Family Reunion = Food

Somehow it seems like we were always eating. That was the general "program" whenever I met with my relatives during the visit to New York. This nice little dairy place in Lake Success, LI, NY, was the venue for two reunions. One with my father's brother and wife (my aunt) and then the next week with my father's sister and my cousin. I took this picture.

The restaurant has a great selection of classic Jewish food and more modern salads. Yes, of course it's kosher! Acutally I was really impressed by the amount of kosher restaurants in the area. The food in this one is very good, and I'm sure that plenty of people are attracted to the food and don't care about kashrut.

And since we're talking about food, please hurry up and get your posts to the Kosher Cooking Carnival. Elf is hosting this month! If there are no volunteers for the post-Holiday issue, I'll do it. Either send it to me, (shilohmuse at gmail dot com) or elf (navelofwine at comcast dot net), or use Conservative Cat's form or the Blog Carnival form. You don't have to have a blog to submit recipes or essays by e-mail. You can also get a little widget at the Blog Carnival site that will direct you the Kosher Cooking Carnival wherever it is, whenever it is.

• stories
• traditions
• restaurant and book reviews
• pictures
• and yes, even recipes

Remember, anything kosher!

I remember when he shot himself

The Superman I knew could stop bullets with his bare hands, but I guess his head wasn't of the same strength.

George Reeves was the Superman of my childhood. We watched the show on TV, in black and white, of course. Then there was no Superman, and then the headlines screamed of his suicide.

Then much later there was a movie Superman, Christopher Reeve, who seemed so perfect. Though as a child I hadn't a clue as to the real-life problems of my TV Superman. Christopher Reeve is a modern legend. He became even more perfect in the public's mind after he fell off the horse and broke his neck. Being paralyzed challenged him as nobody would ever want. He and his wife faced up to his limitations in a truly "super" way. Who would have guessed that there was such quality behind his good looks. Now they are both dead, giving proof to the saying that "Bad things happen to good people."


So far there's no movie made about them (at least to my knowledge,) but I didn't know that George Reeves was the subject of a movie. He wasn't heroic like the character he played, nor the more famous, later Superman. There must have been too much Kryptonite in his life.

It's a boy, so what?

I was just catching up on my reading when I saw the article in the New York Times about the newly born Japanese prince. He has two older sisters and a female cousin. Just before his mother became pregnant with him, Japanese lawmakers were working on drafting a law that would allow his cousin, only child of the "first in line," to inherit the throne.

Now all of Japan is ecstatic! A male baby! The Chrysanthemum Throne is saved!

The pressure to produce a male heir, which biologically is actually the job of the male parent, has produced so much pressure that his intelligent and educated aunt, Crown Princess Masako, 42, has become a depressed recluse.

Honestly, I've never understood this "male is better" thing. We have three daughters and two sons in that order, and when we were an "only daughters" family I felt no pressure to "produce" a boy. Actually the only time I felt that it would be advantageous was after having our first son, since I didn't want him to be "an only son."

The boys are less than two and a half years apart, two school years, and thank G-d they are good friends with lots of friends in common. They're all grown up, as you probably know.

I feel sorry for those Japanese princesses and even sorrier for that newborn prince, who will never be able to live the life he wants. He was conceived to be Emperor, not an individual. How sad.

Back from the Trenches!

Yes, I survived! And it was much better than I had dreaded, errr, expected.

Of course I ended up leaving the house a bit later than planned, since I had to find my keys. Well, I hadn't needed them for three months! But the fellow-teacher who gave me a ride didn't complain that he had to drive a drop more.

Three months should be a sufficiently long vacation, but... I would have extended it if I could. But there are things we just must do...

I wasn't given much information about my kiddies, except that I'm teaching all of the remedial groups this year. That means: the very lowest groups in all four high school grades.

I wasn't even getting the seniors I had finally, the last couple of months of the year, managed to teach. They were going to a higher level, and I was just going to get those who could barely write their names in English. remember, I'm an EFL, English as a Foreign Language teacher.

