I'm sorry....

I'm sorry...how many times have we heard that in our lives? Too many to count, I'll bet. From the time our kids are little we tell them they have to say they are sorry when they hurt someone, either with words or fists. After a while it seems those little words loose their meaning.

We've heard lots of I'm sorrys in the past. Politicians, actors, Letterman, etc, etc, etc, all have said those words when they have been caught doing something inappropriate. I'm getting tired of hearing it.

The latest is Tiger Woods. He's sorry for the hurt inflicted upon his family, his fans and his profession. Even if one didn't listen to his media apology (I didn't) it would be difficult to miss it because it's been played adnausium many times in the past week. I asked a friend if he was going to tune in for the big moment....he said he had something more important to do...he was going to watch paint dry. Ha. Ha.

One thing I did catch in the reruns was Tiger's admission that he didn't think the rules applied to him. This flaw in his character is our fault...his parents (he's a special child), his fans (isn't he great?), the media (the best thing to happen to the game since Palmer).

Way back when...in my working life....the middle school I worked in had cheerleaders....those special girls (thought special by their mothers anyway) who bcl (before cheer leading) were nice little girls just like any other 7th grader. After bcl they became prima donnas who thought they were better than their classmates. Ugh and double ugh. Once one of the princesses said to me..."You don't like cheerleaders, do you Mrs. Steinmetz?" My reply was that I loved cheerleaders. What I didn't like were people who thought the rules didn't apply to them.

You get the drift, don't you. The rules apply to everyone. Social mores shouldn't go out the window because of a person's position. And yes...I think this applies to Presidents and wantabee presidents, political persons at every level, talk show hosts, and I could go on and on. But I don't need to, do I? I also think the rules apply to me personally.

I once had a friend? who was having an affair. I lost respect for her. She was not only cheating on her husband, but setting a terrible example for her children. I personally never wanted to do anything that my children could use as an excuse for bad behavior. It must be ok because mom did it. I hope I (and also Al) have always set good examples. People are going to "mess up" cause that's what people do, but my behavior wasn't going to give anyone the "green light" for misconduct.

So in the midst of sounding "holier than thou" I take public "I'm sorries" with a grain of salt. In the words of the master..."go and sin no more." We are all voyuers and the mass media feeds into our interest.

I hope Tiger Woods and all others are rehabilitated and use their misdeeds to grow into more responsible adults.

There I go again...another soap box climbed. Till next time.....

snow/viruses/etc.

I can't believe it has been two weeks since I last posted...but dates don't lie, do they? Since the Haiti blog...poor Haiti...all our medical supplies have gone to another mission effort...a Haitian doctor on his way to Haiti. We'll go when we can...probably in two or three months. Things aren't well in our Haitian parish and news is spotty, but we continue to pray and send money to international aid organizations...we do what we can.

Since my last writing...we have had visitors from the north...the Paters and RoseMary visited over MLK day as Karen didn't have to work that day. The Paters had had a bout of the stomach virus...first Isabel, then Karen, then Bela...the week before they traveled. We were instructed tp keep the tree up and we did Christmas again when they arrived. The Christmas tree up for a month is a little long for me, but we did it. I didn't mind the tree, but all the other Christmas decorations were getting on my nerves. Anyhow, we had a birthday party for Isabel and then Christmas for all. Naturally, everyone got more then they deserved...but it was fun. About the fourth day of their visit, I (who never get sick) got the stomach virus. Nothing to do but let it run its course. I was in bed for a whole day...well, between the bed and the bathroom as my insides were trying to escape my body. The second day of my virus...Al got it and he spent the day in bed. By about the fourth day....I was feeling some better but not completely over the nasties. On that day...RoseMary got it. She was also a sick puppy. Not a good way to spend a vacation....for anyone.

The visitors went home on Saturday and made it in the usual 12 hours. I was almost 90 percent better by the sixth day of the crud, but it's been a week and a half for Al and he is still feeling Not so good. He's not suffering the intestional stuff, but has no energy. I always worry about him. He has not got a good immune system and it always takes him a long time to bounce back when he gets anything.

Then this weekend...Friday till today (and probably longer) Nashville got an expected snow. We got about 4 inches and ice under and over the snow. The road crews have been trying to clear the main roads, but all the subdivisions are still locked into their ice. I predict there won't be any school for at least 2 more days. Al is feeling like a prisoner, but I told him I was in good shape...I had ocupational therapy and a good book as well as the good old television.

Sunday...this day...we still haven't gotten our newspaper and it may never come...We missed mass two Saturdays in a row...first for the virus and then for the icy roads. We decided the "discretion is the better part of valor" and know we'll make up for it at another time. For church people...missing church 2 weeks in a row....I know the world won't come to an end over this, but it surely feels strange.

I guess this is it for this time..ta ta.

