On this very hot and humid afternoon, I am pondering a question with my Little Sir-4-Year-Old. "If I were an African animal, which one would I be?"
He is very definite in his decision. He would be a lion. "Aslan" is the Turkish word for lion (which C.S. Lewis wisely used for the name of his great Lion), and Little Sir loves Aslan, as well as lions in general. Sometimes he says his name is "Simba". (I wonder what that means, and from which language?)
Or maybe, we should extend it to other continents, because Siberian tigers are very, very cool, and so are huskies (no pun intended.) Then again, I am also partial to black leopards from Java and black panthers from India (I LOVED Bagheera, as a child, from The Jungle Book)...(yes, there is a definite preference for the feline theme, here.)
And then there are dolphins.
And horses.
So, I ponder this very profound question, and now pose it to you. If you were an animal, which one would you be...and why?
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Friday, July 27, 2007
The Electric Company & Isaac Hayes
There must be something in the air, because I see a common theme developing here. First, I happened upon DVDs of the original Electric Company episodes (The Children's Television Workshop, 1972 - 1985) a couple of days ago. I wanted to share these with Little Sir, and we got a real kick out of them. A young Bill Cosby, together with Rita Moreno, Morgan Freeman, Gene Wilder, and a host of others, made learning to read different, interesting, and fun. Even now, looking back at all the retro 70's clothes (and that HAIR!), and music, and the dancing to the music, there is great value in the work they did, and it's still lots of fun to watch (yes, even for adults.)
Then, I heard Terry Gross' interview with Isaac Hayes, reminiscent of the same time period, on NPR today. (This Fresh Air show was from 1994, I think.) I'm sure everyone has some recollection of Isaac Hayes...the name must ring a bell. Remember Shaft? He wrote that theme song (very, very cool.)
No? Don't remember Shaft. Ok. How 'bout Superfly or I'm Gonna Git You, Sucka from the late 60's, early 70's? The music to those would be Isaac's also. Also very, very cool.
Actually, Isaac defined "cool". Remember The Blues Brothers? Well, "Soul Man" was co-written by Isaac Hayes, as well as "Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay." In Terry's interview, she asked Isaac how he came up with the idea for "Soul Man", and he told the story of the Detroit riots, and how the song was born from that time. Terry also asked how the Shaft theme was born, and his detailed, instrument by instrument, sound by sound, feeling by feeling, description of its composition was wonderful. Remember that wah-wah guitar sound? Well, we have Isaac to thank for that, bringing it into mainstream music.
This interview made me wanna go rent the videos from this genre...and get Isaac's CDs again. For a flash back to the past, check them out. You'll be glad you did, I'm sure.There was a lot going on in my life during some of those years, some very traumatic, but I remember this music and some of this work as happy times in the midst of the pain. In the second half of my summer, I plan to check out some of this stuff...we're gonna get the rest of the E. Co. DVDs from the library and watch them, I'm gonna find Shaft and Superfly, Isaac Hayes' music, and also those Bill Cosby stand-up routines. My all-time favorites were Noah ("Noah..." "Yes, Lord..." "How long can you tread water?") and his pieces about his babies. I remember laughing 'til I had tears rolling down my cheeks, every time I heard the records (yes, I said "records"...those black vinyl things you put on a turntable actually held music and speech before rappers' scratchers discovered others uses for them)...even when I knew what line was coming next!
I didn't plan on this particular trip down Memory Lane this summer, but down I'm going...
Wanna come?
Then, I heard Terry Gross' interview with Isaac Hayes, reminiscent of the same time period, on NPR today. (This Fresh Air show was from 1994, I think.) I'm sure everyone has some recollection of Isaac Hayes...the name must ring a bell. Remember Shaft? He wrote that theme song (very, very cool.)
No? Don't remember Shaft. Ok. How 'bout Superfly or I'm Gonna Git You, Sucka from the late 60's, early 70's? The music to those would be Isaac's also. Also very, very cool.
