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Thursday, December 31, 2009
Monday, December 28, 2009
A Christmas Decoration (Fun & Macro Monday)
Mine happens to be alive and blooming - for well over 50 years. We always call it "Mom's Christmas Cactus," because I retrieved it from her home when she passed away sixteen years ago.
It did not bloom for several years and I was afraid that I didn't have the green thumb for zygo-cactus. Fortunately, it grieved and I found a rhythm for feeding and watering. Now it is a faithful provider of lovely blossoms every winter. Three years ago it bloomed from November until April.
The plant is very large - and thus susceptible to breakage from the people and pets who move about. The pieces that break off are placed in water to root and then shared with other family members. Each of my daughters has their plant growing from "Mom's Christmas Cactus." But, now I think that "Mom's" refers to me.
In November 2006, I posted this similar declaration of love for this plant. It is so special to me that I don't mind sharing it one more time.
Play Fun Monday at Writer Cramps and Macro Monday at Lisa's Chaos
(The Flash pictures on this post were taken Sunday evening - because I forgot to take a photo during the daylight.)
Thursday, December 24, 2009
An Update and Greeting
I slept (not) to the stereo qualitity of two snoring men. It is a small apartment and the things that happen in the apartment upstairs are no secret either. Even Curlymop, the 5 year old granddaughter, was awake until 11 p.m. as the result of sipping someone's Thai Tea. That could have been part of my wakeful problem, too. I actually blamed it on the salad; I crashed and burned on a whole chili that I misidentified as a dark peanut.
When I did nod away, I dreamed that I didn't get any Christmas Cards. That has been on my mind because I didn't send any this year, or for several years past. It has to be very much like blogging. If you don't leave your "comment card" at your friends blogs, eventually they'll quit commenting , too.
Tomorrow is a day spent with this daughter and our other daughter Karmyn and families. It will be a light hearted day as the result of Jammin getting a clean result on his biopsy. Strange how it is with pathology reports; positive is negative; negative is positive. We are so very grateful, but incomplete without our middle daughter and her family. Jen is an ER nurse in central California who is sceduled to work on Christmas Day. Fortunately her kids will be spending the day with their dads exetended families.
This morning we are taking my husbands sister for a consult with a Cardio-Thoracic surgeon. Two weeks ago a softball size mass was discovered in her chest next to her heart. She has been complaining of pain for some time now. The radiologist and her new physician believe it is a cyst - and that should keep it from falling into that insidious category about which we refuse to speak.
We traversed the Columbia River Gorge yesterday where the air was crisp, the water still, and the sky was blue. I was at the wheel when I became aware of little ice rainbows in the sky. They would last anywhere from seconds to maybe a minute. This was taken seconds before one disappeared and is hardly visible. I downloaded ithe following photos directly from my camera.
Another shot at sunset through the dirty glass. I wish I had used my Canon Rebel and done the vibrant colors more justice.
The last hour was foggy and I was glad that my man was at the wheel and I could relax.
We send our greetings to all of you -- whether you celebrate Christmas or another calendar event. We are blessed to have you in our circle of friends.
Love, Pamela
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Too Big To Wrap
Friday, December 18, 2009
Spell your Favorite Thai Food
When Amanda passes her national court recorder test, we're obliged to host a celebratory dinner for friends and family at this yummy little place.
The people who work there are aware of our plans and can't wait to feed us some of our favorite dishes: Crispy Basil, Pad Thai, and Green Mango Salad.
There will be Stir-Fly and Pictures of Water for those who are a bit more adventuresome.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Eye Eye, Matey!
Once he became aware of his surroundings his mother remarked, "Hey Jammin'. You look like a pirate."
"AAAAAAAAAAARGH!." He replied.
He is doing well. He should be back in school tomorrow and we are hoping for good news from the pathologist.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Monday, December 07, 2009
Christmas Songs that Induce Insanity
The fact that I heard Christmas music playing in Sears before Halloween gave me reason to get that crazy feeling entirely too early this year.
But...for a particular song, I allowed myself to go back to a childhood memory.
My mom had an LP with all the Stars of her day singing the season favorites. She would play that album quite often during the holiday season. Oh How I hated to hear Silent Night moaned out with despair by Marlene Dietrich.
I couldn't find that particular recording available on the web. But, lucky you! I found her rendition of Little Drummer Boy. It's equally endearing.
If you dare to hear it ...
Oh.... SHUDDER!!
There are several more that I love to hate - but I'll save those for another day.
Share your hair pulling holiday songs and link your post at C is for Cynical Girl.
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
Turkey Lurkey
Carmi has asked for a picture of something different for this week's Thematic Photograph.
Their unprecedented appearance is why I chased these three wild turkeys down the street with my camera. I think they were considering their escape options when I cornered them in our neighbors yard.
In the over thirty years I've lived on this street I have never before been visited by a wild turkey .
My neighbor Bill has lived here more than 50 years and claims it was his first sighting, too!
Later that afternoon when they were enjoying the spilled sunflower seeds under my bird feeder, the neighbor's dog surprised them. All three flew high into the neighbors old maple tree and were still perched there when night fell.
I wondered if they found refuge in town during hunting season and decided it was so nice that they would stick around.
If you saw something odd this week, post it and link your blog at Written Inc. Or, just go check out what other bloggers share
Monday, November 30, 2009
Under the Weather.
Not one.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Fun Monday Thanks
Wendishness has asked us to share our thanks for this week's Fun Monday fare. My contribution is a copy of my daily note of thankfulness to which I committed on Facebook.
11-23-09 So thankful for infrastructure! Every Monday morning our garbage and recyclables are removed from the street by some sanitation workers. And I'm thankful that my recycle grew this year while the garbage decreased.
11-22-09 found it easy to be thankful this morning. ----Yesterday we stood in line at the theater to attend "The Blind Side." I also just read the book "The Glass Castle." Both true stories of children surviving adversity. I'm thankful that I had a childhood. Mine wasn't perfect, but it was blessed.
11-21-09 needs to be thankful for more things. Julie had a "favorite quote" contest on her blog and one of the winners was: What if God decided to take away the things you forgot to thank him for? I sit here and gaze a 360 around this room and see so many blessings. Television, radio, internet, telephone. I'm thankful for her reminder.
11-20-09 Having a tough time being thankful this morning. But I am. I am thankful for places that are available for those who need extra help. I'm thankful for the people who work there. I'm thankful for their grace and mercy. Their willingness to be servants.
11-19-09 I'm thankful that I had (for the most part) teachers who were dedicated to teaching ME! ... and didn't accept less from my learning. Thank you Mrs. Syphers, Miss Goodman, Mr. Weir, Mr. Miller, Mr. Libby, Mr. McCorkle. Oh yeah, there are a few more out there. But these were the ones that came to mind today when I did some substitute tutoring.
11-18-09 is thankful today for fireplaces, gas furnaces, snuggly blankets, and hot oatmeal.
11-16-09 I'm thankful for old friends. It's as though time and space have no power when you talk to one. Our lives have moved on and our paths cross rarely. But we begin our conversation as if it was only yesterday we last spoke.
11-15-09 I'm thankful for grandchildren. Last night six-year old Buttercup called to inform us that she lost both front teeth in less than 24 hours. (She didn't mention that one of the lose teeth was encouraged by her almost 18 mo old baby brother. He bonked her with a flashlight)
11-14-09 Thankful for medicine. I'd be more thankful if I didn't need to take them. But praise God that there scientists who search creation for cures, the pharmaceuticals who fund the production, and for every one in between who makes it possible for them to sit in my medicine cabinet.
11-13-09 thankful for farmers, and truckers, and grocery stores, oh my! (and.. coffee. Today I'm sampling my first cup of Dunkin Donuts Coffee.)
11-12-09 Today I am thankful for (some semblance of) sound mind and body.
11-11-09 Today I am thankful for veterans, and for those currently 'serving.' A big T H A N K Y O U to all of you who have and are. Is it too late for some of us other "mature" folks to serve? Just a thought this morning as my "veteran" husband has the day off in his honor.
11-10-09 Thankful for Autumn. Tho, sad to feel the sharp and serrated wind slam summer's door, slash my blooming friends and rip naked the tall Maple. It, and the retreating sun , sent the feathers migrating for longer days. 'For everything there is a season.' Quiet. Rest. Cold fingers wrap my favorite coffee cup and I'm at peace. (#2 on my Thankfuls until Nov 25)
11-09-09 Taking up the Thankful Challenge from my friend Sayre Smiles, who says:
"Every day this month until Thanksgiving,think of one thing that you are thankful for and post it as your status. "Today I am thankful for..." I challenge all my friends to post what they are thankful for today."
Today I am thankful for my husband - and every day for thirty-three years~(I promise you WILL be thankful for reading all the entries this week. What a great choice for todays subject! So link over for thankfulness at Wendishness!)
Friday, November 20, 2009
A few days ago WR stated that he hoped the wind would blow all the leaves off the neighbor's maple trees - and he got his wish. He even got a better gift with it. Many of those leaves blew over our fence and beyond. However, we still get to keep the ones that hit the water.
Every autumn we are surprised. I remember several years ago having our grandkids help us rake leaves when they visited over the Thanksgiving holiday. I remember having a few brave roses thumbing their petals even into December. We always know that eventually winter will arrive, but never how or when we expect it.
So is it we are surprised with the insidious creeping of Alzheimer's in my sister-in-law's life.
This morning I need to wolf down my coffee and cereal and rush out the door. I am supervising the movers who come to haul her furniture and belongings to assisted living.
It was only this past January that I helped her pack and move into the apartment where we hoped she would be safe and secure for a few years.
In the past few months there has been blatant deterioration. Mostly in short term memory and cognitive thinking. Tasks that require more than one step frustrate her. Just this week I realized she was unable to use her stove, to listen to her voice mail messages, or even turn on the heat for the cold days.
Where does it go from here? When?
Monday, November 16, 2009
Other than dust, I have nothing in my house more weathered and aged than Augusta's photo album. I wrote about my great grandmother (Augusta, Grace, Evelyn, Me) this summer. She was born in 1855 and died in 1937.
