This one is for the family, courtesy of the Youngest One. She spent the past six months planning a party for our oldest granddaughter. She knew that, with the birth of a sister just days before her fourth birthday, it would be hard for her parents to give her the celebration she deserved. So her Auntie took care of the details and we had the very best ever Princess party! After all was said and done and cake eaten and balloons bounced and presents opened we all had the best of family times. I have some pictures to share but I can't right now as other things are pressing. Be satisfied with a family favorite that explains in song our appreciation of family and celebrations and weekends together so very seldom that they are the best of times always. If you haven't watched Meet the Robinson's lately, do yourself a favor and take the time to do so. I give you Rob Thomas, who says what we were all thinking:
12 August 2008
I'm back, and man have I got a lot to do now!
30 July 2008
Nibble on they tiny feet!
It is mid morning. I am tired, but not as tired as mom and dad. We have a new little girl! She is healthy and seemingly happy with life outside the womb so far! More later!
29 July 2008
Baby Alert
I will be away from my computer for a few days. We are welcoming our newest graddaughter tomorrow morning by emergency c section. Not what we expected at all, other complications are making this a bit of a problem, therefore I may be sporadic at blogging over the next few days.
I'll see ya in a few...
With a new granddaughter and plenty of baby birthing stories!
24 July 2008
Blog friends
Long ago I signed up at Nicolette's blog in a Pay it Forward post she did. I had long forgotten that I had even signed up! Today in the mail was a post I had to sign for. Neat! What could it be? Then I noticed the familiar handwriting. It was from Nicolette. Neat!
Inside the big box I found what is pictured above. She has pampered me from every angle! Sweets, calming teas, chocolate!, some very pretty pearl head pins the are lovely, a postcard of a bicycle, some sweet smelling lotion and body gel, and a wonderful handmade notebook! I am so thrilled to receive such a generous gift! Thank you Nicolette.
If you haven't been by Nicolette's blog you simply must click on the link above. She has marvelous talents and is one of the biggest philanthropists on the net. She is always quilting for a cause and doing good all around. I am glad I have gotten to know her somewhat through our blogs and hope someday to rent a bike in the Netherlands and take a ride with her!
The postman was very generous today! He also brought me a package from Jessica of Lost Button Studio fame. Jessica is also a creative blogger! She designs jewelry and all kinds of lovely things. She is currently expecting her third son, neat! neat!, and has just done a redesign of her blog and studio site. When she did that she made some neat little magnets. I told her they were great and she sent me some!
I am looking forward to possibly meeting her when I am in Utah for the baby welcoming gig. So many wonderful people are out there in crafting blog land. It truly is a wonderful place to be!
Oh and on the dream come true thing? Go read the post at the food blog! Read More......
23 July 2008
Fortune Cookie
This was tonight's fortune cookie. How did the cookie know I would drive across the mojave desert on a ten hour drive soon?
At least it knew it would be pleasant. Well, once I get there for sure!
Come on Izabella! We're waiting on you!
21 July 2008
Blogher, Blogher, everyone's talking about Blogher
I didn't go this year. Too many other things happening right now. I would like to next year, I think it would be great to be among women with lofty goals and desires. Taking a stroll through these women bloggers has got me thinking.
The awakening of the women's movement in the early 60s has paid off big time. I grew up in the midst of the ERA. By the time I had graduated from high school real changes were being made in the way women were treated in the workplace. Yes, I'll agree many things haven't changed. However, more good has happened than bad since the 70s for women.
I was still one of those suppressed women when I graduated high school. At one point I was encourage to seek an education past high school, but it was to pursue a traditionally woman's place in society. I was not told to dream big, but to prepare myself for being married. Ugh. I didn't have a father figure in my life that was a success so I had no where to turn to see what my possibilities could be. I wanted to be a translator at the UN. (yes, I'm that old) I had a proficiency for languages in my youth and thought it would be the way to use my talent and be successful. What I was told was that it was in NYC and that being single I could never survive there. This coming from a woman who had to raise her four children, mostly by herself. Hmmmm. Not to fault mom, but I think she was heavily ingrained in traditional roles, even as a single mom.
