New Year's Eve

This was us a couple of weeks ago.

Us tonight!

Donna's Snow Covered Memorial

And other scenes from our vineyard haven.

1990 Dom

The snow is falling, the wind is blowing, the Dom is chilling and the steaks are defrosting.  It's our first New Year's Eve celebration alone on the vineyard.  The blogson decided to stay another night in Boston, which is a good thing considering the weather.  Wind gusts are expected near 60 mph and may curtail the ferry schedule.

Off Island Adventure

The teen blogson is having his first adventure as an unaccompanied minor. We put him on the ferry boat early this morning and he'll catch the bus to Boston to meet up with a friend from Kieve camp for boys. Hopefully, all his connections go well.

Vineyard in the News Again

For the second time this week, the little 'ol Vineyard is featured in the big media. As I posted a few days ago, Samuel P. Huntington, Harvard University professor and influential political scientist died Dec. 24 on Martha's Vineyard. Now, with the Northeast focused on Princess Caroline's potential senate appointment, the New York Post dishes on her $50 million crib on the Vineyard.

One Year in 40 Seconds

As readers here know, I love short movies. Thanks to Neatorama for this simple flick.

One year in 40 seconds from Eirik Solheim on Vimeo.

Senator Caroline Kennedy

Slow news week, indeed.  It's hard to believe that a Caroline Kennedy appointment to the NY senate seat was taken so seriously.  At least it was a quick nix.

Thule Roof Rack

The Bloghusband spared me the daunting task of "some assembly required" and installed his Christmas gift/roof rack on the truck.  Yipee!  Of course, I would have, could have, despite my reading-maps-and-illustrated-instructions handicap.  He completed the job in no time at all.  

XBOX Sweet XBOX

The Blogson couldn't agree more.
Picture credit

Balmy Morning on the Vineyard

A breezy, but mild day in store on the island. Perhaps I will have to begin the installation of the Bloghusband's Christmas gift: A Thule roof rack for schlepping the kayak on top of the truck.

Island Groceries

Even mundane tasks are enjoyable in the winter.

Canyon Series Musk

The kitchen renovation looks terrific despite the wrong color backsplash. Here's a comparison of what we ordered verses what was installed. The manager at the Vineyard Home Center was responsive and professional when we advised her of the error. To be continued.

For My Star Wars Fans

This made me laugh. Thanks to Ace.

Born on 12/26

A tough birthday.  As the middle child of five, the Blogsister, Mary Ann, never really liked having a birthday the day after Christmas.  We were not allowed to wrap her gifts in Christmas paper.  Now that she's fifty-something, a birthday is just another birthday, I suppose.  Happy Birthday, Mare!

Unto Us A Child is Born

From Born Again Redneck

Santa Came to Town

The Blogson didn't wake me up as early as he used to, but nonetheless I was in a deep slumber when I felt a tug and heard Merry Christmas. A bright, sunny morning on the Vineyard. The Bloghusband had his traditional cinnamon rolls in the oven while we three exchanged gifts. Even with "Christmas Lite" this year, we all did pretty well!

WMVY

Always a great radio station throughout the summer, WMVY radio on Martha's Vineyard is playing a fabulous assortment of Christmas music spanning all nationalities. Tune into mvyradio.com anywhere in the world and share in the magic of the island tonight.

Island Home

It was one of our longest journeys on I95 North. We passed the time by listening to Stephen King's short stories. Traffic was heavy. Solo was ill. We missed the boat to the island. A little delayed, but very excited to see the progress on our kitchen renovation, we arrived at our island home a little after 8pm. The kitchen looked great except for the installation of the wrong color backslash. Epically disappointing, but over-it-now, for the time being. The tree and house are decorated and cozy. The stockings are hung, gifts wrapped, bread rising, doggies snoring and we are enjoying cocktails before cooking our lobsters and hash browns. Life is very good! Merry Christmas.

A Vineyard Christmas

Our first tree

Rallying Back from Surgery...Again

Sweet little Amelia is recovering nicely in Jacksonville, after yet another surgical procedure. The day before she turned four months old, doctors repaired a stomach herniation and made adjustments to the original Nissen procedure, which will better accommodate her growing esophagus. Amelia could teach us all a lesson in the joys of complacency.

What a Sight!

A Boeing 747 carrier takes the space shuttle Endeavour back to the Kennedy Space Center in Florida following its latest mission.

Two Dogs Eating

The Blogson and I were feeling a little silly yesterday.

Today's Inspiration

“Nothing ever happened in the past that can prevent you from being present now; and if the past cannot prevent you from being present now, what power does it have?”