Actually, Isaac defined "cool". Remember The Blues Brothers? Well, "Soul Man" was co-written by Isaac Hayes, as well as "Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay." In Terry's interview, she asked Isaac how he came up with the idea for "Soul Man", and he told the story of the Detroit riots, and how the song was born from that time. Terry also asked how the Shaft theme was born, and his detailed, instrument by instrument, sound by sound, feeling by feeling, description of its composition was wonderful. Remember that wah-wah guitar sound? Well, we have Isaac to thank for that, bringing it into mainstream music.
This interview made me wanna go rent the videos from this genre...and get Isaac's CDs again. For a flash back to the past, check them out. You'll be glad you did, I'm sure.There was a lot going on in my life during some of those years, some very traumatic, but I remember this music and some of this work as happy times in the midst of the pain. In the second half of my summer, I plan to check out some of this stuff...we're gonna get the rest of the E. Co. DVDs from the library and watch them, I'm gonna find Shaft and Superfly, Isaac Hayes' music, and also those Bill Cosby stand-up routines. My all-time favorites were Noah ("Noah..." "Yes, Lord..." "How long can you tread water?") and his pieces about his babies. I remember laughing 'til I had tears rolling down my cheeks, every time I heard the records (yes, I said "records"...those black vinyl things you put on a turntable actually held music and speech before rappers' scratchers discovered others uses for them)...even when I knew what line was coming next!
I didn't plan on this particular trip down Memory Lane this summer, but down I'm going...
Wanna come?
Sound Symphony Orchestra
Tonight, Little Sir and I went to the Sound Symphony Orchestra concert on the riverfront green behind the East End Arts Council. (A word to the wise...these concerts are advertised as all starting at 7:30 pm, but this is not always necessarily so. A previous concert started much later, and tonight's was already in full-swing at 7:15...the portable sign posted on the green said "7 p.m.") The orchestra played a nice variety of music, from Beethoven to Tchaikovsky to Cole Porter. The guest vocalists on Porter pieces left something to be desired, but they covered their mistakes well (forgetting lyrics, etc.) with cute jokes, and were likable enough.
The highlight of the evening was a 13-year-old guest solo violinist (Abby something...didn't catch her full name) from Shoreham-Wading River school. She was absolutely amazing...seemingly a better musician than those seated in the orchestra. She had apparently won an "honorable mention" in the Sound Symphony's competition. One can only wonder what the winners sounded like. I hope to find out more about this young player, and see her pursue her musical career. Whatever else she decides to do with her life, she has already proven what dedication can accomplish.
All in all, with the perfect coolish summer evening, under a gorgeous bright moon, it was an lovely way to spend a Friday night with my favorite 4-year-old. We both enjoyed ourselves immensely. Anyone looking for a nice night out, free of charge, where you can bring, or not bring, the kiddies...check these concerts out. There is a new feature every week.
The highlight of the evening was a 13-year-old guest solo violinist (Abby something...didn't catch her full name) from Shoreham-Wading River school. She was absolutely amazing...seemingly a better musician than those seated in the orchestra. She had apparently won an "honorable mention" in the Sound Symphony's competition. One can only wonder what the winners sounded like. I hope to find out more about this young player, and see her pursue her musical career. Whatever else she decides to do with her life, she has already proven what dedication can accomplish.
All in all, with the perfect coolish summer evening, under a gorgeous bright moon, it was an lovely way to spend a Friday night with my favorite 4-year-old. We both enjoyed ourselves immensely. Anyone looking for a nice night out, free of charge, where you can bring, or not bring, the kiddies...check these concerts out. There is a new feature every week.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Pee Wee Sports
I grew up on my parents' stories of playing stickball in the streets of Brooklyn and Baldwin. My mom idolized the Brooklyn Dodgers, knew all the players' names and their stats, and went to every game she could. She even went bike riding with one of them. The stories fascinated me, and I wanted to play ball, and to be able to watch a team with the same intimate connection the people of Brooklyn had with their home team.
But it just wasn't like that out on Eastern Long Island.
When I was a kid, the only organized children's sport I was aware of (outside of school) was Little League baseball, and that awareness came only in 4th or 5th grade. And it was only for boys. I remember being fascinated by it when I heard of it, and yearned to be able to play. My dad bought me a bat, ball and glove for my birthday and he played with me out in the yard...but it wasn't the same. I wanted to be on a team.
