Most of the day I couldn't understand why I was so tired. But just now, bedtime, I recalled that I had trouble falling asleep last night and finally got to sleep over two hours later than usual.
So, nu, I ought to go to sleep now.
G'night!
Thursday, June 10, 2010
I Guess I'm Not All That Unique
Did you read the name of that lovely boat? Ilana-Davita noticed it when wandering around with her camera and sent me the picture. I can see that the boat's name is slightly different, ME-AND-ER, but it's close enough for an odd choice like this name.
It's funny, because this blog got the name me-ander for a peculiar reason. I'd really like to change it. Maybe if I ever redo the template, but then the gorgeous banner ~Sara~ made wouldn't match.
On with my day...
Wednesday, June 09, 2010
"I Remember Seeing The Original."
I was a bit trepidant about my choice for the today's Movie Club, "Good Night and Good Luck." There's lots of talking and no real action.
My father doesn't always follow things. He's missing a few brain cells, no, not Alzheimer's. There's a big difference in types of dementia. His is from an aneurysm and hardening of the arteries, not a deterioration of the brain. The cells which remain are very intelligent. Sometimes he amazes us with his intelligence and memory.
I make him choose which direction for our walk, and he makes a point of varying it:
Recently, he is enjoying watching the news less and television shows even less than the news. But he's not the only one in the group, and I'm running out of movies to show.
He followed the movie in its entirety, as did the others in the group. They all remembered when it happened, even the ones who had lived in New Zealand at the time.
Afterwards my father said:
I have no doubt that he did,
My father doesn't always follow things. He's missing a few brain cells, no, not Alzheimer's. There's a big difference in types of dementia. His is from an aneurysm and hardening of the arteries, not a deterioration of the brain. The cells which remain are very intelligent. Sometimes he amazes us with his intelligence and memory.
I make him choose which direction for our walk, and he makes a point of varying it:
"Yesterday we went this way, so we'll go that way today."
Recently, he is enjoying watching the news less and television shows even less than the news. But he's not the only one in the group, and I'm running out of movies to show.
He followed the movie in its entirety, as did the others in the group. They all remembered when it happened, even the ones who had lived in New Zealand at the time.
Afterwards my father said:
"I Remember Seeing The Original."
I have no doubt that he did,
Different "Shiva," Jewish Mourning Customs
Yesterday, when I was on my way to Jerusalem I got a call from my husband that an old friend's brother had passed away, and he was sitting shiva (the seven day mourning period) for two days in Jerusalem. So I added that to my itinerary for the day.
I got to the Israel Museum to see my daughter and the new "Windows" exhibition, a post and pictures to follow, G-d willing. Then I tried on that dress, picked up some aluminum baking pans in town, bought a "take-out" salad, was surprised by son #1 and met a friend to "eat out." We sat in the shade near the big HaMashbir department store in downtown Jerusalem, each with a tuna salad. She told me, quite rightly, that I should really prepare one at home, like she does. I ought to, G-d willing, next time.
After that I took a bus to the shiva (mourning) home. I didn't have any details, such as when he died or had he been ill. I did expect a mob of people. A teenage boy got off the bus with me and also stopped to look at the death announcement poster by the building. I read it, because I wanted to find out which apartment, but when I asked the boy, he said that he is a grandson, so for him it meant something else.
I followed him in. The apartment door was open, which is the custom. Very few people were there, just family mostly. The dead had been buried less than twenty-four hours and there's a custom that only family and very close friends visit the first day or two. But I had no real choice. I can't go to Jerusalem often and our friend was only going to be there a couple of days. He lives abroad and will finish mourning in his own home.
I was offered water. This family keeps strictly according to Ashkenaz (European) custom of not serving visitors. Sephardi (Mediterranean and North African) Jews serve all sorts of foods to hear brachot, blessings. Some ethnic groups serve a festive meal to honor the dead every night of the shiva.
In Shiloh it's common for even the most Ashkenaz families to serve water, soft drinks, cookies etc for two reasons. One is that there are visitors who have traveled a distance and it's considered important for them to have "something." Another is the influence of the neighbors. The Sefardi neighbors want to make blessings in honor of the dead. We're a very international, multicultural and multi-ethnic community.
Many families are Jewish ethnic mixtures. Sometimes that can cause confusion. A few years ago neighbors were sitting shiva over Purim. An announcement went out that the widower, being Ashkenaz could not accept Mishloach Manot (the Purim food gift,) but his daughter, married to a Yemenite, could.