- Eckhart Tolle, A New Earth: Awakening To Your Life's Purpose

Screaming Patty

The blogfriend, Patty, has been known to favor a fabulous variety of artistically arranged antlers in her decorating business. These may just be a little too pristine for her taste, but a clever idea, nonetheless.

Pachelbel's Canon

We love this version! An oldie but goodie.

Attempted Attack on the Minivan

After a quick trip to the mall, I decided to get the van washed. Gathering all my belongings and checking to make sure there was nothing in the back, I noticed this strange looking appliance. My guess is that someone tried to unlock the door through the open rear vent window and subsequently lost their grip and device. Too bad, the car is approaching 100,000 miles. As much as I love my van, I'd be happy to get it stolen at this point.

**UPDATE**
Trapped once again in my mental prison of negative thinking, the Bloghusband had a memory recall and finally enlightened me as to the mysterious apparatus in the car, which the Blogstepson will be needing for his move this week. Good thing I didn't take his initial advice and report it to the police!

In a Nutshell

From rightwingnews.com

Ya Gotta Love Gizmodo

With the Blogson quickly approaching driving age, here's a certain remedy for one less worry found on the Gizmodo site:

"As we all know, driving while using a cellphone makes for some dangerous driving. Now, a new key fob will allow parents to jam their kids' cellphone while they're behind the wheel.

The idea is that teenagers are both bad drivers and stupid, so they are the most likely group to text while driving over the speed limit. This may be true! But is this the best solution? I mean, aren't there times where you'd want your kid to have access to their phone in the car? Like if they get into an accident? Or get kidnapped? Or need directions? Or any number of other situations? This system gives the kids access to 911 and a preset number, like the parents' phone number, but still."

Cutting Edge Bulb Technology

Teens Singing

The Blogson did a fine job in the holiday concert tonight. All these kids are really good! This should get you in the Christmas spirit.




The Holiday Season is Upon Us

When did we become so intolerant of Christian beliefs?

Unsnobby Coffee

McDonald's has entered the espresso market and is taking shots at Starbucks.

Opps!

At least it wasn't a Thule on top when I pulled merrily into the garage.

Life is Now...Right Now

Your life is right now! It's not later! It's not in that time of retirement. It's not when the lover gets here. It's not when you've moved into the new house. It's not when you get the better job. Your life is right now. It will always be right now. You might as well decide to start enjoying your life right now, because it's not ever going to get better than right now--until it gets better right now!

Abraham-Hicks Publications

Laughter is the Best Medicine

Surround yourself with happy people and you, too, shall be happy. We think we know this, but a recent study conducted by Harvard Medical School and the University of California in San Diego, have some new research for us:

In a study that looked at the happiness of nearly 5000 individuals over a period of twenty years, researchers found that when an individual becomes happy, the network effect can be measured up to three degrees. One person's happiness triggers a chain reaction that benefits not only their friends, but their friends' friends, and their friends' friends' friends. The effect lasts for up to one year.
The flip side, interestingly, is not the case: Sadness does not spread through social networks as robustly as happiness. Happiness appears to love company more so than misery.

Here's the whole article.

OMG! The Smell of Slow Roasted Pork in the Morning

We awoke to 20 degree weather, on a bright and sunny morning. The aroma of pork, slow roasting all night, filled the house. The Christmas holiday party-goers are in for a real treat this evening.

Slow Roasted Pork for a Crowd

Goodwill cooking is one of my favorite ways of helping people in need. Tonight I am roasting 30 lbs. of pork shoulder for a friend's Christmas holiday party. Here's the recipe. After a simple prep, the meat cooks overnight in a 250 degree oven. Easy.

World Trade Center

A big hole in the ground and bustling with holiday tourists today.
This is a view from the east window in the World Financial Center
across West St. A very sad sight, indeed.

World Financial Center

Decorated for the holidays.

Eliot Spitzer and Wild Willy

It's been years since I last visited the Bloghusband's office in lower
Manhattan. Today, while in the city for a meeting, I stopped in the
World Financial Center. The only picture gracing the Bloghusband's
office was that of Eliot Spitzer. Go figure.

Kid in A Candy Store

Over the next two weeks, I will be making batches and batches of cookies, peanut brittle and chocolate truffles to give to all the dedicated people in our lives who work to make ours easier and better. From the trash collectors to the teachers, to delivery folks, everyone gets a sampling of my Christmas holiday goodies (some get dough, too). Yesterday, I discovered Candyland Crafts, a little store in Somerville, NJ, which is devoted to all things candy and cake making. It was such fun to meander through the aisles of sweet and happy things. I stocked up on candy wrappers, little boxes and bags and a gadget or two.

Tough O'Reilly Quiz this Week

Here it is. Good luck. This week's quiz was my lowest. score. ever. Two correct out of ten. I'm ashamed.