Later, I heard from the City kids about CYO basketball, but there wasn't any out here near us, until I was really too old to start. The little of basketball I learned was from these City kid neighbors, who moved in the summer after 5th grade.
In gym class, starting in jr. high, we were taught organized sports, and I loved the challenge of the competition. I wanted to win! But that was a far cry from the real thing, and when I was finally old enough to try out for a JV team, I found my skills woefully lacking. Kids who'd come from Catholic schools were great at basketball, and girls with older brothers had more opportunities at baseball (preparing them for softball) than I'd had. I did end up playing several JV and Varsity sports, but never was on any kind of championship all-star team, with the thrill of compiled victories. I actually settled into gymnastics, volleyball, field hockey and track, where my lack of childhood play-time wasn't inhibiting. It was fun, but lacked that certain something I was looking for.
For No. One Son, Little League started with tee-ball, for both boys and girls, and he played with all the seriousness and fierce determination a focused 5-year-old can muster. He played all the way through "the majors", often on strong teams, basking in the glow of victory. DD was chomping at the bit on the sidelines, and when her turn came, she played just as hard as her older brother did. As the boys and girls were separated out into softball and baseball later on, she was disappointed at the lack of serious competition on the girls' fields. Too many of her teammates were fancy little sissy-girls, lolling about in the outfield, too afraid to break a fingernail to attempt catching the ball. She looked on longingly at her brother's games, seeing that the determination these players had was mostly missing in her league. How can you have any real competition, when half the players aren't even trying to win? She got quite frustrated, and turned her athletic eyes to other outlets.
When DH found I was pregnant with Little Sir, he was thrilled at the prospect of a little soccer (futbol) player in the making. He showed him his favorite team's colors on the day he was born, and the televised games and following commentary seemed a constant backdrop to his babyhood.
We have checked out the various sporting opportunities, trying to make sure he doesn't miss out on any, as soon as he's old enough. The first was Pee Wee Family Sports...a sampling of basketball, baseball and soccer, for the 4-5 year old set, this summer.
Little Sir 4-Year-Old had his very first basketball and baseball classes at Riverhead Town Rec. Dept.'s Pee Wee Family Sports this week. There were about 30 little ones, with their grown-up partners. This was fodder for the likes of Candid Camera, or America's Funniest Home Videos. Most of the little ones had never run laps before (picture the first 5 minutes with a few tripping and falling, crying to their mommies on the sidelines, and others looking at them a little confused and now-scared.) Then, the idea of listening to the Coach's instructions was a challenge..."How can I possibly pay attention to this big man boring me to death using words I don't even understand?"...when looking on at all the other little kids was much more interesting. After the detailed lecture on "How To Dribble a Basketball", the little ones got to actually DO it. Ah yes...30 4-year-olds, most of whom have never even really noticed dribbling before, trying to manage that unruly orange sphere, which keeps trying to get away from them.
Then, after about 10 minutes, which had most of the parents in hysterics, the Coach
told the kids now they had to use only their right hands. Right hand? Which is that? An interesting exercise followed...then only the left...THEN...when it couldn't possibly have gotten any more confusing for them...they had to alternate...right...bounce...left...bounce...right...bounce...
Oh, yeah. Then came the passing drills...bounce pass...chest pass. More basketballs gone wild.
The following day was more of the same, just with a little more control on the little ones' parts.
Today was the first day of baseball. Now, I am not in charge so I am not going to comment on what I think they are doing wrong, BUT...it is very difficult for a little child to catch a hard, smooth plastic ball with a glove, when that ball is too big to fit inside the glove. 'Nuff said. After about 15 frustrating minutes, little ones and their grown-up partners starting drifting toward the shade, and several left early.
Little Sir had fun. He loves basketball and baseball. But so far, it has been a lot more fun in our front yard, where he actually gets to shoot at the basket, and throw and catch a ball that fits the glove, and is the right consistency. And hitting the ball and running the bases is absolutely the most fun of all.
Can't wait to see what next week brings.
But it just wasn't like that out on Eastern Long Island.
When I was a kid, the only organized children's sport I was aware of (outside of school) was Little League baseball, and that awareness came only in 4th or 5th grade. And it was only for boys. I remember being fascinated by it when I heard of it, and yearned to be able to play. My dad bought me a bat, ball and glove for my birthday and he played with me out in the yard...but it wasn't the same. I wanted to be on a team.
