Here Comes Peter Cottontail!

Is it possible that Easter is just a week away? And spring, too, for that matter.

Last weekend I realized this and rapidly took down my last tree -- I call it a "winter tree," because it's all snowflakes and icicles and lovely white things -- not a Santa to be seen. And while the snowflake garlands come down this weekend (OK, I pooped out!), much of the Easter has started to appear.

The bunnies hold court with the felt flower and flamingo lamp!

These bunnies are on the china cabinet. An antique print from my friend in Paris is behind them.

I love the bunnies. They're all over the house. Terra cotta, china, wooden, paper mache, fabric, stuffed. Gotta love the bunnies! Many of these buddies are from my friend Lin in Ohio who always knows exactly what I like (partly because she and I love the same things!) So, there is a good deal of "source memory" and thinking of friends as I bring up the surrogates!

But perhaps my favorites are the two egg trees. These really draw into my past. As a teen, my mom and I would blow out eggs till we were blue in the face and decorate them. Dyes, paints, jewels, trims... we'd buy the satin eggs in the store sometimes, too. I wish I still had the one I made first -- it was a plastic egg with a decal of a collie -- my dog, Major. I'm not sure where that one hangs out anymore, but there are plenty from the mom era of 40 years ago.

This bigger tree was given to me by my friend Bonnie when she moved. I like the bright lights!

When I set up the tree, I find myself carefully studying each egg, recalling its story. On each tree there is an egg made of small fabric flowers -- you know, the kind you might use for a trim on a sewing project? We cut them apart and stuck them to the egg -- all bright pink and green, with a few pearls to bling it up. We didn't call it that then, but we were talking the same thing! Now I don't know which of us made which egg -- they are almost identical. And I really don't care. I just love seeing it there. And the yellow one with the beads. And the satin ones with the pearls.

Yes, there are eggs that have come from other sources -- and more than a few ornaments, some gifts; others chosen by me. But those eggs... that is such a Mom connection.

My mom died around Easter time 31 years ago. That year Easter was in April, an unseasonably warm one at that. So, regardless where it falls on the calendar, I still think of her at that time. Think of the things we did, enjoyed. There is so very much of my life that has changed in those decades, things I wish she'd been around to share.

But one thing hasn't changed at all. Those decorations remain constant -- well, no. They grow and grow! And my love for creating special things grows, too. A seed carefully planted, gently nourished, and then let to flower on its own.

Only a week until spring. The Gypsy holds court, waiting in fear for me to put on the pretty spring-colored silk bandana.

Tough!

We Won!

This is a terrific day for us here at WKAR! We just learned that we won the 2008 PACE Award of Excellence (for "The War: Michigan Voices") in the Community Relations category. They said "Your achievement truly demonstrates the positive impact of public relations."


(This was the one with the notebook that couldn't close! Needless to say, it was worth the hernia we got delivering the entry!)

This morning we also found out “Michigan Voices” won a first in the Michigan Association of Broadcasters competition in the Special Interest Programming category. Plus Ready To Learn won first place in the Best Community Involvement category and "Michigan At Risk: Whatever Happened to Organized Labor" took two first places (Best Hard News/Current Events Story and News/Public Affairs Special).

And, on top of that we were named Michigan Public Television Station of the Year by the MAB for the third year in a row! WKAR Radio also received two MAB awards as well – a first place and an honorable mention!

It's been a very nice day here and I couldn't keep it to myself!

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About Silda Spitzer...

I don’t usually deal with anything political in my blog, and this isn’t either, really. This is just a call for well-meaning (or perhaps not) commentators and journalists (none of whom will read this blog) to stop saying, “Eliott Spitzer’s wife looks so bad. She used to be such a beautiful woman…” and “She’s aged years in the past few days.”

Sorry, folks, but the woman’s been through hell. And probably the last thing she needs on top of everything she’s been through with her husband is to have news commentators to keep talking about how bad she looks. Nothing like being told you really look lousy to add to your already awful day.

I’m sure she had a few more things on her mind than doing her best to look perky.

‘Nuf said. Had to rant.

Seven Weird and Random Things About Me

I was tagged by Sandi at Victorian Gypsy to do this (and unofficially tagged by reading other blogs that have done as I will -- if you see this and have time respond, you're tagged; if you don't, enjoy!

1. I work best with noise – generally the telly (keeps me from hearing the sounds in my head, which are tinnitus despite rumors to the contrary!).

