keeping mentally active by learning new things is a definite plus.
It is time to step it up a bit, though; I need to look at my diet and other habits that may make me get old too soon. In order to make it work, I need to take it a little at a time, and friends can help a lot. Let me know if you want me to share the info, we can all not get ‘older’ together.
2. Make a difference, a real difference
SaveTheWorld keeps telling me “Mom, look at how many FB friends you have…you can make a difference!” She’s right, I guess… I just don’t know where I want to start. There are so many great causes and I am not one to go beat anyone over the head for something I think is right.
I remember I once followed a rather heated argument on a gardening site regarding what to use to build raised beds; treated vs. untreated lumber, etc. If that’s a controversy, a real topic could be hellfire.
I’ll pick an appropriate cause.
I’ll do it subversively. (Muhahahaha!)
3. Simplify one aspect of my life (like this is possible?)
Geez, did I write that? I *think* I will choose my home life. It is time to start getting rid of some of the clutter that has accumulated lo these many years. Not an easy task for someone who obsesses. Wish me luck – Obviously this is going to be my weak spot.
4. Plan as if I’ll live to be 108
If I’m going to take better care of my self, I’d better plan on living longer. I used to tell myself that I wanted to retire from working with seniors before I became one, by the time I was 55. Now I wonder if instead, I can’t just reexamine my job once more and adjust it to suit me. If I work just a few more years my retirement will be that much easier. Maybe I can start to retire subtly. Sound like a plan?
Doesn’t ‘Four-Day Work Week’ have a nice ring to it? That’s my new goal.
5. Do one thing I know I must do
Eleanor Roosevelt said “Whatever it is in life that you think you cannot possibly do, that is what you must do.” That statement helped me quit smoking over 10 years ago.
I know what it is I must do, I must learn to let go. There is one thing that is aging me more than any other; I need to let it go before it consumes me. This is a highly personal matter, so no details, sorry.
I do know that I will need permission to do this; and it absolutely is the ‘one thing’ I know I must do.
Now this isn’t like some New Year’s resolutions. I have all year to work towards these goals. For me that makes it much easier to accomplish.
meself, then
So thank you for letting me wax a little philosophic on my birthday;
and seriously,
just be glad that unlike poor Mandolin,
you never had to listen while I learned to play the fiddle.
Part 2 of 3
Five Years Later (The Aftermath)
Please read Part 1 here
1. I would learn something new, really really new
As I mentioned, the fiddle (or violin, different names, same instrument) is considered the hardest instrument to learn. I refused to give up; though I admit there were many times I wanted to throw it out the window. I couldn’t play along with Mandolin for a long time because I (stunk, squeaked, played the wrong note…pick one, they all fit). So I ended up learning to play an Irish drum or Bodhran (pron. Bo-ron), the guitar, the concertina (just a small 20 button), and the soprano ukulele (I won’t mention the Tin Whistle or Baby Harp at all). Yeah, it’s the personality thing: take it to the extreme
2. I would do something totally altruistic
I have since thrown another, more successful fundraiser; bringing in over $5000 for an individual’s unexpected funeral expenses at the sudden loss of her husband at age 53. I feel like maybe the first one was the dry-run, it gave me a chance to learn what I needed to do when perhaps it meant more.
3. I would do something I never thought I could do
I play in public all the time now. I’ve taught guitar to a few seniors and run a chorus and band at a local senior center. Mandolin and I play Traditional Irish around St. Pat’s and hold Open Sessions at a local pub. I still get nervous, but it is getting better. (I no longer have the false ‘vibrato’ AKA hand shaking on the fiddle bow). It never ceases to amaze me how this one thing has made such a difference in my life, how much happiness it has brought.
4. I would do something I always wanted to, but never did
I recently added to the tattoo.
It’s too funny. Ten years ago, if you told me that I would have quit smoking cigarettes, be playing and instrument in public and singing, and would have a tattoo…I would either have sat you quietly down (and called the police) or would have checked your veins for holes.
5. I would take one aspect of my life, and make a leap of faith
I love my job. I admit, if I could garden for a living I’d be out of there in a heartbeat, but I couldn’t expect a better job than the one I have. The bad parts are pfff, no big deal; the good parts are way better. And it pays for my gardening addiction
now this is, afterall, a gardening blog; so since I had no pic that fit the content, I chose this one of my fridge...see the bottom 2 drawers stuffed with onions, the colander full of green peppers and the radishes? Oh, and that's Killian's Irish Red on the top shelf getting cold for my birthday Wait- hold the phone- that looks like it has been opened!
