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Hello Kiddies...
It's that time of year again...time to reawaken the garden...prove once again that when all is looking bleak or empty it is indeed quite the opposite! You cannot have the flowers of spring if at one time the seed didn't die into winter...rebirths are just wonderful! I shall never fear passing from one moment in time to another, for I am a gardener.
Peace to you, yours & mine,
Claire / OWW
Hello kiddies,
Seems like forever since I've been here...just haven't had the time...which is kind of the good news I guess.
Hope you all had a wonderful Easter season...been well over a year now since I first gave up meat for lent (2009)...I just kind of renew the 'give-up'...it's easier then trying to come up something else!
I can't believe that I am now 60! Where the heck did all those years go...I feel like Mrs. Rip Van Winkle sometimes...but not complaining, growing old is good, love this Ole planet of ours.
Went to visit my very dear friend Rose...out there in Ohio...over Easter. This was the first time that I wasn't home for Easter, or my daughter Jacqueline's birthday. When I originally made the plan to go Joseph and Jacqueline were also going, but then things came up and neither one could leave when I was ready to go. They had planned to catch up with me out there but again things came up...or maybe they are slicker then I give them credit? Mm that sounds about right...me away, they have the house to themselves...oh yeah, now it's all making sense.
Well, I did have a wonderful visit with Rose and her family...they're so warm hearted...you can't help but feel comfortable.
Rose had an Easter egg hunt...she must have filled several hundred of those little plastic eggs with prizes...she gave each of the children a basket to fill. It was really cute...I'm not sure who had the most fun, the kids or Rose watching them search her yard for the hidden treasures.
Having dinner at Rose's house is like attending a buffet...she cooks beyond good. I may be a vegetarian but that's doesn't have any impact on the selection of foods that are on her table...her olive bread, roasted peppers, jarred eggplant, etc. etc. etc. I swear I never stopped eating till I was back in the car and headed home.
Before I left I gave Rose, her daughter-in-law and each of her sister-in-law's a perennial for their gardens along with a solar light...meant to mark when it's no longer in bloom.
I am very fortunate to have such a good friend...our blessings are never to be counted simply...they are too numerous if we take the time to see them.
Peace to you and yours,
Claire / OWW
Okay kiddies...
Just thought it might be time to update the photo...
My daughter took this one a few weeks ago...as you can see, my hair is a bit lighter and so much straighter. I haven't had my hair straight in years. Jacqueline suggested it and I have to admit, I do like it. Of course it now takes me extra time some mornings, but that's okay, I work less then 10 minutes from my home.
Hope you all have a wonderful spring...today was in the mid 60's and felt just wonderful!
Peace,
Claire / OWW
Hello kiddies...
You are wished a very happy St. Patrick's Day.
I came home and caught some of the parade (in New York) on TV.
Most of the restaurants and clubs in the NY/NJ areas have banned anyone from having an open alcoholic beverage on the streets (not that it's ever allowed at any other time of the year) but, they do know that with the excitement of parades there are too many who abuse others with their poor behaviour.
This is now my second year without having that favorite meal of corned beef/pastrami with lots of cabbage...oh well, it's far less calories!
Hope everyone enjoys the day...and remembers that whether you wear green, red, blue or purple...the message is more about respecting other's nationalities.
Peace to you, yours, and mine!
Wow...here it is just about a year and I haven't had any meat or meat by-products in my diet. Have to say, I am feeling so much better...and I don't miss it at all!
My son, Joseph, has also become a vegetarian...and that was his decision, not mine. Of course, Jacqueline is not a mere vegetarian...but a devote vegan. She won't even eat white sugar or honey from bees...she has agave in its' place. Me, I still like honey...very soothing on the throat.
I have found that my list of veggies has broaden immensely...and pizza is not pizza anymore unless it contains all fresh veggies...right down to the tomato.
Hope all your meals are as healthy, if not healthier, as ours!
Peace,
Claire /OWW
This is what it looks like when it snows in my 'neck of the woods' (not like we have woods...but we do have the Hudson River)
Woke to find these huge flakes covering everything...by noon it was all over. The great part being no shoveling necessary!
We can't really complain...haven't had to use much ice-melt so far this winter.
But, we are only entering February...and many a time a full scale blizzard has hit around the middle of the month.