Even worse, I knew that I'd be teaching the 11th graders who had been driving me crazy for two years, even though they had never even been my students. My tenth grade group is made up of the weakest kids ever; last year we barely made it through half the book, so we'll continue with the same one.

And the ninth grade? I didn't know what to expect, except that it was recommended that I try a different, a much easier textbook.

So, as you can imagine, I thought a longer vacation would be a very good idea.

But today was the day, the big day! Sitting in our nice big office chair at home, at the trusty keyboard, I prepared the lessons.

• a very basic test to see what the 9th grade can do
• a quiz for the 10th to check that they went over last year's material
• and for the 11th and 12th, my three pages of magic--Learn this well, and you'll do really well!

We arrived and saw that the Teachers room was rearranged. There are now separate tables for men and women teachers. In between is a divider, actually our boxes and drawers. The Orthodox Jewish Synagogues I go to in the states don't have mechitza so high and thick. It's not hermetically sealed, and the afternoon high school staff seems to be ignoring it. It doesn't suit us nor our needs as staff.

I quickly photocopied everything I had prepared. I didn't expect the kids to show up with books, even though it's a requirement. "Kacha zeh," That's the way it is, as they say in Hebrew. I cheated by doing it in the office, where the machine is much better.

Then the 10th grade... Until we found which classroom, but that's another story. I have a small group, and they all didn't enter at once. I gave them their quiz. Of course they didn't remember much, even after I read it out loud. But they were well-behaved, so I can't complain.

Next was the 11th grade, the ones who really had me nervous. Eventually a few sat down, and we had a "chat." I told them about the "Bagrut," nation-wide tests, and how if they showed up to class and followed my instructions, they could pass. We started doing my "magic pages." They were really into it, and we could have gone on at least another twenty minutes. Better leave them loving it, rather than hating it.

I had already calmed down and was starting to really enjoy myself when the 9th grade trickled in. We talked, and they got their little "test." One kid who claimed that their book was too babyish couldn't even write his name, but another two will go up to the next higher group, and I'll be getting another two or three from there.

Last but not least were the 12th graders who "mobbed" me to report on their test scores from last summer. They were all excited to continue with me, but those successful ones were being promoted to the better group. They didn't like that idea. They claimed that I'm the only English teacher who ever managed to teach them, so they lobbied the principal, and it looks like I'm having a larger group than expected. It's so nice to be appreciated!

Funny, how once I'm there at the high school, I just can't wait to get back in the classroom. Thank G-d, it was a great day.

From the Saga of Baile Rochel. #14

One good turn deserves another.

Yes, One good turn deserves another. That's why whenever I discover that post of mine is in a blog carnival I try to publicize it on my own blog. In the rules of blogging etiquette, it's very important. Hosting a carnival demands a lot of time and effort, even though it is enjoyable.

That's why there are times I seem to be doing so many "carnival updates." So, if you haven't gotten the message, take a good look at the carnivals and visit the various other blogs.

Even if you don't have a family of your own, you'll enjoy the Carnival of Family Life.

There's something for everybody in the Carnival of Education.

In your comments, you can always say that I sent you. Enjoy!

Wikipedia- good or bad?

When I write, I like to check my facts, and "footnote" with a link. It's one of those great techniques available when writing and reading online.

That's how I became acquainted with Wikipedia. Simply, it's an online encyclopedia, and it's free to use and link. The uniqueness is that it has a multitude of view points. That's because anybody can contribute an article.

Not everybody is as enthusiastic as I am, which is something I accept in principle. But to say that it's "Mao's Revenge" is totally ridiculous. Jaron Lanier must be too young to remember the mind control Mao demanded. Check out the "Mao link;" it's from Wikipedia, of course!

Viva La Difference

Please excuse my French spelling if there's a mistake; I took Spanish, learned Hebrew and write in English!

I'm sure that I'm not the only one who was shocked at this:
Jewish man removed from airplane for praying

Some fellow passengers are questioning why an Orthodox Jewish man was removed from an Air Canada Jazz flight in Montreal last week for praying.

