You know when you have a really bad cut or scar and you can't stop staring at it, desptite the fact that it nauseates you? That's sort of what our tv selection has been like this morning. We just spent an hour of time, we will never get back (mind you), watching When Beaches Attack. It was entertaining. Apparently, I should never go on a beach vacation again, due to the potential sea lice infestation waiting to pepper my bathing suit area with embarassing spots, or the rip tide lurking just offshore.
The show was entertaining. From the man who talked about drowning in deadpan monotone, to the guy who described a jellyfish sting as a "jack-in-the-box which, instead of holding a fun little puppet, holds and surprises with a venom-filled harpoon." (I'm paraphrasing here) He actually mimed spinning the handle on the side of the jack-in-the-box and sang the song...doo, doo, doot, doo, doo, doo, doo, doot, doo, doot, doo, doot, doo, doot, doo, doo, doot. It was great.
My favorite part of the show, though, was the expert who was featured giving his opinion on every hazard. He was the voice of gloom and doom, mixed with a firm mastery of the obvious. He cracked me up. First, he was so boring. How can you take someone seriously when they are talking about how beach pollution can kill?
I found I spent the whole time imagining how little fun all these experts would be on a "beach vacation." Can you imagine the scene with their families? I can imagine being the wife..."OK hon, that is ENOUGH about the damn e coli! You're scaring the kids!!"
Sunday, March 09, 2008
Saturday, March 08, 2008
Feeling Like a Real Growing-Up
I cannot tell you how incredibly free I feel today. I am in Boston WITHOUT THE KIDDOS!!! Thursday night, I dropped them off with the in-laws and their dad. They happily separated from me. There was only one, possibly even imagined, moment when Liam came at me as I was leaving and seemed sad to see me go. He had his arms outstretched and hugged me, leaned against me, and said, "Nooo" in a quiet little voice. He then tried to throw himself out the door with me, but other than that, it was a smooth getaway.
I went home, had a night of sleep. I cannot say a GOOD night of sleep. I awoke at one thirty and could not fall back to sleep until four. I think I was mostly excited by the prospect of time alone, a business meeting three hours away in the morning and a weekend of fun with my sisters, celebrating the middle one's birthday. It made me realize how important it is to refuel now and then with some ME time.
I got in the car the next morning at seven thirty and hit the road with a new music mix. It was darn near heaven. The weather put on quite a stunning show for me, it seemed. First, everything was shrouded in a high fog, hills and trees coquettishly showed their outline, like a women in fine cotton sans slip. Then, the sun began to break through in motes, rays that look as close to a manifestation of the Holy Spirit as I could ever imagine. By the end of the trip, there was a blinding sun in a cheerful blue sky. It reminded me of a six-year-old's depiction of "sunny day."
The meeeting went well. Met Sissy for lunch of sushi, other Sissy joined us and we got the hairbrained idea to head out to Foxwoods. Not so much hairbrained as AWESOME. It was so fun. Broke-even in the end, but that was after four hours of playing and lovely dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe. I feel like such a "groing-up" (which my sister has just informed should be "growing-up").
So, I leave you to continue my growing-up weekend with a karaoke birthday party. What song shall I sing this evening?
I went home, had a night of sleep. I cannot say a GOOD night of sleep. I awoke at one thirty and could not fall back to sleep until four. I think I was mostly excited by the prospect of time alone, a business meeting three hours away in the morning and a weekend of fun with my sisters, celebrating the middle one's birthday. It made me realize how important it is to refuel now and then with some ME time.
I got in the car the next morning at seven thirty and hit the road with a new music mix. It was darn near heaven. The weather put on quite a stunning show for me, it seemed. First, everything was shrouded in a high fog, hills and trees coquettishly showed their outline, like a women in fine cotton sans slip. Then, the sun began to break through in motes, rays that look as close to a manifestation of the Holy Spirit as I could ever imagine. By the end of the trip, there was a blinding sun in a cheerful blue sky. It reminded me of a six-year-old's depiction of "sunny day."
The meeeting went well. Met Sissy for lunch of sushi, other Sissy joined us and we got the hairbrained idea to head out to Foxwoods. Not so much hairbrained as AWESOME. It was so fun. Broke-even in the end, but that was after four hours of playing and lovely dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe. I feel like such a "groing-up" (which my sister has just informed should be "growing-up").
So, I leave you to continue my growing-up weekend with a karaoke birthday party. What song shall I sing this evening?
Thursday, March 06, 2008
God Validation
I love the moments in my life of God validation...when instead of imagining God as an overarching ruler hanging out, separated from me by a universe. In these moments, I feel Him here, close, reaching down and stroking my hair as my mother would. It's a wonderful feeling, to be open enough to feel a moment like this. It reminds me of the warmth and elation associated with the first days of spring, when the sun is warm on your face and the breeze still refreshingly cool. These moments say, "Do not worry, I will provide."
My first God validation was when I was about twenty-seven years old. I was working for a company in Manhattan and it was my first real, groing-up job. (groing-up is what my three-year-old calls grown-ups and I just love it!). About four blocks South of my office was a church called Grace Church. I found it, by the grace of God, starting attending, by the grace of God and rediscovered the Christian part of me that craved church. I found community and a spiritual home there. These, however, were not my God Validation moment. My moment came one day, during a Good Friday service, where the ministers of my Episcopal church, and several others in the city, were preaching on the various Lenten readings.
One of the readings, was the story of Jesus' baptism. The minister talked about how we are loved by God and repeated the line, "You are my beloved, in whom I am well pleased." And, for the first time, I felt this unconditional love. This was my first time God was validated for me. This moment was spiritual, logical and emotional, all at once. I ended up in tears. Crying for the grace of a God who saw me, His broken little beloved, as pleasing to Him.
Fast forward to last night. I promised a friend of mine, who is going through some difficulties, that I would pray for her at this lovely little healing service I attend on Wednesday nights at St. Stephen's Church in Ridgefield. I went up for healing, was annointed with oil, and I prayed for her heart to heal, for her boys, for her anger to dissipate. It was today that the validation came. I almost broke into tears, as she relayed the story to me of how she had had a turnaround evening last night. I said to her, "Oh my! Remember when I said I would pray for you? That was last evening." He is good. He is there. God Validation.
My first God validation was when I was about twenty-seven years old. I was working for a company in Manhattan and it was my first real, groing-up job. (groing-up is what my three-year-old calls grown-ups and I just love it!). About four blocks South of my office was a church called Grace Church. I found it, by the grace of God, starting attending, by the grace of God and rediscovered the Christian part of me that craved church. I found community and a spiritual home there. These, however, were not my God Validation moment. My moment came one day, during a Good Friday service, where the ministers of my Episcopal church, and several others in the city, were preaching on the various Lenten readings.
One of the readings, was the story of Jesus' baptism. The minister talked about how we are loved by God and repeated the line, "You are my beloved, in whom I am well pleased." And, for the first time, I felt this unconditional love. This was my first time God was validated for me. This moment was spiritual, logical and emotional, all at once. I ended up in tears. Crying for the grace of a God who saw me, His broken little beloved, as pleasing to Him.