Later, I heard from the City kids about CYO basketball, but there wasn't any out here near us, until I was really too old to start. The little of basketball I learned was from these City kid neighbors, who moved in the summer after 5th grade.
In gym class, starting in jr. high, we were taught organized sports, and I loved the challenge of the competition. I wanted to win! But that was a far cry from the real thing, and when I was finally old enough to try out for a JV team, I found my skills woefully lacking. Kids who'd come from Catholic schools were great at basketball, and girls with older brothers had more opportunities at baseball (preparing them for softball) than I'd had. I did end up playing several JV and Varsity sports, but never was on any kind of championship all-star team, with the thrill of compiled victories. I actually settled into gymnastics, volleyball, field hockey and track, where my lack of childhood play-time wasn't inhibiting. It was fun, but lacked that certain something I was looking for.
For No. One Son, Little League started with tee-ball, for both boys and girls, and he played with all the seriousness and fierce determination a focused 5-year-old can muster. He played all the way through "the majors", often on strong teams, basking in the glow of victory. DD was chomping at the bit on the sidelines, and when her turn came, she played just as hard as her older brother did. As the boys and girls were separated out into softball and baseball later on, she was disappointed at the lack of serious competition on the girls' fields. Too many of her teammates were fancy little sissy-girls, lolling about in the outfield, too afraid to break a fingernail to attempt catching the ball. She looked on longingly at her brother's games, seeing that the determination these players had was mostly missing in her league. How can you have any real competition, when half the players aren't even trying to win? She got quite frustrated, and turned her athletic eyes to other outlets.
When DH found I was pregnant with Little Sir, he was thrilled at the prospect of a little soccer (futbol) player in the making. He showed him his favorite team's colors on the day he was born, and the televised games and following commentary seemed a constant backdrop to his babyhood.
We have checked out the various sporting opportunities, trying to make sure he doesn't miss out on any, as soon as he's old enough. The first was Pee Wee Family Sports...a sampling of basketball, baseball and soccer, for the 4-5 year old set, this summer.
Little Sir 4-Year-Old had his very first basketball and baseball classes at Riverhead Town Rec. Dept.'s Pee Wee Family Sports this week. There were about 30 little ones, with their grown-up partners. This was fodder for the likes of Candid Camera, or America's Funniest Home Videos. Most of the little ones had never run laps before (picture the first 5 minutes with a few tripping and falling, crying to their mommies on the sidelines, and others looking at them a little confused and now-scared.) Then, the idea of listening to the Coach's instructions was a challenge..."How can I possibly pay attention to this big man boring me to death using words I don't even understand?"...when looking on at all the other little kids was much more interesting. After the detailed lecture on "How To Dribble a Basketball", the little ones got to actually DO it. Ah yes...30 4-year-olds, most of whom have never even really noticed dribbling before, trying to manage that unruly orange sphere, which keeps trying to get away from them.
Then, after about 10 minutes, which had most of the parents in hysterics, the Coach
told the kids now they had to use only their right hands. Right hand? Which is that? An interesting exercise followed...then only the left...THEN...when it couldn't possibly have gotten any more confusing for them...they had to alternate...right...bounce...left...bounce...right...bounce...
Oh, yeah. Then came the passing drills...bounce pass...chest pass. More basketballs gone wild.
The following day was more of the same, just with a little more control on the little ones' parts.
Today was the first day of baseball. Now, I am not in charge so I am not going to comment on what I think they are doing wrong, BUT...it is very difficult for a little child to catch a hard, smooth plastic ball with a glove, when that ball is too big to fit inside the glove. 'Nuff said. After about 15 frustrating minutes, little ones and their grown-up partners starting drifting toward the shade, and several left early.
Little Sir had fun. He loves basketball and baseball. But so far, it has been a lot more fun in our front yard, where he actually gets to shoot at the basket, and throw and catch a ball that fits the glove, and is the right consistency. And hitting the ball and running the bases is absolutely the most fun of all.
Can't wait to see what next week brings.