2. I put hats on my cat! (Here’s the late Mr. Stimpy – all my cats are cross-dressers).

3. I collect quilts – particularly antique or older quilts. (Or did, till I ran out of room!) (You’ll note I didn’t say I quilted…that requires sewing and I’ll consider it an achievement if I get an art doll made!) The one pictured is one from a summer festival this summer. Don’t own it (wish I did!).

4. My favorite place to spend time (creative and otherwise) is at my cottage in Northern Michigan. 5. I’m an only child.

6. For 10 years I volunteered as a children’s grief facilitator at a grief center in my community called Ele’s Place.

7. My two most treasured moments meeting someone famous were meeting Mister Rogers and Caroll Spinney – aka Oscar and Big Bird.
You're it!

Merit Badges

Thanks to Tina at Garden Goose, I was the lucky winner of a great book called You Can Do It – which is basically Girl Scout merit badges but for grown-ups!

Each chapter is a different topic (you can learn public speaking, art, dancing, better interview techniques, etc.) and includes a “mentor” who is skilled in that area and offers tips. At the end are great little “merit badges” (colorful cardstock circles with cool graphics that I’m sure will end up in an ATC or collage somewhere!)

Thanks, Tina! I’m so excited I was the winner!

This all reminded me of my Brownie Scout days. Most of us were actually rather bratty, but there are some I’ve been aware of in later life who actually turned out quite well! In fact one of us (and she was NEVER a brat), my friend Michele LeVett, is now a full-time artist listed in my links. Stop by and check out her site!

A lovely weekend. Sunny. Melting snow. (The big snow went south of us!) I pulled out much of the Easter decorations, realizing it’s only two weeks away! Yikes! More on that later, but I’ll leave you with a springy carrot salad, just to get you thinking of bunnies! (Get your cooking merit badge with this one!)

Quick Carrot Salad

This makes me two really hefty lunch servings -- probably a little more than a cup or so -- because that's all I eat. You would probably want to double it for more people. It would also be good at a picnic because there's no mayo so it wouldn't rot in the heat.

1-2 bags shredded carrots
1/2 c. cilantro (parley is OK, too.)
1/2 c. raisins (boil them for a minute or so to puff them up – sometimes I skip this step and sometimes I use golden raisins or dried cranberries)
Mix together and pour dressing over the top.

Dressing:
1/4 c. lemon juice
2 t. red wine vinegar
1 t. olive oil
1/4 t. cumin
1/4 t. cayenne pepper
1/4 t. paprika

(I use more of the spices because I love it really zesty, and maybe a little more lemon juice. You might have to adjust olive oil if too much more juice.)

Also good with the following add-ins -- cashews or almonds or some other crunchy thing; cherry or grape tomatoes.

You can make this in five minutes or less and it holds up well in the fridge for a couple of days, too.

Finished, Fabiano's and Letting Rick Ride!

Finished!

Last night I put the final touches on Iris’ shawl. The true color (and of course softness) of this yarn doesn’t come through in a photo, but you get a pretty close look. The fringe is long and on some strings include beads.

I’m thrilled with it. The only thing that worries me is that it’s a little long. It works for me, but I’m a good five inches taller than Iris, and I fear the fringe might drag on the floor! But she can toss it around her neck in a rather funky look – or use it as a lap blanket or lap shawl.

(Incidentally, I just added a couple new links for knitters – Rob’s blog and Matt’s blog. Rob and Matt own Threadbear Fiber Arts (there’s a link there, too!) and for knitters it is a haven!)

It’s about two feet wide and I am afraid to measure how long! But I do think she’ll like it! Hope so!

I’m also sending her some candy from one of my favorite local candy stores – in business since 1924! Fabiano’s is a terrific place – here are a couple of pix.

Finally, thanks to all who have gone to Let Rick Ride (and if you haven’t, click on that and go!) and voted for him to ride in the Dalmac ride! Remember, I’m thrilled to hear in comments that you support him, but comments to my blog won’t go directly to the ride coordinator, but Let Rick Ride will!

Let Rick Ride!

On a lovely day like this (OK, it's about 25, but the sun is out, so that's lovely by me!), my thoughts go to summer, spring, planting things, birdhouses (which I have on the brain) and heading to the lake.


