Can't Cook, Won't Cook

1.  Dough

2.  Bread

3.  Darkness and Hail

They wanted to play with the Playdoh, and like a fool I let them.  Son 2 aged 2y 1m plays with it during the week, under Wonder Nanny’s gentle supervision.  Son 1 aged 5y 1m plays with it at school, charming teachers and Tea Club Helpers with the delight he takes in it.  Together, on the little yellow table, they were murderous.  If Son 1 rolled, Son 2 wanted the roller.  If Son 2 squodged, it was the blob Son 1 was going to use. There was snatching and scrapping and shrieking.  And finally there was a lump of blue, trod into the bottom of Son 2’s shoes… and then into the stairs, and the hall carpet, and the lino.  While we were away, the carpet cleaner came and did the lounge, which was looking a bit Jackson Pollock.  ”If one bit of Playdoh gets on the carpet upstairs, I’m throwing it all out,” I said.  We went shopping. “Is it pocket money day?” said Son 1, as I counted out coins in the fishmonger’s. I gave him a £2 coin. We had to go to the toyshop. The only thing he wanted for £2 was a Playdoh toy.  And like a fool, I let him.

We met the Vicar in M and S.  We were trying to control a tantrumming Son 2… he was wandering round with a basket, peering at the ready meals. “Is it your turn to cook?” I asked.   No. The Vicar’s Wife is going on a trip, helping one of their sons move to a town many hundreds of miles away.  “But The Church is full of great cooks,” I said. “Can’t you just work it into a conversation so that someone will arrive carrying a casserole?” “I haven’t told anyone she’s going,” he said. “I don’t like to impose.”  That’s why I like the Vicar.  One of the most imposed-upon people I have ever met… whose flock includes scores of ladies of a certain generation who would rain pies upon him if he asked… but he doesn’t like to impose. He headed off to the check out with a bottle of wine on top of his shopping, so I liked him even more.   I simply don’t have enough life to cook for The Vicar.  But I know someone who might.   I think I’ll mention it…

Son 2 finally fell asleep in The Big Pram; Son 1 and I went to change the library books; The Man strode off home with the shopping.  Son 2 woke up just as we were leaving the library, and picked up his tantrum where he left off. ”I wan’  ge’ ou’!”  “No. It takes too long to get you back in.”  I pushed him up the hill, Son 1 trailing behind us looking at his Playdoh toy.  I suddenly noticed the sky, very, very low, and very, very dark. “Son 1! Will you please hurry! There’s an enormous black cloud up there and I want to get us home now!”  He walked slowly on.  “Son 1, MOVE! That big black cloud is just about to dump everything it has on our heads.” He got the message, but he couldn’t move fast enough.  It started to rain, so I swept him under the handle of the Big Pram onto his nappy bag seat, and pushed them both up the hill so fast my heartbeat pounded in my ears.  We were 300 yards from home when the hail started machine-gunning down on us, hammering onto the road so hard it bounced back hip high.  Son 1 and Son 2 screamed.  The Big Pram is a Big Pram because it’s a three-wheeled, heavy-axled, jogging buggy, bought in the days when I thought I would still run 30 miles a week. Son 1 and I went running with it seven whole times, but Son 2’s reflux meant we never tried.  Until today.  I RAN.  It still does its stuff. We crammed ourselves into the porch, soaking.  “I wet,” said Son 2. “Big back cowd.”  It stopped his tantrum.  But I can’t quite work out if it means I’m supposed to cook something for The Vicar.

O Absalom, My Son, My Son!

O Absalom, My Son, My Son!

No matter what their age, children are always in the hearts of their parents.     Parental love does not just “go away”.     Whether the children are good and loving or wayward and rebellious, the parents’ love and concern is always foremost in their hearts.

It was that way with King David and his son, Absalom.     The whole series of events leading to Absalom’s death are recorded in 2 Samuel chapters 13 through 19.     Surely, they are stories of sin unchecked in many of the characters.     Feelings were hurt — hatred seethed for years — jealousy and arrogance purposely ignored the given will of God —  and so, life goes on, even as it does in the people of today.

Despite the goodness and faith in many of the characters, there was horrific sadness in the end — a sadness that would never really go away, even though it was masked over.     The gist of the story in the end is that Absalom was planning to kill his own father, King David, and take over as king of Israel.     King David, in his desire to save as many lives as possible, fled Jerusalem.     In the battle between Absalom’s soldiers and King David’s soldiers, Absalom got his head stuck in a large oak tree while riding his donkey.     The donkey left him hanging in the tree, and one of David’s men killed him — even though David had given orders to protect the rebellious Absalom.