Haiti, etc.

Poor Haiti. Lots of aftershocks after the earth quake of yesterday. Ten people from our church were scheduled to go to Haiti on a medical mission on this coming Saturday. I'm sure they won't be going. Pictures coming out of Port-a-Prince don't look good. Haiti--the poorest country in the western hemisphere....corrupt governments...over populated...no work. I'm sure we'll get a report soon on what's happening to our sister parish. I'm not sure where it is located geographically in relationship to the capital, but Haiti isn't a large country and we have always been told by our folks that getting there from Port-a-Prince is a long and difficult drive.
It has always surprised me that the Dominican Republic a country which shares the island with Haiti has such a different economy. I believe it must have something to do with their governmental structure.

The days ahead for the Haitian people will not be easy ones. We must remember them in our prayers and send them any aid we can.

On to other topics...my art class started yesterday. I only had four students but I know that I'll be getting some more. I'm chalking it up to the weather...another freezing day in Nashville. The only trouble with students not starting together is that you are playing catch-up for the rest of the session. Trying to keep everyone together is difficult when they don't all start together. Ah, well...I won't be giving grades so everything there will come together.

I got my compost container all together and I'm ready to start composting. I'm trying to decide where to put it. I don't think I want it under the deck...so I'll probably put it in the back of the yard. The book says put it near the garden but I don't think I want it that close. I don't want to have another "thing" for the yard guys to work around.

The Paters and RoseMary are due to come in sometime on Friday. They are driving. It's a long hard drive to middle Tennessee no matter where you come from so they will be tired and cranky when they get here. Since we will be doing Christmas with them when they come the tree is still up. I did put away many of my nativities...just left a couple out. Trying to baby proof what Isabel can reach. I don't know how long they are staying, but we are glad for the visit. It's nice to see all our far away children and grandchildren even for a little while.

Sorry to read that flag football had to be postponed due to chilly weather. The weather situation is very strange. The first 12 days of January 2010 have been the coldest here since the 1940s..I think that's what the weather people have been saying. However, we are due a break in the cold weather this weekend. Temps predicted in the high 40s...Now that's more like it.

Got to go. Till next time.

Oh, NO...Snow!!!!

This second day of 2010 we discovered upon looking out our windows that a few flakes of the cold fluffy stuff was falling...so we immediately went into our middle Tennessee madness mode. "Well, we'll have to go to Kroger and stock up on milk and bread." Also...remember when I worked for the state and on a perfectly good day someone in the office said we'll have to close up early because it's snowing in Clarksville" or my personal favorite..."there's a blizzard out there."

Ah, yes, we are crazy here in middle Tennessee...I can't speak to the snow in the highlands or storms in Memphis...but here in Nashville..one snowflake and we go nuts. I usually say if a flake falls in Memphis...we close schools in Nashville.

Well, today is Saturday and there is no school, but I predict that if we do get even a dusting of snow by midafternoon the entire town will be shut down.

The first snow in Nashville experienced by a transplant...anybody above the Mason-Dixon line...is something they long remember. Sort of like "what were you doing when Kennedy was shot or the world trade center fell.." we remember. Having spent years in western PA when snow was serious business, we get a little snooty in regard to the mania our neighbors show when there is anything more than a half inch on the ground. In fact less than that engenders some craziness.

So, in our superiority we say..."This is nothing. I remember when we had three feet of snow fall on Thanksgiving one year...yes, we didn't see the ground till April. Probably an exageration, but who is going to say it "ain't so?" We start to remember like our grandparents did...yes, Billy, we walked to school in two feet of snow (uphill--both ways).

Like I say, it's fun pretending.

So, for today or right now....it's a few flakes...not even as much as a snow globe shows...but who knows what the afternoon has in store for us. It's a prefect day to stay inside and read a book.

Till next time.....

reflections

Tis the season...for reflections. The year is almost over. It's been a hard year for some....what with job losses and deaths in families. No job losses for us, but death of a sister. So, I've been somewhat sad over these holidays missing my sister. In the midst of all the hubbub of visitors and cooking etc, always at the back of my mind is that we have an empty space in our heart.

I'm noted as the family optimist, so I try not to let these negative feelings get in the way of other people's fun, but I won't say it's been easy.

Travel plans...last year we visited Florida, Pennsylvania, Maryland and the Biltmore. We had visitors from PA and Fl.

Our baby, Isabel, will be two on January 1st. Where have those two years gone? Fast for her parents I know.

All the grands are growing up....J-L is 14, but still a little boy. I shouldn't say little as he's taller that all his grandparents and his Mom. Dad is still got height on him, but I'm sure it won't be long before those two are seeing "eye to eye." Anton and Chris...also growing like weeds. They haven't hit their growth spurts yet, but it will soon happen. Maura Quinn...all legs and getting taller each day. I think we may get a 6-foot girl out of her.