It immediately made me think of the flights to and from Israel, especially the Nefesh B'Nefesh ones, where I took this picture, as the sun rose on August 10, 2006. Praying on the plane was such a natural sight and easier to get a minyan than in most neighborhoods.
I'm sure my prying camera was their biggest annoyance.

Last day!

This is the last day of my summer vacation, and I shouldn't complain, since according to the original schedule, I was supposed to be back in that "saddle" a week and a half ago. Even though we're not in the "war zone," it was the "Spin War," that recent war in the north of Israel that caused the postponement. The dorms of the Yeshiva High School Mateh Binyamin in Beit El were used by those fleeing their bombed homes, and many teachers were called to the reserves, including the Rosh Yeshiva. The new trend here is lots of hikes and trips to "meld" a strong group, so they gave the boys a two-day one, and considering that Wednesday is my day off... so tomorrow I face the little darlings for the first time in three months.

Let's see how much English they remember, and let's see how long it takes me to learn all their names!

I see that nobody took up the challenge of guessing where this picture is. One hint--It's not in Israel.

Yesterday, I went to Jerusalem, had some pictures printed from a few cd's I had "burned" from the digital camera. Is that how you say it? I've been going to the store where I bought it, rather than my old "favorite" photo place. I was in a big rush and they did a good and fast job. I did them in triplicate, so I'd have enough for my own album, special "New Year's Cards" and for my sons to give out.

I bought a package of colored "bristol," which is sort of like a slightly thinner "oaktag" I remember from my youth. The plan was to have my granddaughters, Hallelie and Porat draw their "pictures" and then I'd past a picture of them on the "cards" which would be for various relatives in the states.

That was the big rush. I had to get to Ofra to pick up the girls. It was the first "full day" of gan, nursery school, for Hallelie. I really didn't have to get there early, since it's not like the day care center with a 20 minute release time. At gan they are busy until the very end, so I had to wait. But she knew I was there, and she preferred sitting with the other kids and watching the "show" which was on.

But by the time she was willing to go with me, she was so exhausted I had to carry her almost the whole way home. After she drank juice and ate two omelets, we picked up Porat, who had just fallen asleep. She slept very deeply, since she didn't awaken when I transferred her to the stroller and then carried her up the stairs and put her in bed.

Hallelie also fell asleep, so the drawing was later, and I came home with lots of pictures to use as cards from them.

Today I got up early! And now I have to get ready to go to the Neve Yaakov pool.

I'll also try to see if there are any clothes on sale for the girls for next summer. Somehow I missed it this year.

And what will I do with my students tomorrow? I haven't yet decided. Bad teacher! But don't worry, I'll come up with something.

Updates

My older son is off to the airport to visit NY/NJ for a few weeks. Yes, that means that he'll be away for most of the Holidays. Younger son will be going in two days, too. Oy, we'll be empty-nesting again. So for all those gorgeous young ladies who were hoping to snag them, set up your nets in Livingston, Great Neck and Manhattan.

And in a different sphere entirely, I added a couple of blogs to ye olde sidebar. They are The Pragmatician and NYC Educator. Take a gander. They are very different from each other.

Yesterday I started the "exercise class." It's 90 minutes long and a very mixed group of women. Two years ago, the morning classes were by levels, and this is on the "easy" day, and it seemed like a warm-up. I didn't have a watch on, and there's no clock in the building, so I was surprised when it was over. It's now almost a full 24 hours later, and I feel fine. The night before I played basketball, and the stretching and relaxations we did seem to have released my jaw.

Today I ought to walk. I did one round through the neighborhood here last night; that's almost a mile. I haven't been sleeping well. "Babying" my right heel means less walking, which has its disadvantages. This afternoon is my turn to babysit, so I have a busy day planned. Tomorrow is swimming day, now that I'm restricted to once a week in Neve Yaakov.

Thursday the usual pre-Shabbat cooking and then the first day back at work. Honestly, I could use a little more vacation. I'd feel better about going back to work if my schedule was fully corrected and there was more communication from my "bosses."

