Hedewigis

Wanted: Period Pavilion

Wed, 28 May 2008 21:32:04 GMT

I was an idiot and did not place my Panther order in time for Pennsic. Yes, I know, procrastination and all that bit. Anyway, if anyone knows of a Panther Carousel (or similar) out there for sale, please let me know. I really want canvas this year, and Panther has a 12 week wait at this point.

Thank you!

Amanda Has Returned!

Sun, 03 Feb 2008 14:04:17 GMT

Update. Amanda has returned from her Winterim session in Martinique (yes, rough duty). Her plane actually arrived 10 minutes early (11:33 p.m.), but that was offset a bit by the 30+ minutes wait for luggage (it went to the wrong carousel).

She is not too eager to go through Customs again -- they confiscated her rum (which her Professor assured her was perfectly legal to bring home) and told her she would now have a criminal record. From her description of the process, her Customs agent was really nasty. He "yelled" at her for attempting to sneak the rum in as a minor. It was declared on her form! There was no "sneaking" about it.

Fortunately her seatmate was a criminal prosecutor in the States and promised to do some checking for her. She was given no paperwork about her "crime" so charges probably won't be filed. <sigh> To compound matters, her suitcase was overweight when she left Martinique, so she had to pay 50 euros -- cash (they wouldn't take her Traveler's Cheques). Once the rum was removed in Atlanta, it was no longer overweight. Two very inexpensive bottles of rum became two very expensive bottles of rum.

On the drive home from the airport she postulated that the agent was by now probably enjoying the best rum Martinique produces. ;^)

Oh, well. She is very tan, very blonde, and very glad to be home. I suspect she will sleep until the afternoon.

Thank you to everyone who has been asking about her. Sorry about the impersonal means of letting you know.

Snow, snow, snow. snow...

Thu, 06 Dec 2007 04:06:15 GMT

...SNOW! It is beautiful!

Now to wear the PJs inside out and hope school is cancelled for tomorrow (those without children will not have a clue what that means). The AP Calc tests are written, but I really don't want to have to go to school because then I would have to administer them...and then I would have to grade them. And I would really rather stay home with a fire and hot chocolate and a house to decorate.

Snow! Snow! Snow!

Happy Birthday!

Sun, 18 Nov 2007 22:36:16 GMT

Happy belated birthday to daprivatechef and happy early birthday to marietta_sca!

So many Scorpios. We don't get mad, we get even.

Talk Like a Pirate...

Wed, 19 Sep 2007 23:05:07 GMT

My pirate name is:

Dread Pirate Rackham

Like the famous Dread Pirate Roberts, you have a keen head for how to make a profit. You have the good fortune of having a good name, since Rackham (pronounced RACKem, not rack-ham) is one of the coolest sounding surnames for a pirate. Arr!

Get your own pirate name from piratequiz.com.
part of the fidius.org network

Home again, home again, jiggity-jig

Sun, 12 Aug 2007 13:41:33 GMT

Home from Pennsic.

Uneventful drive (no vehicle issues this year!), although the rains were a bit daunting (several storms -- all of which were east of Slippery Rock). Amanda was such a trooper, following my Vanagon in the aged Dodge Ram pick-up. I could not have done it without her, although I think back to our first Pennsic, four years ago. All four of us managed the week in one vehicle. Ah, the stuff we have accumulated for our comfort in the intervening years...

Vehicles have been unpacked. Tents dried and stowed. Tarps dried and folded. Friday evening and Saturday were glorious -- clear skies, low temps AND low humidity -- which allowed everything to dry quickly.

Many loads of laundry have been done, and all linen has dried on the line (love the smell of sun-dried laundry). Feet have been returned to their customary pre-Pennsic shade.

Despite the rains and heat, Pennsic was wonderful. I was able to work with some excellent people, spend time with friends, wander the merchants and make a few purchases, and, in general, have an excellent two weeks. Attended a vigil, spent an evening sipping single malts, learned to wear a sari (the perfect Pennsic heat garb, until the rains come), watched a bridge being taken for a walk,...

The host of volunteers that make Pennsic happen deserve much more recognition than they normally receive, so if you are a Pennsic volunteer: THANK YOU! We appreciate everything you do for us!

ABCs

Tue, 26 Jun 2007 14:50:36 GMT

Not sure where I originally came across this, but I just found it again in my "quotes" folder. Seems appropriate. If anyone knows its origin I will be happy to provide proper attribution.

Accept differences.
Be kind.
Count your blessings.
Dream.
Express thanks.
Forgive.
Give freely.
Harm no one.
Imagine more.
Jettison anger.
Keep confidences.
Love truly.
Master something.
Nurture hope.
Open your mind.
Pack lightly.
Quell rumours.
Reciprocate.
Seek wisdom.
Touch hearts.
Understand.
Value truth.
Win graciously.
Xeriscape.
Yearn for peace.
Zealously support a worthy cause.

