And We Feared Computers Would De-Humanize Us

Well Tabor at One Day At A Time and Mage at Postcards have really gotten a lot of us thinking about why we write our blogs.  Me, too.  I began writing KATHY'S PEACE a few years ago because of the nudging, prodding, okay, downright harangue of one Cheryl at MyLadeda.  At the time I did it because of the novelty, now that I've left my classroom and all my wonderful colleagues, it's an important connection to me; a reminder that I'm not alone.

I don't post as many of you do - on a daily basis.  I wait until I have something to share.  And I must admit when I log on and see "comment awaiting moderation" I am overjoyed!  Pathetic, huh?  But it's true.  I wish I attracted more comments, but the ones I do get are profound and heartfelt, and I'm thankful.

Both Tabor and Mage have brought into question the effect their -- I guess all of our blogs --  have on others.  I think these talented scribes might sometimes overlook the fact that a kind word, an interesting photo, a crafted phrase have the effect of ripples on a pond.  Their pasts, their posts continue to change us all.  And more than this, we've all made friends -- people we would have never met.  Amazing...

Light the Fires and Feed the Birds!!

It's sleeting now and the sound of snow-blowers -- neighbors helping neighbors -- fills the air.  Last night winter dumped about 14" on us as one can witness from my office window.  That's the snow piled on the sun porch roof.

Everything is closed -- including the gym (which helps delete any guilt) and I've got bacon awaiting crisping, beans soaking for soup, and bread flour just waiting to be added to yeast.  All the important things have been attended to:  I had my hair done on Tuesday, (thanks, Cheryl!!),  saw the oncologist yesterday (celebrating 12 years), and had a fantastic fried green tomato-crabcake club (well half of one) and grits at Miss Shirley's in Roland Park. And I get to have the other half today!

 Life is good.

I'd Like to Thank My Mom...

It was sunny and 87 until about 15 minutes ago when the sky turned an inky pea-black. I'm going to shut down as the thunder and lightening are rather formidable. Be back in a few.

Well that was scary! Simultaneous lightning and thunder -- the kind you can feel in your tooth fillings!

Thank you to Cheryl, Brad, and Jay and the many others two of you who sent birthday wishes. It's really, really hard for me to believe I am 58 years old as I still feel like I'm in my 30's -- which actually are a complete blur because I was up to my schnutz in diapers and little ones, and fearful I'd 'lose myself' in being a stay at home mom. I didn't. The kids reassure me that I was a good mom, and they're happy grown ups, so I must have done something right. But again, I really don't feel 58. (This is where you're all supposed to say, "Well you don't look a day over 45!!!). So LIE!!
Two thirds of them are coming over tonight for some pizza and chocolate cake -- the one I bought at Costco and almost ate in the car. Here it is...

As good as it looks, it looks even better in person. Wish I could serve each of you a piece tonight. My brother, Jay, called from Atlanta to ask if I'd gotten a license from Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) to light the candles on my cake. He said he had been getting calls about what everyone thought was a nuclear disaster. He said it was the smoke from the candles. He's dead meat, by the way, and had better start sleeping with one eye open.

I had a hair appointment with Cheryl - hair stylist extraordinaire (she did the best she could with what she had to work with)- this morning and then lunch at Nordstrom's Cafe with a good friend -- a young man I had mentored when he began teaching. Not only was he a wonderful teacher, he is now a fantastic administrator, an assistant principal who no doubt will have his own school in a very short time. I love retirement, but I really miss my colleagues. Damn we had fun! And when things got tough (and believe me, things often got tough (I got pretty good at breaking up fights (and these were among the teachers))) we also got the job done.

It's been a nice birthday. Thanks, Mom!