Bach' Minuet by Darling Lily

For your viewing/listening pleasure, I proudly present my 9-year-old Niece, ♥ Lily ♥ 

Minuet in G Major, by JS Bach

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Capone

Romy, with the kids' help, support and enthusiasm, is actively searching for our next dog.  This less-than-a-year-old cutie (border collie mix) was at the Humane Society and we asked the workers if we could play with Capone and get to know him a little better. Look at them ears!  And ... those eyes!! Unfortunately, he is a special-needs dog, with a problem of excessive barking and shyness.  DH retorted with, of course he barks excessively-- he's with other barking dogs!  Still, the Counselor must have known something we didn't know 'coz we weren't a match.  She pre-approved us for another dog.  Choosing one will have to wait for another day because it was already past closing time.  As an added note, street parking in the area was $5!

Shidara, Drum Show from Japan

The last of my "winnings" from CSA.  The tickets were worth $62, but I got them for $12.50.  We were in Row E, seats 27/28.  Traditional music rooted from the mountains of Japan.  Lots of  pounding (my whole body was throbbing by the end of the show), lots of muscle, lots of screaming, a bunch of good-looking Japanese men.  See their official website    HERE  under Attractions/World Music  (turn the sound "on").

Stygian Humor (facebook)

by Jared: A few days ago I was really bored, and really annoyed at those notes where people ask you questions in an attempt to get to know you better. Personally, I would rather be as annoying as possible around you to figure out your pet peeves. I put together a list of questions that I feel demonstrate how pointless these types of things are. Please try to answer the questions before they render you catatonic.

1. What is your full name, Earthling?

2. What is your full address?

3. Phone number?

4. Do you realize you just gave me enough information to stalk and kidnap you?

5. Where does your wife go shopping?

6. Where do your children attend school?

7. Are there any conveniently located woodchippers or tool sheds nearby?

8. Do you love your family?

9. Do you REALLY love them or are you just saying that?

10. Do you go on FB often?

11. What‘s the worst sickness you‘ve ever had?

12. I'm not sure what my worst sickness was, but I know I woke up afterwards with blood on my teeth and another missing house pet.

13. Do you like either funny or scary movies? Yes, there’s a difference.

14. Have you ever been drunk?

15. Would you like to get drunk again?

16. Ah, so you HAVE been drunk?

17. Do you have any siblings?

18. Aren't we all? Join hands and sing, brother.

19. What‘s your sign? Mine’s “Warning: Hazardous Materials”

20. The statistics on sanity are that one out of every four Americans is suffering from some form of mental illness. Think of your three best friends. If they’re okay, then it's you.

21. No. I don’t count as one of your friends.

22. Which of the following would you consider appropriate situations for aggressively picking your nose?:

- In bed, alone

- In bed with a partner

- In bed with a dog

23. Why are you still filling out these questions?

24. Seriously, didn’t #22 make you run off to the bathroom to wash your hands?

25. Are you in a relationship with someone?

26. Keeping in mind that animals, minors and stalking victims don't count, are you in a relationship with someone?

27. I probably should have also added 'fictional characters' to that list.

28. Do you feel lucky, punk?

29. Laurel or Hardy?

30. What's your favorite song by Queen that isn't Bohemian Rhapsody?

31. What's your favorite team sport that isn't football?

32. Have you ever cheated at a board game?

33. Once, when my opponent suffered a heart palpitation, I moved his hotel onto Park Lane while he was distracted.

34. Do you want to have children?

35. I don’t. At least, not while I have my strength.

36. Would your rather hug or kiss?

37. If you’re male, you’re excused from answering that question. You’re too busy doing pushups and grunting.

38. Pineapple or duct tape?

39. Nostrils or the Serengeti Plain?

40. Do you want to lose weight, fatty?

41. Have you ever been to prison?

42. If yes, what crime did you commit?

43. I probably should have asked this earlier: Are you male or female?

44. Really?

45. Wow.

46. What makes you happy?

47. I personally can’t answer #46, as they’re illegal in most countries.

48. Is the cup half full, half empty or redundant?

49. Who is your best friend?

50. Okay, who is your second best friend?

51. Do you have any friends at all?

52. Keep in mind that animals, babies, stalking victims, fictional characters and inanimate objects don't count.

53. Did you know coming up with 100 questions is more difficult than it sounds?

54. Discuss the use of iambic pentameter in “Ode to a Small Lump of Green Putty I Found in My Armpit One Midsummer Evening” by Shakespeare.