And if you're wondering what to bring, it's best to bring some food the mourners can eat. Try to find out who is organizing things for the mourners, so you'll bring something they need. Just in case they have too much, it should be something that won't spoil or can be frozen. Or if you're not sure, a nice fruit basket.
I got to the Israel Museum to see my daughter and the new "Windows" exhibition, a post and pictures to follow, G-d willing. Then I tried on that dress, picked up some aluminum baking pans in town, bought a "take-out" salad, was surprised by son #1 and met a friend to "eat out." We sat in the shade near the big HaMashbir department store in downtown Jerusalem, each with a tuna salad. She told me, quite rightly, that I should really prepare one at home, like she does. I ought to, G-d willing, next time.
After that I took a bus to the shiva (mourning) home. I didn't have any details, such as when he died or had he been ill. I did expect a mob of people. A teenage boy got off the bus with me and also stopped to look at the death announcement poster by the building. I read it, because I wanted to find out which apartment, but when I asked the boy, he said that he is a grandson, so for him it meant something else.
I followed him in. The apartment door was open, which is the custom. Very few people were there, just family mostly. The dead had been buried less than twenty-four hours and there's a custom that only family and very close friends visit the first day or two. But I had no real choice. I can't go to Jerusalem often and our friend was only going to be there a couple of days. He lives abroad and will finish mourning in his own home.
I was offered water. This family keeps strictly according to Ashkenaz (European) custom of not serving visitors. Sephardi (Mediterranean and North African) Jews serve all sorts of foods to hear brachot, blessings. Some ethnic groups serve a festive meal to honor the dead every night of the shiva.
In Shiloh it's common for even the most Ashkenaz families to serve water, soft drinks, cookies etc for two reasons. One is that there are visitors who have traveled a distance and it's considered important for them to have "something." Another is the influence of the neighbors. The Sefardi neighbors want to make blessings in honor of the dead. We're a very international, multicultural and multi-ethnic community.
Many families are Jewish ethnic mixtures. Sometimes that can cause confusion. A few years ago neighbors were sitting shiva over Purim. An announcement went out that the widower, being Ashkenaz could not accept Mishloach Manot (the Purim food gift,) but his daughter, married to a Yemenite, could.
And if you're wondering what to bring, it's best to bring some food the mourners can eat. Try to find out who is organizing things for the mourners, so you'll bring something they need. Just in case they have too much, it should be something that won't spoil or can be frozen. Or if you're not sure, a nice fruit basket.
Tuesday, June 08, 2010
I Didn't Buy The Dress
What dress?
The one in that "Ronit" store, where I just got the fancy top. That store I fell in love with because of the clothes in the windows a few months ago.
Again, what dress?
I was a really good girl when I bought the top; I didn't try on the dress.
What dress was that?
The one the saleslady pointed out that would be perfect.
So?
Well I kept thinking about it and thinking about it. And I had some time today in Jerusalem and like a magnet it pulled me.
Nu?
It was still there, in my size, just NS149 from NS249.
That's not all that much a discount.
But it is made so well, lined even and great crush-able fabric. My late and lamented Aunt Sadie would have loved it.
OK, so did it fit?
It fit perfectly and made me look younger and even showed off my newly rediscovered waistline.
So, why didn't you get it?
The "V" in the neck is too low.
Couldn't you cover it somehow?
They give away these stretchy lace things.
So?
It didn't cover me up right, and the fabric doesn't go with lace.
So, you can get something else, like a shell.
But I didn't want that dress to be a "jumper" with a shirt underneath. It would be too hot and just ruin the effect.
So, you didn't get it.
Right. Maybe I should call the store and tell them to hold it, and I'll buy a tight shell. That dress is so gorgeous and can be worn for all sorts of things.
Do you need it?
No, not really, but I can dream... and blog about it.
The one in that "Ronit" store, where I just got the fancy top. That store I fell in love with because of the clothes in the windows a few months ago.
Again, what dress?
I was a really good girl when I bought the top; I didn't try on the dress.
What dress was that?
The one the saleslady pointed out that would be perfect.
So?
Well I kept thinking about it and thinking about it. And I had some time today in Jerusalem and like a magnet it pulled me.
Nu?
It was still there, in my size, just NS149 from NS249.
That's not all that much a discount.
But it is made so well, lined even and great crush-able fabric. My late and lamented Aunt Sadie would have loved it.