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Shakespeare in the Park
Little Sir and I were supposed to go to the Shakespeare Festival held at Suffolk Comm. College's Riverhead campus on Thurs. night...but I forgot. I had it all planned, then went brain dead around 5 pm. Little Sir wanted something to do, and I was running on empty creativity-wise, so we copped out and got a video from the library (which was just o.k....nothing to write home about.) Realized it in the morning. We had plans for a kids-included-barbecue with friends I'd made at Stony Brook for Fri. nite, so that bumped Shakespeare to Saturday.
I wasn't sure how DH would take Shakespeare. He has enough trouble with modern day English, let alone all the "thee"s and "thou"s, but he was game, so off we went with our blanket to sit on.
The stage was set in the center quad, and was beautifully done. We loved the gorgeous costumes, and the props just right. Most of the talented cast played several roles. Their version of The Merry Wives of Windsor proved that Shakespeare is timeless, fit for any audience. Little Sir and DH laughed spontaneously in all the appropriate places, and both enjoyed themselves immensely.
Afterward, and today, DH commented several times how good it was, and that he was surprised how much he liked it. He loves history, and the clothes and all from that period, but was intimidated by the dialogue. Even though he didn't understand every word (it moved a bit fast for me, at times, too!), it still translates well.
If you ever get the chance to see the Long Island Shakespeare Festival, by all means, go! You don't have to be an English Literature scholar to be delighted by the experience.
I wasn't sure how DH would take Shakespeare. He has enough trouble with modern day English, let alone all the "thee"s and "thou"s, but he was game, so off we went with our blanket to sit on.
The stage was set in the center quad, and was beautifully done. We loved the gorgeous costumes, and the props just right. Most of the talented cast played several roles. Their version of The Merry Wives of Windsor proved that Shakespeare is timeless, fit for any audience. Little Sir and DH laughed spontaneously in all the appropriate places, and both enjoyed themselves immensely.
Afterward, and today, DH commented several times how good it was, and that he was surprised how much he liked it. He loves history, and the clothes and all from that period, but was intimidated by the dialogue. Even though he didn't understand every word (it moved a bit fast for me, at times, too!), it still translates well.
If you ever get the chance to see the Long Island Shakespeare Festival, by all means, go! You don't have to be an English Literature scholar to be delighted by the experience.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Ok, Call Me "Crazy", But...
Ok, call me "Crazy", but I just opened my mail and found a sale flyer for one of the drug store chains. It said, "Back To School Sale."
Am I the only one who thinks this is rushing things just a bit? I'm all for getting a bargain on notebooks and stuff...but I am not ready to think about this!!!
There's Halloween costumes with the back-to-school clothes, Christmas decorations put on sale with the Halloween candy, Valentines put out right after New Year's, and Easter stuff comes out almost simultaneously with Valentines Day. Do we really buy more this way?
Am I the only one who thinks this is rushing things just a bit? I'm all for getting a bargain on notebooks and stuff...but I am not ready to think about this!!!
There's Halloween costumes with the back-to-school clothes, Christmas decorations put on sale with the Halloween candy, Valentines put out right after New Year's, and Easter stuff comes out almost simultaneously with Valentines Day. Do we really buy more this way?
Home Front
My Dahling Dawtah (otherwise known as DD) tried posting a comment on this blog, as did LunaChick...both have had troubles. For some reason the blog won't let them. If you can't post here either, and know my email address, please write me.
DD remembered the name of that WWII t.v. series I mentioned (she has a mind like a steel trap and remembers song lyrics and all kinds of details of things I forget.) It was "Home Front". I think I'll see if it's available on DVD. If I find it, I'll let ya know. It was wonderful.
DD remembered the name of that WWII t.v. series I mentioned (she has a mind like a steel trap and remembers song lyrics and all kinds of details of things I forget.) It was "Home Front". I think I'll see if it's available on DVD. If I find it, I'll let ya know. It was wonderful.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Swimming Upstream
Little Sir and I had plans to go to the concert at Agawam Park in Southampton last night, but it was cancelled, due to "inclement weather". It was to be a Celtic band I've never heard, and I was looking forward to it. Celtic music, and all things Celtic, hearkens to the Scots-Irish blood in me.