55. How old do you think a person should be before they get married?

56. I want prefer to be old enough to not be aware of the fact that I'm getting married.

57. Prior to getting that restraining order, have you ever been in love?

58. When was the last time you were depressed? I don’t mean from the time you started this questionnaire to right aboooout….now.

59. What's your favorite book for use in self-defense?

60. Do I look like a girl?

61. Then why did you kiss me, Brian? On second thought, maybe I shouldn’t have asked that here….

62. What's the best advice you‘ve ever been given?

63. Here‘s something better. Stop reading.

64. List all your pets.

65. I know this may be painful, but list all the dead ones, too.

66. How did they die?

67. Ha ha! What stupid helpless creatures.

68. What's your favorite comic by Charles Schulz called Peanuts?

69. Really?

70. Mine too!

71. Do you admire Justin Bieber...

... For his musical ability?

... For his enormous following of fan girls?

... For the ease with which he will burn?

72. The first thing you notice about the opposite sex is:

73. Besides the outer layer of skin?

74. Rocks or oyster crap? I mean, diamonds or pearls? .

76. Would you like to reconsider your answer to question 43?

77. Have you ever taken drugs?

78. Have you ever sold drugs?

79. Could you give me a price list?

80. Do you think I'm attractive?

81. My mom does.

82. Have you ever dressed like a woman?

83. C'mon, you can tell me.

84. Everyone has at some point.

85. Ha ha! I lied! GAY!

86. My apologies if you're a girl, by the way.

87. When was the last time you said 'I love you'?

88. When was the last time you said it to something other than a theatre screen during a movie called “Twilight“ or “New Moon“?

89. What was the last thing you cried over or got teary about?

90 Besides question 10?

91. Do you have a crush?

92. I’m not talking about when you put the milk on top of the eggs.

93. What color is your underwear?

94. If any of you crass dolts answer brown, I’m going to unfriend you.

95. Why do you think I tagged you on this quiz?

96. Would you be seen in public with me?

97. Would you ever want to date this handsome attractive clever big dark gothic failure?

98. How far would you go on a first date? ?

99. Um...I guess I’d go about four miles, but any more than two and I'd have to ask my mom to drive me.

100. What time can you pick me up?

Yes, if you were tagged in this note, you probably inspired a few of these.

Comforting words

... from our beloved friends, Liviu & Magdalena:

To Romeo & Rowena: 

The departure of a beloved one from the immediate family is a very difficult 
moment in our lives. My wife and I lost our parents longtime ago, and we were 
not even allowed to visit Romania and see them for the last time.
Magdalena and I share our deep sympathy for the loss of Rowena's Mom, a loss 
which will never ever be able to replace. Parents are unique, as children are 
unique, and we are praying to the Lord to give you both strength and peace in 
such terrible time. Our love and condolences go particularly to Rowena and all 
her immediate family, and our prayers are that everybody else in your family 
know the Lord as their personal Savior and Lord.
May God bless you all, and help you during this deep sorrow and sadness.

Love in Christ,

Magdalena and Liviu

...absent from the body, present with the Lord...

Carolina Rivera

We love you, ♥ Mom ♥

Spring Scenes Though It's Still Winter

Artwork on Chanel bag pictures

by lovely Jill

What happens in DC....

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Her Hands

Grandma Lina's hands with 6 of her 9 grandchildren:

Her Hands

© Maggie Pittman

Her hands held me gently from the day I took my first breath.
Her hands helped to guide me as I took my first step.
Her hands held me close when the tears would start to fall.
Her hands were quick to show me that she would take care of it all.

Her hands were there to brush my hair, or straighten a wayward bow.
Her hands were often there to comfort the hurts that didn't always show.
Her hands helped hold the stars in place, and encouraged me to reach.
Her hands would clap and cheer and praise when I captured them at length.

Her hands would also push me, though not down or in harms way.
Her hands would punctuate the words, just do what I say.
Her hands sometimes had to discipline, to help bend this young tree.
Her hands would shape and mold me into all she knew I could be.

Her hands are now twisting with age and years of work,
Her hand now needs my gentle touch to rub away the hurt.
Her hands are more beautiful than anything can be.
Her hands are the reason I am me.

Church Dinner

We had another Sunday night Bible Study.  As usual, we ate dinner together.  The food category, this time, was "Ethnic".  EVERYTHING was delish! A re-peat was requested for two weeks from now, Lord willing.

Sausage/Sauerkraut

Sheperd's Pie

Broccoli/Chicken/Pasta

Taco Salad

chips

Tortilla

California Roll

Pierogi

Curried Rice with Curry chicken

Apple Pie

Fried Banana

Brownies

Judge Napolitano -- a Must View

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A very powerful video!