My Rick's thoughts go to one thing. The bike. He rides over 5,000 miles a year and is passionate about it, longing for long-distance rides, as well as the "short" 25 or 40 mile versions. We live by the Tour de France when July comes along. (He has me watching it even when he's not around and even did my "Tour" ATC!

And one of his longstanding events is a ride from Lansing to Mackinac called "DALMAC," which he's participated in for 20 years.

Now, Rick is a big safety fan. And I don't think anyone knows bikes and both competitive riding and road riding better than he does -- at least, not in my circle. And he can be a little opinionated when he is making a point, especially when the fate of his own safety -- or that of other riders is concerned.

Well, last year, he may have been a little too opinionated about the safety of tall flags on sharp sticks on the back of the bike ("you'll poke your eye out!") which were a "requirement" of the ride. The short end of THAT stick is that this year, they told him he couldn't ride.

SO, I am asking my blogger buddies to click here on this "Let Rick Ride" link and vote "yes!" to let Rick ride. You'll see his point of view and it's just an email thing (click yes or no) -- it won't come through your as your email address and you won't get spam or a reply unless you ask for one. (If you're into biking and want to see the newly formed Astana team ride in the Tour, click on the link after to "Let Levi Ride" as well!)

Thanks for helping out!

Monday Madness

Why Monday madness? Because there's so much to do here and I would really rather be doing other fun things at home! I've a yen to play in the glue and paint today and it's not going to happen!

So this is brief, but first...

Thanks for many lovely comments on both Iris' and Mutty's birthdays! I'm printing them out to mail to them!

Second, I didn't have a Public TV pick of the week last week or this week (or next) because stations are all in fundraising periods and the schedules are wildly divergent by market. My favorites? The new James Taylor concert we are airing tonight and "Celebrating Jane Austen" which is a behind-the-scenes look at the PBS dramas. (It will tank in our market, but I don't care. It's still my favorite!) There's also a great profile of Pete Seeger and if you are a folk fan, this "American Masters" portrait is a rich one.

Third, I am having great fun prepping to "bling my birdhouse." Visit Karla's Cottage and take her tutorial. Then on March 27, post your entry. (You may enter without Karla's tutorial, but I recommend it, just because the photos are so great!)

My first bird house

Finally, I leave you with some pictures of my favorite household helper, Gypsy, the Laundry Boy. So glad he's domestic -- now if only I could get him to pick up the fur that seems to fly as he dashes through the house!

Gotta love the Gyppy!

Hope to go blog visiting tonight between pledge breaks... or tomorrow...or soon!

Iris is 95 Today!

Imagine what all has happened since 1913 -- cars were still a special luxury, no one would consider flying an airplane, and indeed, most of World War I, which began the year after, was a ground war. No atom bomb, telephone, television, microwave, ATM, man on the moon, VISA card, frozen packaged foods, electric vacuum cleaners, super stores, or computers.

Now, imagine being born then and seeing what all has happened since.

Iris with my grandmother, Minnie Wood Leatherman.

Here’s a birthday salute to my aunt, Iris, who is 95 today!

The Leatherman Family -- Iris is in the center, holding baby Grace (mom of cousins David, Patty and Mutty)

Iris, Eleanor, Jean (my mom) and Junior, who died aruond the age of 7.

Mom (Jean), Iris and Eleanor

Iris was the oldest of my mom’s sisters, and the only one still alive. And, I might say, doing very well at 95! She lives near her daughter and one of her sons (the other isn’t too far away) so she’s able to see some of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren regularly.

These are the sister on Grace's wedding day -- Grace, Eleanor, Iris and Mom

Iris (also known as “The Big I”) was the first of the women in our family to really be employed outside the home – that was in the 40s, maybe even before. She worked for my grandfather, selling insurance, and a woman I have run into here in town who knew her said she was really one of the first working women in the community that she was aware of. Around the time I was a teen, she and my uncle bought a sporting goods store in Gaylord, Michigan – a town that gets much of its support from vacation tourism. I can still see her working the counters there – she knew everyone, and they all knew her!

Iris is the “Last of the Moms” in my family and so she’s my honorary mom! She’s tough, caring, sentimental, smart, and all together!

Grace's wedding day -- the sisters with my grandparents.

Happy Birthday, Iris! May we all make it so long as you have -- and so very well, too!

Happy Birthday, Cousin Mutty!

Here are some flowers for you, to celebrate your birthday!

Cousin Mutty is the youngest of my cousins, but we're all old now! She, fortunately, doesn't look it!