I can only guess when she acquired it. I like to think that she was a young teen when she chose to include a photo of the late President Lincoln. Some other printed photos may be of other famous people of that era.
Apparently, Grandmother Grace took possession of it when her mother died. She kept it in a chest of drawers and would bring it out on occasion to share with relatives. My eldest brother remembers back in the fifties, sitting next to her while she pointed at and talked about each person. Grace was 99 years old when she died in 1978.
When Birdie, Grace's eldest daughter, died in 1993, my cousin called and offered the album to me. I was very thankful for her generosity. What I didn't know at the time is that my cousin was gravely ill and seeking preservation of our family's historical treasure.
A little white envelope containing two more tin types remains folded inside the cover - likely placed there by Grace. One of the photos is her husbands parents: my great grandfather and grandmother, George and Bernetta. For sure it was taken before 1863 - the year George died of typhoid fever while a soldier in the Civil War.
|* * * * * * * * *
And then there is this --
something that came into our
possession this week:
my husbands Great Grandfather's (Papa George) "fiddle."
This is a different George then mentioned above. (1873-1966)
He played a lively tune in the early 1900s, and was well known in the thriving community of Touchet, Washington.
It looks like I'm going to have to do some detective work and find out more about Papa George...AND his violin. I also must find an honored position on the wall for its display.
Join me and other's linking at Ari's Slab! Find out what's new in old stuff.
Sunday, November 08, 2009
Walking to Music
There have been rare reports of cougar and bear along the creek – the knowledge of which makes me very aware of my isolation.
When I turn back, I begin to meet more people, the majority of whom are wearing MP3s and IPods.
We smile in greeting and I say "good morning." Of course they do not hear me. Nor did they hear any of the bears or cougars that snuck up on them from my earlier flight of imagination.
When the cranky Canadian Goose tunes up his honker, they don't notice. And they ignore the accompanying drumming of the water that cascades over the berms.
Friday, November 06, 2009
Water Ouzel
Two days in a row I watched this little bird feed, play, and bathe in the creek that flows along the path that I walk. With some marked felicity, I noted it in my bird diary.
(My Canon Power Shot has the capacity for short video recording, albeit not the best quality. And my blogging hasn't been the best lately, either. Quality or quantity.)
Water Ouzel from pamela on Vimeo.
Monday, November 02, 2009
Wooly Wooly Worm
(I'm thinking I may not bother to dig into the storage area for my snow tires.)
Step 1Look for wooly worms under rocks and inside hollow logs.
Step 2Examine the wooly worm, paying attention to its bands of colors. The wooly worm will curl into a ball when touched or threatened. When they crawl, they can crawl very quickly!
Step 3Wooly worm forecasters say that the size of the brown band of color will tell you what kind of winter is coming. Legend says that the thinner the brownish red bands, the harsher the winter will be. If the wooly worm is mostly brownish red in the middle, winter will be mild.
Step 4Wooly worm enthusiasts claim an 85 percent success rate over the last few decades. Scientists tend to disagree and say wooly worm weather prediction is as unscientific as using groundhogs to predict winter weather. The groundhogs likely side with the wooly worms.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Karoo, Karoo
I sang to my daughters. My daughters to my grandchildren.
I hope my great grandchildren will hear it someday, too.
Listen to it here -- accompanied by photos of my sleepy daughters, and my 10 sleepy grandchildren!
Karoo Karoo from pamela on Vimeo.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Late last night I curled up on the love seat and watched the weather channel's tornado chasing marathon. The closing credits ran every half hour; then, the next episode would begin. Midnight arrived and yet I remained fixated. I so want to be a storm chaser.
The next thing I knew it was 4:30 and the cat was waking me with a yowling complaint. I got up, turned off the TV, and opened the patio door before grabbing the warm afghan and snuggling back down in my chair. I slept there until 8:30. In my turtle neck and jeans.
This odd confession is brought to you by Gattina - Writers Cramps, the host for today's Fun Monday.
She is curious about our usual Sunday morning attire.
Last night's lead in to this morning was just a fluke. I am the quintessential flannel pajama girl.
Most Sunday morning you'll find me searching for my glasses, the newspaper, and my coffee mug. I do know, however, where my PJ's are --because I'm wearing them.
I can remember wearing little lace-edged flannel sets as a child. I wore them until the lace began to disintegrate and the buttons popped. And then I wore them more.
My attachment to my PJ's hasn't altered as I've aged. I wear them until they fall right into the rag bin.
If you have a Sunday morning lounging tradition - wear them over to Writer's Cramps and shake them loose on Mr. Linky.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Fall Synopsis
|We went to grandparents day at Curlymop's School.
Our daughter mentioned that schools smell the same no matter where you go.
Why is that?
|This is what happens when Grandma buys special treats for breakfast
Being a grandmother gives you license to forget that Halloween decorated do-nuts are not good for you or on you.
The frosting stained.
|A group of Annas hummingbirds visited the valley the last week of September. They aren't supposed to be here. Ever!
This photo and my last sighting was October 1.
Here is elGee, the cat. (And Lucky, the mouse)
I swear that cat is color blind. The mouse got away.
In the last two days we've had 8 others, however, that met their maker. They were in MY KITCHEN!
(I hope it wasn't Bianca or Bernard.)
Speaking of heroes . . . .
|Another photo of
The Super Siblings from California, who picked out names to match their alter egos.
I only remember the moniker chosen for the 2 year old.
Pinkum Dinkum.
Every little boy needs an older sister and dress-up clothes.
Yesterday, while maneuvering to my car in the grocery parking lot, I was nearly run over.
When the car suddenly backed towards me I froze. In the same instant, my mind saw the bold headlines in the local newspaper.
La La-year old woman smashed with her bananas.
That gave me the boost of energy needed to move it. None of their $!%# business how old I am.
I pulled out the carpet shampoo-er and did some overdue cleaning this week. It spit out quite a few hair balls.
This confirms that my regular vacuum cleaner is on it's last legs. I knew it wasn't picking up things from the floor as it should. But I had no idea it wasn't dealing with the cat hair. That sucks! Well, it doesn't suck. But it really does suck. ( Oh heck... you know what I mean!)
Mr. Heron also scared the livin daylights out of the cat. Look at her. What a weenie.
We're gearing up for winter here. The Farmer's Almanac predicts it will be cool, with average precipitation. I can handle that.
Monday, October 19, 2009
I'm Hair for Fun Monday
Bad haircuts were a fact of life growing up. In fact, those home cut tresses gave my brother plenty of ammunition for teasing me and another sister.
Mama didn't use her dishes when she gave haircuts, and for that fact we were most thankful. We were quite horrified by the bowl cuts worn by some school chums.
I don't know if it was a borrowed phrase, or if my brother just came up with the taunt of his own accord.
T-Bangs. Nanner, nanner, nanner!
It seems quite innocuous by today's standards - but it was enough to keep us whining to our mother. She was eventually overwhelmed by our complaints and locked herself in the bathroom to cry.
In spite of those memories, the very worst haircut of my life occurred the day before WR's 10th high school class reunion.
My male stylist had been doing a fairly consistent trim – except that he was leaving too much length on top. I wanted to have a little more bounce up there.
I may have badgered him about it.
Looking back, I really wish that he'd have taken my mother's cue, and just locked himself in the bathroom.
Instead, he pretty much gave me a crew-cut.
I'm lucky there is no photo. He's lucky there is no photo, as the one that comes to mind would be my mug shot after the discovery of his battered body.
I suspect, however, a juror of my peers would have found me not guilty.
Sandy, at Myanderings, is hosting Fun Monday today! Of course, you guessed - the topic is bad haircuts. Run (but not with your scissors) on over there and join in the fun!
Monday, October 12, 2009
Inspect Her Gadgets
To satisfy her curiosity, I quickly grabbed six of the first eight gadgets that came to mind. (Everyone knows that cameras and cellphones are the obvious choice.)
Can you guess what all of these are?
Thursday, October 08, 2009
Grand Kid Briefs
Four-month old Granddaughters.
Perfect toys. Play with them - then give them back to their mommies.
Two-year old Grandsons.
There should be a Leash Law!
Four-year old Grandsons.
Seven-year old granddaughters.
Almost 13-year old granddaughters.
Saturday, October 03, 2009
Grandma Loves You More
Grandma Loves You More Than a Poo Poo Platter from pamela on Vimeo.
She's four months old today and made a long trip from central California to see Grandpa and Grandma.
This is our youngest, Smurf Ellie.
What is it about a sweet baby that turns me into a monkey.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Fun Monday - Still hot for Starman
This was an easy confession for me, as I coughed this up once before in a Fun Monday about childhood crushes. This movie was released in 1984 -- and I fell in love with Karen Allen's character. Not because she inspired me in any form. It was because she got to embrace a naked alien Starman, played by Jeff Bridges. Who, incidentally, was really hot at the time.
Ari ...not only did I click my heels, but I did a little clicking with my mouse in photo shop.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Just The Right Amount
4:45 am.
Is insomnia just my burden to bear? she wondered. Or are there millions just like her, cracking the dawn hours before the alarm.
Her movements woke her husband and he moaned through an exaggerated arm stretch. She rolled over and laid her face against his shoulder.
"It's early hon." she whispered. "Please lie still and let me spoon you for a few minutes. I need to cuddle."
He agreed. Within moments of repositioning his pillow he relaxed and she counted the 27 seconds it took him to return to nod.
Well, that was too easy, she mused.
She slid out of bed and padded softly down the hall to the kitchen. Lulling him back to sleep also meant that she assumed the job of barista. He usually brewed the first pot and offered her a cup with just the right amount of cream.
Now was a good time to check her E-mail and read her favorite web sites. Who am I kidding.If I sit down I'll never get up. But she sat anyway.
There were the usual mail forwards that she'd already seen multiple times. She deleted those along with all the spam she'd been getting about Viagra and various other enhancing pills and procedures. That left just the messages from friends and family – the important stuff.
Then she saw a short message from an old boyfriend. Former, she chided herself. Old sounds ... well... too old.
His was one of the rekindled friendships with childhood school chums she'd made during the summer.
The message was short and caught her off guard. "I've been thinking a lot about you lately."