OK, so did it fit?
It fit perfectly and made me look younger and even showed off my newly rediscovered waistline.
So, why didn't you get it?
The "V" in the neck is too low.
Couldn't you cover it somehow?
They give away these stretchy lace things.
So?
It didn't cover me up right, and the fabric doesn't go with lace.
So, you can get something else, like a shell.
But I didn't want that dress to be a "jumper" with a shirt underneath. It would be too hot and just ruin the effect.
So, you didn't get it.
Right. Maybe I should call the store and tell them to hold it, and I'll buy a tight shell. That dress is so gorgeous and can be worn for all sorts of things.
Do you need it?
No, not really, but I can dream... and blog about it.
Getting Tempted
I've been helping someone out working on a project to create a site on blogger. OK, honestly I chose blogger because I know it, having been blogging on it forever. Today it seems that for absolutely free it offers more options than people realize making it very cost effective for a small struggling business. Why pay a fortune for a webmaster or pay-site when you can get a search-able site for free? I've also seen a number of professional paid sites which don't give their clients what they really need, and those things are freely available to bloggers like me.
So, nu, what tempts me? It isn't doing this for money, or maybe it would be a good idea... It's replacing my old templates for the new ones on blogger. I tried once before and got stuck, very stuck so I reverted back to my old ones.
It would be a lot of work, but the new gadgets, options etc are mind-boggling. With the tab setup I could have both blogs on one "site."
One of the things holding me back is that I'm afraid that Murphy's Law will rule. There must be a Murphy's Law saying:
Does anyone have any inside knowledge about bloggers plans?
So, nu, what tempts me? It isn't doing this for money, or maybe it would be a good idea... It's replacing my old templates for the new ones on blogger. I tried once before and got stuck, very stuck so I reverted back to my old ones.
It would be a lot of work, but the new gadgets, options etc are mind-boggling. With the tab setup I could have both blogs on one "site."
One of the things holding me back is that I'm afraid that Murphy's Law will rule. There must be a Murphy's Law saying:
The minute you upgrade, there will be an even more advanced option making your new upgrade immediately passe`.
Does anyone have any inside knowledge about bloggers plans?
Monday, June 07, 2010
It Would Have Been Nice...
From how my husband had explained his plans for today I thought that maybe I could get to Ofra and see the grandkids in the afternoon. Last year I had helped with them about twice a week, and this year I rarely see them. Sandwiched me, I'm busy in the other direction caring for my father.
So, I called my daughter and told her that I hoped to be over for a bit of a visit.
Then the group my husband was speaking to was a bit late and his time with them ended up having a late lunch in Ofra, so, of course, I told him that if he's already there, he should see the kids.
And that's what happened. The kids saw a grandparent, but the grandparent wasn't me.
Another time, G-d willing.
So, I called my daughter and told her that I hoped to be over for a bit of a visit.
Then the group my husband was speaking to was a bit late and his time with them ended up having a late lunch in Ofra, so, of course, I told him that if he's already there, he should see the kids.
And that's what happened. The kids saw a grandparent, but the grandparent wasn't me.
Another time, G-d willing.
Blogging as A Way of Life
IMHO, a blog can be even more flexible than facebook, twitter, youtube etc. (All of which I do, too. Links can be found on my sidebar.) It has the option to be all of the above plus one's very own newspaper, magazine or public relations brochure.
One of the top Jewish blogs, Benji Lovitt's What War Zone? used hosting this week's Havel Havelim to reflect on changes and the possible cessation of blogging.
In the few years since Benji's aliyah, his blog helped put him on the map of Israeli entertainers stand-up and writers. He questions if it's worth the time he invests to keep on blogging.
It's a good question. Even though my life is very different from Benji's sometimes I wonder if I'm not wasting my time. I never succeeded in promoting my writing into a money-making activity. Blogging is my vanity press. It costs me time, not money. Right now, especially, I'm home taking care of my very elderly father and blogging is a good outlet. Of course, I did blog before, even when I was working.
I've been blogging for quite a few years; I've lost track of how long. I never celebrated blogging anniversaries or major post numbers. Yes, it could be called a way of life. I generally blog so frequently that I don't need to join those "blog everyday" challenges. Blogging twice a day on two blogs puts me in a different category. It's no great challenge to figure out what to write; the hard part is getting up from the chair.
It's that time of the morning. There are new posts here and on Shiloh Musings. It's time to start my day, my other life.
