For years I kept journals -- in composition, spiral bound, and French graph paper books. This blog is an attempt to get back to writing and documenting the world around me using photos, newspaper headlines, and other articles.

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Looming Government Shutdown

I'm tired of the looming government shut down talk.  We've been operating under one continuing resolution after another since last year.  Every few weeks the anxiety over the potential shutdown kicks into high gear.  I've been reading the comments on various on-line articles about the budget impasse and one person wrote something like if we are going to shut down, then have TSA, Federal Prison workers, our military -- have them not report to work and have a real shut down.  Maybe then people will understand that the government is important and does serve the people. Amen to that.  According to several articles I've read, the shutdown would actually cost the government money.  We are halfway through our fiscal year and we still don't have a budget.  It makes planning really difficult.  April 8 is the next deadline.

In scary news, traces of radiation have been found in milk on the west coast from the nuclear power plant tragedy in Japan.  Traces of radiation have also been found in snow in Mass. and NH.  I can't even imagine the heartache, sorrow and devastation that the Japanese have experienced since the earthquake. It makes future energy discussions much different than any pre-earthquake.

Tomorrow is April 1 and we are on the rain and 6-12" of snow line.  If we get tons of snow, the joke is on me.  I'm not in the mood for snow.

Sunday, March 27, 2011

March Madness and bulbs

I think I'm in a funk. I'm finding it hard to do regular stuff.  And I don't think it was because I went in to work at 5:00am to do some OT.  All I want to do is curl up in bed. I don't know what is going on exactly.  Lethargic is not how I would usually describe myself, but it seems to be what fits right now.

In the real world, Geraldine Ferraro died yesterday.  We didn't have a TV when she was put on the ticket.  But I do remember her running and what a big deal it was.  It is amazing that it took so long for another woman to be on the presidential ticket.  (And please, next time let's make sure the woman is qualified.  Sarah Palin might have been a good governor, but she was not ready to be president.)  During the last election I was reminded of the time in history when the abolitionist movement and suffrage were competing for attention in Washington.  Having Hilary run against Obama for the top billing on the Democrat side of the ballot seemed like a parallel tension.  I hope it won't take another 20+ years before we have another serious woman contender. 

The top story of the weekend is NCAA March Madness tournament.  Butler upset Florida and UConn edged Arizona for their tickets to the Final Four next weekend.  Selim and I shot some hoops this afternoon.  He found the net much more frequently than he did last fall.  I need to get my bike tuned up so we can ride around the neighborhood.  I am in desperate need of exercise.

And in the bulb news, the white crocuses have opened under the sunny skies today.
So last night I was lazy and we ordered Thai.  I have to do better than that tonight.  I'm thinking of spaghetti with a white sauce and breaded seitan with a green salad.  I've got good bread as well.  And I want to make date squares.  I found a fool-proof recipe that is quick and easy.  They don't have a crumb topping that is messy and they stay fresh for days.  A win-win combo in my book.

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Day 1

I haven't written daily since Selim was born and I kept record of his progress in the NICU through daily emails to family.  I don't anticipate writing every day, but hopefully more than once a month.

Spring has arrived on the calendar, but you wouldn't know it by the weather.  The crocus bulbs have come up, but their white flowers are squeezed tight, waiting for some warm weather before they open.  It is supposed to be sunny this weekend, but temps in the 30s.  It is almost April.  I'm starting to get garden fever. I want to be out there pulling up old tomato plants from last year that I neglected in the fall.  I'm like the flowers, when the weather man talks about wind chill, I just want to curl up in a ball.  I do not want to be out raking while wearing a down jacket.

Nedim is working on the boat.  He is trying to fix the second gas tank.  He might be welding one.  My eyes tend to glaze over when he starts with the list of all that needs to be done before the Turkish Delight goes back into the water.  At least working on it has put some air into his steps.  Being on the ocean soothes his soul and makes for a happier man.

There are 5 robin out in the back.  I should take their example and go outside and do something.