Fast forward to last night. I promised a friend of mine, who is going through some difficulties, that I would pray for her at this lovely little healing service I attend on Wednesday nights at St. Stephen's Church in Ridgefield. I went up for healing, was annointed with oil, and I prayed for her heart to heal, for her boys, for her anger to dissipate. It was today that the validation came. I almost broke into tears, as she relayed the story to me of how she had had a turnaround evening last night. I said to her, "Oh my! Remember when I said I would pray for you? That was last evening." He is good. He is there. God Validation.
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Antique Dress-Up
The other day, I came down to find Elena wearing a dress that my grandma had made for me when I was three or four. She had it on in, um, her own style as only Elena can do.
Then, in preparation for Easter, we pulled out some of the family smocked dresses and tried them on for Easter. Elena fits in about four of them at present. Here she is now and in the dresses in the past...I even found one of her aunt wearing one of the dresses!
Elena at one in a dress:
Elena at two in a yellow one:
Elena yesterday:
Aunties in dresses:
I just love these dresses and I have so much fun imagining my great grandmother (the original Grammy) making and hand smocking these dresses. I picture them sitting in a fancy living room, rich, Easter-egg colored fabrics draped around, cutting out little-girl shapes and hand stitching them together. What conversations might they have had while they sewed? Was it a "stitch and bitch" session about husbands who irritate and annoying housework? Were they in quiet reverie? I long to be there for just a moment, to peek into the past. But alas, I am relegated to fingering the soft, aged cotton and imagining.
Then, in preparation for Easter, we pulled out some of the family smocked dresses and tried them on for Easter. Elena fits in about four of them at present. Here she is now and in the dresses in the past...I even found one of her aunt wearing one of the dresses!
Elena at one in a dress:
Elena at two in a yellow one:
Elena yesterday:
Aunties in dresses:
I just love these dresses and I have so much fun imagining my great grandmother (the original Grammy) making and hand smocking these dresses. I picture them sitting in a fancy living room, rich, Easter-egg colored fabrics draped around, cutting out little-girl shapes and hand stitching them together. What conversations might they have had while they sewed? Was it a "stitch and bitch" session about husbands who irritate and annoying housework? Were they in quiet reverie? I long to be there for just a moment, to peek into the past. But alas, I am relegated to fingering the soft, aged cotton and imagining.
Sunday, March 02, 2008
It's 9:14 AM and 20 Degrees Outside
And I'm contemplating taking the kiddos out to play. I just heard my sister call from upstairs, "Are you losing it?" which was evidence that I am, indeed, losing it. The kids are at such difficult stages. Liam is fully in that pre-two-year-old-wants-everything-and-wants-it-now stage and Elena has lately completed all the requirements for her sibling rivalry badge.
The day goes something like this. Wake up. Get Liam up. While I am getting Liam up, Elena comes into the room, shouting "NO WEEUM, DON'T [fill in the blank here with ANYTHING he is doing]." I have to keep them away from each other to keep her from hurting him and keep him from bursting into huge fits of rage, tears and screaming. He's my vocal child. Crying for him is not a quiet effort. It's a cacophony of screams and wails. You would think someone had parked a pick-up truck on his foot with the amount of noise he makes.
Eventually, something will trigger the screams, and being non-verbal (although very LOUD in his non-verbalness as I may have mentioned), the fit will ensue. This when I pretty much want to check myself into the looney bin. Then, Elena decides it's time to throw in her two-cents. I think she is actually picking up on my distress and trying to stop it, but in her three-year-old brain, the best way to stop it is to yell, even louder than Liam, at him.
So, I now have one screaming child and one bossing screaming child competing for air space. Sometimes, I can tune it out and sing "la la la" in my head. Other times, and I know full well that this is NOT the best method for curbing the behavior, I yell louder than all of them.
My lungs are bigger.
My voice is louder.
And, I am scarier, so they cry...and I cry...and then, the air is cleared and things seem to right themselves.
Does everyone have these devolultions?
The day goes something like this. Wake up. Get Liam up. While I am getting Liam up, Elena comes into the room, shouting "NO WEEUM, DON'T [fill in the blank here with ANYTHING he is doing]." I have to keep them away from each other to keep her from hurting him and keep him from bursting into huge fits of rage, tears and screaming. He's my vocal child. Crying for him is not a quiet effort. It's a cacophony of screams and wails. You would think someone had parked a pick-up truck on his foot with the amount of noise he makes.
Eventually, something will trigger the screams, and being non-verbal (although very LOUD in his non-verbalness as I may have mentioned), the fit will ensue. This when I pretty much want to check myself into the looney bin. Then, Elena decides it's time to throw in her two-cents. I think she is actually picking up on my distress and trying to stop it, but in her three-year-old brain, the best way to stop it is to yell, even louder than Liam, at him.
So, I now have one screaming child and one bossing screaming child competing for air space. Sometimes, I can tune it out and sing "la la la" in my head. Other times, and I know full well that this is NOT the best method for curbing the behavior, I yell louder than all of them.
My lungs are bigger.
My voice is louder.
And, I am scarier, so they cry...and I cry...and then, the air is cleared and things seem to right themselves.
Does everyone have these devolultions?
Saturday, March 01, 2008
I, Me, Mined
All through the day, I me mine
I me mine, I me mine
All through the night, I me mine
I me mine, I me mine
Now they're frightened of leaving it
Everyone's weaving it
Coming on strong all the time
All through the day I me mine
I-I-me-me-mine, I-I-me-me-mine
I-I-me-me-mine, I-I-me-me-mine
All I can hear, I me mine
I me mine, I me mine
Even those tears, I me mine
I me mine, I me mine
No-one's frightened of playing it
Everyone's saying it
Flowing more freely than wine
All through the day I me mine
I-I-me-me mine, I-I-me-me mine
I-I-me-me mine, I-I-me-me mine
I am constantly getting this song wedged in my head. It's mostly because this is my life now. Having two kids, two years apart, makes everything, be it toy, scrap of paper, piece of trash, unwanted bread crust, errant newspaper, clipping of toenail, or A-N-Y-T-H-I-N-G, a precious commodity to be battled over. Elena can be seen streaming through the house screaming at the top of her lungs, "NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! THAT'S MINED!!!!!!!!!!!!!" (I have to spell the way she says, because it makes her serious emphasis of it that much more ridiculous. She continues, "LIAM, THAT IS MY NAPKIN! YOU CANNOT HAVE IT!!!!"
I have not found a magic solution for this behavior yet. My parental instinct is to heave a huge sigh and look crestfallenly (if that can be an adverb) at these two little cherubs whom I birthed. Can you two do nothing but snark at each other? Can you not don a sharing spirit and love each other? Can you not..........siiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiigh?
