That's just peachy

4-5 years ago Herman, the kids and I made a quick stop at St. Herman's and St. Xenia's while traveling home from vacation. It was the kids and my first visit. As we were leaving St. Herman one of the fathers gave us 4 peaches to eat on the way home. They have two peach trees that were full of fruit. We ate them and saved the pits. Once home I tried and planted the pits. I started with 4 pots and 4 pits. Finally about 6 months later and no growth yet, I decided to just plant them outside. I watered them with Holy Water and would pour ashes from our censor on top of the sprouts. The following Spring I had two peach tree sprouts come up and two never surfaced. Each year I watch as they grow by at least a foot. I love these St. Herman peach trees. This past spring was the first time we had blossoms on them and I was elated, knowing fruit would soon follow. Sure enough last week I went out and was able to pick the first peach that was semi ripe. I smiled the whole time while I ate it under the trees. I couldn't help but feel something special about these peaches. I even almost hate to throw away the pits now. Tonight I went out for what is probably the last harvesting of peaches. There are maybe 3 left on the tree. I gathered a whole basket and used my shirt as an apron to carry the rest. My arms are itching like crazy now from the fuzz, which isn't so fuzzy when you are rubbing your arms against them. But what a wonderful blessing this was. 5 years of waiting, nurturing, caring for and protecting from bugs to see fruit. I think there is a spiritual lesson here somewhere. I should have the same patience and attentiveness with my spiritual life as I do with the trees. Maybe I should try some bug spray and Holy water on my feet too. Herman is heading down to St. Herman's this weekend and I thought of sending some peaches with him for the fathers. Then I chuckled to myself, remembering that they were the ones that gave me the fruit in the first place. So I'll pass them along to friends from church and let them enjoy them as much as I do.

The Romenov Prophesy

I just finished a book entitled The Romanov Prophesy I took it as a camping book and couldn't put it down till I finished. I wasn't sure what to expect when I first purchased it. The premise described a modern day Russia voting the reinstatement of an autocracy. There was a fictional descendant of the Romanov's that was to be used as a political puppet by the so called commission setting this whole thing up. The author brings historical fact about the Royal Family, their relationship with Rasputin and their demise. He also adds some interesting fiction to make for a real thriller. There is a rumor that two of the youngest including Alexi were actually not killed but thwarted off to a hiding place and brought to America to be blend in with society. Alexi married and had a son who produced another son thus having a direct heir to the throne. The race was on then to find the heir and out smart the Mafia. Twists and turns and a couple of days later I finished it. The author ends with notes on the fact versus fiction in his novel which I appreciated. It gave me an understanding of the Royal Family that I hadn't really thought about in the past. After finishing this book I am now starting one called Nicholas and Alexandra by Robert K. Massie. The history is fascinating and being orthodox I have that personal interest. Massie started this project when his own son was a hemophiliac and he sought out other families to see how they handled this affliction. He realized that the Royal Family, themselves, had the most famous hemophiliac and thus he started his book. I am enjoying being able to read some fiction that has orthodoxy touches in it. It creates a literally balanced world for me. I'm still plugging through The Brothers Karamazov and Crime and Punishment and will continue for the next 5 years as well.
I just thought I'd share my general reading pleasure of the past week.
What's on your bedstand?

Part 2 of What's bugging Papa H

Here is an addendum: As I was writing my post I was wondering to myself, 'exactly what happens to the bugs once they are vacuumed up', I just walked outside and found out their fate. Papa H is pouring lighter fluid in the fire pit. I am not really questioning as he has lit things on fire before in his pit. But the shop vac is sitting right near the pit, he looked as me and said, "oh, this is so I can kill the bugs now". So apparently his big plan is to light a fire then either reverse blow them into the fire or shake them on top of it. Mind you, both require some wind and he's dealing with flying bugs. Hmmmm I'll let you do the math and come up with your own mental picture on that one.