Now I look around at women 10 to fifteen years younger than myself and am amazed. Women are doing fantastic things that women of my generation just dreamed of most of the time. I do know of a few women my age that have set out to be successful in business and accomplished their goals. However, not many. Most of us took our roles as wives and mothers and did it pretty well. I will say we also had a lot of influence over young girls, growing up a few years behind us. Not only were we telling them that they could be great moms and wives, but we were also encouraging them to get an education, to dream big, and that they could be anything they wanted to be. Even if all they wanted to be was a mom.
So all of you 30 somethings out there, you are standing on some pretty good shoulders. We're not just old women, we're the women that helped get you where you are today. We applaud your success, revel in it actually. Just remember that even with all the success, that family does come first, that home and hearth are important, and yes, you can have it all.
I picked the bloggers above because they have impressed me with their tenacity, creativity, positivity, and abilities, not because they attended BlogHer. There are so many others I could add, just check my sidebar. Just so ya know.
20 July 2008
Ingenious. Incredible. Wow.
As a mother of girls only I am amazed at this. And a bit jealous.
As an aunt of 3 infamous nephews. I say the guys in the video are lightweights. I'll let s'mee explain that.
Update: S'mee's post is up and she doesn't disappoint!
18 July 2008
Bring on the baby!
We here at Chez Cooperville, are awaiting the birth of the second granddaughter at any time now! Come on girl, your table's ready! I will be heading up to Utah, any day in the near future to help with Little Miss and the crew while Mom and Izzy get used to each other.
So while I'd love to put stuff up for sale, I'm going to take a bit of a break, while I am out of town. My only regret is that I have to leave the Big Guy here all alone with Angus (the cat). He'll join us in a few weeks to celebrate. After I get back things will return to normal and I'll have all kinds of things happening here.
On the Dream come true thing? My meeting got put off until Monday. Then I will share with you all the wonderful things happening for me!
16 July 2008
Told you about me liking scars?
Yes, they are proof that you've lived. Certain things I don't like. Bruises are some of those things. Yes, I bruise very easily. I've also told you of my love/hate relationship with dentists. Well Monday I had another appointment with the dentist. That's when two worlds collided.
There I was, quietly sitting waiting for the second of two procedures to begin. I had already had one tooth prepped for a crown and was waiting on the second. Then dentist entered the room, got his syringe out and went to work.
I now have a swollen cheek and a bruise on my face!!!!! There will be no pictures. I will just say, it is amazing how much better people treat you in public when they think someone has been smacking you around. I went back to the dentist this morning to have it evaluated. The first thing the dentist said was "Well, it's barely noticeable. You know it's a little problem, I nicked a blood vessel and that's why there is the bruising. It should clear up in about a week. There is nothing to worry about. I'm so glad it was you this happened to." Yeah me too. Adventures in dentistry I call it.
So how was your Monday? I'm working on something that might be huge for me. Fulfilling a bit of a dream. I'll know more Friday!
If you've ever sewn, read this post
This morning I meandered through the blogosphere, (do people really use that word anymore?) and stopped by my sis' place. She said I had to read the post she put up about her quest for perfection, or something like that yesterday.
If you have ever sewn, please go read this post. Oh and make sure you are not drinking anything! Or you've been to the bathroom prior to reading it! S'mee has described very well the experience of sewing in our home. And then steps it up to the purchase of a new machine.
I cannot stop laughing. If you haven't sewn it won't be nearly as funny, but still enough to get you chuckling.
12 July 2008
Favorite of the week
Of all the wonderful places on the coast we went this past week, this was my favorite. Spending time with Sport was the best of the best. He was the cutest, loving, most wonderful child to be with all week. He has a routine, and is very, very analytical, he charmed the socks off all of us.
Each day brought new toys, and new places. I love to watch him explore. I can't say enough about what a joy it is to spend time with the grandchildren. It is the best that life has to offer.
11 July 2008
Burger King, Not my kind of place!
I read a lot of business blogs. I was reading a story at Brand Autopsy that pointed me to the story I am bringing to your attention. At Idea Sandbox Paul tells about an experience he had at an airport recently. He noticed a tray liner being used at Burger King.
It is appalling. I cannot believe this is classified as humor any where in the world. Burger King really has their head in the wrong place and I can see why they are faltering and lagging behind other restaurants. Please read the story and act accordingly. (What I mean is send an email to BK and let them know that even if it isn't in the U.S. you don't want to support that kind of advertising or promotions.)