She smiled and sat up straighter and affected a better posture - once a girl, always a girl – and searched her memories of 7th grade. They'd been an item in a very innocent prepubescent sort of way.
I should have listened closer to the morning talk show about imprinting, she chastised herself. Some scientist claimed that properties from the chemistry of teenage romance were still accessible in the brains of older people. One of the reasons, he asserted, why Facebook was such an appealing phenomenon. You could connect with former lovers and relive those forgotten, but not lost, sensations.
"Snort." She thought aloud about the science.
But she reconsidered. It felt kind of nice to know that someone from so long ago still has a special spot in his heart for her.
Thirty minutes later, still sitting at the computer, she heard her husband walk up behind her and felt his hand on her shoulder. The other hand held his mug of black coffee.
"Maybe you need some spooning every morning so you can get more sleep" she suggestively lifted one eyebrow and twirled her pajama covered shoulder. "I may be an old fart, but I've still got it. And, I even have an old boyfriend that still thinks about me." (Darn, she'd used that word old again.)
She'd caught his attention, so she poured it on a little thicker to get a response.
"I can understand that," he smiled the smile that accentuates his dimple. "I've been married to you for 32 years and I still like to think about you." He ran his fingers through the fringe of hair tickling his ears.
She growled."Thirty-three years mister, and don't you forget that, and … don't forget to remind me this evening to trim your hair!"
"Oh yeah! I do need a haircut." He turned and walked away to see if there was anything in the cupboard for breakfast.
Such a jealous man, she reflected. Not.
Several days and the demands in her life kept her busy with other worries. But, the words of her old boyfriend returned when she corresponded with him once more.
"So, you've been thinking about me?" she couldn't help herself.
"Yeah….I've been feeling really guilty." He began.
Then he shared something that had been bothering him since he sat on her patio and talked about old times. (Old. Old. Old. Old. Enough already!)
Her countenance changed and she slumped slowly back into her chair as she listened to his story. A story about his years of disrespect and whispering behind the backs of people who were overweight.
He'd never thought about the obese as real people with circumstances that changed or made their bodies different. His revived relationship with her, he admitted, primed his conscience and he felt reprimanded for his lack of empathy and understanding.
"Inside, you are still the same person that I knew as a kid," he said and she finished the sentence in her mind, but, your body has really changed... Yeah, tell me about it.
She probably agreed with him and maybe she even changed the subject. Maybe she remembers her euphoria falling;
Ker Splat.
Rhymes with Her Fat.
And... she was going to have to admit to her husband that she didn't still have it," after all.
The next morning found her awake much too early, sitting in the recliner. She'd moved to it sometime during the night. A night that she swore she saw the minute hand hand reach its destination every hour. Would a glass of wine or a couple of Benedryl ease this wakefulness, she wondered.
Sounds from the kitchen drew her attention along with the aroma of fresh ground brew.
"Hey," she called to her man.
He peaked around the entry way and quipped "mornin!
"Remember what I told you about my old boyfriend," she called. She heard a short "yeah" of affirmation.
"Well...he was thinking about me because I got f-a-t."
She heard the cupboard open but didn't hear any response to her early morning confession.
Until he walked around the corner and declared, "He was probably shocked because in spite of that you are still beautiful."
And then .... he handed her a cup of coffee with just the perfect amount of cream.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Sharp Axes
None of these guys quit. They finished the job even if they were the last one wielding an axe. And, the announcer reminded the crowd to encouragement each participant who grew weary.
Check out the leg muscles. I didn't have batteries for video when it was time for the Mens Birling competition.
* * * * * *
(If you want to see my short video - click the link to my Vimeo page. Sorry - I didn't include some of the lumberJills who were also throwing axes and sawing logs.)
Orofino Lumberjack Days from pamela on Vimeo.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
The Blue Fish
Their names are Lady Styx and Intense Guy.
The two bloggers were participating in a "Random Act of Kindness" event when I stopped to admire the blue fish made especially by Lady Styx for Mr. Intense guy.
Intense Guy's response was to pay it forward and send not only the blue, but also the little gold finned creation to me.
I've been showing them the pond and allowing them to get the feel of the place.
(I've also been wondering what kind of random act of kindness I will have the opportunity to perform. Here, there, or somewhere --- I'll be keeping an eye open.)
Thank you!
Saturday, September 12, 2009
I Started Kindergarten
I took a job as an on-call tutor this fall, but my first position fell into another category.
For three weeks I was assigned in a classroom with 26 adorable little tykes beginning their first year of school.
I had the opportunity to watch an excellent teacher and assistant in concert. Without raising their voices or showing any agitation, they directed those kids through the busy day. They were always on stage and at peak performance. I wondered where they got the energy. They were good.
I had a job to do, too. But at the end of the day I was exhausted. Even my face muscles were sore because my smile was constantly twitching.
So, what are some of things I learned in kindergarten?
* Chika Chika Boom Boom
* I hold my crayon with the three magic fingers
* Don't throw the sawdust
* Sneeze into your elbow
*Don't run in the cafeteria -especially with chocolate milk
*Feet first on the slides
*Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
*Cupcakes on birthdays
*Raise your hand
*Manners Matter
*The bus kids get to line up first
I also learned that a kindergarten class is a huge cauldron of shared germs and viruses. I have never seen so many boogers... or mucous covered cheeks and fingers.
One day I felt someone tugging on my shirt. It was a little girl wiping her noise. On me.
The past week I have been blowing mine, too. (In tissue.) I've also had a sore throat, cough, and general aches and pains.
Yet... I'd do it all over again.
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
Lost Buoy
Monday, September 07, 2009
Not a DUCK! from pamela on Vimeo.
Just got back from a 4 day road trip that included the beautiful Washington State coastline.
I'm POOPED.
Monday, August 31, 2009
My first recollection of its existence was my infatuation with Wunda Wunda; a lady clown puppeteer who made my mom grit her false teeth and blow air between them. I don't think my mom approved of Wundas clingy tights and her silly skits; and moms teeth had been poorly designed.
One of the puppets always left me unsettled. It invariable got into trouble. Then, whimpering in a sad nasal voice, it would ask Wunda Wunda for help.
I outgrew the puppets when I became a big girl and attended school. After which, my sister and I would rush home to watch The Mickey Mouse Club. We each filled a widowed thermos top with dried oatmeal, powdered and brown sugar, and maybe some raisins. Then, while eating our own strange recipe for granola (before we even knew granola existed) we would sit on the floor and become Mousketeers.
"Annette, Bobby, Karen.....Pamela!"
At suppertime, Dad required one of us to run and flip the television on switch -- to give this new technological wonder an opportunity to warm up. Nightly he watched The Huntley-Brinkley report. My favorite part was "Good Night David. Good Night Chet."
The Lawrence Welk Show on Saturday night meant for some special moments with my mama. She sat quietly in her old rocker while I looked for errant hairs growing on her face and pulled them out with her tweezers. Then, for an encore, I shuffled through her small collection of Avon samples and painted her face.
My oldest brother waited until someone called out that "The Lennon Sisters are next." He set aside his book and leaned casually in the doorway during the performance. He made little whistling sounds and remarks about Peggy's feminine wiles that caused me to make a very careful study of her persona.
Television has changed dramatically, except for one thing. You can still watch Lawrence Welk on Saturday night. Those Lennon girls haven't changed a bit.
* * *
Jan, Life According to Jan and Jer, has asked us to write about our television habits for the Fun Monday project.
We have one in the family room and one in the bedroom.
The "ancient" Big Screen Television in my family room is an electronic dinosaur compared with the Big Picture LCD and plasma screens in all the show rooms. My eyes roll when I consider how much wall space is wasted on something we rarely use. Then my eyes go crossed when I even contemplate spending more money to replace the monstrosity with something less ostentatious. How could I justify that kind of expenditure on something so blatantly otiose. Except as a magnet for dust and cat hair.
The little dresser top TV in the bedroom provides background noise when we are beginning our day, or company as we hop into bed. It needs a little Pledge, too.
I admit to being swept up by Dancing With The Stars. But I'm not beholding to TV for for a dancing fix, as I can watch any of the episodes on my lovely computer.
WR and I also indulged in Desperate Housewives, The Bachelor or Bacherlortte, Deadliest Catch (which is about crabs, not bachelors... bwaa ha ha ha), an occasional NFL game, Cycling races, news, Numbers, and a few other shows. We've been known to click one of the 389 remotes it takes to control the system and watch something totally irrelevant out of the corners of our eyes.
I've threatened to throw any number of remotes through the screen as well. They never work.
There are
times when
I think rather than TV,
I would prefer to
my begonias
They grow slowly.
(WR is my Vanna White
for showing off the size and color of
a BIGonia.)
Please -- let me encourage you to post about and link your television habits.
Sign up HERE!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
The Sting
No -- I didn't get up on a ladder. I tried to use an old canon zoom lens from our old film camera -- but I couldn't get a good focus.
The colors are striking in the wasp paper.
Little venomous artists.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Rufous Fuss.
My three grandchildren (Jammin, Buttercup, and Caboose) had a visitor during dinner on Friday night.
This little female hummingbird invited herself into the sun porch and got trapped.
Luckily, her frantic buzzing at the window caught my attention and I was able to walk out there and snatch her. I felt so sorry for her when my hands closed in - she chirped so fearfully.
Jammin used my camera to snap this photo before we released her.
My guess is that this is a juvenile Rufous. I need a more seasoned birder to confirm that.
(My hands are very small -- so you can imagine how tiny she was.)
Thursday, August 20, 2009
8 Daze a Week
She could be hooked up to a turbine and create electricity -- that almost six-year old girl is energy with a Capital E.
The Caboose has been a great little almost 15 month old boy. He's been sleeping as well as one could expect in this hot weather. My morning starts about 5:30 when he rouses and I change his diaper and snuggle him in my bed. His hair is so fluffy and soft that it sucks up my nose when I breathe and tickles my face. Not a great sleep for me -- but somehow sweet enough to manage.
Jammin (8) went to boy scout camp with his Uncle for three nights/four days. His first trip away from home without a parent. He toughed it out.