Just what is bugging Papa Herman

Ok, so this is NOT the bug I'm referring to, but it's the closest picture I can find. We have been fighting little bugs in our birch trees for five years now. We have done everything from systemics, topical treatments, natural treatments to no avail. Every year they come back. We call them "hair bugs" due to the issue of them getting in our hair as we walk under the trees. When they are squashed they let out a foul odor that I can only describe as bad smelling soap. Papa H even went as far as to catch a handful of these critters to take to a dinner we were invited to, the host was an entomologist. He took one look at the bugs and agreed with us, "they're bugs all right". He gave us a few suggestions that we have since implemented. But still they thrive. Several nights in a row Papa H and I would circle around the tree killing each bug we saw by hand, well, not by hand but by "bug killer" tool, till Andrew dropped my bug killer down a hole. We would make several circles of the tree finding more and more. The more we killed the faster they became. Possibly they were sending out signals right before meeting their demise. Papa H has been out there with a squirt bottle of soap and I think he's even tried bleach and vinegar-again they thrive. The latest image I have to share this evening is Papa H. standing under the long branches of our birch tree with a shop vac in one arm and literally vacuuming the leaves with the other. He says he caught quite a few. He's taken this war to a whole new level. I have no idea what plan of attack the bugs will take next or Herman for that fact. But it is certainly amusing at times. I'll know to start worrying when I see charges being made at the army surplus, oh wait! I'm not kidding, I just heard a noise outside only to look out and see him at it again. Big shop vac in one arm and the hose in the other hand reaching up to the branches trying to suck up as many bugs as he can. Now who exactly is bugging who?

My cup it runneth over and spills everywhere

Lately I have been struggling with a little discontentment, depression and just foul moodiness. I think Herman has as well. I continue to do my rule of prayer, read the Gospels, read about Saints lives etc. But I still have been feeling empty. At church this past Sunday we celebrated the Transfiguration (Old Calendar) and the homily that Fr. Daniel gave hit the heart right where it was needed. He basically talked about how we all have a home, and we know the address but seldom do we stay there. We are out running errands and such (figuratively speaking), we need to return home and stay there. He prefaced it with saying how much he's been hearing about despondency in people lately. Hmm, had he peeked into my heart? I left church feeling very uplifted and prepared to endure the rest of the fast. We then headed to Golden Dale Monastery to drop off Tansy for what I call "nun camp". We were there only for a couple of hours, but it was so transforming for me. The drive up was absolutely beautiful, clear crisp blue skies, cooler weather and just plain enjoyable. I saw Gods touch everywhere. At the monastery I felt like a little kid again, running around seeing the goats and dogs, chatting with the nuns and other campers. I soaked up as much Grace as I could while there. God is so merciful, allowing me to take home a weeks worth of Grace for just a two hour stay. On the way home I was still floating, doing the Jesus Prayer, singing classic rock tunes and again, just enjoying the drive. Herman, Andrew and I stopped at Red Robin for some dinner as a treat and continued the rest of the way home. I noticed my gas tank was nearing empty so I thought I'd better put some in before we had to walk home. I stopped about 20 min. from our home and used the pay at the pump feature. The pump took forever to clear and finally after about 10 min. I was ready to make the last few moments home. As I am starting to drive out on the highway I see in my rear view mirror the gas station guy running after me. I stopped rolled down my window and asked if my card didn't take, he said I have to pay inside. Well, I got hot under the collar and started talking back to him, "Well why do you have pay at the pump if I can't pay at the pump" among other comments. He kept apologizing and I couldn't stop making my jabs at him. I got back in the car and realized I just spilled my Grace all over the gas station floor. I immediately sought forgiveness in my heart and returned to the Jesus Prayer. How quickly do we become a a part of the world after retreating from it if only for a few moments. This poor guy did absolutely nothing wrong and how worse would it have been for me if I continued driving off without realizing I hadn't paid. Yikes! Now as I write, I see it was a good reminder that the enemy sneaks up on us when we don't realize it and sucker punches us. And my natural response to being sucker punched is to punch right back. Since Sunday I have gotten irritated a few times but am still working at keeping what Grace I have left. The good news is though I get to go back on Thursday to pick up Tansy and will get another dose, I think I'll take my "travel mug" so I don't spill it all at once this time.