Well, have to be up early...just thought I would share this pic...do hope you and yours have a wonderful week.
Peace,
Claire / OWW
Only in America kiddies...only in America...can a person not perform the job they were paid to do and be given the opportunity to vote themselves a pay increase.
Kiddies, we really do need this situation addressed. When those we elect to represent us in Washington fail to do their job...then they should not be given an increase in pay.
Look at the economy...do you think our 'elected' have earned an increase??? Pray tell, what did they do right??? For the love of God and Country I am at a loss on this one...
We may not be in total control of what the money grubbers in banking or on Wall Street can do...but, we certainly should be in control of the taxpayer supported persons playing with our money...and thus, our lives.
You do realize that once a person is elected to office, they will receive a lifetime pension, complete with medical care for the rest of their lives...even if they never showed up one day to perform their duties as representatives of the people of their state...never bothered to be there for many of those important votes...and, always willing to take 'freebies' being offered by lobbyist. (Let's not forget too that many take family and friends (political) along on our tax dollar as they travel abroad on 'business.'
Mr. President...we need to change Washington...give it back to the people to decide if those elected to office are earning their pay...and, don't give huge pension plans because some lucky son-of-a-gun managed to get elected for one term...
That's all kiddies...just a few passing thoughts as our state of the union was addressed by our President.
Peace,
Claire / OWW
Sure do wish I could say it was inspiring...but, not really.
Good that money will go to smaller (community) banks...but, if it's as slow as the other programs already in place (stimulus plans in 2009) it won't be of much help. There are small businesses that were approved last year...still many of these small business owners haven't received any checks...resulting in layoffs, or super mounting debt as many had to resort to personal credit cards to see them through.
Glad to see our President addressed the military problem of 'if you don't tell, we won't make a big deal.' There have been countless service men and women, who have served our country above and beyond just talk...and yet, some had to keep secret their own personal preferences...goes very much against our freedoms that Americans fight and die for everyday...here and abroad. Couldn't help but note that the 'big ole flashy uniforms' in the front section didn't look too pleased...hope that was just their poker faces!
Do hope that both sides of the aisle realize that we're all suppose to be on the same team...Team America. At some point, politicians need to get a grip and put aside their own 'personal, selfish, egotistical' selves and do the job the taxpayers pay them to do.
Happy to see money not being deprived in the area of homeland security and for our good men and women serving our country. Of course, I think that we still have a long way to go...many a person is coming back home and finding that no job exists...or, health care for them and their families...(except for those yokums in Washington)
I will remain optimistic that the country is recovering...slow as it may be.
Peace,
Claire / OWW
So distressing to see the pictures out of Haiti...I can imagine the feelings of helplessness as families search for loved ones...hoping that each stone turned will reveal a new miracle. (It was so like that here on 9/11.)
Kudos to all the relief workers, volunteers and military personnel from all parts of the world...trying so desperately to give the Haitian people something to hold on to.
Faith alone will not heal their wounds...yes, it will sustain them through some of the darker moments...but we do not live on faith alone.
Haiti, sadly, has a history of being 'that poor country in the Caribbean.' It matters not that millions of dollars have been spent over the years to improve the conditions in that country. Nor does it matter that it has had more relief agencies involved in it's welfare then any other country in the western hemisphere. And, it matters even less, that unconscionable sums of money have been spent in attempts to build a stable economy. And why is that? Because, the politics of that region has not changed...in way too many decades to count.
Money (and I do mean great sums) has always found it way there...but, never has it found it's way to the poor. The middle class is non-existent in that country. Decent health care is only a dream. Housing...beyond belief that we are in the 21st century. The simple parts of the day, eating and bathing, has never been a simple part of the day.
We all will continue to send money to help 'these desperately poor' people...but, what they need from us...when this immediate crisis passes...is indeed faith fulfilled in their future. Faith that all those agencies receiving funds, no matter how small, no matter where it comes from...be held accountable for how they spend it on the people of Haiti.
This is a country with a population less then New York City. I cannot believe that with responsible spending Haiti can't be a thriving economy once and for all...complete with decent housing, education and healthare for it's people. All that is needed is trash politics thrown out...and that should include the trash politics that takes place when the deals are made behind closed doors (and yes, even in Washington.)
