Last Minute Shrimp & Grits (Plus a few mushrooms)
2 months ago
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Opera Fun
http://www.youtube.com/user/lyricalmezzo#p/a/u/1/PXG3GYaqty4
http://www.youtube.com/user/lyricalmezzo#p/a/u/0/RlT-PvTaj7k
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Invisibility Cloak
in·vis·i·ble /ɪnˈvɪzəbəl/ Show Spelled
[in-viz-uh-buhl] Show IPA
–adjective
1. not visible; not perceptible by the eye: invisible fluid.
2. withdrawn from or out of sight; hidden: an invisible seam.
3. not perceptible or discernible by the mind: invisible differences.
4. not ordinarily found in financial statements or reflected in statistics or a listing: Goodwill is an invisible asset to a business.
5. concealed from public knowledge.
–noun
6. an invisible thing or being.
7. the invisible, the unseen or spiritual world.
Use invisibility in a Sentence
See images of invisibility
Search invisibility on the Web
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Origin:
1300–50; Middle English < Latin invīsibilis. See in-3 , visible
—Related forms
in·vis·i·bil·i·ty, in·vis·i·ble·ness, noun
in·vis·i·bly, adverb
qua·si-in·vis·i·ble, adjective
qua·si-in·vis·i·b·ly, adverb
—Synonyms
2. veiled, obscure.
Why am I posting the definition of this word? There are times when I don an invisibility cloak. This is usually not conscious nor is it related to any specific time of year, month, day or season. It is a random donning that even I don't know about. Now, friends will back me up on my social invisibility...I can not tell you the number of times I have met someone for the "first" time. It is the first time for them (so they think) but the umpteenth time for me. And if someone does remember meeting me they inevitably call me by the wrong name. Usually Donna, Dana, Debbie, even once a Michelle and a Linda. Few get so daringly close as Diana and even fewer get Diane. I am accustomed to this type of invisibility.
The more unusual type of invisibility, and much more troublesome, is public invisibility. I get this randomly in such places as the grocery store, Target and occasionally at Home Depot. The worst case was a recent trip to Davis Produce, which I love. I was in line with my produce and the cashier waited on everyone behind me in line and never noticed that I was there - I have a witness to this. I don't know why I didn't just leave with my bounty of produce...I finally got her attention and she obviously had never seen me standing directly in front of her.
Here is what is frustrating about the whole invisibility issue. I have no control over it. I can't sneak into a meeting unseen, I can't hide and get the numbers for a safe full of money and I can't commit and get away with any crime. So what I really need is not sympathy for my apparent lack of memorability. What I need is tips on controlling this "power" so I can benefit from it. Are there any other invisibles out there with the secret to this odd gift from the universe. Are you watching me now? I sense your presence...make yourself known...teach me the secrets of this life style.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Time Delay
What do you do with an unexpected day off? You make waffles is what! We have had some unusual winter weather for Savannah as of late which caused my school to go on a 2 hour delay meaning my 8:00 class was canceled and today all I had on the books was an 8:00 class. Ah the joy of winter. Of course I will be grumbling mightily when we have to make up the day later, but for now I am happy.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Ringing in 2011
The new year is well underway. We kicked it off in style with what is becoming an annual oyster roast. Steamed oysters for about 30 people - lots of adult beverages flowing, two fire pits roaring - lots of laughter, reverie and all around good times. This is how the new year should be!
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Reflections on 2010
2010 has been a year of ups and downs as I guess is any year. There were times of great joy, disappointment, stress, pain, fun, sadness, celebration and all that goes into your typical year. It has felt like a tougher year than typical for me so I thought instead of reflecting on a somewhat disappointing year for me, I would reflect on the people in my life who amaze me every day; people I am more than proud and greatly honored to call friends.
Here is a breakdown of some of the amazing things I get to witness:
Despite a year of great personal stress, one friend of mine has completed 3 half marathons, managed to have more grace than just about anyone could expect and is planning to do a full marathon next year. I know I can’t quite keep up that pace, but I am so looking forward to another year of knowing her and watching what comes next.
I have another friend who is a few months into a yearlong trip around the world! She and a friend of hers started in South America and are currently finding magic and wonder and much of themselves in Africa. Later in the trip they will be in parts of Asia!! WOW. It has been so inspiring to watch their progress and read about their journeys, both physical and spiritual. You can follow them too on http://www.girlventures.net/
I have spent this year getting to know my neighbor whom I am now glad to count among my friends. She too is amazing. She is a gifted artist albeit a very humble one. She loves tradition – so much so, she cuts down her own Christmas tree every year. In addition to being artistically gifted – she is one hell of a sports fan and totally devoted to those Baltimore teams as well as a very special attachment to the Savannah Sand Gnats. OH and she happens to make, hands down, the BEST margarita!