We went to the library instead, and got movies: "Blues Clues" for Little Sir, and Swimming Upstream, for me. I love true story movies, especially ones with a sports theme, where the underdog triumphs in the end. Swimming Upstream is the story of an Australian (yes, that again) kid who discovers his gift for swimming, ends up a national champion with a full scholarship to Harvard. It's a great story, but rated PG-13 because of the alcoholism and some pretty violent family scenes. Because of those scenes, it's not appropriate for little ones.
For the littler ones, I have to say Blue's Room: Shape Detectives is quite good. So many little kid movies are tooooo silly, or cloying, or patronizing, or, from the other end, exhibit behavior I do not want my little one to emulate. This one has 4 episodes in it, one about shapes, and 3 with more advanced themes of "weight and balance", "mathstronauts", and "words."
I give both movies my official "Thumbs Up"!
We went to the library instead, and got movies: "Blues Clues" for Little Sir, and Swimming Upstream, for me. I love true story movies, especially ones with a sports theme, where the underdog triumphs in the end. Swimming Upstream is the story of an Australian (yes, that again) kid who discovers his gift for swimming, ends up a national champion with a full scholarship to Harvard. It's a great story, but rated PG-13 because of the alcoholism and some pretty violent family scenes. Because of those scenes, it's not appropriate for little ones.
For the littler ones, I have to say Blue's Room: Shape Detectives is quite good. So many little kid movies are tooooo silly, or cloying, or patronizing, or, from the other end, exhibit behavior I do not want my little one to emulate. This one has 4 episodes in it, one about shapes, and 3 with more advanced themes of "weight and balance", "mathstronauts", and "words."
I give both movies my official "Thumbs Up"!
Sunday, July 08, 2007
Sounds like Summer to Me
I have been awakened a few days in a row by our neighbor's free-ranging chickens and roosters who seem to like our yard better than theirs. Whoever said that roosters crow at sunrise never lived where I do. The roosters crow whenever they darn well feel like it, over and over and over...the best is when they do this call-and-response thing from one end of the yard to another.
There also seems to be a buzz-saw contest going on on our street, because you can hear them dueling from either side of our driveway at first light. All kinds of power tools join in up and down the block...there's no discrimination, here.
After listening to raccoons duking it out in our yard around 3 a.m., with no amount of my turning on the outside floods, or making banging, clanging sounds out the back door discouraging them in the least, I muttered nasty things about them as I tossed and turned. They, being nocturnal, and not at all bothered by my lack of sleep, waddled off into the brush when they were just good and ready. I dragged myself to work this morning, looking like a "before" picture in a makeover contest. Why lack of sleep effects even my hair, I have no idea.
A few days in a row of this, and I might consider Sominex (do they still make that? I remember it from ads on Grandma's Lawrence Welk Show when I was little.)
Now, after a delightful afternoon at the beach, Little Sir and I have showered and are in the middle of making dinner from our farm stand excursion purchases. My eyes are starting to close on their own, and I still have commitments to meet. As I wait for the corn to boil, I'm typing this, with all the house windows closed, so Little Sir won't have an allergy fit...in the background is the whirr of DH's new lawn mower. Ah, yes...sounds like summer, to me.
There also seems to be a buzz-saw contest going on on our street, because you can hear them dueling from either side of our driveway at first light. All kinds of power tools join in up and down the block...there's no discrimination, here.
After listening to raccoons duking it out in our yard around 3 a.m., with no amount of my turning on the outside floods, or making banging, clanging sounds out the back door discouraging them in the least, I muttered nasty things about them as I tossed and turned. They, being nocturnal, and not at all bothered by my lack of sleep, waddled off into the brush when they were just good and ready. I dragged myself to work this morning, looking like a "before" picture in a makeover contest. Why lack of sleep effects even my hair, I have no idea.
A few days in a row of this, and I might consider Sominex (do they still make that? I remember it from ads on Grandma's Lawrence Welk Show when I was little.)
Now, after a delightful afternoon at the beach, Little Sir and I have showered and are in the middle of making dinner from our farm stand excursion purchases. My eyes are starting to close on their own, and I still have commitments to meet. As I wait for the corn to boil, I'm typing this, with all the house windows closed, so Little Sir won't have an allergy fit...in the background is the whirr of DH's new lawn mower. Ah, yes...sounds like summer, to me.