When King David learned that Absalom was dead, he could do nothing but cry, and cry, and cry for his beloved son.     2 Samuel 19:4 records,

The king covered his face and cried out with a loud voice,  “O my son Absalom,  O Absalom, my son, my son!”

Even though Absalom had become totally evil in his intent, his father loved him and had great sorrow over his downfall.     Nobody wants to see their son fall into such evil ways and face such consequences.

But, God experiences the same depths of sorrow over His children.     When Jesus was preaching, He faced many hateful and rebellious religious leaders, who were out to kill Him — just as Absalom was out to kill his loving father.     The depths of God’s love for each of us caused Him to send Jesus to be our Savior from all sin.     That awesome love of God did not move the evil hearts of the religious leaders, who had no intention of repenting of any of their sins.

Jesus — God Almighty — mourned in deep sadness over His rebellious children.     His mourning was not only for the Israelites of that day, but for everyone in the world today, who refuses to repent.    In Matthew 23:37  Jesus grieved saying,

O Jerusalem,  Jerusalem,  who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her!     How often I wanted to gather your children together,  the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings,  and you were unwilling.

God loves even the people who kill the preachers He has sent to save them from their sins.     Yes, God’s love gets totally wasted — like David’s love was wasted on Absalom.     Those “unwilling” people will have to face their own judgment in the end, as poor Absalom had to face his.     But, God’s love will go on

The question remains.     What will we do with God’s extended love for us?     Will it be wasted on us?

As we humbly turn to our heavenly Father in repentance, asking for His forgiveness, we can be very sure of His love enfolding us to His breast.     Realizing the depths of God’s love for us in Jesus Christ,  we say,  “Hallelujah!     Lord Jesus, blessed be Your name for Your love, and faithfulness, and mercy.     Lead me to live for You.”

Love,  
Margaret

A devotional to glorify the LORD of lords and King of kings…

**************

 

Home Stress

I am struggling with home life. I am much more comfortable at work, in the backyard, any place away from the house. All the things I have tried seem to not be working any more. I have a few things I have fun with right now; our dog, Hapkido and hunting. Life around the house is too stressed. The “ME” mentality the kids exhibit is driving me nuts. I don’t want to be around it, it seems they mostly just want and have no clue they need to give some. I am just about out of “give”.

I’m going hunting tomorrow and will be gone for 4 to 6 days, may be I will be able to make peace in my head and deal with home life better. I hate leaving my wife home alone, the kids will be with their Dad, and she will have a weekend alone. If the drive wasn’t so far I would get her to come with me for at least a day but that would mean she would be driving home alone and I don’t like that idea nor does she.

I’ll try to do a lot of thinking while I’m in the woods, may be some writing also. I’ve been wanting to start working on the “Questions For My Father” book may be I can do that. I imagine it will help open some emotions while trying to answer the questions it has. I’m going to take a book also, one I started a while back. It’s pure pleasure reading. nothing to learn or think about. It’s a suspense, counter terrorism type book, stuff I like.

I hope I can find a way to cope with the stress. Hapkido is tonight, I usually feel pretty good after the exercise so that is good.

Give the gift of warmth and love to someone special

Looking for a unique seasonal gift idea, unique baby gifts or unique get well gifts?. Give the gift of warmth with the revolutionary ‘Pajama Warmer’ or ‘Baby Clothing Warmer’. With a Pajama Warmer you can experience the feeling of going from “chill to thrill” with warm sleepwear pajamas, socks, towels, lingerie, gloves, hats, baby clothes, wipes, massage oils, lotions and more. This temperature controlled electric warming fleece bag heats pajamas or any item placed inside it in 10 to 15 minutes. Never put on cold pajamas again. Always “feel as snug as a bug in a rug!!”.

Now if it’s winter where you are, or the temperatures at night are dropping then you are going to be cold. You want to cuddle up under a warm blanket but it’s as cold as an igloo everywhere!. What do you do?. Now if you’re one of the lucky ones who has a Pajama Warmer, you heat up your blanket, sleepwear pajamas and even socks then snuggle up for a night of restful sleep. The Pajama Warmer is a fleece warming bag that heats sleepwear pajama’s, baby clothes, bedding and many other materials to a toasty warm temperature. It’s large enough to evenly heat blankets and small enough to not be cumbersome and the best part is it’s perfect for keeping anything warm. With a Pajama Warmer not only can they warm sleepwear pajamas, socks and slippers in the bag, you can also enjoy a warm towel after a bath or shower, warm massage oils and lotions that are easier to apply and more soothing because of the warmth, and warm hats, gloves or mittens to put on if you need to venture out on a chilly day.