Two great friends are raising a wonderful young man, composting with worms and now raising chickens?!? They are also accomplishing knocking off camping at GA State parks one by one and tackling new feats in running. Congrats on your first 10K – we will definitely do the next one together!
Losing both parents within a month, another friend has shown great strength and courage and as always, a delightful sense of humor. It has been a great privilege to count myself among her friends.
My academic genius friend is on book number three and continues to travel the globe with a trip to Egypt looming on the horizon. Her husband – a documentarian – is making sure we all know of and appreciate our troops in Iraq. This wonderful pair is also working on adopting who will be a very, very lucky child.
A son away at college, a husband with a hip replacement, a brilliant second son with a few special needs – this woman can put the energizer bunny to the test. I am so impressed.
A precocious grandchild of this friend wrote to an author about a liking a book…that author responded in a hand written letter and is inviting us all to meet her in February. This friend is also an AWESOME baker and a pleasure to know.
My best friend continues to share half of my brain and though she insists on living way too far away I always take comfort in the fact that she is ever present in my life and my heart. I don’t know how I would survive without her.
My family continues to be a source of love and support and I really couldn’t ask for more from them.
I continue to be amazed at the people in my life. I am so lucky to have them as examples of strength, love, support, and wisdom and many other adjectives I am sure I am missing. I look forward to 2011 with these and many other friends I am sure I forgot to mention here. I look forward to seeing the success my students find and hope that in some small way I am a part of that success. I wish all of my friends and family continued success and I will continue to be amazed by you all. I hope for a year of health and happiness and new adventures.
Here is a breakdown of some of the amazing things I get to witness:
Despite a year of great personal stress, one friend of mine has completed 3 half marathons, managed to have more grace than just about anyone could expect and is planning to do a full marathon next year. I know I can’t quite keep up that pace, but I am so looking forward to another year of knowing her and watching what comes next.
I have another friend who is a few months into a yearlong trip around the world! She and a friend of hers started in South America and are currently finding magic and wonder and much of themselves in Africa. Later in the trip they will be in parts of Asia!! WOW. It has been so inspiring to watch their progress and read about their journeys, both physical and spiritual. You can follow them too on http://www.girlventures.net/
I have spent this year getting to know my neighbor whom I am now glad to count among my friends. She too is amazing. She is a gifted artist albeit a very humble one. She loves tradition – so much so, she cuts down her own Christmas tree every year. In addition to being artistically gifted – she is one hell of a sports fan and totally devoted to those Baltimore teams as well as a very special attachment to the Savannah Sand Gnats. OH and she happens to make, hands down, the BEST margarita!
Two great friends are raising a wonderful young man, composting with worms and now raising chickens?!? They are also accomplishing knocking off camping at GA State parks one by one and tackling new feats in running. Congrats on your first 10K – we will definitely do the next one together!
Losing both parents within a month, another friend has shown great strength and courage and as always, a delightful sense of humor. It has been a great privilege to count myself among her friends.
My academic genius friend is on book number three and continues to travel the globe with a trip to Egypt looming on the horizon. Her husband – a documentarian – is making sure we all know of and appreciate our troops in Iraq. This wonderful pair is also working on adopting who will be a very, very lucky child.
A son away at college, a husband with a hip replacement, a brilliant second son with a few special needs – this woman can put the energizer bunny to the test. I am so impressed.
A precocious grandchild of this friend wrote to an author about a liking a book…that author responded in a hand written letter and is inviting us all to meet her in February. This friend is also an AWESOME baker and a pleasure to know.
My best friend continues to share half of my brain and though she insists on living way too far away I always take comfort in the fact that she is ever present in my life and my heart. I don’t know how I would survive without her.
My family continues to be a source of love and support and I really couldn’t ask for more from them.
I continue to be amazed at the people in my life. I am so lucky to have them as examples of strength, love, support, and wisdom and many other adjectives I am sure I am missing. I look forward to 2011 with these and many other friends I am sure I forgot to mention here. I look forward to seeing the success my students find and hope that in some small way I am a part of that success. I wish all of my friends and family continued success and I will continue to be amazed by you all. I hope for a year of health and happiness and new adventures.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Summer 2010 - can kiss it!
Where have I been and what happened to summer?