Trace Bundy

Sun, 27 May 2007 17:21:30 GMT

From a friend...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkNXwF-73NA

Ah, watch, listen, and enjoy. He has others as well. Apparently he is just as amazing in person (recently in Colorado).

I have a colour...

Thu, 19 Apr 2007 01:23:42 GMT

you are lightcyan
#E0FFFF

Your dominant hues are green and blue. You're smart and you know it, and want to use your power to help people and relate to others. Even though you tend to battle with yourself, you solve other people's conflicts well.

Your saturation level is very low - you have better things to do than jump headfirst into every little project. You make sure your actions are going to really accomplish something before you start because you hate wasting energy making everyone else think you're working.

Your outlook on life is very bright. You are sunny and optimistic about life and others find it very encouraging, but remember to tone it down if you sense irritation.

the spacefem.com html color quiz

Artisans and Awards

Sun, 25 Mar 2007 12:38:54 GMT

Spent a relaxing day in New Jersey at the thawing of the mud (Mudthaw). Whiled away the day chatting with friends, admiring some beautiful handwork on the A&S display, perusing the vendors (one purchase only -- the Tudor Tailor), chatting more, and waiting for court.

Kael got his Manche/Maunch! Unfortunately it was not a surprise for him, but I hope the very strong welcome he received from the Order was enough to make up for that. His scroll is beautiful -- made by Mistress Sarra the Lymner with wording most eloquent and formal.

Upon arriving home I found a post that Lady Susanna Lockheart had won the pent at Northern Lights! More excellent news from our Shire!

Our artisans are a force to be reckoned with...

Nerd

Sun, 25 Mar 2007 12:26:31 GMT

What Be Your Nerd Type? Your Result: Literature Nerd Does sitting by a nice cozy fire, with a cup of hot tea/chocolate, and a book you can read for hours even when your eyes grow red and dry and you look sort of scary sitting there with your insomniac appearance? Then you fit this category perfectly! You love the power of the written word and it's eloquence; and you may like to read/write poetry or novels. You contribute to the smart people of today's society, however you can probably be overly-critical of works. It's okay. I understand.
Science/Math Nerd
Artistic Nerd
Social Nerd
Gamer/Computer Nerd
Musician
Drama Nerd
Anime Nerd
What Be Your Nerd Type? Quizzes for MySpace

Briony's meme

Thu, 08 Mar 2007 12:25:03 GMT

Hmmm. I am sure there is a really nifty way to post this, but for now I am doing a cut and paste. This is from a meme Briony did (originally from KandyElizabet).

3/5/07 11:09 pm (UTC)
Track This
1. You're a teacher! And I think that's cool.

2. Find a different way to approach your husband regarding the subject we discussed at Birka.

3. Rose. No idea why.

4. Other than you being a fellow UU...umm...You are one of those people with a real deep-down "good-person" vibe.

5. Well, obviously your van breaking down and you spending an extra night the first time you stayed here. It's a good memory!

6. A cat, because I know you like them and you are very calm.

7. What sort of issues/problems did you have with your kids when they became teenagers?

Thanks, Briony!

Fromage de la Lune

Sat, 03 Mar 2007 00:57:58 GMT

In case you are clouded over this evening, check out

http://moon.google.com/

Zoom in all the way...

Hummus

Mon, 26 Feb 2007 21:54:59 GMT

I remember talking with someone at Cooking Thyng about my hummus recipe. Since I did not write it down, I can't remember who it was. So, hopefully that person will see this and know it is for them...

This is my version of a recipe I first saw in a Moosewood / Molly Katzen cookbook.

In a food processor fitted with a metal blade, combine:

2 cans (15-ounces each) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1/2 teaspoon each:
ground coriander
ground cumin
ground ginger
mustard powder/flour
turmeric
3/4 cup orange juice (fresh with pulpy bits is best)
1/3 cup tahini
2 - 3 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
3 cloves garlic, pressed (or 4 cloves if roasted)
1 teaspoon soy sauce
dash (or two) hot pepper sauce

Process until smooth, scraping down several times.
Refrigerate. Serve with veggies and/or crackers.
Also works as a sandwich spread on whole wheat pita or wraps.

New Year, New Resolve

Wed, 03 Jan 2007 13:06:20 GMT

Happy New Year!

After enjoying everything and anything between Thanksgiving and the new year, I have reached day three of a new "way of eating" and I have not strangled anyone, yet.

I am trying to figure out how to clear the house of the two kinds of doughnuts, multiple boxes of cookies and sweets, five half-gallon cartons of ice cream, and a collection of white-flour bread products that would put a small bakery to shame -- without eating it of course.

Unfortunately my husband is seriously carb-addicted. Hmmmm. Perhaps I can box it all up, sans ice cream (that would get messy), and put it in his office. Out of my sight, out of my mind...

