I Don't Hate Halloween

It was suggested in an earlier post that "Keith" hates Halloween. Don't get tricked by that.  I deny "hating" Halloween.  There isn't much to hate any more.  It doesn't seem to do a bit of good.

I do think that we have been tricked into it by thinking it is a treat.  (cute kids, fun games, etc.)

We do have an adversary.  If  he can't induce us to do something evil, he will attempt to keep us busy with things that may be good but not the most important. But I don't think Halloween is a good concept. It should be avoided.
I don't know if it is a conspiracy by the dentists or not.  Well, anyway all the lights will be out tonight.

You Know You Live in a Small Town If....

I got the paper from the end of the driveway the other day and began skimming the headlines on the front page. Powder Puff Action (for the middle school). Battle of the High School Bands. Church Women Master Art of Pie-Making. Pie making? On the front page? Nice picture of older women with aprons and pie dough.

My first reaction was to laugh. The "big city" girl from Ohio came out in me and I thought that this was just truly ridiculous. Pie Making should be in the Lifestyle section at best, right?

My second reaction was far more favorable. The day was a good one. International shenanigans must be under a modicum of control. National news was at a minimum. State politics was in a quiet mode. And locally, nothing bad was happening. And because of all this, I got to read about a wonderful group of ladies learning to bake pies.

On days like this, rather than sigh at small town living, I should rejoice. Yes, there were other headlines throughout the paper that showed some unrest, but the front page set the tone for my day. I want to always live where making pies can be front page news.

Other news:

• Katherine had her last soccer game. It was cold. VERY cold. It was 50, no sun, and the wind was blowing at 16mph. I know this because Keith felt the need to look it up on his phone. I don't know why he felt knowing this information would be helpful. I decided that you had to love someone a whole lot to sit in the cold for 2 hours to watch them play a game!

• We had a hard freeze on Oct 30th. In NC. Really? What's up with that? Where are my balmy days? I do not wish to declare winter just 13 days after I finally declared fall. If you are hording the warmth, please stop and send it this way.

• Keith and I had a wonderful supper with a college friend of his named Ava and her husband Tommy. She is Ava Gardner's niece, for those of you who remember Ava Gardner. And she races cars - GTOs. Her newest car gets up over 150mph. I wonder what the first Ava would have thought of that?

She appeared in several high-profile films from the 1950s to 1970s, including The Hucksters (1947), Show Boat (1951), The Snows of Kilimanjaro (1952), The Barefoot Contessa (1954), Bhowani Junction (1956), On the Beach (1959), Seven Days in May (1964), The Night of the Iguana (1964), The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean (1972), Earthquake (1974), and The Cassandra Crossing (1976).

Full of Memories

I have a magnet that hangs on my refrigerator. A red tractor. I smile every time I see it. Now, I'm sure you are wondering why a middle-aged, suburban housewife would smile at a red tractor magnet. Because this middle-aged, suburban housewife has a tractor preference - International Harvester. Do you know why John Deere tractors are green? So they blend into the scenery when they break down in the field. Yeah, I went there. My grandpa was an IH dealer and I grew up with red tractors. Only red tractors. I even had the opportunity to own one several years ago. It was a joy to drive. Ah, the memories.

Anyway, this got me to thinking what other things have been passed down through the generations. My love of 40' and 50's and early 60's folk and country music, for one. My grandpa (the red tractor grandpa) had a family band. He played the guitar, my aunt played the mandolin, my uncle played the accordion, and my mom played the bass fiddle. Somehow, the two younger uncles never got involved, though Uncle Marlan did attempt the drums. It never quite fit with the whole whining country thing. Beautiful, beautiful brown eyes. Your Cheatin' Heart. Prison songs. Love songs. Patsy Cline heaven. My aunt sang soprano, my mom sang alto. I have a tape of them playing at Matthew's first birthday party. I'll treasure it always. I always perk up when one of the family band songs is sung. I even try to sing the alto (be happy that you are all cyber friends and don't have to hear it!

Blonde hair and blue eyes. Check. Though the blonde hair now needs a little help and I'm more than happy to give it the help it needs!

Love of cooking. This skipped a generation. My mom cooked because it was required of a mother to cook. My grandma's seemed to love it, especially my grandma Bufmeyer. I have a few of her recipes. They are not heart healthy, but man oh man, are they tasty! Tell me you're coming over and I'll make the baked mac and cheese and we'll have dill dip and pretzels while it bakes.

Picture taking. Grandma and grandpa Bufmeyer took gads of photos when they would go on trips and then we'd all get to sit and watch the slide show. Sometimes I would beg them to get one out just to see old pics of my dad. I'm sure my parents were so happy with me to be begging for a slideshow, narrated by grandpa. Yep, I'm sure of it!

I'm sure there is more, but these are the things that came to mind as I smiled at my red tractor magnet.