When I was digging out recipes this weekend, I found several that were from her mom, my aunt Grace. Mutty asked if I'd found the sour cream coffee cake recipe -- I knew there was a coffee cake of Gracie's, but not sure if it was the sour cream one.

It was! So, as a special birthday greeting, here's Gracie's coffee cake mix, from April 1960. (I won't say how old Mutty was then, but she wasn't five yet.)

Grace’s Sour Cream Coffee Cake (April 1960)

(Whip together)
¼ c. butter
1 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 c. sour cream
1 t. vanilla

Add these dry ingredients sifted together:
2 c. flour
2 t. baking powder
1t baking soda
¼ t. salt

Crumb Mixture:

Mix together
1 ¼ c. brown sugar
½ c. chopped nuts
½ t. cinnamon

Layer in a greased angel food or bundt pan: 1/3 mixture on bottom, half of batter, 1/3 mixture in middle, other half of batter and 1/3 on top. (If you like, swirl with a knife.)

Bake at 350 for 40-45 minutes.

Visit Garden Goose's Leap Year Giveaway!

If you haven't been there yet, stop at Garden Goose's Leap Year giveaway.

And while you are at it, visit Small Town Living. You can link there from Garden Goose or from here!

Retro Cook!

Over the weekend I spent some lovely moments digging into my past – I opened my mom’s old recipe book, and poured over recipes from the 1950s, many of which were in her familiar hand. I discovered favorites from family members – my aunts Grace and Iris, Iris’ daughter Nancy; cherished recipes I recall from my grandmother; things from old friends like my elementary school friend Michele LeVett; old favorites I had accumulated over the years… it was a grand trip back in time!

Many, of course, had creamed soups. Others relied on canned ingredients, where we now substitute fresh. But it was a different era -- and I don't remember complaining about the food too much (except for the liver that even our collie wouldn't eat!).

So, I made one that I’d always liked and remembered being served for nice occasions. I’m not sure why because it was so ridiculously easy and inexpensive, it could have been an “anytime” recipe. It’s a mock stroganoff – no sour cream, so it’s lighter. And quite delicious. Try it sometime!

Mama Zean’s Beef Dish

Put these ingredients in a casserole or baking dish:

1-2 pounds of stewing beef in bite-sized pieces
1 box fresh mushroom slices (you could also mix with different types) Mix the following together (I used a whisk to get it smooth)

1 can Campbell’s Golden Mushroom Soup (of course it had mushroom soup – it’s from the ‘50s)
1 c. wine (I used syrah, but any dry red would be fine)
1 pkg. dried onion soup mix (I would go with a little less – it made it a little bit too salty, but not bad)

Pour that over the meat and mushrooms and bake at 350 for two hours or more. (I did two-and-a-half because that’s when we were ready to eat!)

Serve over noodles. I used the no-yolks, extra broad.

(Be sure to get some tasty, crusty bread – you’ll want it to get every bit of the good sauce!)

Incidentally, in our family we used to call this "Gas Cass" (which my mom hated!). However, my weekend preparation didn't result in any related difficulties!

We Were "There for the Bear!"

A lovely weekend at a great event – the Ebersole Center – which is a camp located in the woods and wilds about an hour or so from Lansing. Kids in the Lansing Public Schools attend the camp as part of their curriculum – for many, it is their first real experience “in the wild” as they experience science and nature firsthand. We were excited to attend the annual fundraiser, which included a silent Auction (I bought an astounding photograph of Santa Fe by Michael M. Smith – check out his website!) -- he also took the photo of me with Ebby the Bear! There was also a live auction (Rick bid high on a nature walk where you view “raptors”) and fun stops like the gold mine, where you buy a rock (that entitles you to a drink) and brush off the glitters. If the stone is gold underneath, you’re entered in a drawing for a diamond).

There was also a hog-roping stop. (I didn’t try, but Rick did!) He actually got the noose around it's horns!

There were also raffles (we didn’t win, but I didn’t NEED a dinner out, though I could have used the framing or car detailing!)
Here was the fun part – the dinner was very out-west, meaning beef stew, biscuits and baked beans served in a tin plate, peach cobbler with ice cream, and good salads – all served from the chuck wagon!

There was even a "campfire" nearby!

I love it – how many fundraisers do you get to attend where you can wear your jeans!

And the "set decorataions" were great -- wonderful old hats, serapes...

A good time had by all -- and good funds raised for a good cause!