Enough with the kvetch! On with the day!

Ok, I did it

I got stuck with one of those meme's. It's like those kids' games, sort of like "tag."

I haven't done one for awhile. This was from the Pragmatician. He visits my blog on occasion and I visited back and sort of got tagged.

Actually it's a nice one. We have to compliment the first person we see after being tagged and then tell about it. I hope I got his right. I kept forgetting about it, since it's not like I blog in a busy office where I see people all the time. It's also not like my house is full of people. I usually blog when I'm alone. So this was a tough one to do. I'd "plan on it" and then totally forget long before I saw anyone.

One thing I've learned, and that's to ask for help, so I asked the Pragmatician to remind me, and he did, but then there still wasn't anyone to compliment. But I was a good girl and didn't delete the reminder.

Finally about a half an hour ago I checked my mail and saw it. Not only were there other people in the house, but they were awake! I quickly left my chair and left the den and looked for my darling little boys. OK, no everyone thinks of them as little; they are army veterans and world travelers. But they will always be my little boys!

They were sitting at the diningroom table feeling quite mellow after the delicious dinner I cooked for them. I told them that I love them and they are wonderful, and they looked at me like I had lost my marbles. But they always look at me like that. Maybe I have.

So that's it.

They're both going to the states this week to visit family, such tzaddikim, righteous boys willing to spend time with the family old folks. Yes, I do love my little boys.

Carnival time

I've waited so long collecting carnival news that I may have forgotten some. Sorry if that's the case.

Let's star with Havel Havelim at Daled Amos. Refuah Shleimah (full healing) to DA's daughter.
Next Gary's BOMS.
And here's Carnival of the Mundane.
Last but not least, the Carnival of the Vanities!

That should give you plenty to read, so enjoy!

ps Don't forget to get your "kosher food" links in by September 10th for the next Kosher Cooking Carnival. Elf wants to post it before Rosh Hashanah.

They shouldn't know!

Last night, during my weekly basketball game, a thought suddenly crossed my mind.

Those lovely young people who have been giving me their seats in the buses shouldn't see me playing ball!

Then I'd lose the privileges I get for "looking old!" That would be a shame. It's a bit embarrassing at times, but I do prefer sitting to standing. I'm certainly not willing to undergo any of the "beauty procedures" some people suffer to look younger. I think they look ridiculous, and then people expect you to be stronger and perkier. I'd hate to have people saying to themselves: "Isn't she too young to be so forgetful?" Since I don't take any "extreme measures" to look younger, I can easily joke about my increasing age and the "disadvantages."

Being the oldest on the basketball court makes it perfectly acceptable for me to state: "Don't expect me to run." I can pass, catch and shoot well enough. Last night I was the first to score in both "halves," not that we keep score. It's not that I just stand near the basket, like a dummy; I take long strides, rather than run. It's ok; our game is slow enough, and the others accept my "handicap." So few of us show up, the organizer can't be fussy.

But I can see they do worry about me, like last night, when the ball hit me in the chin so hard I felt my jaw being pushed to where it shouldn't be. Everything went into slow motion. With one hand I held onto the ball, and with the other I checked my face to make sure all the bones had returned to their proper places. Everyone's eyes were on me. It was the last play of the game. I got my jaw moving almost normally. Then I put both hands on the ball, eyes on the basket, I shot... and missed.

A Win Win Match

I still think that this can be a great movie! It was a Win Win Match!



On one had there was the legend, and on the other hand someone struggling to make it, your classic underdog.

That's quite a match. Whom should we cheer for, the man who entertained the world on and off the court for twenty years or the player who was "unknown," ranked at 1,000 plus just a year ago?

This isn't a newspaper, so you all must know by now that the "new Becker," Benjamin, not Boris, beat Andre Agassi. I'm sure there wasn't a dry eye in the house. And now Agassi will be able to retire, like his body has been demanding.

One thing for sure; his body may be falling apart, but his dignity is still intact.

Now he should just have the strength and health to enjoy his family.