So now what? Now I am about to start my 55th year, I will on the occasion of my 54th birthday. No more ‘early 50’s’. Another time for some reassessment and to reinvent.
Again I want to choose 5 things, 5 similar but different things.
For this occasion they will focus more on time passing:
1. Get older, not old
2. Make a difference, a real difference
3. Simplify one aspect of my life (like this is possible?)
4. Plan as if I’ll live to be 108
5. Do the one thing I know I must do
On the day of my 49th birthday, the start of my 50th year, I decided to mark the upcoming special occasion by doing 5 things.
I felt like turning 50 was a kind of Do-Over Time, a time to change what I wanted to change.
I didn’t know what 5 things, but 5 for the big 5-0 seemed appropriate. Over the next week or two I chose the following:
1. I would learn something new, really really new
2. I would do something totally altruistic
3. I would do something I never thought I could do
4. I would do something I always wanted to, but never did
5. I would take one aspect of my life, and make a leap of faith
Little by little the particulars started to fall into place. The course of the year yielded the following results to each aspect:
1. I would learn something new, really really new
I bought a fiddle and started to teach myself how to play. As a little kid I had a handful of piano lessons from my grandfather, and in college my future husband showed me how to play a few guitar chords. Otherwise I really didn’t play an instrument. But Mandolin did. I thought this would be something we could share. I had no idea that the violin is considered to be the hardest instrument to learn, and I’m glad I didn’t know.
2. I would do something totally altruistic
For my 50th birthday party I threw a fundraiser for a local volunteer fire department: “Hot Wings and Cool Music”. Unfortunately it hit 97 degrees that day and the firehall was not air conditioned. The turn out was light, but all was not lost. The company was throwing a farewell party the next night for one of their members who had enlisted in the service. There was plenty of food and beverages for them to enjoy- and nobody had to cook in the heat. I actually liked that better.
3. I would do something I never thought I could do
At the fundraiser I played a song on my fiddle and sang two songs, in public take note. Just two years before I had directed a musical show at a senior center. I was so shy I didn’t even accept my flowers on stage. When I was in high school I had been in a few of plays and a couple of musical performances, but never got positive feedback. As an adult, I had played a few small parts in dinner shows at our restaurant, against my better judgment (I was so nervous , my hands would shake terribly).
So for me to perform, of my own accord, especially to sing and play an instrument was a giant step. More, as it turned out, than I could have imagined.
4. I would do something I always wanted to, but never did
I got a tattoo.
5. I would take one aspect of my life, and make a leap of faith
I chose my work life. Although I had a good job, I wasn’t happy at it. I thought maybe it was time for a change. An opportunity arose and I interviewed. In total I interviewed three times, as they narrowed the field. I was going to take a leap of faith and let that decide what I would do. As I went through the interview process I realized that I actually did like my job more than I knew. I decided instead of leaving, I would adjust it where I could; adjust ME where I needed to, and make my job one I would like more.
I didn’t see that one coming that’s for sure. I was soo happy when I didn’t get hired! It really ended up being a leap of faith.
I was born in America, I’m proud to say it.
My parents were both born here; their parents were all born here.
Most of my great-grandparents were not born in this country.
Every morning I wake up and go through my daily routine, not thinking about the freedoms I have. Like most Americans, I take them for granted.
At least once a year on our country’s birthday, we should take a moment to reflect and to remember.
I thought a lot about what I wanted to say about this holiday; so many things went through my mind, I decided to just keep it simple.
My take on being American:
I work with senior citizens, many of whom are either immigrants or first generation American. If you really want to know what it means to be an American, ask them. They know, they remember.
For that matter, ask anyone who intentionally immigrated to this country and let them tell you why. They see America the way I wish we could all see it:
Freedom. Opportunity that arises from Hard Work. Choices. Education.
Endless Possibilities.
I have a female friend from another country who married an older American gentleman, in part, “so my children would be educated and be Americans”. Think about it.
Okay, I’m off my soapbox now.
To all my friends~ make it a safe and joyous weekend
To my country ~ Happy Birthday!
And thank you to all my countrymen and women:
We are diverse, we are argumentative and feisty, and often don’t agree; and that’s why together we keep America great!
I am including some links here, just in case you want to wax a little Patriotic on this Fourth of July weekend. (Of course, there are some garden-related ones included).
Happy First Day of Summer Everyone! This is an impromptu post written by some of my Facebook friends:
Here is a little song parody composed by my Facebook friends Lisa, Dee, Robin, Maureen, Peggy, Sonia, Virginia, Diane and Amy!