Jammin: We were the closest bunk to the lake Grandma. If you got up at 6:00 and ran down to the dock you could do the "Polar bear" swim.
Grandma: Did you do the "Polar bear" swim?
Jammin, looking up from his game: Nope, I didn't even shower.
He made a "noisemaker" using a rubber glove, some PVC pipe, and duct tape. It sounds like a sick goose and makes the dogs bark and run to the door. Makes me wonder what kind of door-to-door salesmen hang out on this street.
I'll be home by Monday. That means I'm going to miss The Wiggles.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Scar Face. Sort of.
I'm more than happy to tell you about my battle etchings, though.
I have a scar in my eyebrow as a result of bending over and trying to scalp myself on a hose holder on the patio. It was late, I didn't flip the outdoor light. Fortunately I was able to find my way back in by the the shining of all the stars I was seeing. It bled a lot but I didn't get stitches. Now my eyebrow grows weird on that side.
I have several scars on my face. One from chicken pox. I think it's sort of lost significance in the last few years, or been superseded by an age spot.
My stomach has surgery scars. Twice I've gone under the knife there. Rather clever designs, really.
(sing along now: She once swept an Admiral clear off his feet. The ships on her hips made his heart skip a beat. Okay -- enough of Lydia the Tattooed Lady.)
The largest scar by far is on my left ankle and leg. Six plus years ago I broke the L out of my tibia and it is now held together by metal. It's ugly and you can actually see the bumpy screws and scar tissue just under the skin.
There are several scars on my feet, including between two toes where a surgeon also filleted me.
And last... but not least. Do stretch marks count as scars?
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Grandma Laughs
Before I even have the opportunity to ask if there is a wasp or an earwig on me, she stabs her finger into my belly-button and just as quickly removes it and sniffs.
Gwama: What..the....
Curlymop: I smelled your belly-button Gwama.
Gwama: Duh.........
Last night with almost 6-year old Buttercup.
Buttercup: Grandma can I sleep with you.
Grandma (reading in bed): Okay, crawl in. I'm only going to read for a few minutes then go to sleep.
After several minutes...
Grandma: Buttercup, you need to lie still and go to sleep.
Buttercup: Okay
After several more minutes of Buttercup squirming under the covers and making little clicking sounds.
Grandma: For heavens sake, Buttercup, what are you doing under there?
Buttercup: Clipping my toenails.
Then there is 14-month old Caboose. I've been smeared with oatmeal and bonked on the head. He screamed when I ended his mountain climbing adventure on the table and his death squeeze on the long-suffering cat. That is just the highlights.
Grandma: Hey lil' Caboose...what's happening?
Caboose: babadoolibbledeepoobameegoo.
He took the words right out of my mouth.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Apparitions in my Garden
Karmyn is the host of Fun Monday this week with a subject that is near and dear to her heart. Not to mention her knees and fingers. But I mentioned them anyway.
The subject? --- What's Growing In Your Garden.
As soon as I signed up I grabbed my camera and headed out the back door.
Cheeky little ghost!
A shot from the deck near the hammock shows off some ornamental grass, petunias,
pond plants ... and that bold apparition that makes the hammock squeak and swing.
A wine barrel keeps the hose hidden - but not the green phantom. It moves through my photos in a blur.
I also see day lily, hosta, and coreopsis in this shot.
Strawberries, onions, kohlrabi, beets, chard, tomato, carrots, cucumber, peppers, and
And a little something else
that is growing like a weed.
This front entrance shot includes the Siberian snow pea beside the bird feeder, euonymus spreading beneath it along with some sedum, and a dwarf dogwood in the foreground.
Hey, I think I lost my playful shadow.
"No you didn't Grandma! I'm right here"
Along with Anemone, various grasses, lupine, and a lot of small blooming plants.
<-----(I can't remember what these
are either)


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Genetically modified (GM) foods are the result of genetic engineering that changes the crops' DNA. Scientists use genetic engineering to produce crops that tolerate weed-killing herbicides or are resistant to harmful pests. The purpose of genetically engineering food crops is to increase yields and improve quality. Tomatoes have even been genetically modified to maintain their freshness longer.
Genetically modified soybeans are resistant to herbicides, allowing the herbicide to kill pests without harming the crop. Herbicide resistant genes are taken from bacteria and inserted into soybeans. GM soybeans are used in many products such as tofu, soy beverages, and soy flour. Breads, baked products, pastries, and snack foods may contain GM soybeans.
Corn has been genetically modified to be resistant to some pesticides. GM corn is used in many products such as corn oil, sugar, flour, snack foods, and soft drinks. Sweet corn for animal feed has been genetically modified to produce insecticide for itself. Much of this corn may have found its way into the human food supply.
Genetically modified rice contains high amounts of Vitamin A. Golden Rice, which contains Vitamin A, should help reduce eye diseases and blindness caused by vitamin deficiencies. A GM rice that was engineered to be resistant to an herbicide is approved in the United States.
Tomatoes have been genetically engineered to last longer without rotting to have a longer shelf life. These tomatoes do not contain a substance that causes tomatoes to become rotten.
Some types of potatoes are genetically modified. Snack foods, processed foods containing potatoes, and potato products may contain GM potatoes.
Vegetable Oil
In North America, most vegetable oils used in processed foods and restaurants are made from GM soy, canola, corn or cottonseed. If you want vegetable oils that are not made from GM crops look for oils that are labeled as "Non-GMO" or "Organic".

subset: commoncrawl


text:
4700 Riverwood Circle
Raleigh, NC 27612
Hours of Operation:
Mon-Fri: 9am–7pm
Sat: 10am–5pm
Sun: 1pm–5pm
Located just off I-440 (Inner Beltline) and Glenwood Avenue, Creekside at Crabtree Apartment Homes offers easy access to anywhere in the Triangle, North Carolina. Within walking distance of the property are some of Raleigh's most popular dining and shopping venues. While the area's many business centers, parks, museums and schools are mere minutes away via the interstate and major thoroughfares, Creekside at Crabtree Apartment Homes is just 10 minutes from Downtown and 15 minutes from Research Triangle Park and Raleigh Durham International Airport.


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Government Services Group, Inc. has been selected for the 2015 Best of Tallahassee Award in the Government Consultants category by the Tallahassee Award Program.
Each year, the Tallahassee Award Program identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and our community. These exceptional companies help make the Tallahassee area a great place to live, work and play.
Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2015 Tallahassee Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Government Services Group's award in the Government Consultants category was determined based on the information gathered both internally by the Tallahassee Award Program and data provided by third parties.


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We are a political party driven by the people and for the people. We remember our past and cherish the future. While fostering growth in new ideas, sectors and technologies, we strive to minimize our impact on the environment in every decision we make. We endeavor to create a better, healthier and long-term sustainable Saskatchewan for every citizen.
Featured petition
Stop the Cuts to the Hearing Aid Plan for Infants
Our government has made the move to close Saskatchewan's Hearing Aid Program services to infants with hearing loss, as a cost savings measure for the provincial deficit. Elimination of the program will result in the loss of 9 audiology positions that are responsible for the provision of services to vulnerable citizens—including services to infants identified through the infant hearing program in Saskatoon. This is a move by our government that lacks foresight and consideration of the health care needs of children in our province in the absence of a province-wide Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) program in Saskatchewan and increases the difficulty of accessing audiology services in our province.
Important points to be aware of:
- There will be longer wait times to see an audiologist
- Lack of such a program will lead to more difficulty in the detection of hearing loss at an early age, and more long term support costs.
- Hearing loss is one of the most common congenital conditions for infants
- The absence of a provincial program for infants with hearing loss in Saskatchewan is a disservice to many of the youngest and most vulnerable citizens of the province
- In light of the high educational and vocational support costs associated with unidentified hearing loss, early hearing programs lead to savings in other publicly funded areas.
Budgetary constraints should never have resulted in the government taking such an extreme action that impacts a vital health service impacting the hearing services for children. All children in our province deserve a chance to hear and communicate and a chance to succeed. Please join with us to call on the government to stop its cutting of the provincial hearing aid program for infants in our province.
Please download, sign and pledge your support to stop the cuts to the hearing aid plan for infants for Saskatchewan.
Download the Petition
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A plan to fight climate changeContinue reading →
At the recent 2017 AGM, held on June 3, 2017, in Regina the below was unanimously passed by our party membership as our party policy for carbon pricing. A plan to help Saskatchewan meet its climate change commitments while creating prosperity and growth for our province as well.
1 That the SGP adopt a policy of carbon pricing in Saskatchewan aimed at reducing the emission of carbon dioxide. This policy should be in the form of a modified fee and dividend rather than cap and trade, and should be imposed upstream, at a rate proportional to the amount of carbon dioxide emitted when the fuel is burnt. Revenues from this fee must be consistent with the Green principle of social justice.
2 That in its implementation a Saskatchewan Green Party government would use a hybrid system, in which the greater part of the revenues collected are paid out to citizens and permanent residents on low and medium income, and the other part used to develop renewable energy infrastructure as well as to enable business start-ups related to renewables, energy efficiency, the use of electric vehicles, and public transit.
3 That special measures be developed to deal with specific sectors such as agriculture and heavy industry.
4 That carbon pricing is viewed by the Party as only one in a package of mutually reinforcing measures with the purpose of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enabling a just transition to a net-zero GHG emissions economy.
Featured petition
Climate Action for Saskatchewan10 signatures
Saskatchewan continues to have one of the worst records in Canada on tackling climate change. This has negative impacts on the health of people in our province, increases the incidents of extreme weather from droughts and floods, increases the occurrences of wildfires, harms agriculture, threatens our water security and also puts the economic well being of our province at risk.