It's about time...

I've been on and off the computer all day. Certainly haven't missed a wedding, and I did hang out some washes, and did the dishes and a few other minimal errands in the house.

But I really think the time has come to get rid of temptation. It is temptation, and my lack of self control means that I waste much too much time. I have tons of things to do today.

Work, teaching, resumes on Thursday.

The pool is closed, so I'll have to travel to Jerusalem once a week for a swim.

I signed up for the exercise class I took two years ago; this year it will be on Mondays, in the morning, before I go to work.

Tonight is basketball. I hope that I can do it safely enough, so that I won't damage my heel, knees, etc. I really like the upper body workout I get from the shooting and passing.

The silver should be polished.

And I have some hats to finish crocheting. I spoke to someone who works with cancer patients, and she likes the idea of my donating hats.

So, off goes the computer for at least a few hours!

Oops! Maybe I should just check the news first....

Sad but a Fact of Life

We don't live in a perfect world. The successful, wealthy people have healthier kids. It starts with the fact that they don't have to take into account cost when trying to decide what to buy for themselves and their families. If necessary a wealthy pregnant woman can take a break from work when needed and budget in a maternity leave. But someone at a minimum wage job doesn't usually have such luxury and savings.

Not too long ago, it was all taken for granted as "normal." But now women are complaining. The cashier wants the same rights as the executive. In theory they are right, but what will happen is that it will become harder for young fertile women to get jobs, since the employers won't want the burden of providing clean "pumping facilities" and longer breaks. They'll find "valid" excuses to fire women who may make demands.

Yes, that's life.

The rich get richer and the poor get poorer.

It takes more than a tennis ball to kill a legend!

I'm not a dedicated sports fan. What interests me the most is the personalities behind the balls, bats, rackets, tracks etc.

I have vague memories of the young Andre Agassi. I was a busy young mother of five when he first hit the headlines. Actually, I'm old enough to be his mother.

Last week I began following the NY Times articles about his "last tennis match." Many people figured that round one on the U. S. Open would be it, but he conquered his pains and opponent. So everyone gathered again for round two.

That proved to be a marathon ordeal of mind over matter, lasting that maximum five sets and three-hour-and-48-minutes. In the ecstasy of the game and savoring the effect of the cortisone shot he received, Agassi played tennis with a skill and strength he once took for granted.

Once it was over, his body ruled, and he could barely make it off the court.

But though Agassi had found a way to fight through fatigue and overcome the eighth-seeded Marcos Baghdatis in five routinely thrilling sets, he could not find a way to make it all the way to the gate.

He grabbed at the back of his leg and then slumped to the sidewalk, stretching out on his back with a plastic DVD case under his bald head for a pillow: trying to alleviate the pain.

That's something I can easily relate to. I was never a great athlete, but I love physical activity. My latest is basketball with the ladies. OK, I'm the oldest and some are younger than my youngest child, but I get into the game, feel great, and then... when it's over I feel... something else. Yes, aches and pains. But it's worth it.

Agassi's struggles are seen by the entire world, and the next round is today, NY time; (photo credit.) I wouldn't dare predict the outcome. I'll just say that these last matches will be hard for him to recover from physically. He has great mental strength for sure.

Of course the fiction writers would have him winning the final like he won the second round. Then he could leave in dreamlike glory.

The screenwriters of "Remember the Titans" did that sort of thing by having Gerry's accident before the final, rather than after it.

Yes, there probably will be a movie about Agassi, if he agrees to it. I wonder who the star will be...

First Day

I don't know where these kids are supposed to be off to, but it's officially the "first day of school" here in Israel. As usual, there are problems. As every year there are labor, budget, security, logistic (location) disputes and more. (Guess where this mural is! Does anybody know?)

Israel is a rather low-density but highly heterogeneous country with the additional "problem" or ingredient of extremely education-conscious parents. Israeli parents just don't trust the "establishment" to give even an adequate education to their kids, so things can get pretty wild here. This means that there are all sorts of schools, each with parents who are totally involved in all aspects of what's going on, or at least they're trying to be. Of course many of the schools aren't financially viable, so frequently there's missing equipment and teachers discover that they're missing salaries.