For the full multi-dimensional experience, click on this instrumental link
Then listen, hum along and follow the bouncing kohlrabi:
On the First Day of Summer My Garden gave to me
Some Snow Peas on a Pea Vine
On the Second Day of Summer My Garden gave to me
Two Tomatoes, and
Some Snow Peas on a Pea vine
On the Third Day of Summer My Garden gave to me:
3 Strawberries
2 Tomatoes
And Some Snow Peas on a Pea Vine
On the Fourth Day of Summer My Garden gave to me:
4 Pesky Critters
3 Strawberries
2 Tomatoes
And Some Snow Peas on a Pea Vine
On the Fifth Day of Summer my Garden gave to me:
5 Gold-en Gnomes (tinkle)
4 Pesky Critters
3 Strawberries
2 Tomatoes
And Some Snow Peas on a Pea Vine
On the Sixth Day of Summer My Garden gave to me:
6 Ducks a Quacking ***
5 Gold-en Gnomes (tinkle)
4 Pesky Critters
3 Strawberries
2 Tomatoes
And Some Snow Peas on a Pea Vine
On the Seventh Day of Summer My Garden gave to me:
7 Days of Heat Wave ;-(
6 Ducks a Quacking ***
5 Gold-en Gnomes (tinkle)
4 Pesky Critters
3 Strawberries
2 Tomatoes
And Some Snow Peas on a Pea Vine
On the Eighth Day of Summer My Garden gave to me:
8 Eggplants Shining
7 Days of Heat Wave ;-(
6 Ducks a Quacking ***
5 Gold-en Gnomes (tinkle)
4 Pesky Critters
3 Strawberries
2 Tomatoes
And Some Snow Peas on a Pea Vine
On the Ninth Day of Summer My Garden gave to me:
9 Days Without Rain
8 Eggplants Shining
7 Days of Heat Wave ;-(
6 Ducks a Quacking ***
5 Gold-en Gnomes (tinkle)
4 Pesky Critters
3 Strawberries
2 Tomatoes
And Some Snow Peas on a Pea Vine
On the Tenth Day of Summer My Garden gave to me:
10 Dirty Fingernails
9 Days Without Rain
8 Eggplants Shining
7 Days of Heat Wave ;-(
6 Ducks a Quacking ***
5 Gold-en Gnomes (tinkle)
4 Pesky Critters
3 Strawberries
2 Tomatoes
And Some Snow Peas on a Pea Vine
On the Eleventh Day of Summer My Garden gave to me:
11 Mosquitoes Biting
10 Dirty Fingernails
9 Days Without Rain
8 Eggplants Shining
7 Days of Heat Wave ;-(
6 Ducks a Quacking ***
5 Gold-en Gnomes (tinkle)
4 Pesky Critters
3 Strawberries
2 Tomatoes
And Some Snow Peas on a Pea Vine
On the Twelfth Day of Summer My Garden gave to me:
12 Corn Stalks Waving
11 Mosquitoes Biting
10 Dirty Fingernails
9 Days Without Rain
8 Eggplants Shining
7 Days of Heat Wave ;-(
6 Ducks a Quacking ***
5 Gold-en Gnomes (tinkle)
4 Pesky Critters
3 Strawberries
2 Tomatoes
And Some Snow Peas on a Pea Vine
It was not too long ago my Mother was reminiscing about the Victory Gardens during World War II. She told me of a cousin she had who grew unusual veggies like Leeks and Swiss chard, which most people were not growing. In trade, he would get more for these ‘rarer’ vegetables than others would get for what was more typical. Pretty smart!