Presents are always a problem with the kids. We don't buy toys...never have...books when they were younger, clothing now and then. Our gifts to the younger members of the family have always been $$$ for their college funds. As we have a teen and another one coming up this year, those college days will be here sooner than one might imagine.

With 5 grandchildren...Christmas gets expensive...they also get a smaller $$ gift for birthdays. We know that none of the children needs anything...toywise or otherwise...lucky kids, so we are happy to contribute to future college expenses. Who knows how expensive it will be by the time Isabel is ready for college. If her mom is still working at Pitt, they should get a little tuition break. Anton says he's going to get a sports scholarship. One can only hope.

We know that however it happens...all theses children are college bound. They are all bright. We thank the Lord for their health each day.

And for our own health also. Health problems come with age but at the moment, we are "holding back the devil" healthwaise.

No one knows what next year will bring. The New Year's baby is coming tomorrow night. I personally don't ever want to know what's coming around the corner. I just want to face each challenge with grace and dignity.

As I told an aquaintance when she asked how my year had been...."It had it's ups and downs...like everyone's." We just pray for more ups than downs. Till next time.

Maura as Mary/xmas eve

I always said I wouldn't go to the Children's Christmas Eve Mass unless Maura got to be Mary because it's very hectic. However, this was the year she got to carry the Baby and put him in the manger. She was the "Theotokis" the God Bearer...Mary in the program. She looked sweet and did her job well. The Mass was beautiful...Father Pat Kibby had a great Children's homily...we are all called to be angels...and the best part...Mass was over at 5 p.m. and we got to go home for an early evening.

The Florida Steinmetzes were here. It was a lovely day. We waited for Joan and family to come to exchange gifts. The boys were unhappy with the delay, but "patience is a virtue" so they survived the wait.

I got to practice with my new camera. Carla (our photo expert) has given me some lessons on putting the pictures on the computer and I will practice when I am alone. I told Carla that I might need to call her for some updating, but for this moment, I do know how to do this thing.

Some of my art students are very good photographers and they tell me that once I learn this skill, I will be able to print photos for art projects. For now I'll just practice.

It's been a fun few days here in Music City. Bill, Carla and boys are off to visit Aunt Marilyn for New Years Eve. We have enjoyed having them with us. Saturday, after Christmas, we all went to the movies. We saw Sherlock Holmes and dad and I opted not to see the next film which Joan,Maura, and Florida Steinmetzes all saw...a prequel of the chipmunks...I think.

Got to go...till next time.

Catching Up

Hey, gang. Al is getting ready to play golf in a tournament for the food bank. Admission price is 15 cans of something for them. I'm sure he took a whole lot more than 15 cans. That's next weekend. As for me...today is the set-up day for the Arts Show at church. I've got 20 paintings of various sizes and 6 "wearable" art pieces. The wearable stuff are scarves. I hope I sell something...but even if I don't...there are no chance for sales if your creativity is "under the bed."

My art class at the Senior Center is almost over for this season...two more sessions. Then we won't start again until after the holidays. There isn't any use trying to have class when you have 2 major holidays in 2 months. I would be ready, but my students wouldn't.

The next project is to take crochet and knit pieces to the local Hermitage library for display in December. My crochet group has lots of stuff to put in the cases. They have 2 closed cases and although we don't get to put the display up....we will have lots to brag about. I am even going to put in a piece that Kathy Brown gave me. Just to include her in the display. We have about 10 (off and on) ladies that come on Mondays....usually 5 or 6 each week. I'll be writing up a short piece on the history of the group and our charity efforts.

A couple of weeks ago several of us went to THE BIG STITCH which in conjunction with national volunteer week had to goal of knit/crochet (ing) 2500 hats for different agency's needs during the winter...Cancer chemo caps...and baby hats for hospitals, etc. The day ended with the grand total of 2460 hats. Of course...most of the people who attended the day's events brought hats with them....you can't get 2460 hats out of 100 stitchers in only one day...but that was a successful event. Lots of fun, too.

Tomorrow is Joan and Maura's fall festival. The king and I will be attending and putting our bids in on the silent auction. I always think that because we go so early we won't be winning any bids, but usually Al bids enough on "golf stuff" that he gets a call telling him that he is the winner!!! Lots of fun there.

Got the property taxes last month and I paid them even though they weren't due until February. My friend says she never pays them till the last day, but I'm just like my Mom...I get a bill and hardly open it up before the checkbook is out and the payment is "in the mail." I can't stand having a bill unpaid.

It has been suggested that we pay our bills on line, but I guess I'm just too old fashioned. I like writing the checks and mailing them. As this is my habit over the years I've never had to pay a late penalty.

Yesterday was a sad day in Texas. We live in a strange world, don't we?

I'll close for now. Till next time