There are many areas we should be concerned about:
- Saskatchewan has a high dependency on coal for electricity generation with 30% of our total generating capacity currently coming from coal
- Emissions have risen 8% since 2005 in Saskatchewan
- Saskatchewan's power grid remains the second most carbon intensive in Canada, at 780 grams CO2 per kWh
- The Management and Reduction of Greenhouse Gases and Adaptation to Climate Change Act does not stipulate an emissions baseline year nor an emissions reduction target
- Our premier opposes a carbon pricing plan for Saskatchewan despite it being an effective means to reduce emissions and bring economic benefits to the province
- Saskatchewan has the second lowest use of renewables among the provinces in Canada
- Our province has the highest per capita greenhouse gas emissions in Canada
Our premier has downplayed Saskatchewan's contribution to climate change in Canada, avoided hard targets on taking climate action and continues his support for further fossil fuel development. Even as the climate change crisis continues to escalate our premier has avoided taking meaningful steps to tackle climate change. This must change to preserve the future of our province, our nation and our planet. Please join with us to call on our provincial government to take decisive action on climate change for Saskatchewan.
Please download, sign and pledge your support for Climate Action for Saskatchewan.
Download the Petition
Featured petition
Save the Saskatchewan Transportation Company (STC)
Public Transportation Is Valuable
The provincial government announced in its 2017 provincial budget that it will be shutting down the Saskatchewan Transportation Company (STC) freight service as of May 19, 2017 and passenger service as of May 31, 2017. This decision was done without any consultation with the public despite the deep impacts that this will have on many people's lives across Saskatchewan. A crown corporation that was founded in 1946 will cease to exist leading to isolating many who depend on its services and escalating the cost of transportation and freight to many communities in our province.
- STC transports freight and deliveries for small businesses, books for interlibrary loans, parts and supplies for farmers and blood for clinics.
- STC Express Service is vital to businesses across the province. STC allows them to meet their courier needs with same day delivery.
- 93% of passengers and 95% of people who ship goods say they're satisfied with STC service.
- STC evacuates people during summer wildfires and spring floods as well as transporting volunteers assisting during such crises.
- With the loss of STC, there will be increased costs to the government to move blood and other medical supplies, for the transportation of people with medical appointments, for emergency evacuations, among other essential services. Saskatchewan residents will also pay more to meet their own routine transportation needs.
All of this shows how valuable STC is to our province and that many people are satisfied with the services it provides. Please join with us to ask our government to not shut down our public transportation crown corporation, STC.
Download and sign the petition, and make the pledge to save STC.
Download the Petition49 signatures
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Taylor Bolin to Run in Saskatoon Fairview By-ElectionContinue reading →
August 15, 2017
The Saskatchewan Green Party is pleased to announce that our nominated candidate who will be running in the Saskatoon Fairview by-election will be Taylor Bolin.
Taylor, husband and father of two daughters, currently works at Vendasta, an internationally-recognized software company founded in Saskatoon. Acting as a consultant to media and marketing companies, Taylor ensures they are successfully adapting to the ever-changing digital environment.
Taylor believes that as the world changes Saskatchewan must adapt in order to succeed and flourish. There are many modern day examples of businesses, provinces, and countries taking advantage of progressive trends. These institutions have not shied away from change, but rather turned it into an opportunity for advancement. With many questions and concerns facing Saskatchewan's energy sector, agricultural development and natural resource management, the province must modernize its approach to economic development and rejuvenate its laws to compete in the national and global arenas.
Being a native of Saskatoon Fairview, Taylor understands the recent budget's impact on its community members as many residents work in the public sector or simply struggle with the added living costs owing to the increase in taxes and the reduction in public services.Taylor wants to be an advocate for the Saskatoon Fairview community and to fight against the austerity measures taken by the Wall government that have negatively impacted so many of its families.
For campaign inquiries, please call (306) 881-4174 or email email@example.com


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News In Photos: Assad's Mug, Valencia's Flaming Bull Run And The Afghan Pirates Head Count
NEWS in Photos – what the mainstream media might well have missed:
Herder Andreas Neuner carries a young goat as he drives goats down the Alps near Mittenwald, southern Germany, on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2011. The goats are driven down after they spent the summer months on the grazing lands in the Bavarian mountains. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)
Souvenir mugs with portraits from right to left, late Syrian President Hafez Assad, his dead son Bassel Assad, Hezbollah leader Sheik Hassan Nasrallah and Syrian President Bashar Assad, are seen displayed for sale, in the old city of Damascus, Syria, on Saturday Sept. 3, 2011. Activists say Syrian security forces cracking down on a growing uprising have killed two people after storming a northern village. The security raid is part of operations to crush almost six months of demonstrations against the country's authoritarian leadership. The U.N. estimates some 2,200 Syrians have been killed since March. (AP Photo/Muzaffar Salman)
Revelers run away from a bull with flaming horns during a festivity in honor of Saint Michel, in the streets of Gilet, a town near Valencia, Spain, early Saturday, Sept. 3, 2011. (AP Photo/Alberto Saiz)
A man leaps off the Auckland Sky Tower, New Zealand, Friday, Sept. 2, 2011. The Sky Jump is a base-jump by wire off the tallest man-made structure in New Zealand. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Rabbi Arele Harel studies in his home in the West Bank Jewish settlement of Shiloh, near Nablus. Harel is an Israeli rabbi setting up gay men with lesbian women in a bid to give religious homosexuals a chance to have children while remaining observant, as homosexuality is viewed as a sin and
Posted: 3rd, September 2011 | In: Photojournalism Comment | Follow the Comments on our RSS feed: RSS 2.0 | TrackBack | Permalink


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Scholarships available for ieiMedia Jerusalem program
The Rothberg International School at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem has generously offered scholarships for students enrolled in ieiMedia's international reporting program in Jerusalem.
All U.S. citizens are eligible for scholarships of $750. Students who have already filed a FAFSA application can apply to receive an additional scholarship of up to $1,000, for a total scholarship of $1,750 toward the cost of the program. Students of other nationalities may inquire about other scholarships that may be available.
To apply for one of the scholarships, send an email to Ilene Prusher at email@example.com with your name, email address and phone number and state whether you are applying for just the $750 scholarship or the additional $250 need-based scholarship as well. Students applying for a need-based scholarship will need to add the Hebrew University code of G04012 to their FAFSA application.
The online application for all ieiMedia programs is available on the ieiMedia website.
For more information, contact Ilene Prusher at firstname.lastname@example.com or 561-297-6265.
Two Photojournalism Students Win Foley Awards
Two talented young photographers are the first recipients of ieiMedia's James Foley Memorial Scholarship in International Photojournalism, established in honor of the photojournalist who was tragically executed last August while covering the war in Syria.Manuel J. Orbegozo, a senior at Humboldt State University in Arcata, California, received a $5,000 scholarship to attend the Urbino program. In 2012, Orbegozo worked as a photographer and writer at "Siete," a weekly magazine based in Lima, Peru. There, he founded Azotea, a citizen journalism site that covered the capital's political and cultural life. He is currently editor-in-chief of El Leñador, focused on the Latino community in Humboldt County. In his scholarship application, Orbegozo wrote, "As a college journalist, I realized that my degree could be achieved in a classroom, while my overall skills could only be refined through an experience abroad."
Emily Teague, a freshman at California State University in Chico, received a $2,000 grant to attend the Jerusalem program. While still in high school, Teague was hired as a photojournalist for Chico State's award-winning newspaper, The Orion. She was named "Best Photographer" on The Orion's staff, and won fifth place in a national photojournalism competition at the Associated Collegiate Press. In September 2014 she photographed at the front lines of the "Flood Wall Street" direct action and at environmental protests in New York, Pittsburgh, and throughout California. She's spending this semester traveling and photographing in Europe.
"We were impressed with the high level of work in many of the submissions," says Dennis Chamberlin, photography instructor in the Urbino Program and a Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist. Chamberlin and photo instructors Susan Biddle and Robert Reeder reviewed the applicants. "It was difficult for the jury to choose only one winner because there were several portfolios that were quite strong."
In Urbino, Orbegozo will study with Chamberlin and Susan Biddle, former Washington Post staff photographer and White House photographer. In Jerusalem, Teague will work with Linda Gradstein, formerly of National Public Radio; Ilene Prusher of The Jerusalem Post; and Cathy Shafran, who has worked in the Jerusalem bureaus of ABC, CNN, Associated Press Television News, Britain's ITN, and Canada's CTV.
"This has been a successful inaugural program for this scholarship," says ieiMedia president and founder Andrew Ciofalo. "We will continue to offer it next year as part of our commitment to emphasizing the importance of photojournalism in our program. The excellence of our applicants this year resulted in our establishing the Foley Grant in the amount of $2,000 for distinguished runners up. We plan to continue this grant as well."
How to Get the Most Out of a Media Study-Abroad Program
After five summers of teaching abroad with ieiMedia, I've seen students take different approaches to the study-abroad experience. Some mostly stick with their compatriots; others dive into the local community, seeking out cultural challenges.
Many of our students have described their experiences overseas as life-changing, but each year a few adventurous students get a little more out of it than others. Here are a few things I've learned from them:
1) Be curious. Studying – and, even more, reporting — abroad gives you the opportunity to peak behind the curtain of people's lives. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Inquire about customs, foods, fashions and traditions that seem foreign to you. Most of the time locals are happy to share their culture with you.
2) Get to know your interpreters. Many of the ieiMedia interpreters are local students who are eager to practice their English and translation skills with visiting journalists. They can also offer a special window into their culture. One summer in Jerusalem, an interpreter invited me and a student to her family's Old Jerusalem home to share the iftar break fast, the meal when Muslims end their daily Ramadan fast at sunset. Over the course of that dinner of chicken and yellow, spice-infused rice, it became clear that though the family lived in a predominantly Jewish city, the American student and I were the first Jewish people to ever visit their home. The interpreter's mother and I didn't speak each other's language but, communicating through the young interpreter, we were able to forge a profound bond.
3) Become a regular. One of the biggest differences between touring and living in a community is that you get a chance to get to know regular people – not just hotel clerks and tour guides but shopkeepers and baristas. In each place I've taught, I've tried to develop a relationship with local people. In Perpignan, it was with the woman who ran the produce store near my apartment. As my French improved we would have simple chats about her cat and what fruits were best that day. In Jerusalem, I developed a fondness for the fresh halva sold at Halva Kingdom in the Machane Yehuda Market, where the proprietor and I would debate which was the best flavor of the sesame candy – pistachio, cashew, chocolate or coffee.