Meercat Manor at Casa de Schroeder

I looked out the window the other day only to see Tansy (11) and Becket (9) playing some sort of game together. Becket was trying to balance on a rock, then decided to climb into the tree to stand tall. Tansy was busy digging near him and they chattered away. I watched them for a few minutes then asked what they were playing. "Meercats! Becket is on the lookout for a predator (the dog Asher) while I dig for food" It was the most comical scene. Only at the Schroeder house would two siblings engage in Meercat imaginative play. Gotta love their innocence.

Yard Sales Coming to a Close

Today was the first Saturday in many months that both my dad and hubby are unavailable. This allowed my mom and me to go to yard sales. There is something depressing, though, about yard sales at the end of summer. Items for sale seem to be truly worthless and the people running them are just plain tired. All we kept looking for was a small toy airplane and not one was to be found today. We found a small play sink instead. Tansy found a very cool hand made chess set, I found a set of plastic dinner plates and Becket found an expansion pack to a game that come to find out, he doesn't have. There must be a desperation in the planning of late summer yard sales, because prices were really high. Maybe this is their last ditch effort to pay the mortgage with 1.00 tank tops and 2.00 paper back books. At the beginning of Summer we are all excited to be out and about and always find the perfect treasures, the trunk being filled to the brim with unnecessary bounty. But this time of year we trudge from sale to sale only to get out, take a quick look, get back in the car and drive to the next one. We did end the day with fries from McD's though which brought some consolation. The attitude of late Summer sales reminds me that Summer is truly coming to an end. Halloween decor is already in stores, school supply lists are waiting on the counter and there is not a new swimming suit to be found anywhere in town. But I too am considering doing a last sale of the Summer as well. I don't have much either and will probably price a bit high to help pay the private school tuition and I'll probably complain about those that come to my sale not spending enough money or not spending any money at all. And they'll probably leave my sale thinking what a tired looking person I was and how I didn't have any treasures to sell Maybe they'll take pity on me after all and spend their quarter here. That yard sale karma can really bite ya in the butt some times. I need to remember that next time I'm doing a "drive-by" seeing if there is anything worth getting out of the car for.

What's more important, money or literacy?

I just got back from a quick trip to our local new/used book seller. I had a stack of books to sell and was hoping for a at least 2000.00, I was offered 35.00-I took it. David, the owner and I were commenting on the condition of some books, how sturdy they are. Then he dropped a bomb shell on me. He told me that the new Harry Potter book is made to survive 2 readings then starts to fall apart. Apparently, Scholastic who publishes it does not want children sharing their books, they want them to have to buy them instead. He told me all the Harry Potter books were made purposely that way. I was astounded. What if a kid doesn't have enough money and wants to borrow his friends etc. I love Scholastic, but I have lost respect for them as a company. How sad is it when it becomes more important to make money then to encourage literacy. David didn't know if Rowlings herself was aware of this practice, I wouldn't be surprised if she was. I need to step down from my soapbox now to go pick up Becket from the library, how ironic is that?

Is it already Halloween?

I opened up my email this morning and, as always, there are little ads that appear. Sometimes they are animated, sometimes not. This morning I was drawn to watch as a woman who was freakishly scary looking due to wrinkles, have them magically disappear with a "miracle" product. I kept staring at this ad as she turned from having wrinkles to very taught skin over and over again. It was like staring at an accident. You know you really shouldn't look but your curiosity gets the better of you and you keep staring. Now this face wasn't just the face of a model with a few airbrushed wrinkles. The artist touching up this ad must have been really distracted because the amount of wrinkles was absolutely obscene. I know I seem to be going on regarding this, but seriously you should have seen this woman. Yikes! It was truly like watching an old movie where Lon Chaney turns into a werewolf with really bad movie magic. I wonder if I can find it again....

Wanted: Friends my own age

I'm thinking about taking an ad out in the local paper, tell me what you think:

"40+ female seeks other "older then teenager" females. Must have the ability to drive self to skatepark. No experience neccesary. Eventually will need to provide own board. Must be early riser and able to skate for at least 40 min. (Anything more and I'm too pooped). Absolutely no gloating about how your deck or trucks are so much better then mine. No haughty attitudes need apply. Am willing to consider long term relationship depending on the commitment level. No blades, skooters, bikes, jogging strollers or lawn chairs. Am desperate and tired of having skater friends that only reach up to my neck. Will provide refreshments after sessions. Please respond ASAP with credentials and picture of your board. "

I gotta get friends my own age.....