My summer started out with a bang with the previously blogged performances with long lost friends and locals I don’t see nearly often enough. Then August came and there were no blogs of summer adventure, no tales of travel, no pictures of me in exotic places. Oh there were plans for summer 2010, yes, there were plans. So, what happened? Well the universe intervened. First up, the a/c in the car went out. Not a big deal unless you live in South Georgia and your summer plan includes travel in a said car. So, I put my beloved Mrs. Ticklefeather in the shop and $804.00 later, I can store meat in my car. The $804.00 put quite a kink in my travels. Now I couldn’t afford my plane ticket to Colorado or even hotels and gas to drive to New York even though once I got there lodging would be gratis. I accepted my fate and decided to stay close to home. I had just endured the expense of a move and a summer to unpack closets and organize a house wouldn’t be too bad right? Ah, the universe is not done with me yet. I jumped in my car to meet Julian – the newest addition to the family of very close friends. He was adorable – worth the trip and it meant too, that I could stop at IKEA and Trader Joes on the way home. The topper of the trip was to see the Braves in action against Milwaukee. Car packed and headed toward the stadium, the clouds open up and drop much needed rain on the city of Atlanta. Hmmm, no baseball. Spirit dampened, but not broken, I head the car towards home and decide to shop along the way or pull over and hike at a state park. Safely out of the Atlanta traffic, I stop for gas. Ready to hit the road I turn the key and hear the sickening sound of a car that is not going to start. I grab my jumper cables and immediately – in true Southern hospitality – several people offer a jump. I accept one offer and the car starts right away. I drive away trying to keep my spirit of adventure, but with the thought of stopping is the nagging feeling that if I do – the car won’t start. So…I head toward home and don’t stop the whole way. I get home, tired and annoyed, but hoping to salvage the summer in some way. The next morning I drive to the battery store and get the battery tested. Yup – it’s a dud. I buy a new battery - $100. Okay – new a/c, new battery, car is ready for the rest of summer even if all I do is drive to the park to run. I have a nice dinner, bemoan my summer for a few minutes and don’t give it another thought. I arise the next morning to face whatever adventures I may find and I see that my car has a flat tire. I finish my coffee and gird my loins and set out to put on the spare. An hour later I have the tire off – thanks to some final internet advice to just kick the tire – uhm – ok. I am skeptical but it works and the getting the spare on takes no time at all. It is still early and not a hot day by Savannah standards so I load the flat tire in the car and head to the tire store with the plan to run home and await the call that the car is fixed. I get to tire store and am apparently the billionth person in line waiting to leave my car. An hour later my paper work is complete and I am set to run. Of course NOW it is 11:30 and officially hot. I decide to ignore this and run home anyway. 50 minutes later I am home, hotter than I thought possible and then the call comes from the tire store. There is hole in the sidewall of my tire – I need a new one. Another $100 down the drain. Definitely the universe is telling me to stick close to home. FINE. I accept my fate begrudgingly. Now $1000 out of pocket I am too poor to even enjoy the city. I decide that I will just run every day and make the best of it. The summer whiles away and I get emails and pictures from friends who are traveling the globe and having untold adventures. Hmmpff. Now I am feeling sorry for myself. I stress eat and undo the good the running was doing. Now I am back where I started at the beginning of summer – showing no signs of all the physical work I did the past few months. I decide to get back to the running –more rigorous this time. I am doing well. I clock further and faster times every day. I am getting ready to start the new school year. The only thing left to do is go to the dentist. I have my cleaning and am told I am an excellent flosser – I beam with pride. My gums are in excellent condition, very little receding for my age, hmm, I guess that is a compliment. I am thinking I am going to get off scot free at the dentist. Then the dentist asks if I grind my teeth. I say, no. You look athletic (nice) do you lift weights – some small weights - not serious lifting. (now I wondering what the questions are for). The dentist then says “hmmm, interesting.” I think “interesting?” really, this is about the most boring conversation ever. Then he says well – it could be the age of these fillings, but you have severe cracks in your molars. I think okay, what does that mean? Before I can ask – he informs me that he recommends capping them. This is the best option. If I wait for them to break it would mean root canals or worse, pulling the teeth and then needing false teeth? ACKK! I have good teeth! I am a good flosser! These fillings all came when I got my braces off and had 8 cavities. I haven’t had one since and that was way back in high school. I take a deep breath. I pay for my cleaning. I get the print out of the estimate for the 8 crowns he wants to do – 10 if you count in the two that aren’t necessary, but cosmetic – to replace crowns from a fall I took as a pre-teen and busted my front teeth. So now I sit working on syllabi, preparing for school to start again. I have a summer vacation of car repairs and now I face a school year, with no dental insurance, wondering how I am going come up with $10,000.00 for dental work. Let this be a lesson to all of you who are jealous of teachers for having summers off. Am I better off for having had 6 weeks off? I can’t wait to get off this crazy roller coaster summer of 2010!!!! Bring on the exhaustion and overwork of the school year…at least I know how to handle that. And universe – GO PICK ON SOMEONE ELSE!