4) Network like crazy. In most ieiMedia programs, students have an opportunity to meet with local and international media professionals. But each summer a few students go beyond the routine smile and handshake and parlay those meetings into professional opportunities. One summer in Urbino, San Francisco State University photography student Giovanna Borgna published photographs with the local newspaper, il Resto del Carlino. In 2013, Amara McLaughlin of Mt. Royal University published a story and photos in The Jerusalem Post. Maya Shwayder, another Jerusalem student, so impressed the Post editors that she became the newspaper's correspondent in New York and at the United Nations after she returned home. You can read her work on the newspaper's website.
Study Abroad in Challenging Places
Taksim Square in Istanbul was jammed with protestors as summer 2013 approached. Our students in international reporting were scheduled to arrive in mid-June. Unlike many study abroad programs conducted from the relative safety of overseas campuses, our journalism students were involved in an experiential program that emphasized reporting from the community.
While no parents or students expressed any concern to us, some on our faculty were uneasy. Are we putting our students in harm's way?
The ieiMedia advance party, including our program director and a faculty member, reported back that beyond Taksim Tquare life was normal and peaceful in Istanbul. They even walked through Taksim Square and reported that the atmosphere and action was much calmer than the daily images crowding TV screens back in the U.S.
Any decision on the safety of a program should not be based on the tunnel vision provided by the market demands of American media. We not only rely on first-hand observations, but we are governed by the U.S. State Department's warning system about travel to particular countries.
For our students, being in Istanbul at this time was a bonanza. They could compare for themselves the exaggerated coverage in the media to the actual situation on the ground. They nibbled at the edges of Taksim, under faculty supervision, and engaged protest leaders in depth interviews well away from the action. And they balanced their approach with reports showing how other issues continue to concern Istanbul citizens beyond the noise of Taksim. The incredible stories they produced can be found at our 2013 project site, The Battle for Istanbul.
As we prepare for 2015, once again we are observing Istanbul and Israel very closely. For instance, we know that in Jerusalem, like Istanbul, the action is limited to small geographic pinpoints. TV (Tunnel Vision) makes the situation seem larger than life, but of greater concern are individual, private acts of violence between citizens. We have the option to make program adjustments that keep us mostly on the Hebrew University's highly secure campus and to function in areas far from the conflict zones.
The fact that our students can be so productive in a stressful environment speaks volumes on their resumes. But most important, such programs challenge them to rise above the usual soft features to get at the underlying problems in a society. This is experiential learning at its best.
For Summer 2015: Six Great Chances to Study Abroad
"To be a reporter in Istanbul is to drop into the middle of the action."
"This has been much more than a chance to live in Italy for a month–it's been a chance to learn and apply valuable information that will make me more equipped for a professional career in media production."
"I learned that journalism is so much more than disseminating news. It's linking people from opposite sides of the world through a core human interest."
These are the voices of ieiMedia's 2014 students, who traveled this past summer to France, Spain, Italy, Turkey, and Northern Ireland to study multimedia journalism, narrative journalism, social media, international reporting, and creative writing. They produced videos, made photos, and reported and wrote about everything from flamenco and truffles to Syrian women in Turkey and the tension in Hebron.
Now we're looking forward to next summer's courses and to a new crop of equally inspired–and inspiring–students. And we're hoping that your students, and perhaps you, will join us.
For summer 2015, we offer six international learning adventures:
- Valencia, Spain: narrative journalism
- Nice, France: multimedia journalism
- Jerusalem, Israel: international reporting
- Urbino, Italy: multimedia journalism, magazine journalism
- Armagh, No. Ireland: creative writing, multimedia journalism
- Istanbul, Turkey: international reporting, internships
In addition, we are proud to announce ieiMedia's James Foley Memorial Scholarship in International Photojournalism in honor of the journalist tragically executed while covering the war in Syria. The winner of the $5,000 scholarship will attend our program in Urbino, Italy, to study with our award-winning photography faculty, including Pulitzer prize winner Dennis Chamberlin and former White House photographer Susan Biddle.
Keep in mind that our application deadline is February 1, 2015. Applications are considered on a rolling basis, and will close as each program is filled. Apply early to secure a spot!
Please share this information with your students, colleagues, and friends.
ieiMedia Students Set out for Summer Adventures
Some 74 students and recent graduates from more than 50 universities in five countries will participate in ieiMedia programs this summer.
Students headed for the iPad magazine program in Urbino are busily packing their bags for a June 6 departure, while others bound for Armagh, Northern Ireland; Istanbul, Turkey; and Jerusalem, Israel still have a couple of weeks left for last-minute shopping, reading and information gathering.
Some tips for those planning to travel with ieiMedia this summer:
- Read up on your destination city and the surrounding region. Consume international newspapers, magazines, books, guides, even novels about the place you'll be living for a month. The more you know about the community, the better you'll be able to report.
- multimedia story on a snail farm in nearby Estoher. Come armed with story ideas. Do enough research that you have some idea of what you want to cover when you're there. Your faculty and translators will have some suggestions but the best ideas, the ones you really want to report on, will spring from your own interests. One of our strongest students in Perpignan a few years ago came to France knowing she wanted to report on escargots; indeed, she put together a fine
- Pack lightly but bring a variety of summer-weight clothes. Remember to pack some casual business outfits (a dress, skirt or pantsuit for women; a nice shirt and slacks for men) for interviews and meetings with public officials, journalists and other professionals. Though it will be hot in many of our program sites, bring clothing that is modest and professional.
- Bring sensible footwear. All of our program sites are in historic cities with cobble-stone streets and hilly areas. Forget the stiletto heels. Bring shoes you can walk in!
- Carry a notebook and camera wherever you go. Even a casual conversation with a shopkeeper or resident could turn into an interview. Be prepared to take notes and shoot stills and video.
- Get contact info for follow-up interviews. Collect business cards or names, phone numbers and email addresses for every person you talk with. Everyone is a potential source. You never know when you may want to go back to someone for more information.
- Open your senses. Take a whiff of the air. Taste new foods. Try new experiences. Be open to what this new environment has to offer.
- BUT don't leave your common sense at home. Young travelers can occasionally get themselves into trouble by not paying attention to the warning signs they would follow at home. When possible, travel in pairs or small groups. Don't go off with strangers. Know where your wallet, passport and other valuables are at all times. Be wary and aware of your surroundings.
- Have a blast! ieiMedia programs are educational but they're also fun. Many ieiMedia alumni describe their experiences with us as the summer of their lives. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to delve deep into a foreign community. Explore. Ask questions. Learn. Grow.
Bon voyage from all of us at ieiMedia!
ieiMedia featured in J., Jewish weekly
ieiMedia's Jerusalem program is featured in this week's issue of J., the Jewish news weekly of Northern California.
The article focuses on the power of experiential learning for teaching the craft of journalism.
"Certain aspects of writing and reporting can be taught in a classroom," the article begins. "But any seasoned journalist can attest that some skills are gained only through on-the-ground experience — especially in a place that inspires as much media controversy as Israel.
"A new program from the Institute for Education in International Media (ieiMedia) aims to give college journalists exactly that."
The Jerusalem program has already attracted attention from students around the world. Applications have come from the U.S., Canada and Australia and we've had inquiries from students in Brazil and Pakistan.
Scholarships for the program are still available. American students and international students at American universities can apply for scholarships of up to $1,000 from the Rothberg International School at The Hebrew University of Journalism. Canadian Friends of Hebrew University has agreed to make scholarships available for Canadian students.
Feb. 15 is the application deadline for program. Don't have time to apply this week? Late applications will be accepted through March if slots are available.
Apply now to secure your spot!
Canadian Students: Scholarships Available for Summer Program in Israel
We just got some great news for Canadian students: The Canadian Friends of The Hebrew University has agreed to make scholarships available for ieiMedia's international reporting program in Jerusalem!
For more information about scholarships for Canadian students go to CFHU's scholarships web page or contact:
Moshik Galanty
National Director, Student & Academic Affairs
Canadian Friends of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Applications for the Jerusalem program are due March 30, 2013.
Crowdfunding Student Featured in USA Today College
A Cabrini College student who is trying to raise money for ieiMedia's summer international reporting program in Jerusalem was featured in an article in USA Today College about crowdfunding.
As you may remember from a previous post, Brandon Desiderio, a junior communication major, set up a crowdfunding campaign on Fund My Travel in early December, shortly after the crowd-financing site launched. He only collected $160 in the first six weeks it was up, but he's hoping the mention on USA Today College will help with donations.
Within hours of the article's posting, his fund was up to $296.
"Donations are starting to pour in from strangers," he wrote in an email to ieiMedia.
Still, Desiderio knows it's going to be tough to raise the money he needs. He plans to pump up his social media/PR campaign.
"Crowdfunding is practically built for our broke age group," he told USA Today College, "but that doesn't make it effortless or foolproof."
Student plans to crowdfund his way to Jerusalem
When Cabrini College junior Brandon Desiderio heard about ieiMedia's summer international reporting program in Jerusalem, he knew he wanted to apply but he also knew he was going to need some financial help. So he decided to launch a crowdfunding campaign through Fund My Travel.
Fund My Travel is a new platform that helps people who want to study, volunteer or travel abroad raise funds for their adventures. Participants can create campaigns and then collect donations from friends, family members and others in their social network.
The site makes it easy for grandparents, teachers, friends, even strangers to help a student realize their personal and professional dreams. What could be a better holiday, birthday or graduation gift than a trip across the world?
ieiMedia partnered with Fund My Travel in November, just as the site was launching, with the hope of helping more students take advantage of this new form of financial aid.
Desiderio is the first ieiMedia student to try it out.
We tracked Desiderio down by email to find out more about this ambitious and resourceful young journalist.
Tell us a little about yourself — where you grew up, what you're studying, extracurricular activities.
I'm a junior communication major at Cabrini College, which is 15 minutes from my hometown and 30 minutes outside of Philadelphia. My focus in communication, of course, is journalism – in particular, I'm passionate about international relations, foreign policy and humanitarian work. The Middle East is also a big interest of mine; I could read about the area, its history and culture, for days.