 Babies need warmth which is why they’re constantly swaddled in comfy clothes and wrapped in a blanket. Putting chilly clothes or a cold blanket on a baby could be very dangerous as it could cause colds and chills. There is a quick and simple way to keep baby blankets warm, baby clothes cuddly and baby socks toasty. The Pajama Warmer or Baby Clothing Warmer takes almost no time to warm all of these things plus it even keeps baby wipes warm!. There is no easier way to wrap babies in warmth and keep a healthy smile on their faces. Plain and simple, the Pajama Warmer is one of the most useful and helpful baby gifts that can be given. Any parent that lives in a climate with real winters will appreciate the Pajama Warmer.

It’s great to snuggle up a warm baby inside a freshly warmed baby blanket. While baby is napping in a toasty cocoon, blankets for the parent’s can be warming too!. When chilly fall or winter mornings strike, a parent can warm their baby’s clothes inside the Pajama Warmer in the time it takes to change a diaper and get the bottle ready!. If you’re looking for baby gifts for your friends, look to the Pajama Warmer. It’s helpful, easy to use, and a great tool for parents who want to keep their babies in tiptop health. If your customers want a baby gift that is both practical and helpful, turn their eyes toward the Pajama Warmer. The most precious thing in the world to new parents is their newborn child and naturally they want to do everything they can to keep their baby happy, healthy and comfortable. With the unique new baby gift of a Baby Clothing Warmer, parents can keep their baby warm and comfortable when the temperature starts to turn cold.

This attractive temperature controlled electric warming fleece bag heats items placed inside it in 10 – 15 minutes. They are new to the market, so you will be giving one of the most unique baby shower gifts you could find, something the mom to be won’t be receiving from anyone else, and a baby gift she is sure to appreciate. Young mothers love using the Baby Clothing Warmer to warm all types of baby clothing, including pajamas, socks, mittens, hats and more, along with warming lotion to sooth on baby’s delicate skin. It gives them an added feeling of security and nurturing as they tend to their child, and they can also enjoy warming items for themselves too, using it as a pajama warmer or for other items such as socks, slippers, lingerie, towels, massage lotions and oils. Never put cold clothes on your newborn again. Ideal for keeping baby wipes warm

 When she pulls a warm towel out of the Warmer to wrap around her baby after a bath it will be just like giving a comforting hug, and putting on warm pajamas, diapers and clothes will be a soothing and comforting sensation for her young child. Baby wipes are notoriously cold when pulled out of the package, but they too can be kept warm in a Baby Clothing Warmer, putting an end to the sudden chill when attending to the little one’s diapering. A warm blanket feels wonderful to wrap around the newborn in chilly weather. When your friend or relative receives a Baby Clothing Warmer from you there will be no more trying to warm items in the microwave or dryer, a costly and inefficient way to try and warm items. With this unique baby gift they can easily have any item warm and ready for their baby in minutes. Just put the item to be warmed in the Warming Bag, turn on the switch and soon the items are toasty warm.

If you are looking for unique get well gifts, one of the most thoughtful presents you can give is a gift of warmth. Especially for someone recovering from illness or injury, keeping warm can be of great benefit to the healing process. For someone recovering from an injury or illness, nurturing themselves with warmth can be a vital and nurturing part of the healing process. With the gift of a Pajama Warmer you can give your friend or loved one the enjoyment of being able to have warm sleepwear pajamas, socks and slippers to put on while they are healing their body, mind and spirit. The Pajama Warmer is an attractive satin lined fleece bag with a heating source inside that heats sleepwear pajamas or any other item placed inside within 10 – 15 minutes. The items that can be warmed in a Pajama Warmer are varied and many, essentially, whatever you can fit in the bag that can be warmed. It’s a gift that no one has, and is one of the most unique and practical get well gifts that you can give.

With a Pajama Warmer you will be giving a most thoughtful and loving gift, sure to be appreciated and in constant use!

When it rains...