My summer started out with a bang with the previously blogged performances with long lost friends and locals I don’t see nearly often enough. Then August came and there were no blogs of summer adventure, no tales of travel, no pictures of me in exotic places. Oh there were plans for summer 2010, yes, there were plans. So, what happened? Well the universe intervened. First up, the a/c in the car went out. Not a big deal unless you live in South Georgia and your summer plan includes travel in a said car. So, I put my beloved Mrs. Ticklefeather in the shop and $804.00 later, I can store meat in my car. The $804.00 put quite a kink in my travels. Now I couldn’t afford my plane ticket to Colorado or even hotels and gas to drive to New York even though once I got there lodging would be gratis. I accepted my fate and decided to stay close to home. I had just endured the expense of a move and a summer to unpack closets and organize a house wouldn’t be too bad right? Ah, the universe is not done with me yet. I jumped in my car to meet Julian – the newest addition to the family of very close friends. He was adorable – worth the trip and it meant too, that I could stop at IKEA and Trader Joes on the way home. The topper of the trip was to see the Braves in action against Milwaukee. Car packed and headed toward the stadium, the clouds open up and drop much needed rain on the city of Atlanta. Hmmm, no baseball. Spirit dampened, but not broken, I head the car towards home and decide to shop along the way or pull over and hike at a state park. Safely out of the Atlanta traffic, I stop for gas. Ready to hit the road I turn the key and hear the sickening sound of a car that is not going to start. I grab my jumper cables and immediately – in true Southern hospitality – several people offer a jump. I accept one offer and the car starts right away. I drive away trying to keep my spirit of adventure, but with the thought of stopping is the nagging feeling that if I do – the car won’t start. So…I head toward home and don’t stop the whole way. I get home, tired and annoyed, but hoping to salvage the summer in some way. The next morning I drive to the battery store and get the battery tested. Yup – it’s a dud. I buy a new battery - $100. Okay – new a/c, new battery, car is ready for the rest of summer even if all I do is drive to the park to run. I have a nice dinner, bemoan my summer for a few minutes and don’t give it another thought. I arise the next morning to face whatever adventures I may find and I see that my car has a flat tire. I finish my coffee and gird my loins and set out to put on the spare. An hour later I have the tire off – thanks to some final internet advice to just kick the tire – uhm – ok. I am skeptical but it works and the getting the spare on takes no time at all. It is still early and not a hot day by Savannah standards so I load the flat tire in the car and head to the tire store with the plan to run home and await the call that the car is fixed. I get to tire store and am apparently the billionth person in line waiting to leave my car. An hour later my paper work is complete and I am set to run. Of course NOW it is 11:30 and officially hot. I decide to ignore this and run home anyway. 50 minutes later I am home, hotter than I thought possible and then the call comes from the tire store. There is hole in the sidewall of my tire – I need a new one. Another $100 down the drain. Definitely the universe is telling me to stick close to home. FINE. I accept my fate begrudgingly. Now $1000 out of pocket I am too poor to even enjoy the city. I decide that I will just run every day and make the best of it. The summer whiles away and I get emails and pictures from friends who are traveling the globe and having untold adventures. Hmmpff. Now I am feeling sorry for myself. I stress eat and undo the good the running was doing. Now I am back where I started at the beginning of summer – showing no signs of all the physical work I did the past few months. I decide to get back to the running –more rigorous this time. I am doing well. I clock further and faster times every day. I am getting ready to start the new school year. The only thing left to do is go to the dentist. I have my cleaning and am told I am an excellent flosser – I beam with pride. My gums are in excellent condition, very little receding for my age, hmm, I guess that is a compliment. I am thinking I am going to get off scot free at the dentist. Then the dentist asks if I grind my teeth. I say, no. You look athletic (nice) do you lift weights – some small weights - not serious lifting. (now I wondering what the questions are for). The dentist then says “hmmm, interesting.” I think “interesting?” really, this is about the most boring conversation ever. Then he says well – it could be the age of these fillings, but you have severe cracks in your molars. I think okay, what does that mean? Before I can ask – he informs me that he recommends capping them. This is the best option. If I wait for them to break it would mean root canals or worse, pulling the teeth and then needing false teeth? ACKK! I have good teeth! I am a good flosser! These fillings all came when I got my braces off and had 8 cavities. I haven’t had one since and that was way back in high school. I take a deep breath. I pay for my cleaning. I get the print out of the estimate for the 8 crowns he wants to do – 10 if you count in the two that aren’t necessary, but cosmetic – to replace crowns from a fall I took as a pre-teen and busted my front teeth. So now I sit working on syllabi, preparing for school to start again. I have a summer vacation of car repairs and now I face a school year, with no dental insurance, wondering how I am going come up with $10,000.00 for dental work. Let this be a lesson to all of you who are jealous of teachers for having summers off. Am I better off for having had 6 weeks off? I can’t wait to get off this crazy roller coaster summer of 2010!!!! Bring on the exhaustion and overwork of the school year…at least I know how to handle that. And universe – GO PICK ON SOMEONE ELSE!
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