Send in your donations...let your government subsidize a rebuilding...but, don't tolerate the same old same old politics that has been in place. DEMAND AN ACCOUNTING OF EACH AND EVERY DOLLAR SPENT!
Make no mistake...Haiti is not the only country being cheated by political thieves...it's just that this is the country on the front pages of the world today.
God bless you and yours...
Peace,
Claire / OWW
Good evening kiddies!
Wow, I have missed a lot...and that's won't happen again. Trying to get to every one's blog before the week is out. So far, it's all good!
Must say, the most colorful belongs to Ginger, down there in Brazil...what a great photographer she is...always something different to see...and, very uplifting. Darn Ginger, I really do need to get a 'real' camera and put some decent pics up here. I'm sure there has to be something in the NJ/NY area worth seeing!
I love the diversity of all the blogs...unless they're trying to sell something...then, I click right off...and move on. If I want to shop I'll go shopping.
Well, closing right now...do hope you all have a wonderful week!
Still haven't quite figured out why the pics aren't coming up of those that are on my list...but, I'm working on it!
Peace,
Claire / OWW
I am watching the tragic news out of Haiti...
My most sincere prayers and heartfelt thoughts go out to all its citizens and their families. I do hope that those involved with all the many rescue missions, that will be dispatched, be safe. I pray that the aftershocks expected are few and not major...and that a tsunami does not follow and feed this very dangerous situation.
The pictures are just beyond understanding. The planet has it's own heartbeat...we really do need to learn so much more about her...to protect the generations to come...for we are indeed our brothers & sisters keepers.
I will keep all in my prayers.
Peace,
Claire / OWW
She arrived in Rome three hours earlier then expected.
She called the house (using iphone) about 5:45 a.m. to say she was in Brussels and awaiting her flight to Rome. Said that they wouldn't allow her to wait within the gated area of her flight as they don't allow anyone within the space when flights are arriving from Africa.
She is a happy little camper and looking forward to spending time with her cousins and friends...
May all who travel arrive safe and sound...
Peace,
Claire / OWW
My Jacqueline is now en route to Italy. Was so happy to see that the airport (Newark) was not hectic...all seemed to be moving along quite nicely.
She decided to fly AirIndia...no wait at check-in...and the lines moved quite smoothly at the gate. Think people have finally realized that there can be no fooling around at that point, even the kids that were traveling seemed to be super well-behaved...great testament to the parents.
She arrives in Brussels in the early morning. I told her to take some short sight-seeing trip before her flight to Italy...if she has the time (not sure where their airport is located as to proximity)
Do hope you all have had a wonderful weekend!
Peace,
Claire / OWW
So now, I open my email, just after posting on my blog…and what do I find, an email from John O. Brennan, Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism (let me catch my breath there please.)
Mr. Brennan is announcing the appointment of Howard Schmidt to be the White House Cybersecurity Coordinator (boy, do they ever love titles.) Now it says that Mr. Schmidt will have ‘regular access to the President’ serving as not just a member, but a key member, of his National Security Staff.
Now I don’t want to say I have no confidence in Mr. Schmidt, (or as John ‘Brennan’ refers to him as Howard), but it does make me a little worried that the guy announcing the appointment was the one that who dropped the ball with the Christmas Day 2009 disaster (and I do mean disaster…let’s not think it wasn’t just because no one was killed this time…that is only to be credited to a guy that realized smoking pants has to be a bit more then a smoking gun.) NOTE: Must be a ton of run-on sentences in there…but I’m not counting…if I had money, I would have an editor!
And, while we’re at it…why is Janet Napolitano still Homeland Security Secretary???? Remember her, she said the system worked…when the nut job tried to blow up the plane on Christmas Day 2009…did she not read the paper…the man made it on to the plane???? It wasn’t the system that worked, it was a guy waiting for his flight to land, and determined not to have it delayed. I mean, being a woman, I’m all for advancing women to higher offices, but really, not when they are incompetent! Step out of the way Janet, there are a great many women out there that would love your job…and do it better…they just don’t have the political clout to get them there yet.
I really should have devoted myself to politics in my younger days…I too might have risen to the top ranks of incompetent something or other. I mean, I do come from Hudson County…oh, but that’s right, we keep it local here.