Need I even report that Liam has mastered the words, Me and Mine already at the age of 18 months? I don't know if it's early or age-appropriate or late, but I do know that there was no escaping these words. Verbally labelling is means of survival in this house.
And you know what? I bet "NO!" is next. Oh joy!
Friday, February 29, 2008
Liam's Road to Nowhere
When Liam was six months old, he started growling. It was frightening how much it sounded like he was auditioning for a bit part in the Exorcist or chanting REDRUM over and over again. It scared the bejesus out of me. When he was about a year old, his father finally realized he was making that horrible sound whenever he heard an engine, be it a jet in the sky, a boat on the lake, or our own car downshifting. Ever since we realized that, it has been like a lightbulb went on...OUR BOY LOVES CARS.
As is the case with most toddlers, love of cars, has spread contagiously to love of trucks, trains, wagons, bikes, motorcycles, basically anything with wheels. And now, at a year and a half (I almost typed 18 months, but read something recently about how people HATE it when you give them your child's age in months), has started to name the various vehicles...
BOOOOOOOOOAT - this is the latest addition and is, by far, my favorite. Lest you miss it from my spelling, he draws out the O for a very long time and his little rosebud lips form a tiny o themselves...awwwwwwww)
TRACTOR - nobody but immediate family could recognize that he is saying tractor, but, it's contextually correct
CAR (sounds like he is from Boston as he drops the R sound and shortens the A)
Train, which he calls TOOT TOOTS
TRUCK - Sounds an awful lot like sock
BIKE - Sounds suspiciously like BYE
Just recently he's starting saying BEEP BEEP CAR...which I almost want to call a sentence until my mother reminds me that it's really just two nouns hanging out together...oh well.
Since everybody latched on to Liam's love of vehicles, he has been getting wheeled gifts. Planes, trains and automobiles aplenty. We are running out of room at the house which must be makeshift roundhouse, hanger and garage. (And, if one considers his sisters obsessions, jungle, barn, zoo and kennel as well). It's mighty crowded over here.
So, anytime of day, Liam can be seen with a wheeled vehicle in each hand. Whenever his mother, grandmother, aunt or Boppa (grandpa) sits still for a moment, we become his road. He rolls his train or car or truck all over our legs. Some more compliant relatives stretch out yoga-style on the floor to make a full clover leaf of roads for Liam. Others of us require him to use JUST our legs...NOT on our hands, faces, breasts please, Liam.
Liam is not yet a big talker. He's going through a stage where he makes this rather annoying, insistent question noise, but it's always the exact same noise with the exact same intonation. No words. It's almost a whine, unfortunately, so he doesn't always get the answers he desires. But, this morning he would not stop grunting and non-verbally prodding me until I spread the red cozy blanket, which we keep on the couch, over me...Once I did this, he started running his cars up and down my blanketed legs, smiling and growling peacefully. Apparently the cars run smoother on fleecy asphalt.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Peeping Time
I found a really neat site some time ago. I am thinking I might have even found it through someone's blog, but I honestly can't remember. Being a shutterbug myself, I love to look a photographs. I will sit on Flickr and refresh the "interestingness" button for hours and hours for entertainment. But, I digress and make it about me as usual.
This about a this really neat site I found. It's called timetales and it's a home for found pictures. In some cases, these are lost pictures. In other cases, abandoned. In a rare few, destroyed and restored. I am not one of those people who finds old pictures creepy or depressing (though I have met many who do). No, I find them interesting studies in what people chose to photograph in various time periods. What's nice about this site is the segregation by decade (so if you really aren't into creepy old pictures, you can look at the most recent categories).
As I scrutinize each one, I find myself trying to give the characters in each photo a story, and therefore a home. I even find myself swearing I know them, have seen them before, know a relative of theirs, or insist that they are a long lost relative of mine. In short, don't I know you from somewhere?
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Shadow Theatre
Let me explain how I took this one. Liam is on my back in the Ergo carrier. The sun was behind us and there is a fence behind us which you can clearly see. The sunlight was streaming in between two trees. We were standing on one side of the street and there is a very steep bank on the other side. The bank on the side of the road provides the leafy backdrop of our shadow theatre.
I just think this shadow portrait is special in its symmetry, patterns and light. I fell like I am on stage in this one. Are the curtains parting or closing?
Monday, February 25, 2008
Did I Already Blog this one?
I sure hope not. OK, maybe I am super corny or maybe I am going crazy or maybe I am just falling hard for a flower (or my own photography), but...I think this flower is praying to God. See the light in the top left quadrant? it's God and the flowers are paying Him homage. They are facing His light and basking in His glory.
Liam and His Web Child Ticket
I don't know why I thought it funny that the ticket said "Web Child," but I did. It conjured up some platypusian image.
See Post Below
This is when I caught a glimpse of my reflection in the white door. Zoomed in and...read post below.
There's Kiki!
I just love this one. For one reason, Liam was sick, so he's just completely limp and relaxed on my back. He did not pick ONE piece of flora while we were at the Orchid Show! For another reason, I love catching a glimpse of myself "in context."
I still remember the first time this happened. I was walking through a new grocery store (well, new to me) and I saw this long and lean girl walking towards me. I experienced that split second delay between recognizing that it was, in actuality, me in a giant, wall-sized mirror. Turns out I look pretty good out there in the world at large, "in context." It's just when I squeeze my round face into a small mirror that I feel pretty bloated and big.
This was especially cool because I was photographing something in the foreground and then I noticed the reflection behind. Hey, that's a cool-looking nature girl over there...
Spotty Character
I was struck by how each and every orchid has its own personality and charm. This one was almost speaking to me, I swear!
Ghost of an Orchid
We went to the NYBG this weekend for the 2008 Orchid Show. I will post a few of my favorite pictures on the blog using Flickr. Apparently Flickr and Blogger are now smart enough to speak to each other without my help...ahhh machine to machine communications, isn't technology grand?
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Freecycle Boycott
Sad but true, the woman who once wrote this:
Friday, October 06, 2006
One Woman's Trash is Another's Treasure
Well, it's official, I have found the best way for me to clear out my closets. I am a freecycling fool! I love to feel like I am giving and, with Freecycle, I get to give away all things individually. My beloved possessions, of which I have so many that I am inundated and drowning and, therefore, no longer "beloving." In the past week, I have given away ten bags of clothes, two bags of books, one dirty toaster oven, baby clothes and bedding, and more I've probably forgotten. For me, Freecycle is the perfect blend between charity and classified ad. I end up feeling that I am giving away to the needy that which they actually NEED. It's pretty cool. So...here it is...
My Ode to Freecycle
Treasure my trash I whisper as I hit send
My smaller size days have come to an end,
So have the bigger ones, no longer with child
I post OFFER: Maternity and the responders go wild.
Most of my items are popular and taken fast
I have yet to see anything out there really last.
You have a broken remote or ancient pair of shoes?
An old pitch fork? Post it! What have you got to lose?
But what about this iron bed I can't seem to get rid of?
Where is the person who will give it some love?