Other news: I'm addicted to Edy's ice cream 1/2 the fat flavors. Every time Edy's goes on 2 for 1 sale, I buy a lot. I currently have about 20 in my big freezer. I think I may need to go to Edy's Annonymous.

My brand new computer had a hard drive fail. Yes, we are getting a new one for free. No, they weren't able to save a thing off of it. I now have to go through the process of setting up my computer. AGAIN. Can we say, not happy?

Katherine's last soccer game is Saturday - everyone send good vibes her way - she wants to make a goal!

Halloween Already Starting

Tomorrow at church we are having a chili cook-off and a trunk-or-treat (essentially a trick or treat from car trunk to car trunk). We have some families that REALLY get into Halloween. One family in particular has 5 girls - with the parents dressing up, that is 7 people. They've done Harry Potter, Wizard of Oz, some Japanese anime characters that I know nothing about, and more. This year, they are all going as different astronauts, with the 3 year old going as a space chimp. They considered martian but just couldn't find the right costume.

Keith really dislikes Halloween. Hate is probably more like it and I'm not being over dramatic. He HAS participated with us before, though he denies it. Luckily, I have photos. (He was a beach tourist. I was, get this, someone you could COUNT on!)

Halloween 2009

Anyway, he doesn't want a thing to do with Halloween this year. But, see, I do church events. And that will be supper tomorrow night. So, he has to at least go to the chili supper. The girls are definitely opening a trunk, perhaps on the second car while we send Keith home with the good car, but a trunk nonetheless. I know this is true - I bought the candy!

Of course, in order to run a trunk, the girls feel they need to dress up. This year, they took a cue from that family I told you about earlier and they are going as a "group." They will be the Gorgon sisters - you know, Medusa and her sisters - snake hair - wings - yeah. Keith is trying not to notice the reggae wigs with snakes sticking out of them, but I suspect that is as difficult as it was for me to pretend that it was summer while the leaves were changing! Anyway, I'll post pictures as soon as I can.

Today I'm getting out my chili recipes to determine the best one - I mean, I want the prize and I don't even know what the prize is. I'm competitive that way!

Warm, Fuzzy Socks and Hot Cocoa

Well, I'm giving in. It is cold outside. It is rainy outside. Fall has really fallen. I've been pretending for the last 6 weeks that it was still summer time. Warm, bright yellow sunshiny days. I've been ignoring the turning leaves, the chilly mornings, the heat turning on in the night. No, I've been holding on to summer. Telling myself that I could still head over to Lake Jordan and have a swim. Still keeping my shorts and capris at the front of the closet.

Today is different, somehow. My feet are cold. Once my feet get cold, I'm done in. Through. And they aren't just cold, they are cold to the bone. Even with my thick, soft, black and gray striped, fuzzy socks, my feet are still cold. So today is the first day of Fall. We can make it official now - Fall starts October 19th.

Now that I've agreed to believe that it is actually fall, I can get out my pumpkin spiced candles, hot apple cider, and hot chocolate. I can start thinking about Thanksgiving and pumpkin pies. I can even begin jotting ideas down for Christmas gifts.

In a way, it is a relief to let go of the dream. Hot cocoa, anyone?

Change - Not My Thing

I hate change. No, I despise change. I like getting all comfy cozy with how things are and just keeping them that way. I moved into this house 2 years ago. My living room is arranged just how it was then, though I have added some pretty things and a few pictures. My bedroom - same as it was 2 years ago, which happens to be exactly like it was in the old house. I figure, if it works, why change it?

Of course, it is the "if it works" part that got me over the last week. My computer didn't. (work that is). It just stopped. Kaput. The end. Not even time for a good bye song. So, I had to get a new one. Now, a new tower is not such a big deal. It does what it does and sends me all the info in ways that I can understand it.

But it is the updating of programs. I was still using Windows XP. Now I have Windows 7. I can't find a dang thing. Why are my documents in a library? I liked them just fine where they were. Now I have to push an extra button to get where I'm going. I was perfectly efficient without Microsoft's help. Couldn't find my calculator. Couldn't even, for a time, figure out how to log on to Internet.

Then there is the fact that was using Word 2003. Yes, folks, 2003. Just to make you feel better, it was new at the time. This machine came loaded with the starter of 2010. Most likely I will load up 2007, purchased for my children 2 years ago. We still have one use left on it. I don't want to afford 2010. Plus, my daughter has a book on how to use 2007 from a college course last year. I'm going to need that book. I couldn't even figure out how to find a word count. I checked everywhere. Except the bottom of the page, where it shows the count automatically. How nice.

Let's not forget Quicken. A version older than dust. I'm not even sure we are going to be able to get our old information loaded on to a new quicken. That will mean trying to piece together a whole year's worth of expenses. Plus, I have no idea how much money is in my checking. I mean, I know what the bank says, but I don't know how much is out there floating around in cyberspace waiting to be paid. This will have to change immediately.