A fakie is more then just a skateboard term

Herman was teasing me a while back about when I was a young teen. I had a really cool room with knotty pine on all walls, big throw pillows on the floor to sit on, incense holders, and a plethora of surfing mags laying around. I didn't exactly bring boys to my bedroom but as I sat there reading these mags I felt cool. I felt like a true surfer chick. Did I surf? Heck no. Was I a beach bum? Maybe for one summer. So why did I pull that "fakie" in my younger days? Not sure who I was trying to impress but I thought if I acted the part I would become the part. I'm not sure why Herman was teasing me about that but I know it coincided with my new found love-skating. It's been a few months now since I started skating. At times I get so discouraged because I'm still too chicken to drop-in on the 2 inch level, yes I said 2 inch. And I've yet to be able to kick turn on the ramp, though I can tick tack pretty good. I can carve on my old school board but not on my creation board, the trucks are still too tight. I learned how to replace the bushings on my Powell and had the experience of putting together a whole board from deck to bearings. My dad got me a two year subscription to TW Skateboarding and I was lucky enough to catch the X-games as a skater free fell 40 feet after completing a 720.
I skate in my Etnies and still head to the skate park nearly daily with the kids, but before skating I sweep the dirt and use my industrial squidgy to dry out the puddles.
So the difference between then and now. I actually know what I'm talking about and what others are talking about. I get excited when my skater buddies (Becket and his friends) nail a new trick. I know the lingo and can keep up somewhat with the more experienced skaters. I actually do read the skating mags and ooh and ahh at the tricks. I get bummed though when I see the 11 year old who's been skating for 4 months keeping up with the big boys. And the 7 year old who's been skating for a month attack the 5 foot ramp and drop in with no fear. I stay away from the skate park when it's crowded with teenagers, they still intimidate me. But then I get out there in the early morning when the rabbits are hoping around and the birds are looking for worms. The sun shines so bright and the air is cool. I put on my helmet (though I feel like a dork) and I start on the top of the park where it glides oh so gently down and turns bringing me into the skating area at what feels like "warp speed" to a 43 year old mom. A couple of pushes and I head toward the 6 foot ramp and guiding my board up with ease, across a bit, then down with the same ease. From there I push twice and make it up the "table top" ramp and down the other side without falling. I do it again and again and again..... I feel good and remember how fun it is to skate. It's not about keeping up with the big boys, or having a dead line to nail a trick. It's about feeling like I'm flying and surfing all at the same time. It's about my kids yelling out to me as they skate by, "good job mom!". It's about their friends that go with us clamoring for my attention to watch them. It's about feeling empowered and encouraging others, especially girls and women, to get out there and go for it as well. Tonight my son has 2 brothers staying the night. At 8:00pm they begged me to go with them to the church down the street to skate. "I'm too tired" I say, "It's getting dark already" I add. But then as Becket says, "but it's more fun when you come" I'm putting my socks and etnies back on to lead the troop down the street. We headed to the church to find out they were having a service so I told the boys we can't skate there tonight. But on the way back we find a dead end with new tar and head down it. The 4 of us skating with all our might, down this quiet street. Having fun and encouraging one another and just enjoying the evening as the wind cools us and the older street surface invigorates our feet leaving them feeling well massaged once we arrive back home. This took all of 20 min. So I have to admit I'm not a good skater, I haven't advanced very much. But what's more important is I CAN say that I'm a good Skater Mom.

Time for an update

Has it really been since March that I last blogged? So much has happened since then. My sister in law, Diane, passed away this year from diabetes complications. Our family rushed to her bedside in Seattle and were with her as they took her off life support. It was a bitter sweet time for all of us. She is no longer suffering, but I feel a void in the universe now. I still expect to pick up the phone and hear her voice and the tokens the kids have from her through the years are very precious now to all of us.

My in-laws came for a visit this summer. It was the first time they have been up here since their daughter died. It was a good visit and as always ended too soon.