Sure it's broken and needs a little TLC
But, come on folks, it's a an antique, come see!
The irony is I am not a taker, only a giver
The idea of picking up others' clothes makes me shiver!
So, come take my trash and make it your own...
you too can dress yourself and beautify your home!!
Has now had an experience that has soured Freecycle for me. Sad, but true...here is the whole email strand. See what you think:
My request:
A friend of mine has just taken up spinning her own yarn. I am putting this out here on the off chance that someone has an abandoned spinning wheel. I would also love any orphaned knitting supplies! Thanks in advance. Kristen
Her response:
WE NOTICED THAT YOU HAVE NOT YET POSTED AN OFFER TO THE GROUP. PLEASE TRY POSTING AN OFFER BEFORE POSTING ANOTHER WANTED. WE ENCOURAGE OFFERS 2:1. THANK YOU FOR UNDERSTANDING.
I sent this back to her:
When I moved last year I posted about 25 offers. I don't have anything to offer right now. Can you please post my wanted?
And then, I forwarded her a copy of an OFFER I had made of a van that she, herself, had responded to at one point.
I then asked:
See...remember me? I freecycled a van! So, will you post my WANTED? In light of the fact that I freecycled for years OFFERing only and now am asking for a few things as I have fallen on hard times?
She responded (longwindedly):
First, We just want to remind you that Freecycle(TM) is not designed to be a wish list or a charitable organization. We are not here to take care of needy families and/or provide gifts to others. Though this may occasionally be the result, it is NOT our primary intent. There are many other organizations in the area that are specifically designed for this. Messages asking for help for
families, etc. will not be approved. This includes all requests for help from/for other charitable organizations.
Freecycle exists as a forum to help people give away items that they would otherwise be throwing away. We are here to OFFER things that we have but no longer want or need. We do not object to wanted ads, but we all need to consider what we are here for and use them wisely.
Second, You just stated that you are asking for a few things because you have fallen on hard times - How is asking for a spinning wheel for a friend a necessity?
My final note back to her:
I thought if someone had a spinning wheel sitting around that I could help them by giving it a home. No big deal.
I think if you look at my history, though, you will see that I have used Freecycle in its intended spirit for years. Sorry, I had no idea I could not post WANTEDs as freely as OFFERs. Sorry.
Friday, October 06, 2006
One Woman's Trash is Another's Treasure
Well, it's official, I have found the best way for me to clear out my closets. I am a freecycling fool! I love to feel like I am giving and, with Freecycle, I get to give away all things individually. My beloved possessions, of which I have so many that I am inundated and drowning and, therefore, no longer "beloving." In the past week, I have given away ten bags of clothes, two bags of books, one dirty toaster oven, baby clothes and bedding, and more I've probably forgotten. For me, Freecycle is the perfect blend between charity and classified ad. I end up feeling that I am giving away to the needy that which they actually NEED. It's pretty cool. So...here it is...
My Ode to Freecycle
Treasure my trash I whisper as I hit send
My smaller size days have come to an end,
So have the bigger ones, no longer with child
I post OFFER: Maternity and the responders go wild.
Most of my items are popular and taken fast
I have yet to see anything out there really last.
You have a broken remote or ancient pair of shoes?
An old pitch fork? Post it! What have you got to lose?
But what about this iron bed I can't seem to get rid of?
Where is the person who will give it some love?
Sure it's broken and needs a little TLC
But, come on folks, it's a an antique, come see!
The irony is I am not a taker, only a giver
The idea of picking up others' clothes makes me shiver!
So, come take my trash and make it your own...
you too can dress yourself and beautify your home!!
Has now had an experience that has soured Freecycle for me. Sad, but true...here is the whole email strand. See what you think:
My request:
A friend of mine has just taken up spinning her own yarn. I am putting this out here on the off chance that someone has an abandoned spinning wheel. I would also love any orphaned knitting supplies! Thanks in advance. Kristen
Her response:
WE NOTICED THAT YOU HAVE NOT YET POSTED AN OFFER TO THE GROUP. PLEASE TRY POSTING AN OFFER BEFORE POSTING ANOTHER WANTED. WE ENCOURAGE OFFERS 2:1. THANK YOU FOR UNDERSTANDING.
I sent this back to her:
When I moved last year I posted about 25 offers. I don't have anything to offer right now. Can you please post my wanted?
And then, I forwarded her a copy of an OFFER I had made of a van that she, herself, had responded to at one point.
I then asked:
See...remember me? I freecycled a van! So, will you post my WANTED? In light of the fact that I freecycled for years OFFERing only and now am asking for a few things as I have fallen on hard times?
She responded (longwindedly):
First, We just want to remind you that Freecycle(TM) is not designed to be a wish list or a charitable organization. We are not here to take care of needy families and/or provide gifts to others. Though this may occasionally be the result, it is NOT our primary intent. There are many other organizations in the area that are specifically designed for this. Messages asking for help for
families, etc. will not be approved. This includes all requests for help from/for other charitable organizations.
Freecycle exists as a forum to help people give away items that they would otherwise be throwing away. We are here to OFFER things that we have but no longer want or need. We do not object to wanted ads, but we all need to consider what we are here for and use them wisely.
Second, You just stated that you are asking for a few things because you have fallen on hard times - How is asking for a spinning wheel for a friend a necessity?
My final note back to her:
I thought if someone had a spinning wheel sitting around that I could help them by giving it a home. No big deal.
I think if you look at my history, though, you will see that I have used Freecycle in its intended spirit for years. Sorry, I had no idea I could not post WANTEDs as freely as OFFERs. Sorry.
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
Well, as I find myself frequently doing, I am using my blog to tell another tale of customer service woe. I almost feel as if I could start a blog expressly for this purpose since the world is rife with poor customer service experiences waiting to grace my phone, email, broadband chat connection...But, UGH!
This time, the customer-service-sucks-ass award goes to HP/Compaq. I had completely planned on coming on here three weeks ago to write a stellar tale of my experience with them repairing my machine. I chatted with a gentleman named Morrie, told him about my broken laptop hinge, cd-drive issue and a couple other little annoyances and they sent a box for my machine, shipped it away, fixed everything, and in fewer than five business days I had my machine back good as new. I was thrilled and patted myself on the back for choosing to buy a Compaq laptop in the first place.
Well, that pleasure was to be short-lived.
When I had the machine fixed, I had on the list of complaints, a loose AC power adapter that seemed fine, but was clearly bordering on dangerous and could they please include a replacement when they returned the machine. I was assured that yes they could and I didn't worry. The machine came back and the AC adapter was the one thing that was not replaced. Unfortunately, as these types of cord injuries are wont to do, it progressed rather rapidly from a state of working to working in only certain positions, to working only with a mug slammed up against it, to working with only a mug and a pile of books pressed against it, to not working at all within a matter of days.
It was on the machine's swan song of battery life that I was able to send out a feeble SOS. Here, wait, I have the chat transcript here in my email box...Let me dig it up:
Thank you for your recent use of HP Real-time Chat Support. For your
records, we have provided a complete transcript of your chat session
below.