One of the top Jewish blogs, Benji Lovitt's What War Zone? used hosting this week's Havel Havelim to reflect on changes and the possible cessation of blogging.
In the few years since Benji's aliyah, his blog helped put him on the map of Israeli entertainers stand-up and writers. He questions if it's worth the time he invests to keep on blogging.
It's a good question. Even though my life is very different from Benji's sometimes I wonder if I'm not wasting my time. I never succeeded in promoting my writing into a money-making activity. Blogging is my vanity press. It costs me time, not money. Right now, especially, I'm home taking care of my very elderly father and blogging is a good outlet. Of course, I did blog before, even when I was working.
I've been blogging for quite a few years; I've lost track of how long. I never celebrated blogging anniversaries or major post numbers. Yes, it could be called a way of life. I generally blog so frequently that I don't need to join those "blog everyday" challenges. Blogging twice a day on two blogs puts me in a different category. It's no great challenge to figure out what to write; the hard part is getting up from the chair.
It's that time of the morning. There are new posts here and on Shiloh Musings. It's time to start my day, my other life.
Sunday, June 06, 2010
Getting a diet back on track
Getting a diet back on track is one of the hardest things to do. Periodically we must "tweak" to make the diet more effective. I did gain a couple of kilo from my lowest weight, but considering that I've been pretty housebound taking care of my elderly father, that's not much.
There's another problem that summer fruit is so delicious in Israel, so I eat more than the three I should be limited to. I've also been noshing on a few nuts every morning. My breakfast isn't satisfying me anymore. so, I decided not to replace the nuts when they're gone. They are left over from passover and what my cousin gave me from her garden.
I'll let you know how it goes.
Schedule Change
Can't complain since we don't pay, being that it's beamed in somehow on the "dish." Fox series changed the ER schedule. That's the most important show for me. Now the "repeat" is 8am, much better than 5am it was for a couple of weeks. It's weird how sometimes I find myself remembering episodes I saw years ago. I wonder if their contract will ever graduate past the first six seasons.We have a bunch of Carol Burnett DVDs. Some are disappointing. The Movie Club didn't enjoy the one I showed. The writers sure stretched boundaries with their extremely risque` double entendres. There's something immature about it; the shows become tedious the more seen. I don't gt this feeling watching my Jack Benny and Red Skelton DVDs.
In my pre-caring for my very elderly father mode, I barely saw TV, which was fine, and we didn't have one of those dishes, but now I need it being home so much. I'm going to have to pay someone to stay with him so I can go to the pool when it opens. It'll be worth the money. One hour of help, and I can get 45 minutes of active water exercise. That's how close the pool is to my house. I'll have to arrive already capped and slathered, just need to kick off my shoes, pull off my robe and jump into the water, then quickly reverse process and run on home. I'll just need for someone to tell me the time's up.
Saturday, June 05, 2010
KCC Tammuz, Collecting Ingredients
Send them in via blog carnival, and if you're interested in hosting an upcoming edition, please let me know.
Friday, June 04, 2010
And How Would You Caption This?
Something happened when I passed this scene. It was like some art director had prepared it for me.
Community Service
Our regional council provides scholarships to university students in exchange for community service. I got a call recently that one of the students was assigned a few hours a week to spend time with my very elderly father who has been living with us since October.
Last night the young woman came over and they had a great time together talking. It's just what he needs. I'm just not good at it for various reasons. When she's off from studies, she'll be able to come for a block of time instead of an hour in the evening, but that hour in the evening is also good. It's very stimulating for him to talk to people.
She arrived when he was finishing taking in the wash from the clotheslines, and then they sat on the merpeset (terrace/balcony.) I brought out some nosh. In this weather, the merpeset is like another room.
Last night the young woman came over and they had a great time together talking. It's just what he needs. I'm just not good at it for various reasons. When she's off from studies, she'll be able to come for a block of time instead of an hour in the evening, but that hour in the evening is also good. It's very stimulating for him to talk to people.
She arrived when he was finishing taking in the wash from the clotheslines, and then they sat on the merpeset (terrace/balcony.) I brought out some nosh. In this weather, the merpeset is like another room.
The Song of The Week: We Con The World
I woke up to find tons of emails telling me to check out:
I'm glad that some of the greatest minds on Israel's Right, like Karni Eldad and Caroline Glick are involved with this production. Also Barry Silverberg!