My 43 birthday involved a party that started at the local skate park, ages ranging from babies to my 68 year old Dad. And the party ended at my house with 50 plus people having a weenie roast. My best friend from second grade showed up as a surprise and made the whole day for me. It's been about 15 years since I've seen her last.

Last week, my Mom and I took my three kids to Upstate New York to stay a week with my sister and her family at their "cabin". This cabin is bigger and nicer then my everyday home. The kids had a grand time and my mom and I hit the outlet mall at least 3 times while there. I became very adept at driving NY style and Andrew (3) has decided he's going to be a pilot when he grows up. I did have the opportunity to do a little skating while there. My sister headed my nephew, son and me to a local hill that she thought would be great for skating. She obviously
does not and never has skated before. This hill brought tears to this 43 year old mom, or maybe it was the wind wiping me so hard in the face my eyes watered. Needless to say I bailed off my board half way down and my 9 year old, bless his heart, rode the concrete wave all the way down. Once he bailed all I could see were his feet going a million miles a minute much like cartoon characters run. Once his body caught up with his feet he was filled with pride, but later confessed how scared he really was. At least I'm still cool in my nephews eyes for even trying it.

Well now I'm getting too tired to continue my post. It's late and the kids are still running a muck. Hopefully I won't wait as long to take a moment to sit down to chat.

Oh before I forget, my dreads are still in and are still looking a bit messy-ok a lot messy. But I'm keeping the faith and continuing to wax and roll.

Meme

Ok I'm back thanks to Belladonna :+) I'll do this one then maybe blog a little about life lately. I'm getting in the mood, or maybe it's just an adyndellin rush from skating tonight with my kids. Ok, meme first:
4 jobs I've had:
I'll try to think of ones I haven't listed before,
1. Interior plant maintences person. AKA a person who drives to buildings to water their plants. I did it once in California as a young adult then started my own business here in Wa. when Tansy was born. I liked the freedom of having a baby and being able to make a little money. I hated being responsible for 4 very large ficus trees that were tempermental. I had TCBY yogurt, US bank, another bank and someplace else I don't remember as contracts.

2. Yard Sale Guru. At least twice a year we do a sale, but I typically do it alone since Herman has worked on weekends for the last 8 years. Now he has Saturdays off and "helps" me. Hmm, did I say help? or hinder? I've gotten the reputation that if it isn't nailed down I'll sell it. The kids are getting used to coming to me looking for a prized posession that they haven't played with in years, but all of a sudden HAVE to have it-to which I have to confess, "Oh honey, I think I sold that" to which I have to hear, "NOOOOOOOOOO that was my FAVVVVVorite ToYYYYY"

3.I've sold Discovery Toys, twice in my adulthood and Story Teller Felt Boards. I think in hindsight I got into these home party things to get the products myself. And once I'm in I have to have every single item there is. Does not make for a good profit at the end of the year.

4. This year I have been the field trip cordinator for our orthodox school. I'll do anything to get out of having to teach. So we went to a homeless shelter, a mission sight, a candy store, a pottery making shop just to name a few.

Four foods I like to eat:
1. Pizza of course, just tried New York pizza last week and OH MY GOSH! is all I have to say. Mmmmmmm
2. Steak that is medium well with a real smokey flavor
3. a good salad with blue cheese dressing and great big crutons
4.Corn nuts in bed after the kids have gone down for the night.

Four heros:
1. Saint Ambrose of Optina-a Saint that has experience in plumbing, depression and living a life for God. All of which I have related to.
2. The Dali Lama-I love his gentleness and his smile. I also love his history of how he became the Dali Lama-spiritually however, we are on opposite poles
3. Fr. Nicodemus-for his humility, joy, sense of humor and Christ likeness if that is even a word.
4. I'd have to add Maria from Portland who is a mom of 2 with one on the way, a wife, an orthodox woman and a skater from way back, she truly inspires me!

Four places I'd rather be then here:
1. On the Oregon or Washington Coast
2. The Black Pearl skate park in Grand Cayman Island
3. Portland with my family
4. In bed with all the children already asleep

I don't remember the other questions and I really don't know who to tag next so I'll end the game with me. Thanks Lynda that was fun!