Andrew P. Napolitano is a 59 year old former New Jersey Superior Court Judge. He is a graduate of Princeton University, and Notre Dame Law School.

At Princeton he was a founding member of the Concerned Alumni of Princeton along with Justice Samuel Alito.

Judge Napolitano is the youngest life-tenured Superior Court judge in the history of the State of New Jersey .

Lesson learned

I've heard and  used the expression, "...enjoy it in good health" many times.  During this season of  life, I've come to realize more fully its meaning. Enjoying anyone and anything  is possible only while one has good health.

Take, for example, the  items I've received from my parent's vast collection of stuff.  The things in their home were purchased for the purpose of being used and/or enjoyed by them. But, they are no longer able to do so.  Dad is gone. Mom is bedridden and arthritic. She can't even scratch herself. Let alone put on make-up. Or use cologne. Or cook in her nice kitchen. Or take out the good china for company to use.

The loss is not one-sided.
I WISH Dad were here. So I can give him a hug.  And tell him how much he's loved and appreciated.
I WISH Mom would get up, and use the bathroom on her own. And dance, and garden, and drive her car.
And come over to my house. And enjoy the kids' recitals. And smile at me.  And joke with me.
And tell me what's really on her mind.

 Sigh...

Hunting & Fishing @ Cabela's

The testosterone level was almost overwhelming,
but I managed to survive my first visit to Cabela's.
Romy and Jared could spend the whole day browsing.
Farrah loves my authentic Chanel lambskin bag from NM.

Catfish

Alligator Gar Fish (yes, it's edible)

Mom's bedroom

Mom is terminally ill.  She has been living @ Joe & Jannette's  home.  I am thankful to God for their hospitality. Among other things, they've made sure to situate Mom in an environment that is both pleasant, and comfortable.

(Camille is in town because of Spring break). 

Gorgeous, one-of-a-kind paintings by  Agnes Rathonyi

Witchy Woman from Narnia

We, as a family,  thoroughly enjoyed one of my "winnings" from the CSA Fund-raising event on Saturday night.  The 7 of us went to Rockford College to see CYT's production of CS Lewis' "Narnia".  We loved the acting, the singing, the costumes, the enthusiasm of the young actors/actresses, and the responsive audience (made up mostly of Moms, Dads, Grandparents, and Siblings, for sure).

Most memorable line from the show, by the White Witch to Edmund: 

I'm a witch; I don't need to keep my promises.

BTW, the Witch's real-life Dad was our impromptu parking-lot attendant, hehe.

Where in the world is Trevor?

We first met Trevor last year at the Summer campground in Wisconsin.  We were having lunch, and he was one of the employees at the Dining Hall.  After completing his duties, he came around to where we were located and showed us a giant Pancake from breakfast.  Jared asked him to pose, and he snapped the picture on the left. 

He is a creative guy. His recipe for a blue, anti-freeze-looking drink (aptly named Forever Trevor) is on the menu; and we all loved it. According to Jared, there are other entrees that were the result of his inventiveness.  He is now in India doing translation work. He has a heart for the Indian people and their need of the Gospel. It doesn't look like it's always about toiling and laboring ---the beach scene seems like fun.

Listen up, Mark Zuckerberg by Suze Orman

Here's a quote from  Mashable the Social Media Guide:

... In her latest “Can I Afford It” segment, Orman strongly advises Mark Z. — an obvious reference to Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg — against buying Twitter. She exclaims, “You want to spend $1.5 billion on Twitter, do I have that right? … Why do you need to buy it … you know Twitter, you can get it for free.”

Fried Eyeballs

Jill's eyesight had worsened. Many, late-into-the-night readings could be blamed; or maybe it's plain, ol' genetics.  A visual acuity test from Sam's Club confirmed her need of corrective lenses.  One hundred forty dollars later, she is ecstatic; and looks even smarter, according to Romy.  

Battlefield Bad Company 2; or, Shall we dance?!

It's my DS who loves war games such as this ; the music is what drew my attention.

Darling Lily

We recently received a sweet Thank-You note from my sister's daughter, Lily.  This is what she wrote:

Dear Auntie:  Thank You for the Metronome!  I use it every day! It really helps me in piano. 

Awww...what a considerate, ♥ Sweetie! I am glad the Metronome got through security at the airport.  Before my sister left,  I had imagined the guards raising suspicious eyebrows as they scanned a ticking, winded, handheld, wooden enclosed-box. Terrorist bomb, anyone? Haha.   Anyhoo, the above return-address sticker used by Lily was Jillian's inspiration for her artwork on my behalf.  CLICK to enlarge.