I'm the editor-in-chief of The Loquitur, our college's weekly newspaper; the music director of our radio station; and vice president of social media for our collegiate chapter of Catholic Relief Services. My advocacy work with CRS has played an integral role in my education and in shaping my passion in journalism. This past Friday was my second time lobbying in Washington, D.C., on behalf of CRS and in light of the massive budget cuts that could affect its work and NGOs like it, should the "fiscal cliff" become a reality.
How did you get interested in journalism?
According to my mom, she's always known that I would go into journalism – I've wanted to be a writer since I was 6. I was on my school newspaper in middle school, but between then and college, I'd never given the field much thought. I wanted to be a U.S. ambassador stationed somewhere exotic; for a while, I also wanted to be a screenwriter. I ended up "falling into" journalism, but I've loved every minute of it – even on the long nights when I want to turn off CNN, unfollow everyone in my Twitter feed and never look at another RSS feed for as long as I live… it's been a journey that I'd never take back.
It sounds like you're fascinated with the Middle East. What intrigues you about that part of the world?
It's a lot of things – no easy answer here! I wanted to go into linguistics originally – and, even after taking five years of French in high school, romance languages weren't really grabbing my attention. I began to develop a keen interest in areas that, to me, were way more fascinating: Africa and the Middle East. There were so many things I just didn't know about the countries they held, their wealth of culture and peoples. For a while, this passion was put on the back burner as I handled my first year of college and my general ed classes.
In my sophomore year, as I began journalism, Occupy Wall Street became this huge, curious thing: a movement by the people, for the people. I wanted to know more about it, and so I reported on Occupy Philly the day it began – I pitched the idea to my editors, and they agreed to it. This was my first time interviewing people on-the-fly, without anything to base my questions on except, simply, "Why are you here?" and many other broad questions. I loved it; as I learned more, however, I came to realize the global context – and I discovered the Arab Spring.
I didn't get to do anything on the Arab Spring, unfortunately, but my college did produce a multimedia website, YouthVoicesRise.com, in partnership with journalists at the American University in Cairo, as the protests continued to unfold – truly groundbreaking, inspiring stuff. I suppose I'm a bit jealous of them there!
Nevertheless, I continued to learn more: Syria, Libya, you name it. After the Sept. 11 attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi, I had the chance to interview CRS' director of the Middle East, Mark Schnellbaecher, and get his take on all of the unanswered questions – especially on Ambassador Rice's early claim that the "Innocence of Muslims" trailer was what sparked the attack, which, of course, ended up being
Schnellbaecher, and get his take on all of the unanswered questions – especially on Ambassador Rice's early claim that the "Innocence of Muslims" trailer was what sparked the attack, which, of course, ended up being unfounded. I've also been following the Israel-Palestine and Israel-Iran conflicts, which are just so crucial in our country's past, present and future.
What's cemented this passion of mine the most, however, is meeting my friend Rasha. She's an Iraqi refugee, a very fascinating and determined young woman; she came to the U.S. when she was 16, chose to attend a private Catholic college and eventually became the president of our chapter of CRS. To me, she exemplifies the necessary unity that I'd never quite seen elsewhere – I still see Muslims as treated negatively by Americans, as with anyone of Arab or Persian descent. It's women like Rasha, and like Malala Yousefzai, the Pakistani girl shot by the Taliban for just wanting an education, and Hanan Ashrawi, the first woman to be elected to the Palestinian National Council – these strong women of the Middle East are the reason why the region fascinates and compels me.
What are some of the challenges you've faced as editor of your college newspaper?
This year, we've really tried to cater to our readers, to redefine the newspaper not as a reflection of the industry, but as our own unique, exclusive product. From my experience, a lot of college newspapers forget that they're the industry's future – not the industry's present standard, and definitely not its past. So we've experimented a lot this year, and our unconventional election front page was even listed alongside the likes of the Daily Princetonian, the Collegiate Times and the Daily Illini as one of the best election front pages in the country on College Media Matters… a HUGE triumph for our small private college. Huge!
Election coverage aside (which proved very difficult), it's been an interesting road. I feel that I've grown so much since taking on this role – but the journey's just begun. The election was a great framework for story ideas, but now we're ready to tackle enterprise pieces and more strategic, creative work.
What are you planning to do with your career?
I've definitely realized that I want to pursue a career in journalism, although I'm much more interested in the creative "disruptors" of traditional journalism – outfits like Narrative.ly, ReadMatter.com, Longform.org and QZ.com are the kinds of journalistic pursuits I see myself heading towards.
Before my career pans out and bills must be paid, though, I'm pursuing something which I've had my heart set on: serving in the Peace Corps, perhaps in Jordan, which is the only country in the Middle East in which it actively operates… the rest, from there, is unknowable. At least for now.
How are you planning to publicize your Fund My Travel campaign?
Once my winter break begins, I plan to figure that out! Over the years I've connected with a number of great bloggers in different fields (primarily indie authors) who may allow me to guest-blog; social media will definitely be an indispensable tool for this crowdfunding campaign, too – particularly Twitter.
I'll also be restarting my own blog in a more personal-development-focused area, as I've reached this self-actualization period of my life recently and, in my opinion, the blogosphere is already saturated with SEO-centric ploys that there's hardly any personal, compelling content produced by bloggers these days. Bloggers are people, too, not just businesspeople vying for views!
2017 Locations
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- ieiMedia faculty to chat on Twitter about studying abroad
- Meet with ieiMedia in Atlanta, Washington and California
- What makes a good travel writer? Meeting readers' needs for humanity
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Past Projects
- Urbino Project – 2016
- Urbino Now Magazine – 2016
- Urbino Project – 2015
- Urbino Now Magazine – 2015
- Urbino Project – 2014
- Urbino Now Magazine – 2014
- Urbino Project – 2013
- Urbino Now iPad App – 2013
- Urbino Project – 2012
- Urbino Now Magazine – 2012
- Urbino Project – 2011
- Urbino Now Magazine – 2011
- Urbino Now Magazine – 2010
- Urbino Project – 2009
- Urbino View Magazine – 2009
- Armagh Project – 2014
- Armagh Project – 2009
- Armagh Project – 2007
- Valencia Project – 2016
- Valencia Project – 2014
- Oslo Project – 2016
- Croatia Project – 2016
- Jerusalem Project – 2015
- Jerusalem Project – 2013
- Istanbul Project – 2015
- Istanbul Project – 2014
- Istanbul Project – 2013
- Istanbul Project – 2012
- Istanbul Stories – 2011
- Faces of Istanbul (Book) – 2011
- Nice Project – 2016
- Nice Project – 2015
- Perpignan Project – 2011
- Perpignan Project – 2010
- Cagli Project – 2008
- Cagli Project – 2007
- Cagli Project – 2006
- Cagli Project – 2005
- Cagli Project – 2004
- Cagli Project – 2003
- Cagli Project – 2002
- Camerano Project – 2006
Students Say...
by Laura Weeks, James Madison University, Urbino Project 2012


text:
Free shipping on orders $80+ (excludes helium filled balloons) - Click here for more info on delivery costs and timeframes
Popcorn Box
Its Movie night! Pass the popcorn around in these traditional and themed Popcorn boxes. These Popcorn Boxes are red and white stripes and has "Popcorn" in a red circle on 2 sides. Fill with popcorn (not included) or special treats (sold separately). Get comfy and enjoy your movie even more with these great boxes!
Marterial: Cardboard
Dimentions: approx 5.5" high x 2.5" wide x 1.5" deep at base and 3.75" wide x 2.5"deep at top
Contains: 1 Single Box


text:
Challenge: Shout Scout
Support the Steam Crow Scouts by shouting out and spreading the word about our new 2015 Kickstarter.
Why? Because we need your help to let your network of associates and friends know about our awesome secret society. Also, the KS itself is pretty cool.
This is primarily a Social Media campaign; use your online contacts and wits to SHOUT about the SCOUTS!
How to Get Started
- Join the Steam Crow Scouts. It's alright, it's free.
- Follow the directions below.
- Document your work!
- Post your contributions on the forum
- Fill out the SURVEY
Where To Promote
- Social Media sites: Facebook, Instagram, GooglePlus, Twitter, Ello and any other Social Media where you have Followers.
- Email to friends: Don't spam folks, but let them know about why you're excited about the Scouts
- Forums: If you are a member of any related online communities or forums (probably not the Boy/Girl Scouts) post there, but be respectful.
Be creative; if you have a great idea to reach interested online folks, do it. (Just don't piss folks off.)
When To Do This
Please SHOUT ANYTIME during the campaign, but we have a few core dates that have required participation.
Why? Because KS live and die on the Beginning, Middle, and End of the campaigns.
We need your voice at these times, especially.
The Beginning: July 6-8
It is especially critical to get to a strong start; folks are most likely to support a Kickstarter when they see that it is successful, or very likely of success. Make sure that you SHOUT and amplify our messages on July 6-8th.
The Message:
- Join the Crow Scouts, and support the Kickstarter today!
- Believe in Monsters? Support the Crow Scouts Kickstarter!
- Earn badges! Scouts the believe in Monsters!
- Or something better! Your own words will probably be the best.
Use images from the campaign, or use a photo of your Scout Bag and badges. Be creative. Have fun.
Bonus points: Submit our Kickstarter to a geek/nerd/niche blog or news site. Be persuasive and short, and try to entice them to write about us.
The challenge: We're away at the San Diego Comic-Con from July 7-12, so we'll have some radio silence around here. We need you to take up the torch, Scout!
The Middle: July 20-24
All Kickstarters tend to die in the middle of the campaign. Please say something about the Scouts (and link to our KS page) during July 20-24.
The Message:
- Tell folks something that you like about the Scouts, or what they might like too.
- Share a pledge level image that you think is cool.
- Show off an image of your Badges, Uniform, or Scouts creation; let folks know that they can get involved too.
Bonus points: Make your own 1 minute Scout video promoting the KS.
The End: August 4-7
Things will heat up for the last 3 days of our campaign. It is super important that time is running out to be a part of the campaign.
The Message:
"Only X days left."
"Only X hours left to support the Steam Crow Scouts Kickstarter"
"I pledged on the Crow Scouts Kickstarter, have you?"