And that's a "normal" year... This year, post-war, includes additional problems. Some schools were bombed, and there's no surplus of suitable buildings. Actually there's a great lack of classrooms.

At the moment, in my neighborhood, there was total silence. The pool is closed and the children are away in school. The pre-schools, which start gradually in shortened days, haven't yet dismissed the kids. It still feels like summer, though the vacation is over, but not for me. My first day of classes is Thursday. That's soon enough. Now to get ready.

Good News for Downtown Jerusalem

For quite a few years, there has been lots of talk in the media and halls of power that downtown Jerusalem is on a never to be reversed downward spiral.

Jerusalem, like many cities throughout the world, "hosts" shopping malls, were one can spend one's money in rain, snow or sleet and never even get sunburned! So the experts, keeping track of the stores and businesses closing have already said their eulogies. Funny, Jerusalem may be Israel's capital and a very ancient city to boot, but it was considered "the pits" until 1967. The bullet-marked wall dividing it between Israel and Jordan was a minute's walk from the busiest and "poshest" of the downtown area.

Ben Yehuda Street was a busy thoroughfare, but nobody would ever confuse it with Fifth Avenue or even Bell Boulevard in my childhood's Bayside, NY. In the early 1970's, Ben Yehuda became a pedestrian mall, even though the local businesses fought it. Things began looking up. Then they began looking down.

Arab terrorism did more than break the glass shop windows and murder innocent passersby. It scared people away from downtown, but once things quieted down a bit, I began noticing more people and renovated and fancier stores.

A few months ago I was surprised to see the Tel Aviv's fashion house, Dorin Frankfurt opened a store on Rechov Yafo, across from the popular Village Green restaurant. And then a couple of weeks ago I was waiting for a bus on King George Street to go to the mall, of all places, when I suddenly noticed that Hagara had moved across the street. Hagara is another quality designer store. I've bought some great outfits in their Malcha Mall branch.

I couldn't take the suspense, so I went in. The saleswoman told me that they had left the mall, and she was very happy with the volume of sales Downtown. "It was a good move." she said.

Besides that, the Machaneh Yehuda Market is getting some great shops, and I'm talking about cucumbers! You can get designer clothes there and have a nice meal, and I'm not talking felafel, nor borekas.

So, if you're in the neighborhood....

What will we be eating for Shabbat?

Lots of food, but no time for pictures.

• sweet potatoes cut in chunks and cooked in the oven with spices
• fancy squash, like stars, split, baked with onion, garlic and peppers
• chicken, like the family loves
• soup--ask my husband for the recipe
• giant mushrooms sauteed with onion and garlic
• "meat" loaf with ground chicken, onion, tomato, basil, garlic
• "diet killer" with "reduced" topping
• homemade cake with chocolate icing--had to make for se'udat shlishit joint se'udat hodaya for all the fellers safely home from the war, baruch Hashem and made another for the neighbors' grandson's Shabbat brit
• vegetables with zuccini, pumpkin, carrots and onion, garlic, of course
• there will be fresh salad

If I forgot anything, I'll just have to tell you after Shabbat

Shabbat Shalom!

9+ more months!

Wail, wail, boo-hoo!
I just can't
wait for June!

That's when the pool should be re-opening. I understand that it's just not "cost-effective" to have it open once the schools are opening. The cleaning, maintence, insurance etc are the same whether it's open all day or just a bit in the morning and then the afternoon evening. And I remember from other years that it was pretty empty in the morning. Most women have morning jobs, not like me who doesn't see my students until after lunch.

Luckily for the guy in charge, the weather has cooled a little from super-hot all day. Now it's:

chilly in the morning,

chilly in the evening,

chilly at ...

Of course, I don't mind that morning chill; it helps me wake up. This week I went to every "women-only" session, including the evening ones. And now it's time to get ready for the last swim of the season...