And finally, there is Outlook Express. Do you know that they don't make it anymore? Nope, they don't. So, Keith, being the kind hearted man that he is, put on Mozzilla Thunderbird. It is going to be ok. It is going to be ok. I couldn't figure out how to send my first email or add an attachment. But with a little brainpower and some whining, I think I may have it figured out.

You'd think a woman that homeschools, and changes things up yearly, and a mom of 4, where the kids definitely move on with or without you, would make me more receptive to change. Remarkably, I am able to go with the flow when it comes to my kids. Sometimes I go kicking and screaming, but I go.

Thankfully, the computer will last at least 3 years. Why 3? Because that is how long we have a warranty. Anything beyond that is a gift!

PS You should have seen Katherine at her game on Saturday. She was a mean, lean, soccer machine. She stole it from Number 7 - the other team's forward. She was fast and intent. And my daughter got the ball from her. The cheers erupting from the sidelines embarrassed her. When she ran  past, she told us to hush up! LOL. I just love embarrassing my kids, don't you?

Way to get in there!

Katherine throwing in - Coach Jozy encouraging

Too Many Topics, Not Enough to Say

So, I've had a wide variety of things strike me today, yet not one of them seemed to be blog worthy. I almost (key word) decided to forgo writing today, but I decided to give you a smorgasbord of thoughts.

1. It is raining. I hate the rain. It is cold. I hate the cold rain. I want my sunshine. It's pretty simple and straightforward. I would not do well in the Northwest. Rebekah hates the rain, too. In fact, as we left the house this morning for seminary, at the bright and early hour of 6AM, we both groaned to see the rain. So, you can imagine my surprise when I found her out dancing in it. And singing. In her bare feet. That is a whole other issue - she hates grass and dirt on her feet. I rarely see her without shoes. Yet, there she was in the cold and rain. And enjoying herself. I considered joining her. Instead I took photos!

Hiding from the camera

Unaware that her sister came out the other door with the camera

Aware now!

Finally embracing the photo shoot.

Cartwheels - why didn't I think of that?

See the grass stuck to her feet? This is unheard of!

2. I am under-appreciated. Or so I told Rebekah this morning. I made her an egg sandwich for breakfast and she said, "Did anyone ever tell you that you were awesome?" My reply was, "Not nearly enough." So, she has made it her goal today to tell me. Often. Just so you know, I am awesome for making such a great supper. I must admit, I like it!

3. Katherine is making astounding progress in soccer. She played so hard at practice yesterday that she is sore. She scored a goal and assisted in a goal. Wow. This was the girl that ran on her heels just 3 weeks ago. I didn't know that she couldn't run. As I watched her, I thought that she had done something to her foot. Why else would she be limping like that. So I paid close attention. She was running on her heels. I suggested that she try running with more toe action. Sure enough, she sped up quite nicely! Anyhow, I digress. Yesterday, Rebekah promised her a nook book of her choice if she scored a goal in a game. Today, Rebekah tried to rescind on the deal since yesterday, before practice, it seemed a near impossibility for her to lose such a bet. I was about to step in and demand justice, but Katherine stood up quite nicely for herself. Said, "If I get a goal, and I will, then you WILL be buying me a book." And that was that.

4. Kimberly has the Biology teacher from Hades. I actually think this lady has visited there. Honest. As a parent, I tend to take things with a grain of salt. Oh, come on, you know you do, too. Anyway, there was a a lot of complaining going on. Poor communication blah blah blah. Homework she didn't announce blah blah blah. I finally took a look at the website where she would post info. A. This woman doesn't speak English as a first language and it shows in her writing skills. B. She has the kids doing homework on the level of a 400 class instead of the general bio that it is. C. She puts up homework at 9:30pm that is due the next morning at 9am. I thought of this again today when Kimberly showed me her latest communications on the web. I have no idea what she wants. Kimberly has no idea what she wants. Her classmate Chris has no idea what she wants. I guess they'll find out tomorrow.

5. I am coming along nicely on my piano. Not a lot to say about it, but I did want to announce my progress!

Blogs are self-centered. I guess that makes sense since it is a web journal of the blogger. But still, do any of you really care what I think about Kimberly's bio teacher? No, don't answer that. I want to feel awesome today!

Another Birthday, Another Year

Everyone needs a blue pot!

My birthday was Friday. I don't know how that could be since I just had a birthday a few weeks ago. Or at least that is what it feels like. And my birthday has always been a precursor to Thanksgiving and Christmas. Once my birthday hits, the holiday season just seems to roll right in. And that can't possibly be true since I barely got my Christmas tree from last year put away - or so it seems.