I don't usually post what everybody else is, but I consider this not only a public service but a piece of art and proof that culture and artistic talent can be found in people with intelligence and common sense.
Flotilla Choir presents: We Con the World
I'm glad that some of the greatest minds on Israel's Right, like Karni Eldad and Caroline Glick are involved with this production. Also Barry Silverberg!
I don't usually post what everybody else is, but I consider this not only a public service but a piece of art and proof that culture and artistic talent can be found in people with intelligence and common sense.
Thursday, June 03, 2010
Thursday, Already?
This week has been speeding by. I can't believe that it's already Thursday, and I haven't found guests for Shabbat yet. Maybe I can still catch last week's cancellations.
The chicken is out thawing. Maybe I'll stuff some peppers again. That was both easy and impressive when I experimented a few weeks ago. I'll try to remember to photograph them.
A university student here called the other day saying that she had to spend time with an elderly person as part of her studies and would visit with my father. She may come over today. That may be nice. He needs more company.
The chicken is out thawing. Maybe I'll stuff some peppers again. That was both easy and impressive when I experimented a few weeks ago. I'll try to remember to photograph them.
A university student here called the other day saying that she had to spend time with an elderly person as part of her studies and would visit with my father. She may come over today. That may be nice. He needs more company.
Wednesday, June 02, 2010
This Time It Was Open
Some of you may remember that a few months ago I fell in love. No, not a baby or older person or pet, but with a shop window. I saw dresses in the window which I've been dreaming about ever since. B"H, thank G-d, the store was closed at the time. It was too early in the morning.
This week I wasn't so lucky, and it was our wedding anniversary, the fortieth, certainly a milestone which I deserve to celebrate in multiple ways. Nu, so how could I not enter?
Sales items are in the back. There were dressy tops, nice enough to wear to the most elegant of weddings any place in the world for only NS99. There were skirts that shimmered and would make a stroll look like a dance and dresses, too, for just a bit more money.
Not to leave you in further suspense... I got myself a top. Now I just need an excuse to wear it.
Sales items are in the back. There were dressy tops, nice enough to wear to the most elegant of weddings any place in the world for only NS99. There were skirts that shimmered and would make a stroll look like a dance and dresses, too, for just a bit more money.
Not to leave you in further suspense... I got myself a top. Now I just need an excuse to wear it.
And Caption This, Too
Almost a meme, but I'm not appointing anyone publicly to reply.
What does this photo I took of a bride at her wedding make you think of?
If you use it to inspire a post, please link back to me. Thanks
What does this photo I took of a bride at her wedding make you think of?
If you use it to inspire a post, please link back to me. Thanks
Tuesday, June 01, 2010
They Were Worth The Calories!
Last night my husband and I, along with my cousin and hers, went to our favorite restaurant, yes, HaGov, the kosher sports bar & grill, to celebrate forty years of marriage. We got married in the same week, so we're all married forty years.
And in all those forty years I don't remember ever going out together before to celebrate an anniversary. When we were dating, we used to double date, and we do try to get together when we can with the kids and lots of mutual friends. This was a treat in more ways than one.
HaGov's management knew that we were going to be there for a special occasion and treated us royally. We shared one of the chef's specialties a tomato soup, which was fantastic. We all loved it, so if it's on the menu when you go, have some.
We shared salad, and I had the Italian Steak with Mushrooms, absolutely delicious. My cousin had the Double-D Chicken Breasts, and the men ate hamburgers. We also shared a bottle of wine. The chef kept coming out to check and accept very well deserved compliments.
They surprised us with desserts, full of calories but worth eating them just the same.
Every once in a while even the most dedicated dieter must go off and have something spectacular, and that's what I did last night.
And in all those forty years I don't remember ever going out together before to celebrate an anniversary. When we were dating, we used to double date, and we do try to get together when we can with the kids and lots of mutual friends. This was a treat in more ways than one.
HaGov's management knew that we were going to be there for a special occasion and treated us royally. We shared one of the chef's specialties a tomato soup, which was fantastic. We all loved it, so if it's on the menu when you go, have some.
We shared salad, and I had the Italian Steak with Mushrooms, absolutely delicious. My cousin had the Double-D Chicken Breasts, and the men ate hamburgers. We also shared a bottle of wine. The chef kept coming out to check and accept very well deserved compliments.
They surprised us with desserts, full of calories but worth eating them just the same.
Every once in a while even the most dedicated dieter must go off and have something spectacular, and that's what I did last night.
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