Make no mistake, I find there to be a genuine need for someone, with experience, heading some kind of Cybersecurity program…I just don’t want to hear later that that person made a ‘human error’ and is not truly held accountable.
Howard Schmidt, I do hope you make us no promises…just do your job as expected…and we can ask no more of you.
Just a thought here…but maybe “Howard” should monitor the emails of Brennan, Napolitano and Leiter. If ever there are persons that can’t figure the scammers from the good guys, these do fit the profile…of course, that’s just my opinion…and who am I, just an old woman in Jersey.
God Bless America…and all her family and friends (including those that aren’t too crazy about us, but not planning to kill us.)
Peace,
Claire / OWW
No one in the White House is willing to hand out pink slips to those that have failed to do their jobs…they are willing to condone the ski trip of Counter-terror (supposed) watchdog Michael Leiter…only in America kiddies!
John Brennan why do you still have a job????? Didn’t you realize that Leiter, and your agency, failed to do what they are paid to do…maintain (and I don’t mean dusting) a counterterrorism desk. Wasn’t it your agency that was ‘trained’ to identify and then ensure the correlation of data from intelligence reports…gathered from around the planet…and ensure such vital information be passed along to all appropriate departments…or did you think the dissemination of vital security information wasn’t your number one task????
Human error…give me a break. That is not an excuse…nor should it ever be tolerated within such broad based, well financed, crucial areas of our Government. I am not interested in hearing your ‘under funded’ stories. Stop spending our hard earned dollar on pork (which as nothing to do with me being vegetarian.) We give out lifetime pensions day in and day out to these ‘human error’ types. Wake up everyone…we are only as secure as we demand our Government make us. I am no longer content to hear your promises…don’t promise me anything…just do your job.
Can you imagine that you have just screwed up on your job big time…and your boss hands you the okay to ‘go relax’ not worry about work…some underling will handle your ‘important’ job. Umm, I think I would be asking why the underling wasn’t replacing you…certainly not an incentive for anyone else to take the job seriously.
Now I don’t claim to have all the answers (in fact, I don’t have any) but then again, you all haven’t selected me to monitor the comings and goings of those that might like to rip your heart out by stealing your sense of wellbeing.
We are over eight years since 9/11...when our everyday life was turned upside down. Christmas Day 2009 should have screamed out to Washington…they’re back and getting more ingenious in their ways to steal life. Mr. President…do not let your citizens down…hold those accountable for this incredulous lax in security…fire them. Send the message that you either do your job or you lose it…and, if you lose it, for failure to perform, then you lose all pension rights…not cuddling ‘the inner circle’…be brave, take that bold new stand the people that elected you expected…
Or, we can just go about our new everyday…looking over our shoulder, hoping that someone sitting next to us, or walking along side of us notices the next wacko that the ‘intelligence agencies’ welcomed to our shores.
Remember, the life you save, just might be someone you love!
Peace,
Claire / OWW
I have no idea why you're pics are not showing up...anyone have an answer let me know...I must have clicked something that shouldn't have been clicked.
Again,
Peace,
Claire / OWW
Not that I don't like a good snowstorm...but, with Jacqueline's flight set for late Sunday afternoon...I'd rather think the airport isn't backed-up.
She hasn't packed a bag yet...knowing my little delicate flower, that will be taken care of Sunday morning. Oh to be young again and so clear-headed!
Have some new posts for here but they'll be after she is on her way.
Till then, be well, be happy...and, for the love of God, be positive!
Peace,
Claire / OWW
Hello kiddies...
Hope your Sunday is as peaceful as mine. I had set it in my mind that today I would do little more then relax...and relaxed I am.
Started my sauce about 10 this morning...and hours later it's looking like sauce should look...tempting. I cut up my bread and made garlic chips (as opposed to loaves of garlic bread) figuring they'll keep better as we wait to have dinner. They are perfect when I add chopped tomato, garlic, pepper and seasonings marinaded in olive oil and a sweet wine vinegar.
Still haven't decided what kind of pasta to make (of course, it has to be Vegan for Jacqueline.)
Must admit though that I do miss the flavor and taste of pork in my sauce (or in anything for that matter.) But, I am still a vegetarian...well, a vegetarian that has not omitted dairy products in total...or an occasional piece of fish...but, I am striving to be more conscious of what I eat.