10 July 2008
Lazing by the sea, yes that was me
No! not the elephant seal silly! We went away for the fourth this year. Actually we went to the 1st daughter's house in Los Osos. She and her husband are doing a summer internship (well the husband is) and we went to stay in their lovely home by the sea for the fourth.
One of the days we were there we went for a drive up the coast to San Simeon. Most people go pay to see a huge castle that is famous there. I think it is silly to pay to see a rich guys house. We usually go there to see these guys:
They are so fun to watch. And lest you think I will be showing off toasted toes, let's see what our fourth looked like:
These pics weren't taken on the fourth, but they did represent the weather for the week. Fog, foggy and more fog. The fourth? Well, let's just say the fireworks sounded good! The fog was so thick that was all there was. Sound. Loud booms and crackles.
Still we had a great week!
03 July 2008
2008 Lavender harvest
Yes, I have put it off for about three weeks! But last night I finally went out and harvested the lavender. We have four large plants that needed to be cut. The picture shows this year's harvest!
No9w it will go to the drying shed (garage) and get nice and dried out. The I will make sachets, and set some aside for herbs de provence. Then I am going to try and do distilling this time around. I'll also just bag up some buds to use around the house while cleaning. I love sprinkling them on the carpet while I vacuum, they leave such a wonderful scent.
If any of you readers would like a 4 oz bag of lavender, let me know. I'd love to send you some!
01 July 2008
More sewing stuff
In the organization process, I've also stumbled across a huge sewing filled, yes filled, to the brim with old sewing items. A ton of wooden spools of thread, more buttons, some vintage belt buckles and a few odd items.
One of them being the above. I have also taken a picture of it unfolded. Anyone have an idea of what it is and how it was used?
28 June 2008
Button , button who's got the button?
When I cleaned out the garage, I came across a bag. It had been tied closed and was a keepsake in a box. Much to my surprise, the bag was filled with these! I told Kirsty that I'd take a photo and show them off. The sparkly one, clear with gold sparkles, was on a coat my grandmother wore when I was about 10. There are other memories in there too!
27 June 2008
Yes, I am still trying to get the garage organized.
In the meantime, I've also been workin gon some simple vinyl stickers. I'm putting them up at The Tag Sale but I thought I'd show them to you here also!
I made some of these as a giveaway for a blogger snacker I went to a few months ago. Not everyone said they'd put them on their cars, but everyone thought they were neat. They'd look great on a laptop, a wall near where you blog or just about anywhere else you can think to stick them.
They're cheap as they are just promo items. Each measures about 4x6 inches or slightly larger, depending on your state. Basically they are $2.00 each and you send me a self addressed stamped envelope along with the dollar and you get one. I have all of the states and could even do a country if you wanted to request one. Email me at foodchronicles at yahoo dot com for an address! Or, if you want to trade something let me know!
25 June 2008
Long ago friends
One of the benefits of doing a big organization job is to see what really is in all those boxes! Well, a couple of them stashed way up high brought these guys out.
They are long ago friends, loved and played with over the years. The three girls were stuffed animal hounds. Each birthday or holiday new stuffies came out and joined the group. They were pretty well taken car of, and all they needed coming out of the boxes was a good trip through the washer.
So who is here? Care Bear Cousins, Fozzy Bear, Snuggle the Bear, a few random stuffies and over to the right? Alf, good old Alf. His voice box is in another box. I'll have to pull that out too!
And then a melee of Barbies. Yes, we were friends of Barbie's. We had all the trimming and about a gazillion dolls. Looking close at the picture you'll see a couple had their hair customized! We lived in the desert. It was hot. Even for Barbie!
Some of these will be sold. Others will be kept for the little ones. I have started a new blog, it's not quite up and running yet, to sell random stuff we no longer use around here. Reduce, reuse or recycle! The blog is called The Tag Sale. I decided to use it to sell stuff as I have tried using Amazon to sell a few things and their commissions are outrageous. I don't like Ebay, so why would I try there? We'll see how it goes.
23 June 2008
Grandpa
This is my grandpa. He was born in Gloucester, England in 1888. He emigrated to this country in 1911. Prior to his coming to America, he apprenticed with a Wood Pattern Maker until he became a journeyman. What is a wood pattern maker? Well, he is someone who when building items, would first make a pattern out of wood to be sure it was exactly what was wanted or needed. Then it would be used as a pattern for metal or different woods for finished projects. Kind of like a old time CAD designer. In order to be able to work steady , he came to America. He eventually made his way to Michigan and worked at the Armory in Flint, MI for many years.