NOTE: Please do not reply to this automatically generated message.
For information on keeping your HP and Compaq products up and running
please visit http://www.hp.com/go/totalcare.
Chat Transcript Begins Here
--------------------------------------------------------------
Hello Kristen.
hi there
Welcome to HP Total Care for Presario Notebook. My name is Morrie. How may
I assist you today?
Well, I just got my machine back on Mon
And I had asked for a repair to the cord
and it didn't get fixed
and will not charge the battery due to a loose connectino
can I get a new cord through you?
my order number for the original repair was MSN867-01
Model number is EE394AV
Just to confirm, are you experiencing the problem with DC Jack(point where
we connect AC Adpater to the notebook) or the AC Adapter itself?
DC Jack and it's not the machine, but the cord itself
the connection is loose inside wire
At the terminus right where it connects into the machine
does that make sense?
I understand that you are experiencing the problem with AC Adpater.
Am I right?
yes
Thank you for confirming.
Let me check the warranty status of your notebook
ok
ty
Could you please provide me the serial number and product number of your
notebook?
CND601129K
EE394AV
Thank you for providing the information
I see from our database that your notebook is underwarranty.
Thank you, yes it is
it was just repaired last week
and this was the one thing they forgot to fix
I see.
I will be glad to arrange for the shipping of new AC Adpater free of
cost.
Terrific!
You guys are the best!
Thanks for the compliment.
I mean it! This has been the best experience...every step of the way
Our primary goal is Customer's Satisfaction!
I was just so impressed with how quickly the machine was picked up, fixed
and returned
And I am loving having it fixed
Please provide me the following details
* Name:
* Mailing Address (No P.O. Boxes):
* Apartment/Building/Mailstop:
* City:
* State:
* Zip/Postal Code:
* Phone Number (including area code):
* E-mail:
* Call back time(exact time with time zone):
Kristen Gill
2 THE RIGHT STREET
The Right Town, CT 06The right zip code
Phone number
Name, etc...
1PM ET (If call back is required)
Thank you for providing all the details.
Please provide me few momens while I create the case.
Thanks for your time and patience.
I have created the case and forwarded to concern department.
Here is the case number: 8007726033
You will receive new AC Adapter within 4 business days
Is there anything else I can assist you with today?
Just to make sure, are we still connected?
--------------------------------------------------------------
Chat Transcript Ends Here
Four days went by...no cord and no word. I called the 800 number. I talked to a woman named Sarah who needed me to spell the word Connecticut, Millers and couple of other words that had me a bit scared. Anyhow, the most important part of this conversation was that I THOUGHT they had updated my address in their system.
Chat Transcript Begins Here
--------------------------------------------------------------
Hello kristen.
Welcome To HP Total Care for Presario Notebooks. My name is Kate. How may
I assist you today?
Hi Kate
I am STILL waiting for a cord for my laptop
Could you please provide me with a detailed description of the problem,
which will help me assist you better?
sorry
I was on a business call
OK
Customer service order number: MYQ902-01
I was sent a computer cord, but not to the address where I live. It was
sent to an address where I lived two years ago
I need a new cord sent out ASAP as I cannot power up my laptop and I have not been able to for the last 10 days
Thank you for the information.
Model Number:EE394AV
Could I have a few moments of your time while I search the information for you?
Serial Number: CND601129K
yes
Thank you.
Thank you for sparing your precious time.
Sorry for the delay.
you're welcome
Kristen, I see that the ac adapter is shipped to the following adddress:
GILL KRISTEN
3 WRONG STREET ADDRESS
WRONG TOWN CT WRONG ZIP USA
Yes, I have not lived there for over a year and a half
Please confirm me whether that was the exact address to be shipped.
it is not the address I gave in the chat
Oh I am sorry to hear that@!
the address should have been: Kristen Gill - RIGHT ADDRESS ETC…
Could you please provide me the exact addres for me to ship the part
again?
Kristen Gill
2 CORRECT STREET
CORRECT TOWN
CT
CORRECT ZIP
PHONE NUMBERS, ETC…
Thank you for the information.
Kristen, I will create the case once again and the acadpter will be
shipped with 2-3 bussiness days.
I was told that on Sat
so, can you be sure to email me this time?
Kristen, i will make sure that you will recive the part within said time.
Is that ok?
Is there anything else I can assist you with today?
That's fine
--------------------------------------------------------------
Chat Transcript Ends Here
I was feeling all smug and excited until...I just checked the tracking information for the latest order online and guess where it shipped? Yup, you guessed it...the WRONG STREET ADDRESS, THE WRONG TOWN, THE WRONG ZIP...AGAIN...Now what do I do?
This time, the customer-service-sucks-ass award goes to HP/Compaq. I had completely planned on coming on here three weeks ago to write a stellar tale of my experience with them repairing my machine. I chatted with a gentleman named Morrie, told him about my broken laptop hinge, cd-drive issue and a couple other little annoyances and they sent a box for my machine, shipped it away, fixed everything, and in fewer than five business days I had my machine back good as new. I was thrilled and patted myself on the back for choosing to buy a Compaq laptop in the first place.
Well, that pleasure was to be short-lived.
When I had the machine fixed, I had on the list of complaints, a loose AC power adapter that seemed fine, but was clearly bordering on dangerous and could they please include a replacement when they returned the machine. I was assured that yes they could and I didn't worry. The machine came back and the AC adapter was the one thing that was not replaced. Unfortunately, as these types of cord injuries are wont to do, it progressed rather rapidly from a state of working to working in only certain positions, to working only with a mug slammed up against it, to working with only a mug and a pile of books pressed against it, to not working at all within a matter of days.
It was on the machine's swan song of battery life that I was able to send out a feeble SOS. Here, wait, I have the chat transcript here in my email box...Let me dig it up:
Thank you for your recent use of HP Real-time Chat Support. For your
records, we have provided a complete transcript of your chat session
below.
NOTE: Please do not reply to this automatically generated message.
For information on keeping your HP and Compaq products up and running
please visit http://www.hp.com/go/totalcare.
Chat Transcript Begins Here
--------------------------------------------------------------
Hello Kristen.
hi there
Welcome to HP Total Care for Presario Notebook. My name is Morrie. How may
I assist you today?
Well, I just got my machine back on Mon
And I had asked for a repair to the cord
and it didn't get fixed
and will not charge the battery due to a loose connectino
can I get a new cord through you?
my order number for the original repair was MSN867-01
Model number is EE394AV
Just to confirm, are you experiencing the problem with DC Jack(point where
we connect AC Adpater to the notebook) or the AC Adapter itself?
DC Jack and it's not the machine, but the cord itself
the connection is loose inside wire
At the terminus right where it connects into the machine
does that make sense?
I understand that you are experiencing the problem with AC Adpater.
Am I right?
yes
Thank you for confirming.
Let me check the warranty status of your notebook
ok
ty
Could you please provide me the serial number and product number of your
notebook?