Do hope you all have a wonderful Sunday...and Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday...and, of course, Saturday!
Peace to you and yours,
Claire / OWW
My little delicate flower is off again to Italy...
Jacqueline is off again...on the 10th...has her one way ticket to Italy in hand...leaving her many options on when to return. It's been a couple of years since she was last with her cousins and friends over there.
This past summer she did get to visit with one of her cousins when he flew into New York. That's all she needed to get the thoughts of returning to Italy back into her pretty little head. She has always been so independent...no one need push her...she is her own motivator.
Jacqueline was hoping Joseph would join her this trip...but, he was not feeling it. I thought it would have been a good idea too, but, it was his decision to make.
I try not to think about all those thieves out there...you know the ones, they steal your peace of mind and sense of security. Jacqueline maintains a great attitude...she doesn't give any of it a thought. Just goes about her everyday.
Now if someone would ask me how to solve the problem of terrorist...I would say turn them over to the parents of all those lost children.
But, back to little miss happy. Took her shopping before the holidays to redo her wardrobe only for her to decide that she is going to pack light so as not to have to deal with any luggage problems at the airport. (Gee, she couldn't have thought about that before the $$$$ changed hands.) Of course, she has packed enough cosmetics (she's a makeup artist by trade) to make-over the entire population of Rome, Termoli, Montorio and all those other little espresso towns. I think in brushes alone she could have cut world hunger in half.
Each time Jacqueline leaves...she returns with some totally different look. As to clothes, same thing, returns with all new. Of course, I do appreciate that she has excellent taste when it comes to buying bags (pocketbooks) and scarves, always something very different.
Well, it's getting late...and I do want to be up early tomorrow...not for any great reason...just to extend my relax time.
Peace,
Claire
Hello again all you fine kiddies...
Christmas time...a time to bake, and bake, and bake some more! Now I thought this would be no big deal, but my Jacqueline doesn't eat dairy...so there go the eggs and butter, along with the milk chocolate chips for the cookies.
But...that was not going to be the case...for I wanted to surprise my friend Rose (out there in Ohio) with something special. So, I invited Rose's two granddaughter's, Zoe and Francesca, to come and bake for grandma. Now if you know Rose you would know that she is constantly baking something...she brings to the table those grand recipes from her native Italy. Gosh, do I ever miss her!
The girls baked sugar cookies...dressed them with red, green and white icings...and, of course, lots of sprinkles. The chocolate chip cookies were quite crispy...and looked like they were made for munchkins.
Zoe enjoyed very much doing the peanut butter cookies...adding marshmallow and chocolate to the mix...then rolling the cookies in crushed chocolate chips cookies.
By now, Francesca just about had it with baking. She threw up her arms and said, "Claire...no more baking." With that, she exited the kitchen, went into the living room, sat on the sofa and announced to Joseph that he might think to change the channel. With that, Joseph told her, "Francesca, no way, this is a Giant's game!" That being explained, she laid down on the sofa and told her it was 'okay' for him to watch the game...and dozed off within minutes.
Zoe separated the finished cookies into two batches...one to be mailed out to her grandma Rose...the other to be carried with her to Canada. Zoe, Francesca and mom and dad, would be spending the holiday up in the Laurentian Mountains visiting her Canadian grandparents.
The following Saturday (or was it Sunday?) the girls came back over and made gifts for their parents. The first thing Francesca said as she walked in the house was "no cookies...too much work!"
Zoe made her mom a bibbed white apron...she cut, ironed and sewed it all by herself. Francesca selected the rhinestone buttons from my jewelry box. Together they put together two compact mirrors (with their latest Christmas photo on one side) one for their mom and the other for grandma Rose...and a small mirrored drawer for their dad. Zoe filled the drawer with four black iridescent hearts atop their picture, each heart representing Zoe, Francesca, mom and dad...so when dad is out camping he need only open the box as a symbol of how their hearts touch. That was Zoe's thought...not mine. They also decorated a Christmas placemat with their pictures for Grandma and Grandpa in Canada.
I must say...this was one of my best ways to prepare for Christmas. Thank you Rose for sharing your wonderful grandchildren with me. And, thank you Sonia and Louis for putting such a lovely twinkle in my holiday remembrance.
I hope you all found a way to put a twinkle in your holiday.
Peace,
Claire / OWW