– or say something else about the Scouts
We need to finish strong!
- Make sure that EVERY POST links to our Kickstarter page. (Otherwise, they won't be able to find it.)
- Make sure that you HASH TAG IT #steamcrow and #steamcrowscouts
- Post at least 3 times within the Beginning, Middle and End dates. (At least 9 times total; more is even better.)
- Repost/SHARE our official Kickstarter posts. (You don't have to do them all.)
- Use images! (Either from the Kickstarter page or here, and/or use photos of your Satchel, Badges, or Uniform.)
- Documentation: Please save screenshots and/or links so we can see your effectiveness. If you use the hashtags, we'll KNOW what you're doing as you do it. If you can't document it, we can't give you your patch.
- Bonus: Write a short blog post or video about the Crow Scouts and our Kickstarter, either on your blog, Facebook, forum, or other place that will be seen.
Note: It is not a requirement to actually PLEDGE for our Kickstarter, though it appreciated.
Please keep in mind that we need your help to be effective; please don't do the least amount possible to earn a free badge.
We probably won't reward anyone who opens new Twitter/Instagram/GooglePlus accounts just to fill out the numbers to meet the minimum requirements; we're looking for effectiveness… we need your power to succeed!
Promotional Graphics
Here are some images to use with your posts!
Use this as your Avatar on Facebook/Twitter or anywhere else. You can also use the larger size as a promotional post image.
Let's Make Magic
Scout Salute
Believe in Monsters, Yesterday!
Get Scary, Believe in Monsters
Make sure that you put the url in your post, to make it easy to follow. Use the #shoutscout #steamcrowscouts #steamcrow hashtags too.
Folks who meet all of the requirements (see above) will receive this exclusive SHOUT SCOUT '15 cloth badge for free by mail:
Note: SHOUT SCOUT badges will not be sent out until November at the earliest; they will be produced as part of this Kickstarter too.
Report your success here! (Sorry, this badge is retired and this mission has ended!)
What if we make our goal, early?
No worries, keep on promoting. Kickstarters don't end once you meet the initial funding goal… that's just the minimum required to get this project off of the ground. The further we go, the more badges and cards are offered in the Stretch Goal Package.


text:
|2,000 sq. ft.
|Property type
|Minimum Stay
|2 nights
"Upstate New York is not only to escape, but also to brainstorm brilliant ideas"
Unforgettable 25 acres property, located in Hurleyville, NY 12747. There is private 3 acres swimming pond with row boat. The 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms house has nice detailing
with unobstructed, breathtaking views from every single window. Long
driveway through beautiful landscaped property leads to the Vacation House. With new bike trail 8 Ml long, recently build at the edge of the property makes this a truly BIKER'S PARADISE!
Other features include: Log home walls, hard wood floors, new kitchen with black granite counter top, dishwasher, washing machine, antique furniture, iron wood stow and much more. This is truly a dream vacation house! 2 hrs from Manhattan.
There are only 2 houses located apart on 25 acres: Vacation House and owner's weekend house. Each house has own long driveway and separate lawns.
In small lovely village of Hurleyville, you can enjoy several restaurants, recently build huge Art Center, state of the art Maker's Club, Sullivan county Museum (http://www.co.sullivan.ny.us/Website/tabid/3197/default.aspx), a church and synagogue.
One of the best place to eat is Pickled Owl Gastropub: http://www.pickledowl.com/
For groceries you can go to Shoprite in Liberty: http://www.shoprite.com/pd/stores/NY/Liberty/ShopRite-of-Liberty/9F55629
I'm an artist, living in New York.
This is the property, where I have my art studio, weekend house and non-stop property improvement project. Every year, there is something new in the cottage or on the lake. This year, we added additional bedroom and bathroom on a second floor. A lot of hand crafted wood work, done by real masters.
Michael purchased this house in 2001
Here, you have it all: cosy house, swimming pond, direct access to new bike line, forest, open fields, hiking, walking, running, shopping, eating, drinking and doing nothing under the sky.
Direct access to newly build bike line on the old O & W Rail Trail: https://www.traillink.com/trail/o--w-rail-trail-/
See recent picture attached.
We are sitting here at your refuge watching hundreds and hundreds of fireflies. Brilliant, peaceful and the prospect of staying here for several days is really great. The grounds look absolutely beautiful.
My daughter, son in-law, 15 month old grandson and I (along with our dog) stayed at Hidden Pond for a week. We found the house to be quite comfortable, with a well-equipped kitchen and spacious bedrooms. Michael supplied an ample quantity of wood for our nights around the fire pit. Our pet was in dog heaven, with a meadow to romp in and many places to explore. We probably overlooked this when we booked, but were a bit disappointed that we couldn't see the pond from the house/lawn. Unfortunately, there's not a lot to do close by, though we had a good hike on Walnut Mountain, a fun rainy day trip to the Woodstock museum in Bethel and a good trek at Kaaterskill Falls. This property is truly away from it all (though the WIFI is excellent), and Michael is an accommodating host responsive to any need we had.
This property has got to be the best in all of Hurleyville! We are so happy we chose it. Everything was perfect and we're still missing the pond. Our kids left wondering when we can return. We are very grateful to Mike for providing such a great vacation place for his guests. We recommend it 100%, if you want an unforgettable time ! THANKFULLY, The Lopez Fam.
This was our first homeaway experience so I was a little apprehensive about checking out with Michael off the homeaway site. Let me assure you! He's friendly, honest, available when needed, and also hands off for a totally private country retreat experience. (He has a very friendly mind his own business maintenance man that we saw only twice the whole time who came to add firewood to the outside pile). Also full deposit immediately refunded day of checkout.
We are a young family of boys and my kids loved the pond, jumping off the raft (bring life jackets or floaties for kids for extra peace of mind), and kite flying in the fields. There are great woods as well so bring some long pants and bug spray for exploring too. Cottage has a great eat in kitchen, 2 bedrooms for privacy for adults and an open spacious immaculate hardwood loft that goes across the whole length of the cottage, great for indoor games or to put the kids to bed in sleeping bags etc. We also roasted marshmallows in the fire pit and ate right in front of the house on a picnic table. Great peaceful country cottage experience that makes you feel connected to nature and the great outdoors. Walmart and shoprite close by for last minute stuff and civilization. Great and relaxing time for us all! Looking forward to returning!!
Stayed at the house this past weekend with 5 friends. We had an amazing time and the cottage/property were absolutely perfect. The property is sprawling and gorgeous, with tons of room to explore and hike. The lake was so relaxing and private, perfect just to float or take a ride on the rowboat. And the cottage was the perfect size for 6. Very quiet with a great little fire pit and outdoor eating area. We would return. Thank you!
We had a very nice weekend at the house! Follow Michael's directions and you will get into the property ( The driveway is very private and I missed it) The kitchen was very well-equipped and it's nice to have a washer dryer on the premises. Wifi was great. The property and the pond are so pretty! Excellent restaurant in Hurleysville called the pickled owl. Only a five minute drive from the house. Also very accessible to the Bethel Woods Center if you're interested in live music . Great stay!
Paradise in the Catskills is exactly what or time there was like. It's Peaceful and perfect for our family to spend quality time. The house has everything you'll need and whatever else you might need you can get in Walmart 14 minutes away- like charcoal for the grill. The fire pit is great for sitting around, the pond was perfect to cool off and the very large field was perfect for my dog to run!! We look forward to coming back!! And recommend this place to everyone.
Thank you Michael for opening your property to us.
From Wikipedia :
Hurleyville is located in New York
Location of Hurleyville in New York
Coordinates: 41°43′55″N 74°36′05″WCoordinates: 41°43′55″N 74°36′05″W
Country United States
State New York
County Sullivan
Elevation 1,401 ft (427 m)
ZIP code 12747
Hurleyville, New York is a hamlet in the Town of Fallsburg, New York in Sullivan County, New York. The town lies along County Road 104 and was originally developed because it was on the main route between the Villages of Liberty and Monticello, New York. The zip code for Hurleyville is 12747.
Hurleyville is bordered by the Town of Thompson, the Town of Liberty, the hamlet of Loch Sheldrake and the hamlet of South Fallsburg.
Hurleyville was originally settled by William Hurley. The local economy was originally centered on dairy farming, but gradually became part of the Catskills Borscht Belt resort area. During its heyday as a resort Hurleyville was home to many popular summer hotels, bungalow colonies and boarding houses, the biggest and best known was the rather grand Columbia Hotel located atop Columbia Hill.
Hurleyville was a station stop along the New York, Ontario & Western Railway (O&W). Due to mail getting mixed in with that of Hurley, New York, Hurleyville was temporarily renamed "Luzon Station". This name was chosen because the postmaster had a son stationed at Luzon Island in the Philippines.[1] Automobile competition led to abandonment of the O&W in 1957.[2]
There are currently two restaurants in the hamlet named "Frankie and Johnny's Presents Nardi's" and "The Pickled Owl" as well as recently open Makers Club and huge new building for Art Center.
Hurleyville residents are part of the Town of Fallsburg. Students attend Benjamen Coser Elementary School and Fallsburg Central High School. Sullivan County Community College is approximately one mile away in Loch Sheldrake.
Hurleyville is served by the Hurleyville Volunteer Fire Department; law enforcement services are provided by the Fallsburg Police Department. Hurleyville is also home to the Sullivan County Historical Society.
|Rate Period
|Weekend Night
|Monthly *
My Standard Rate
2 night minimum stay
|Notes: Rates are based on 7 guests; add $30 per night, per additional guest
|Cleaning Fee
|Additional Guest Fee
|$30 per person per night
|Damage Deposit
Cancellation policy: For a 50% refund of accommodation fees, cancellation must be made 30 full days prior to listing's local check in time (or 3:00 PM if not specified) on the day of check in.
If the guest cancels less than 30 days in advance, the nights not spent are not refunded.
If guest arrives and decides to leave early, the nights not spent are not refunded.
Special rates are applied for the following weekends:
Memorial Day weekend , July 4th Weekend and Labor Day weekend - $1,200
* Approximate monthly rate. Actual rate will depend on the days of the month you stay.