1)  you get to keep your drain.  Really bad rhyme.   I know.  Drain stays till Friday.  I’m back on Levaquin (which the doc stopped a while back to put me on Bactrim) because my infection is resistant to Bactrim now.   Yippee.  I get the overachiever bug.  Anyway, Levaquin is scary expensive, even with insurance (For instance, I’m lucky it *only* costs me $50.) with even scarier side effects (like your Achilles tendon detaching somehow…)  Anyway, I’ve just got to keep in mind I’ve taken more toxic things in my life, like chemo and some really bad stuffed green peppers I made long ago.  I still have 8 pills of Levaquin left from a previous prescription and I’m hoping I can take those (I think he only wanted me on it for 5), so cross your fingers for me that the goddess of cheapness smiles on me and I can use it.

2) Pray for a friend’s mother (who is also my friend) whose Mom is dying.  You are never too old to miss your mother.  Or your grandma.  Or your great-grandma.

3)  Pray for my sister and her husband, for his mother passed away unexpectedly last night.  Death is never easy, expected or otherwise.

4) Pray a bit for me, because tomorrow all their children will be at my house.  I can handle it and it will be fine.  But a little prayer never did anybody any harm.  

Shehzad Noorani

by Shehzad Noorani from his “Children of Black Dust” flickr set

// “Treating it as an ordinary balloon, a young boy blows a used condom by blowing air into it, outside a battery recycling workshop near Tanki Ghat by river Buriganga on the outskirts of Dhaka in Dhaka district. The environment in and around the workshop is full of carbon dust and other waste. Children play in the factory area until they are tired and ready to sleep. Most children have chest and eyes infection. Environment is so polluted, most children suffers from one or the other kind of infections all the time. Some even have streaks of blood coming out of their noses all the time. There are hundreds of other informal factories and workshops inside and on the outskirts of the city of Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. The industry employs thousands of women and children. All day long women and children break used batteries to get reusable parts and tiny pieces of metal out of them. Once separated, these materials are sent to battery manufacturing factories and workshops that either reuse them or melt them to make other useful materials. While breaking used batteries or even playing, children inhale millions of fine carbon dust particles from the batteries throughout the day. Depending on how much work they do, each of them get between 5-15 Taka per day (US$ 1.00 = Taka 60). It takes a young child 4-12 days to earn just one US dollar. Women and children in these workshops face some of the worst condition of life anywhere in the world. None of the children go to school. Although they work hard and need nutritious food, they hardly eat much. It’s amazing that they still look happy and manage to crack a smile every now and then”

- Shehzad Noorani

Children of Black Dust (Set)

living history

In Paris, history is alive.  You can feel the buzz of vitality as you walk her streets and enter her squares.  As you walk into a square, the streets reverberate with the noises of 18th century life.  You can imagine courtesan women with their coachmen, dukes on their horses, members of clergy visiting families and intrigue all around.

Living in Saint Germain des Pres, we can’t walk out our door without experiencing history on a daily basis.  On these beautiful autumn days with our french windows open, we hear the bells of Saint-German eglise, the oldest church in Paris; walk past la petite chaise, the oldest restaurant in Paris, opened as an inn in 1680, Dumas wrote here, rue du Bac was the 18th century hub of artistic life as was St Germain in the early 20th century.  We sit at les Deux Margots or Cafe Flore and feel the creative vibes of some of greatest figures in modern literature.

People want to know what to do with children in Paris?  The answer simple–anything.  A recent Wednesday afternoon, little dude, little buddha, and i went to musee d’Orsay.  Sketch pads in hand, their instructions were simple: pick an artist or piece of art to research.  Within no time, they had both found a painting and a sculpture they wanted to research.  We sat for a while and they sketched taking in the atmosphere of this gargantuan, history filled place.  We bought postcards of the pieces they chose to investigate and walked home with the Parisian commuters on a beautiful Wednesday evening in awe of the amount of history and art and culture one city holds.

Little Dude chose le chat noir as his painting, so we set out later in the week to Montmarte to see the village where Théophile Alexandre Steinlen painted and the cabarets, Moulin Rouge, etc after reading about Steinlen and the scene on Montmartre at the turn of the last century.  While there, we went to the Montmartre cemetary and saw Dumas’ grave (which is now actually in the Pantheon) because Fishy has been reading Count of Monte Cristo and doing a project on Dumas.

Little Dude and little buddha are also doing a project on a french car and for that there is the Cite des Sciences et de l’Industrie where you can investigate french auto design.

Your choices are really endless and all you really need is a bit of imagination and patience and history comes alive.  You don’t need to take a side trip to Disneyland Paris when real life history is so colorful and exciting.