Nothing Sadder than a Sad Dog

     Whenever we prepare to leave the house, Duncan is quick to comprehend. Some internal radar alerts the little wisenheimer that he will be left alone for a spell and his response is calculated. The pose shown here is the "I can't believe you guys are leaving without me"  look. It does inspire a little remorse on our part, therefore, before the door shuts a little extra attention is showered on the poor, poor boy, even though that's not his aim.

As It Began - St. Michael Street

  

   When my father received a promotion in late 1958, he also accepted a transfer from Grand Rapids, Michigan to the metropolitan area of St. Louis,  Missouri. One of the fastest growing suburbs at the time was an outer-ring city called Florissant and perhaps he was advised to settle his large and still expanding family there. Idealist that he was, he chose the top of a hill with an expansive view (above), a tract of land that had recently been cleared of an orchard and farm fields to make room for new streets and houses. Dad was a visionary and he made a few changes in the architect's plans, that opened up the main floor plan in a way that, decades later would become extremely popular. We moved into the five bedroom, two story house in the autumn of 1959 (below), before concrete was even poured in the street. Dad was a smart man - our home was a perfect fit.

55 years later

Manly Beer Can Burgers

     Pop saw this recipe on a television cooking show and volunteered to make dinner (perhaps I should have protested - he recently informed me that Pinterest recipes might not always be as good as expected.) Anyway I had to help because after forming the ground beef around a beer can, he had a little trouble wrapping each with a bacon strip The burgers were grilled and during the last few minutes of cooking time, they were filled with cheese and chopped green onions

     Pop placed his manly burgers between buns but I had mine served open face. It was tasty fare and an interesting adventure in good eating but we probably won't make these again for awhile.

Harvest Moon 2016

     This celestial body known as earth's moon is intriguing. The prodigy of night that subtly morphs over the months - waxing and waning between new, first quarter, full and last quarter,  can be a photographic challenge.  However I overcame that challenge this September with a beautiful rendering, which surprised me with its beauty.

    

     When Karuna, a friend from India, told me about her culture's association of the moon and the pearl, I was fascinated, because I always felt an emanation of peacefulness and strength from the orb of night but dismissed it as fairy tale stuff . Karuna told me that a pearl draws energy from the moon, therefore it is beneficial to wear a ring that allows that gemstone to touch the skin. 

     A little research into the effect of gems on the subtle energy of the human being proved interesting. The moon has long been considered feministic in  nature and also denotes tenderness and beauty. There is a continuous vibrating power from the moon that can be absorbed by the individual and this aura can protect one from external negativity. The wearer of a pearl may feel confidence, energy, and strengthened will power. ("Shrivinayaka Astrology" by Dev Kaushik)

     I feel an affinity with the moon - I think I need a pearl ring.

Bird Catchers

     A summer Sunday in 1963,  four sisters gather on the back porch steps. Three of them are still in church dresses and shoes, and the oldest is holding on to a taut length of kite string. However it is not a kite at the other end but a stick perhaps eight inches long that holds up an overturned galvanized tub. Strategically placed bread crumbs placed on the lawn lead into the dark area under the tub and the girls are waiting for a hungry bird to enter the "trap". The birds are never harmed and are always immediately released because even though they love the thrill of the catch, especially a large grackle or a noisy blue jay, the tender-hearted girls are animal lovers.

    Just a little post-script to this story: As a toddler, littlest sister Judy did not like socks and was even prone to an occasional tantrum if they didn't "feel right'. She must have outgrown the aversion by the time this photo was snapped because her white anklets are neatly folded and perfectly in place!

Summer Chicken Salad 'n' Jalapeno Dressing

     A standard summer dinner in our house is a tossed green salad topped with slices of grilled boneless chicken breasts. Following at a close second is the same green salad served over crushed tortilla chips and topped with Mexican seasoned ground beef - commonly known as a taco salad. A new favorite this year is sort of a recombination that includes a home-made dressing that adds a tantalizing tweak - slight ranch flavor and as much or as little jalapeno fire as desired. The colors and textures are so pretty that presentation counts too! 

Sliding Closet Door Upcycled with Paint

     The master bedroom needed an update, especially after replacing the old bookcase headboard with a new tufted leather one. Many years ago, the walls had been rag rolled with a forest green glaze; it had a lovely aged patina but now I wanted something a little more modern and neutral. Our comforter had tones of green and gray, so I chose a color called Dolphin Gray, which would coordinate nicely. When the ceiling and walls were finished, I was uncertain what to do with the closet doors - Pop wanted them white and I preferred the same gray as the walls. I compromised, a little, and am pleased  with the look. 

   




 


     White enamel paint was swiped a few inches from the perimeter of each door and then painters tape was placed in a large rectangel.  Dolphin Gray was applied over all and then the tape was removed.











     The final product was quite appealing and lent a little architectural character to the plain flat doors. New knobs with a satin nickel finish complete the look.