CND601129K
EE394AV
Thank you for providing the information
I see from our database that your notebook is underwarranty.
Thank you, yes it is
it was just repaired last week
and this was the one thing they forgot to fix
I see.
I will be glad to arrange for the shipping of new AC Adpater free of
cost.
Terrific!
You guys are the best!
Thanks for the compliment.
I mean it! This has been the best experience...every step of the way
Our primary goal is Customer's Satisfaction!
I was just so impressed with how quickly the machine was picked up, fixed
and returned
And I am loving having it fixed
Please provide me the following details
* Name:
* Mailing Address (No P.O. Boxes):
* Apartment/Building/Mailstop:
* City:
* State:
* Zip/Postal Code:
* Phone Number (including area code):
* E-mail:
* Call back time(exact time with time zone):
Kristen Gill
2 THE RIGHT STREET
The Right Town, CT 06The right zip code
Phone number
Name, etc...
1PM ET (If call back is required)
Thank you for providing all the details.
Please provide me few momens while I create the case.
Thanks for your time and patience.
I have created the case and forwarded to concern department.
Here is the case number: 8007726033
You will receive new AC Adapter within 4 business days
Is there anything else I can assist you with today?
Just to make sure, are we still connected?
--------------------------------------------------------------
Chat Transcript Ends Here
Four days went by...no cord and no word. I called the 800 number. I talked to a woman named Sarah who needed me to spell the word Connecticut, Millers and couple of other words that had me a bit scared. Anyhow, the most important part of this conversation was that I THOUGHT they had updated my address in their system.
Chat Transcript Begins Here
--------------------------------------------------------------
Hello kristen.
Welcome To HP Total Care for Presario Notebooks. My name is Kate. How may
I assist you today?
Hi Kate
I am STILL waiting for a cord for my laptop
Could you please provide me with a detailed description of the problem,
which will help me assist you better?
sorry
I was on a business call
OK
Customer service order number: MYQ902-01
I was sent a computer cord, but not to the address where I live. It was
sent to an address where I lived two years ago
I need a new cord sent out ASAP as I cannot power up my laptop and I have not been able to for the last 10 days
Thank you for the information.
Model Number:EE394AV
Could I have a few moments of your time while I search the information for you?
Serial Number: CND601129K
yes
Thank you.
Thank you for sparing your precious time.
Sorry for the delay.
you're welcome
Kristen, I see that the ac adapter is shipped to the following adddress:
GILL KRISTEN
3 WRONG STREET ADDRESS
WRONG TOWN CT WRONG ZIP USA
Yes, I have not lived there for over a year and a half
Please confirm me whether that was the exact address to be shipped.
it is not the address I gave in the chat
Oh I am sorry to hear that@!
the address should have been: Kristen Gill - RIGHT ADDRESS ETC…
Could you please provide me the exact addres for me to ship the part
again?
Kristen Gill
2 CORRECT STREET
CORRECT TOWN
CT
CORRECT ZIP
PHONE NUMBERS, ETC…
Thank you for the information.
Kristen, I will create the case once again and the acadpter will be
shipped with 2-3 bussiness days.
I was told that on Sat
so, can you be sure to email me this time?
Kristen, i will make sure that you will recive the part within said time.
Is that ok?
Is there anything else I can assist you with today?
That's fine
--------------------------------------------------------------
Chat Transcript Ends Here
I was feeling all smug and excited until...I just checked the tracking information for the latest order online and guess where it shipped? Yup, you guessed it...the WRONG STREET ADDRESS, THE WRONG TOWN, THE WRONG ZIP...AGAIN...Now what do I do?
Monday, January 28, 2008
If I Had Three Thumbs...
I'd give them all up for Once.
Indie film. Yes.
Difficult to understand (at times) accents. Yes.
Love story. Sort of, but not really, well, perhaps the love of music.
Amazing film. Phenomenal soundtrack.
I will let you know how enamorate I was with the music in a short story. Immediately after we watched the movie (rented from Netflix), I streamed to my computer to download the soundtrack. I currently have a loose connection on the AC cord that plugs into my computer that required me (for weeks) to twist it just so, then (for days) to slam a heavy object up against it and now has devolved into not charging my laptop unless I am physically holding the connection together. This requires a lot of strength, and hand and finger strength at that. I held the connection together for ten minutes straight and completed the entire iTunes transaction (through numerous unknown error #5002 messages...grrrrrr) with my left hand. I had marks on the hand that was hold the cord and carpal tunnel ache in the left hand, but it was SOOO worth it.
Here, here's a little taste. See if it whets your appetite. And, comment if you saw/like this movie/soundtrack.
(this song is up for an Oscar this year: Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Song)
Indie film. Yes.
Difficult to understand (at times) accents. Yes.
Love story. Sort of, but not really, well, perhaps the love of music.
Amazing film. Phenomenal soundtrack.
I will let you know how enamorate I was with the music in a short story. Immediately after we watched the movie (rented from Netflix), I streamed to my computer to download the soundtrack. I currently have a loose connection on the AC cord that plugs into my computer that required me (for weeks) to twist it just so, then (for days) to slam a heavy object up against it and now has devolved into not charging my laptop unless I am physically holding the connection together. This requires a lot of strength, and hand and finger strength at that. I held the connection together for ten minutes straight and completed the entire iTunes transaction (through numerous unknown error #5002 messages...grrrrrr) with my left hand. I had marks on the hand that was hold the cord and carpal tunnel ache in the left hand, but it was SOOO worth it.
Here, here's a little taste. See if it whets your appetite. And, comment if you saw/like this movie/soundtrack.
(this song is up for an Oscar this year: Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Song)
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Guardian Angels
I seem to be, as of late, surrounded by the notion of guardians. First, I was reading Keeping Faith, by Jodi Picoult and the heroine of that book is being visited by "her guard." Then, my aunt, who is spiritual, but not at all dogmatic, gave my mother and me a meditation that centers around imagery of guardian angels. Then, this morning, I photographed our guardian angel...either mine, the kids', or all of ours.
I was taking photos of a beautiful foggy morning when a cloud formation that looked like a creature came into view. I first thought it looked like a unicorn:
Then, it appeared as a dove, winging into the periphery of the photo view finder:
It quickly traveled to mid-sky and became more pronounced, spreading its wings:
I glanced away and then back and it had truly turned into an angel, the sun streamed through and made shafts of light that reached down to us:
And, then, upon developing of this picture of Elena, I can see its light encircling and protecting her, can you?
I was taking photos of a beautiful foggy morning when a cloud formation that looked like a creature came into view. I first thought it looked like a unicorn:
Then, it appeared as a dove, winging into the periphery of the photo view finder:
It quickly traveled to mid-sky and became more pronounced, spreading its wings:
I glanced away and then back and it had truly turned into an angel, the sun streamed through and made shafts of light that reached down to us:
And, then, upon developing of this picture of Elena, I can see its light encircling and protecting her, can you?