Funny how the Harry Potter Meme worked out -- I thought herbology would be one of my better courses. Oh, well. Barkeep at the Leaky Cauldron works for me!

Global Warming?

Tue, 12 Dec 2006 15:41:19 GMT

12 December 2006.
Mid-Atlantic, Northern Hemisphere.

Dandelion in bloom.
Forsythia in bloom.

No snow.
No frost.

aaargh!

Oh, I have a photo now -- thank you Muriel!

Just rambling...

Sat, 09 Dec 2006 14:42:47 GMT

Ah, a glorious morning. Cold, windy (sorry Marietta!), but crystal clear.

The claims adjustor was here yesterday looking at the Vanagon. Unlike the declaration of the first body shop, he believes it is NOT totalled -- yeah! Additionally, he gave me the name of a shop that specialises in VWs.

It is a very good day.

Bummer

Sun, 03 Dec 2006 17:05:02 GMT

Spent yesterday afternoon in the company of some wonderful people at Bakail's Yule. Talking, planning, eating birthday cake -- thank you Muriel, and Briony -- Happy Birthday Marietta and Ceinwen, and generally having a really nice time.

Leaving the city was a challenge, but as the I-95 on-ramp came into view (a route we know well from visits to I-Street JoMar) my vanagon got egged. Discretion, and common sense, dictated we simply drive away, although I realise I uttered a phrase I really should not have give the fact that I had three young ladies in the car with me. I resigned myself to a car wash Sunday morning, hoping the egg would not do too much damange overnight.

Dropped Amanda off at work this morning, then headed to the service station for a fill-up and car wash. Fuel in good shape, I pulled away fromt the pump island only to hear a terrible noise. I had hit the bumper pole at the end of the island. The slider and the right rear quarter panel are mangled. I dared not go through the car wash in case the equipment ripped any less-than-secure pieces from the vehicle.

I wanted a paint job, but this was not the way I had planned to go about it.

I generally consider Monday to be the start of the new week, so I am counting on the next being better than the last.

Off to try to get the first floor in shape for the Games Gathering this afternoon. The house is a disaster as I clean and decorate. It usually looks pretty nice when it is all finished, but reaching that point entails an impressive amount of disruption. Food for Games will likely be a bit more basic than usual.

Looking forward to a new week...

A Quote

Tue, 21 Nov 2006 02:00:42 GMT

Ocean:
A body of water occupying about two-thirds of a world made for man
- who has no gills.

~ Ambrose Bierce

Ah, I adore Ambrose Bierce. Seems somehow right about now...

Cirque du Soleil

Sat, 18 Nov 2006 20:51:57 GMT

Bill and I saw Cirque du Soleil's Delirium last night in Philadelphia. In a word -- amazing! The music, especially the percussion, was wonderful, covering a broad range of influences. But the strength and flexibility of the performers was beyond belief. Every show they create goes beyond the last, and this one was no exception.

Makes me feel like a slug.

Thoughts

Wed, 15 Nov 2006 13:19:45 GMT

Monday I saw the most amazing rainbow. Huge, perfectly formed, and clear. The kind that touches the ground and makes the search for the pot of gold seem completely logical.

Today, the middle of November, I look across my yard and that of my neighbour and see green. The trees are bare, but the grass is brilliant green. Somehow it seems wrong. The squirrels know it is time for winter as they busily hide walnuts under mulch and in tree crotches, but the grass seems determined to keep a grip on summer.

Note to self -- seriously reconsider any future plans to make garb of dark green wool. Or ANY dark colour for that matter. I have white cat hairs firmly sewn in the seams of my Herjolfsnes gown.

It's Saturday!

Sat, 21 Oct 2006 13:36:02 GMT

Glorious morning!

The sun is shining brilliantly, causing the golds and the reds of the maples, ginkos, and euonymus to positively glow. Cardinals, chickadees, titmice and finches are doing their best to clear out the birdfeeders. The air is crisp, finally feeling of fall. Hmmm. Mulled cider and spiced cookies seem to be indicated.

Laundry is started, the dishwasher is going through its maiden cycle (new purchase this week), a pot of soup is simmering away, and I am going to sort fabric.

It is going to be a wonderful day.

I did it!

Mon, 09 Oct 2006 12:44:33 GMT

At the urging of friends, I now have a LiveJournal account. Kicking and screaming I am making my way into the current century. There will likely not be many entries here, but who knows? This may be the start of yet another addiction. Next step, a better profile, complete with photo.

Thank you for the push!

Harry Potter Meme of All Memes by Osaku
Name/Username
Age
Gender
House	Hufflepuff
Wand	Ebony, 10", Phoenix Feather
Best Course	Ancient Runes
Worst Course	Herbology
Pet	Siamese cat
Patronus	Lion
Quidditch Job	Commentator
Wizard Candy	Canary Creams
Profession After School	Barkeep at the Leaky Cauldron