His trade, wood pattern making, was his life's work. He showed us pictures of the tanks he helped design and build along with various other important items for the US government.
As a child I didn't get to spend as much time with him as I would have liked. My mother divorced our father when I was four. My grandpa chose to spend time with my brother, as he needed a good male role model. He assumed we girls would learn what we needed from our grandmother.
My grandpa retired sometime in the 1950s and moved to California. He got bored very quickly and looked for somewhere to do woodworking. He found a good place at the Boys Club in Oceanside. Back in the 60s the Boys Club was just the Boys Club. It has evolved, like all things, to include girls. I am glad it wasn't while grandpa was alive as he would have argued to the death in allowing girls to be part of that organization. Not that there is anything wrong with girls; no not at all, however he believed that there is good reason to be separate in some places and that girls needed to be girls and likewise for boys. He helped them set up a good wood working shop and spent many, many days volunteering and teaching young boys how to work with wood.
He would bring home toys he had made for us along with the amazing inlaid wood work he was known for. My sister has a few items he made, the one I am most jealous of is the tray he made with grandpa and grandma's picture in it. It is beautiful and a gorgeous representation of his work. I cannot spend too much time being jealous though, I have plenty of items I cherish that he made also. A couple of great inlaid wood bracelets, and I have the best remembrance of all.
His tools: A few years after he and my grandmother passed away I was visiting my mom. She was clearing out a lot of "junk" she had around the house, as she put it. I asked her what was in the old suitcase. She said she thought it was her dad's tools and did I want them. I jumped at the chance and squirrled it away.
This picture was taken last week as I cleaned and rearranged things in my own garage. I took the opportunity to open the case and take a look inside.
As you can see, it did not weather well. However, I do believe this was a custom made case for his tools. He may have made it himself, or had someone make it for him, I do not know for sure.
Inside are layers of shelf boxes. In each layer are different tools.
The larger box at the bottom has some if his planes that he used along with various other items.
In each drawer are simple tools and templates. One a few hex pieces for I don't know what.
Another has his calipers. The large silver ones have his name engraved on it. This must have been used quite a bit at the armory. It would be the only place I know where he would have to have his name on his tools.
All in all a great set of tools. After careful review there are those that need to be taken out and given some TLC. They need to be sanded and oiled to prevent the rust build up starting.
I'll Keep the tools for a long time. Until such a time that I have a member of the family cherish, and possibly use, the tools that mean so much to the family. I could never give them to a random stranger. I am glad to know our family is growing. We may have a good third generation of wood worker out there yet!
22 June 2008
San Diego Zoo
When I turned seven we went on a great birthday trip. We were living on Meyers street in Oceanside. In a little duplex apartment. We had wonderful neighbors that I got to know well. I always gravitated toward older people. Mr. Peachy lived a couple of houses down the street and he grew the most wonderful sweet peas.
On my birthday Mr. Peachy gave me 700 pennies! I was in heaven. I couldn't believe someone would give me such an extravagant gift. The next Saturday, my mom took us to the San Diego Zoo. We got all dressed up and made the long drive to the Zoo. It was our first time being there. The day was magic. The purse on my arm was purchased with a portion of my 700 pennies. It had a San Diego Zoo logo on it and was made of 100% fine grade plastic. It was the perfect representation of the day. I bought everyone a treat also, as shown in the picture. This picture was taken at the base of the moving ramps leading up to the gigantic birdhouse aviary. I don't think it is there any longer, but maybe it is.
My brother on my right arm as always. He was my hero. This trip to the zoo began a journey we would take for a long time. The San Diego Zoo, in those days, was free to anyone under the age of 16. It was a paradise for us. My mom could drop us off for the day and we would spend it wandering and learning. I don't think any of us regret a moment spent there. Eventually in our travels, we lived within a mile of the zoo and the summer between my third and forth grades we spent every day there. My brother and I and sometimes my sisters.
Today is my brothers' birthday. I wish he was here to celebrate the day. He will be in a lot of peoples thought today. I am glad I have such great memories to draw from and make days like this better. I'd love to have one more day to go to the zoo with him. The day he died, he was on his way to share the wonder that is Balboa park with his oldest son. He would take him to the aerospace museum, one of the places we spent so many hours. It was a beginning that never began.
Happy Birthday bro, we remember, and always will.