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Bank of America Sucks Donkey Butt
Just had to put this out there. I lost my job in August. Since then, I have been fighting to get unemployment compensation. I have failed to get that and it has been decided that I am ineligible...something about willful misconduct that I completely disagree with, but whatever, I am letting that particular issue go.
Just when I thought I was finally getting back on track, I started having numerous banking issues. These issues are my fault. I don't have enough in there to cover the outgoing bills. Hence, I am declaring bankruptcy. But, that little fact aside, I am still downright appalled at Bank of America for several reasons.
1) I have been charged over $250 in $35 fees for transactions that presented when there was not enough money in the checking account. The first of these happened when an automatic savings transfer went through and I had thought I had cancelled it. Grrrrrr....my fault, but they couldn't give me help with ANY of the charges.
2) I went to the bank last Friday and presented a Bank of America check. They cashed it, handed me the cash, to which I replied, "Oh, I wanted this put into my account." The teller took it back and assured me, "Ok, it's cash, it's available immediately." I went to the grocery store, got my medication (you should be saying here, "she's obviously NOT been taking it." LOL), and paid at that counter. Then, I went through the store and bought dinner and checked out and paid for the food items at a different register. Yup, you guessed it, TWO $35 charges for payments made on an overdrawn account. Why in the HECK would I have NOT taken the cash from the teller and just paid in cash? It would have saved me $70 in fees...Grrrrrrrr
3) So, yesterday I went into the bank branch to try and get them to waive the fees. Did you know that all they can do is dial the same 800 numbers we dial? I waited for over a half hour while the bank manager waited ON HOLD with the BofA HQ. Ridiculous.
4) Today, I escalated to a manager, who sounded about 20 years old named Dorian, at the 800 number. This was AFTER I called the main 800 listed on my online banking site, they transferred me to Banc of America Investments, I waited through prompts, answered umpteen questions about who I am and what numbers are associated with me, and then was told I was at the wrong number, only to get transferred again into a waiting queue where I had to again parrot answers to the same questions. The answer was no. No they can't help me. Sorry to lose your business, Ms. Gill. I even asked, "Whatever happened to the customer is always right??"
So, I am closing my account. I am transferring my banking business to Ridgefield Bank...one of the last of the local banks. Please God don't let it get bought out by Bank of America.
Just when I thought I was finally getting back on track, I started having numerous banking issues. These issues are my fault. I don't have enough in there to cover the outgoing bills. Hence, I am declaring bankruptcy. But, that little fact aside, I am still downright appalled at Bank of America for several reasons.
1) I have been charged over $250 in $35 fees for transactions that presented when there was not enough money in the checking account. The first of these happened when an automatic savings transfer went through and I had thought I had cancelled it. Grrrrrr....my fault, but they couldn't give me help with ANY of the charges.
2) I went to the bank last Friday and presented a Bank of America check. They cashed it, handed me the cash, to which I replied, "Oh, I wanted this put into my account." The teller took it back and assured me, "Ok, it's cash, it's available immediately." I went to the grocery store, got my medication (you should be saying here, "she's obviously NOT been taking it." LOL), and paid at that counter. Then, I went through the store and bought dinner and checked out and paid for the food items at a different register. Yup, you guessed it, TWO $35 charges for payments made on an overdrawn account. Why in the HECK would I have NOT taken the cash from the teller and just paid in cash? It would have saved me $70 in fees...Grrrrrrrr
3) So, yesterday I went into the bank branch to try and get them to waive the fees. Did you know that all they can do is dial the same 800 numbers we dial? I waited for over a half hour while the bank manager waited ON HOLD with the BofA HQ. Ridiculous.
4) Today, I escalated to a manager, who sounded about 20 years old named Dorian, at the 800 number. This was AFTER I called the main 800 listed on my online banking site, they transferred me to Banc of America Investments, I waited through prompts, answered umpteen questions about who I am and what numbers are associated with me, and then was told I was at the wrong number, only to get transferred again into a waiting queue where I had to again parrot answers to the same questions. The answer was no. No they can't help me. Sorry to lose your business, Ms. Gill. I even asked, "Whatever happened to the customer is always right??"
So, I am closing my account. I am transferring my banking business to Ridgefield Bank...one of the last of the local banks. Please God don't let it get bought out by Bank of America.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
The First Day of School (EVER)
Today was Elena's first day of school ever. She is only going for two hours twice a week. It's not that dramatic, but it really is THAT dramatic. My baby girl is passing another milestone by in stride. It feels like just yesterday, her father and I were sitting on the floor encouraging her to take her first steps between us. Now, she is all of a sudden so grown up! Wahhhhhhhhh!
Then:
Now:
Then:
Now:
Sunday, September 09, 2007
Dancing Boy
I just love my baby boy! This is the song I sing to him whenever I am changing him. It seems to calm him. When he heard it come on the CD player, he perked up, ran in and started dancing.
Click here...
Click here...
Sunday, August 26, 2007
So Many Things to Blog About...
So little time. This is a general housekeeping blog. I will try to catch everyone up on everything that has been going on here in my little life. Let's try a list format for ease of writing and reading...keeping it simple.
1) Summer was H-O-T. The kids spent much time fighting and cranking, but they just started playing together. Elena has finally learned that a baby brother can be fun to boss around. She gave him the bizarre nickname of Brother Munka, and chases him around shouting orders, "Munka, NO, you come here with me!" or "Come here wittle Brudder Munka. Silly Munka! What are you doing?" VERY CUTE.
2) Elena's grasp of language continues to improve. She is now into using surprising verbs and descriptions to get her point across. Two examples of this happened last week:
3) We are attempting potty training. She is pretty well pee trained at this point. However, we still continue to struggle with the other. Anyone have any ideas?
4) Liam is walking. He walked just after his first birthday. Elena had walked at 9 months, so we have been waiting forever (or so it feels). I am hoping this means the tendonitis in my elbow will improve...walk on little man!
First steps:
Getting better at it:
5) I got let go from my job due to a misunderstanding. Yeah, right. Stay tuned on this one, folks.
6) I decided to become a consultant in Business Development and secured my first client. Check out www.marketingfire.com I am working on helping them go-to-market more effectively and developing relationships for them with brand owners in the packaged goods space. It's very exciting to be part of an organization of Futurists! Talk about a forward-thinking organization!
7) I am taking my firt plane trip with the kids on Labor Day. We are flying to Orlando to then go to see a good friend and her kids in Gainesville. Wish me luck! I'll send a "postcard".
8) Lots of walking, outdoor play, visits to Lake Candlewood, picking raspberries in our yard...it's been a fun summer.
1) Summer was H-O-T. The kids spent much time fighting and cranking, but they just started playing together. Elena has finally learned that a baby brother can be fun to boss around. She gave him the bizarre nickname of Brother Munka, and chases him around shouting orders, "Munka, NO, you come here with me!" or "Come here wittle Brudder Munka. Silly Munka! What are you doing?" VERY CUTE.