Hate When That Happens, eh Guys?

GM's Problem: These Ten Cars

Skip the Undies

Christmas shopping is a challenge for everyone.

A survey by Galaxy Research found 72 percent of Australians regularly receive a Christmas gift they don't like even though 69 percent of 1,242 respondents rated their present buying ability as above average.

Burrr! It's Chilly Here

Temperatures were in the twenties this morning. But, the river view from our yard is lovely this time of year.

The Big, Bad Hitler

Good for a late afternoon laugh, eh?

Miracle Undergarments

There's something about that smooth, shapely effect that only Spanx can give your silhouette.  I've been a big fan of the spandex under garments for a few years now, and own a couple varieties.  They are particularly useful at this time of the year, when tubbiness sets in for a month or two.  Well, now they are making Spanx for men.  Six packs don't only have to be in the fridge!

Waistband Stretcher

Just in case you've had a little too much fun this week...

Post-Turkey Hangover

The Blognephew, Bob, drove east from Illinois to be with us for Thanksgiving.  It's been a busy, but really wonderful few days with family, food, wine, Wii, music and billiards.  Alex Grey's Chapel of Sacred Mirrors (COSM) on West 27th to Moby's Teany restaurant on the lower east side were exciting stops, in fascinating NYC neighborhoods, on Bobby's agenda after visiting the UN.  This drawing of Obama is Grey's most recent work on display at COSM.  

Life Body Changing

Now this sounds right up my alley...working out at the bar;-)

The 45 Record Insert

For one who didn't grow up with 45 records, it may be difficult to understand the little plastic insert needed for the turn table. The musically gifted Blognephew arrived for the holiday yesterday.  It was quite a challenge describing this little thingy.

More on the Gravy

It’s the proportion that doesn’t vary: one tablespoon of fat to one tablespoon of flour to one cup of liquid will make gravy.

One Tired Mama

From Nancy and the Blogcousin in Illinois
Everybody is doing great... HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

The True Meaning of Thanksgiving

The Bloggranddaughter, Alexis (holding the baby) and 3rd grade classmates acting out in a good way.

Radical vs. Racial

The onset of dyslexia.

Don't Mess with the Marines

The few, the proud, the strong.  There were 250 insurgents vs. 30 U.S. Marines.  Who won?

Your Thoughts Become You

Only dwell on the good ones!

"What I think and feel and what I get are always a match. And so, if I want something different than what I've been getting, I have to, somehow, generate different feelings."

-Abraham-Hicks

And Now a Word from Ocean Spray

Cranberries are actually one of the most unique fruits in the world. In fact, it's only one of three fruits that are native to North America. They are a wild fruit that grow on long-running vines in sandy bogs and marshes. Mostly in the northeast, but also in other parts of North America, like Wisconsin and the Pacific Northwest. It was Native Americans who first took advantage of cranberries. They mixed deer meat and mashed cranberries to make pemmicana-survival food. They also believed in the medicinal value of cranberries--long before science discovered cranberry's health benefits! Medicine men would use cranberries in poultices to draw poison from arrow wounds. They also used the rich red juice of the cranberry as a natural dye for rugs, blankets and clothing. Legend has it that the Pilgrims served cranberries at the first Thanksgiving. The tradition still continues today.

Sailors used cranberries as a source of vitamin C to prevent scurvy. And besides Vitamin C, we now know that cranberries are also full of antioxidants that help cleanse and purify the body.

Cranberries were called "sassamanesh" by Eastern Indians. While the Cape Cod Pequots and the South Jersey Leni-Lenape tribes named them "ibimi," or bitter berry. A very apropos name. And the Algonquins of Wisconsin called the fruit "atoqua." But it was the early German and Dutch settlers who started calling it the "crane berry" because the flower looked a lot like the head and bill of a crane.

Cranberries are primarily grown in five U.S. states " Massachusetts, Wisconsin, New Jersey, Oregon and Washington " as well as British Columbia and Quebec, Canada.

Twitter

If you are interested in learning more about Twitter, the online service that allows you enter short messages, here is a comprehensive discussion of the much talked about program.  It may be something I have to look into next week.  I'll be busy with the gravy this week;-)

Turkey Gravy

'Twas the week of Thanksgiving...

“I always think I know how to do it,” Ms. Meche said. “And suddenly it seems really complicated: I have to skim, I have to whisk, meanwhile the turkey is getting cold and there are a hundred people in my kitchen.” But, she said, she finds herself addicted to the excitement. “It’s all part of the blood, sweat and tears,” she said. “That’s how you know it’s Thanksgiving.”

The New York Times has some yummy advice on making gravy.

Corn Nuts

A tasty snack at JAX.

Landon and Amelia

Our little cuties in Jacksonville.