I remember as a child that it took FOREVER for Christmas to come again and that summers lasted and lasted and lasted. The school year felt like eons. My parents would talk about time flying and I never understood what they were talking about. Now I do.

It makes me wonder if time is still speeding up for them. Is it possible for time to go even faster? Will I eventually still be full from last Thanksgiving when it is time for turkey again?

Despite coming so quickly, I had a very nice birthday. My husband took me out to eat and to the theater to see Guys and Dolls the weekend before. Then, of course, since it was actually my birthday, we had to go out to dinner again to Neo Asia, our favorite Chinese restaurant. Then, once again, it was still my birthday weekend, so we went out to Applebee's on Saturday. Can you say pampered?

Not just one, but two piano books.

The girls also did a great job. I got a new turquoise blue stock pot. Who wants a pot for her birthday? I do, and Kimberly felt that it was better than socks (which I asked for last year and still think of as my new socks). I love to cook and I love colorful kitchen gadgets. My kitchen has blue hues to it. The pot was perfect. I picked it out and put it on my wish list at Amazon. Kimberly took the hint! Katherine, despite her misgivings, bought me an extra rechargeable battery for my camera. I take a LOT of photos. For instance, at her first soccer game, I took 781 photos. I would have taken more but my battery ran out with 5 minutes left in the game. (Kimberly missed the game and just watched my photos go by. Said it was as good as the real thing!) Now I will never have that happen again....unless I take over 1500 pictures.....Rebekah got me 2 wonderful piano books that are at my level of playing. One is Christmas music and I love Christmas music! The other is country music - of the older variety. It happens to have one of Keith's most favorite songs - I Wish I Were 18 Again. The girls were horrified that it was there. (If you heard Keith sing, you'd be horrified, too!) I think I'll learn this song first and Keith and I can do it for the church talent show - as a comedy routine, of course!

I'm happy with my battery...the face, not so much.

What's in a Name

Names are curious things. Someone comes up with your name at birth, and unless you are like Prince, you stick with it all your life. (I think Prince is now known as Metta World Peace, or something along that line...really?) Anyway, my mom named me. My dad wanted a boy and he wanted to name him Hank. When a girl showed up instead, he suggested Hankeline (hank-a-leen). No kidding. So, I am thankful to my mom for naming me Teri. Of course, I was named after her first boyfriend, which I'm sure she was reconsidering after the name Hankeline was suggested!

There are other oddities with my name, one r in Teri. No e in Mari. Why? Because my maiden name, Bufmeyer has 8 letters and so do my first and middle names. Plus, my mom felt that Bufmeyer should have 2 F's - since my last name was missing a letter, both of my other names should be missing one, too. And you thought only my dad had issues.

But I digress.

I considered each of my children's names carefully. I gave them long names that could be shortened. I always wanted to be able to shorten my name, but Ter never really caught on!

I asked yesterday what they would change their name to if given the chance. Kimberly said she would go with Rachel. Katherine would go with Alissa. Rebekah didn't have an answer. I don't have one either. I think in the last 48 years, I've grown used to Teri with one r.

All this pondering about names came about because of the name of an organization that keeps being advertised on my Facebook. Triangle Women Against MS. It bothers me. Are there Triangle Women for MS? Can you really be against a disease? Every time I see it, I have these thoughts. I know, I know, it is a strange thing to obsess over, but it really bothers me. I've thought maybe they could be Triangle Women Fighting Against MS. Maybe I'll write to them. Or maybe I'll just bristle when I see it. Yeah, that is probably the better course of action.

So, tell me, what would you change your name to and why?

Teri Mari Bufmeyer - Age 1

Specials Evolved

Once upon a time, long, long ago, (back in early childhood), Rebekah used to make "specials." She was my creative kitchen kid. She would go into the refrigerator and the pantry, find ingredients that somehow suited her mood, mix them together, pop them into the microwave, and bring them victoriously to you in a bowl to sample.

I'd love to be able to say that these were delicious. They were not. She didn't have a good idea of what actually went together. For instance, there was the time she decided to make bread. The first ingredient, of course, was bread. Then she added water, eggs, milk, ketchup, salt, sugar, and a few other items that I can no longer remember. I'm sure I've repressed it. She put it into the microwave and brought it out to enjoy. It was gross. It was also the final straw.

Rebekah's dad made a new rule. You have to eat what you make. So, Rebekah got to eat the "bread." Now she understood! Of course, this did not deter her from making specials. However, she was far more cautious and would ask what went good with XYZ before placing it into her bowl. Eventually, she made up some really good concoctions.

Things have not changed to this day. Rebekah still experiments with food and several of our dinners are due to her ideas in action.

What brought this up today? Another special - one that I can't wait to try. Chocolate chipless cookie dough filled with butter pecan ice cream and then frozen. Oh yes, a girl after my own heart! I'll be sure to let you know how they turned out.