Saturday, July 07, 2007
Looking for a Tip from Those More Experienced
It is common knowledge that I am technologically challenged (hey, it even took awhile for me to get the hang of this blogging thing!) I am putting this out there, looking for help from those of you more gifted than I in this area. I am looking for information on a particular house in Riverhead that I believe to be at least 100 years old. I went to the library, and didn't get much, other than a lead on how to find out taxes and zoning. I Googled the address, "old homes", "Victorian houses", and other such in Riverhead, and have found nothing. Looking for whatever historic background I can get on the house, that I might not get from the current owner (seller).
Friday, July 06, 2007
Guess What I Found?
Little Sir and I were at the Riverhead Library this evening, reporting on his books for the summer reading program, when the nice library lady (Denise) gave me a pen to write with. I always look at such things to see what's written on them, and, low and behold, what should it say? Why, I was the holder of a gen-u-ine, authentic NorthForkParents pen! I couldn't believe it! I asked her where she got it from, and she said someone had dropped off a whole box of them with the donations. Hah! Of course, this led to a discussion of this worthy group, and all its attributes. Such a little thing, but it made my evening.
Thursday, July 05, 2007
The Snowy Mountains Scheme
As well as having a life-long fantasy about Alaska and the Iditarod, I have had one about Australia. As a young adolescent, I read a lot of books about Australia, and fiction set there, and saw my "true" life there, living the tough life on a farm. I was particularly interested in the Snowy River, and envisioned myself galloping along on horseback through the countryside.
When The Man From Snowy River came along, I watched it, and the series that followed, loving every minute of it. It was one of those things my Mom and I shared. The Man from Snowy River, Avonlea, Brooklyn Bridge, and another WWII period-piece series set in the States that I can't remember the name of now (the theme song was "Accentuate the Positive"...anybody else remember it, from the late 80's, early 90's, I think???)...these we would sit together and share every week...and I can't see anything like them without wanting to call her up and see it with her.
Recently we borrowed Snowy from the library, a series that looks like it was aired on the Disney channel or BBC, set in 1949. It is historical fiction, showing what happened to the little towns and communities when Australia started the Snowy Mountains Scheme...a plan to make Australia even more independent, by changing the direction of this mighty river, through the mountains (mostly underground), using 16 major dams and 7 power stations, providing vast amounts of hydroelectric power. (see the website for info...it really is fascinating. http://www.cultureandrecreation.gov.au/articles/snowyscheme/) Being a teacher, I am always interested in history, and how specific events affect the people. A large percentage of the work was done by migrants, mostly European people displaced after the destruction of their homes and towns from WWII.
We've seen the first 2 discs so far, and I plan to watch more tonight. Like all series, it's a bit soap-opera-y, but I really like it, and give it my official thumbs up.
Check it out, and let me know if you love it, too!
When The Man From Snowy River came along, I watched it, and the series that followed, loving every minute of it. It was one of those things my Mom and I shared. The Man from Snowy River, Avonlea, Brooklyn Bridge, and another WWII period-piece series set in the States that I can't remember the name of now (the theme song was "Accentuate the Positive"...anybody else remember it, from the late 80's, early 90's, I think???)...these we would sit together and share every week...and I can't see anything like them without wanting to call her up and see it with her.
Recently we borrowed Snowy from the library, a series that looks like it was aired on the Disney channel or BBC, set in 1949. It is historical fiction, showing what happened to the little towns and communities when Australia started the Snowy Mountains Scheme...a plan to make Australia even more independent, by changing the direction of this mighty river, through the mountains (mostly underground), using 16 major dams and 7 power stations, providing vast amounts of hydroelectric power. (see the website for info...it really is fascinating. http://www.cultureandrecreation.gov.au/articles/snowyscheme/) Being a teacher, I am always interested in history, and how specific events affect the people. A large percentage of the work was done by migrants, mostly European people displaced after the destruction of their homes and towns from WWII.
We've seen the first 2 discs so far, and I plan to watch more tonight. Like all series, it's a bit soap-opera-y, but I really like it, and give it my official thumbs up.
Check it out, and let me know if you love it, too!
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