2) Elena's grasp of language continues to improve. She is now into using surprising verbs and descriptions to get her point across. Two examples of this happened last week:
She was using a colorful term a bit too much, so Gwammy (my Mom) put "freakin" in time out. Well, last week she said it again and I reminded her..."That word's in time out, remember?" Her response? "Mom, I know, it just jumped into my mouth."
I stripped my bed. She watched and later said to me, "Mommy, that was so funny when your bed was all naked nudity. It REALLY needed its clothes on!"
3) We are attempting potty training. She is pretty well pee trained at this point. However, we still continue to struggle with the other. Anyone have any ideas?
4) Liam is walking. He walked just after his first birthday. Elena had walked at 9 months, so we have been waiting forever (or so it feels). I am hoping this means the tendonitis in my elbow will improve...walk on little man!
First steps:
Getting better at it:
5) I got let go from my job due to a misunderstanding. Yeah, right. Stay tuned on this one, folks.
6) I decided to become a consultant in Business Development and secured my first client. Check out www.marketingfire.com I am working on helping them go-to-market more effectively and developing relationships for them with brand owners in the packaged goods space. It's very exciting to be part of an organization of Futurists! Talk about a forward-thinking organization!
7) I am taking my firt plane trip with the kids on Labor Day. We are flying to Orlando to then go to see a good friend and her kids in Gainesville. Wish me luck! I'll send a "postcard".
8) Lots of walking, outdoor play, visits to Lake Candlewood, picking raspberries in our yard...it's been a fun summer.
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Summer Fruits Stuffed and Glazed Pork Roast
I did some research on pork loin roasts tonight and then made up my own recipe. I am going to write it down here so I don't forget it, it was yummy.
1 pork roast, at least 2 pounds
ground pepper and whole mustard seed to taste
1 fresh apple
1 fresh plum/plumicot
1 jar of baby food (I used blueberry apple baby food, but any would work)
2 fat Tbls. of dijon mustard
1 Tbls brown sugar
2 tsps. ground thyme
1 tsp garlic powder/2 cloves garlic
1 tsp dried onion flakes
2 tsp salt (separated)
1 tsp cider vinegar
half dozen carrots
butter (no set amount, but about 6 pats)
1 box of prunes (you will only use as many as fit in the channels in the roast)
Prepare pork roast - wash, dry and place in greased broiler pan. Prepare carrots, scrape and cut in 2 inch dices and put aside.
Slice long channels into the meat (3 of them) and stuffed them with prunes (you could easily use apricots, dried apples, fresh apples, roasted garlic, fresh shallots, garlic, onions, etc...)
Salt and pepper and sprinkle with ground thyme and garlic powder (or rub with cloves of garlic) and place in a 400 degree oven for about 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, cut up apple, plum/plumicot in slices or cubes (I think in retrospect, it might have been good cut in smaller dices), put aside
Heat a small saucepan over med/high heat and saute some garlic and finely sliced onions (I used the dried kind from the spice aisle and fresh garlic), when the aromatics are clear, add baby food, brown sugar, vinegar, dijon mustard, ground thyme, a tsp of salt, cut up apple and plum, and some ground pepper. Cook for about 20 minutes until mixture thickens to a glaze.
After 30 minutes in the oven, reduce the heat to 350 degrees and add the contents of the saute pan to coat the roast with the glaze. I tossed the big pieces of apples and plums on the side of the roast and added the carrots to the side as well, separating them so they weren't touching each other, but were coated with the glaze. Set the timer for one hour (total cooking time should 30 minutes per pound at 350 or until internal temp reaches 160-170 degrees). Every 20 minutes or so, baste the roast and carrots.
When the roast comes out of the oven, move it to a plate and let it rest under an aluminum foil tent.
Use a spatula/spoon to remove all the carrots from the pan. I sliced them into rounds and, right before serving, glazed with some of the sauce, some of the cooked fruit and a couple of pats of butter.
Meanwhile, collect all the drippings from the roast pan and deglaze the pan with about 1/4 cup of water. Reduce sauce in a large frying pan (or you can just put your roast pan right over a burner like you do when making gravy). After the roast rests for 20 minutes, slice into 1/2 inch slices, and arrange on a platter. Finish the gravy with a pat or two or butter to thicken and pour over all the slices....arrange the glazed carrots and fruit pieces on the platter next to the meat and VOILA!
1 pork roast, at least 2 pounds
ground pepper and whole mustard seed to taste
1 fresh apple
1 fresh plum/plumicot
1 jar of baby food (I used blueberry apple baby food, but any would work)
2 fat Tbls. of dijon mustard
1 Tbls brown sugar
2 tsps. ground thyme
1 tsp garlic powder/2 cloves garlic
1 tsp dried onion flakes
2 tsp salt (separated)
1 tsp cider vinegar
half dozen carrots
butter (no set amount, but about 6 pats)
1 box of prunes (you will only use as many as fit in the channels in the roast)
Prepare pork roast - wash, dry and place in greased broiler pan. Prepare carrots, scrape and cut in 2 inch dices and put aside.
Slice long channels into the meat (3 of them) and stuffed them with prunes (you could easily use apricots, dried apples, fresh apples, roasted garlic, fresh shallots, garlic, onions, etc...)
Salt and pepper and sprinkle with ground thyme and garlic powder (or rub with cloves of garlic) and place in a 400 degree oven for about 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, cut up apple, plum/plumicot in slices or cubes (I think in retrospect, it might have been good cut in smaller dices), put aside
Heat a small saucepan over med/high heat and saute some garlic and finely sliced onions (I used the dried kind from the spice aisle and fresh garlic), when the aromatics are clear, add baby food, brown sugar, vinegar, dijon mustard, ground thyme, a tsp of salt, cut up apple and plum, and some ground pepper. Cook for about 20 minutes until mixture thickens to a glaze.
After 30 minutes in the oven, reduce the heat to 350 degrees and add the contents of the saute pan to coat the roast with the glaze. I tossed the big pieces of apples and plums on the side of the roast and added the carrots to the side as well, separating them so they weren't touching each other, but were coated with the glaze. Set the timer for one hour (total cooking time should 30 minutes per pound at 350 or until internal temp reaches 160-170 degrees). Every 20 minutes or so, baste the roast and carrots.
When the roast comes out of the oven, move it to a plate and let it rest under an aluminum foil tent.
Use a spatula/spoon to remove all the carrots from the pan. I sliced them into rounds and, right before serving, glazed with some of the sauce, some of the cooked fruit and a couple of pats of butter.
Meanwhile, collect all the drippings from the roast pan and deglaze the pan with about 1/4 cup of water. Reduce sauce in a large frying pan (or you can just put your roast pan right over a burner like you do when making gravy). After the roast rests for 20 minutes, slice into 1/2 inch slices, and arrange on a platter. Finish the gravy with a pat or two or butter to thicken and pour over all the slices....arrange the glazed carrots and fruit pieces on the platter next to the meat and VOILA!
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