There was a real sense of Patriotism back then that I think we have again in this country. Gardening won’t help the war effort, but there are ways to show your support of our men and women in uniform; to say Thanks to them and to remember what they are willing to sacrifice-what too many others have already sacrificed-so that we have the freedom to do simple things like gardening. Today and every day. Here’s to Our Heroes Remembering those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice Say Thanks to the troops An Excellent History of Victory Gardens Farming in the Forties
Did you ever have one of those days when it seems like the more you do around the house, the more you still need to do? Like you actually create work for yourself? For some reason, long weekends are the worst. Here is a typical example for me:
I went in to the kitchen and noticed the silverware drawer in the old Hoosier style cabinet was coming loose. In order to empty it I needed to move (with Mandolin’s help) the 50 lb. bag of chicken starter I had recently bought that was sitting on the cabinet top. To keep that safe I emptied a plastic storage bin that was holding some canning jars. So the feed gets moved and the kitchen table is now covered in canning jars. I empty the drawer of silverware and decided to wash the tray holders. Now I need a place to put the silverware, so I decided to run that through the dishwasher too. So I put away the clean dishes and load in the ones accumulating in the sink (because I am the only one that willingly unloads the dishwasher) and start the machine. After checking the silverware drawer I realize it can no longer take the everyday use, so I need another drawer to take over the job. I have one that I use for coupons, vitamins, and anything else that needs to be safe from the dog so I begin to clear that one out. After looking for places to hold that stuff, I impulsively empty the other ‘junk’ drawer in the kitchen (that’s three drawers) and now have a basket full of stuff on top of the Hoosier cabinet to sort through. While doing all this I notice the pressure canner I bought a few weeks ago is still under the counter so I decide to find it a home in the laundry room. In the meantime I set it on the kitchen table. I now effectively have covered every surface in the (previously clean) kitchen. While in the laundry room I notice I need to wash some towels, so I gathered up the ones not in the hamper and start a load. Oh yeah, and I was about to feed the cat, better do that now.
“And what does this have to do with gardening?” you may be wondering. If you look closely in the picture, on the lower right corner of the kitchen table you will see two packets of seeds. That’s what I was headed out the door, two hours ago and counting, to do.
I’ve heard this referred to as Age-Activated Attention Deficit Disorder. Okay, I’ll go with that (although I’m hardly old enough).
“Mommy….Mommy the lady wants to talk to you” my 6-yr. old said, as she handed me the phone. “Hello?”
“Good Morning Ma’am. This is the Public Broadcasting Network. Your daughter called to donate $100 to help save programming on PBS…”
Thus began years of donating time, food, dollars, even a prom dress. (I think my actual PBS donation was more like $20, a lot at the time).
My youngest child came when my other kids were 13 and 15, at the time we were in the restaurant business. She was raised by them as much as by us and she is unique. She is more adult than many kids her age and more intense than me (hard to do!). She has taught me about genetically engineered seeds, ethically harvested foods, and about a lot of what else is wrong in this world. More than that, she has taught me more ways to help.
She is, naturally, a vegetarian. Although I am not anymore, I certainly lean in that direction. She is the reason you will continue to find vegetarian recipes here.
Even though she is busy getting ready for her senior year and for college, she is re-launching the Farming for Friends project in our area.
She intends to study matters of the world (public relations) and I am sure she will make a difference (she already has).
On this Mother’s Day, let me introduce to my youngest child, SaveTheWorld Jones.
The picture above was a Mother’s Day gift a few years ago -note the Carrot Theme. It reads: “Things that make a Mother ~ Love, Family, Carrots” -She has a good sense of humor, too
In future posts I will introduce my other kids: my son and his wife MR. & MRS. JONES, and my daughter and her husband Mr. & Mrs. Jones-Ninja.
Happy Mother’s Day! To all the Mothers and Step-mothers, and to all those ladies who help us- Aunties and Best Friends. To all those Mothers still waiting and all who have conceived and lost, my heart is with you.
This was one of our most popular desserts when we operated our restaurant. Although it was one of many recipes published in our cookbook, some of our customers told us they would have bought the book even if this had been the ONLY recipe in it! Be forewarned, though. Once you make this they will ask for it again and again.
The Cake:
1 ¼ cup oil
2 cup sugar
2 cup flour
2 ¼ tsp. cinnamon
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
4 eggs
4 ½ cup grated carrots
1 tsp. salt
Mix dry ingredients, set aside. Blend oil and sugar. Add eggs. Add dry ingredients. Fold in carrots. Bake in well greased and floured Bundt pan at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 1 hour. Let cool.
The Filling:
1 ½ cup sugar
¼ cup flour
½ tsp. salt
1 ¼ cup heavy cream
6 oz. butter
1 ½ cup chopped walnuts
2 tsp. vanilla
Mix all ingredients. Bring to a boil over low heat. Simmer until thick, about 30 minutes. Let cool.
The Icing:
5 oz. cream cheese, softened
3 oz. butter, softened
½ lb. confectioner’s sugar
½ tsp. salt
Mix all ingredients until smooth.
When the cake is cool, slice in half lengthwise. Spread on filling, encouraging some to drip down the sides. Replace top of cake and chill. When cold, spread icing on top, also encouraging a little dripping down the side. Chill again till icing firms up.
Happy Easter, Happy Passover, Happy Spring!
Enjoy!
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