If the Book Fits.....

I hesitate to reveal  information about anything close to me. Yet reality has taken a bite out of my "perfect novel" world, and the words of this post seemed to flow. I have entered it as a submission for an organizations' newsletter. ALDA, (Association for Late Deafened Adults).   Temptation is to leave the story sitting on the shelf, gathering dust while supporting surrounding stories. Yet it is my book. So I am placing my name plate in the front cover and taking ownership.
Thanks for stopping by!


   The day is wrapping heavily around me. A humid yet chilly day. Gray skies and reflections. The type of day when you wish it would rain and get it out of it's system so the sun can shine again.
  It is a perfect day actually. A day that allows me to feel like hiding under the covers, avoiding faces and places. Avoiding tasks and chores. Letting tears fall in place of expected raindrops.  It is a day to permit myself to grieve.
   I had my audiological exam yesterday.  I have been diligent about going every year so I could track "progress" and update my hearing aids.  Amazing how a few tweaks from a computer mouse can change your world through digital hearing aids.
Yet, I have been lax.  It's been several years since I stepped into that  small office. A cheerful place, with dancing bear paintings on the soft blue walls. A welcome approach to that often dreaded  gray steel box, filled with wires, speakers, comfy yet firm chair, red push button and window of glass.  Looking out that window the world can see so very far away.
 I try to arrive with my sense of humor.  I truly have a wonderful audiologist. A knowledgeable lady   with  bold credentials and an understanding that many professionals  never quite grasp.   She is a person who smiles easily and sincerely,  sharing laughter that tickles your day.
   A brief catch up on  family and events and I am seated in the dreaded booth, and the door is shut.    No matter how many times I have sat in this seat, I am still  uncomfortable.   After all it is a test.  One for which I hopefully have studied properly .   Yet my hands  feel clammy when I grasp the  "Push Me" Button when I hear the tone.   For that brief instant before the first "note" I envision a scene from the magical surreal story of Alice in Wonderland. A scene in where Alice has fallen down the rabbit hole and faced with a dilemma and a "DrinkMe" potion.   It is a scene based on trust before stepping into the unknown.
  I confidently and often trigger happily, push the confirmation button that I have heard the tone. well, at least I think I hear the tone. I know the tone follows the other tone so it should be happening now so I will push.   I add a puzzled look and the words "I think"  just  confirm I'm not sure but am moving along.
   Switching the test mode to the other ear,  I lighten my  apprehension with a joke about also needing to switch the hand in which I am holding the button.  We both laugh  at the silliness and settle in for round two.  Same tones, same "I think".
    And then, the rabbit hole gets deeper, or the door gets smaller, or the choices  of Fear , Fight or Flight are null.  There are no rescuing potions nor smiling cats, although you know somewhere they exist. They must. Others have come along this same journey.
   Having been to  "my" audiologist for many years, I am familiar with her voice and style.  I grasp that as a comfort and set off to chase the elusive  white rabbit, which is in the form of a white sheet of paper with a list of "repeat after me" words.
   As smoke rings floating around a caterpillars head the words come slowly  and perfectly formed. Enunciation placed at proper stress points, carefully repeated if necessary.  
    And..... I grasp.  I  reach and I grasp. I touch a letter and it dissolves.  I try to form my own words in repetition . I guess.   I stop and shake my head  in confusion and take a deep breath and strive forward.  "Road"..I heard "Road".   I think it's "Road". There are no visual cues,  the white paper is blocking any chance of lip reading, I am sitting in a gray booth that seems to have wrapped tighter around me or I have grown taller to face this challenge. .   I struggle. I guess some more. I think. I hope.   A jumble of letters that no longer form the memorized list of "baseball, cowboy, hotdog, outside, sidewalk".  Simple words.   One syllable.   Everyday  "along the journey" words.  And I didn't have a clue.
    Numbers and percentages and changes are discussed. Yet numbers can be like boldly displayed hat sizes. In reality they do not always fit.   Being a good guesser fit a small sense of pride on my head. Reality then slipped it off.
    Somehow in this strange world of galvanized knights and bejeweled monsters, dodos and dancing creatures on the shore, tea parties and silly games and adversity and flowers that chide and sing...one develops a determination and  an inner strength.    Following a path, perhaps chasing  the elusive but standing strong and placing  one foot  in front of the other, no matter how scary, no matter how lost, no matter how confusing, no matter how the tears might fall, no matter how different, no matter how rocky the road.
 "Road."  I'm sure I "heard" Road. 
Tomorrow will be brighter.  Tomorrow will a few more steps away from the "hit hard" fall.
Tomorrow perhaps I will wear a hat that fits, smile boldly and step into  my garden to "hear" the flowers sing.

   

Review of Joey's Bar and Grille, Chandler St. Worcester, MA..or Death of Diet by Chicken Frangleio

“A Gastronomical Crescendo”

Reviewed March 16, 2012

Initial impressions mean a lot to me. It's that "make or break" first few minutes that can set the pace. So after a seating snafu, which was promptly corrected once it was "pointed out" to the Hostess...Joey's would need to really impress to earn any stars (or return visit) in my book.
And IMPRESS is exactly what happened.
Our waitress , Angela, was respectful, professional and friendly. Sometimes a tough role on a busy night. Her skillful representation of the restaurant and it's offerings were exact.
Since this was a "break the diet full calorie ahead" night, we placed drink orders and appetizer order for the steamed mussels and a bowl of Southwest Chicken Soup.
My partners' cocktail was served exactly to his preference. My wine , selected from a well thought out wine list, was a generous serving in a sparkling glass.
Steamed Mussel appetizer was a satisfying tease. A creamy broth, yet light and delicate, accented the true flavor of the succulent fresh mussels.
Southwest Chicken soup with it's thick, chili like presentation, zinged with spices and flavor.
A carefully orchestrated staff led us along our dining symphony. Our meal was served smoothly and promptly. Attention to detail , fresh silverware, prompt removal of used dishes, fresh drinks, created an atmosphere of sharp but not haunting, attention .
The menu offered a nice concise variety. Well written with "tease the taste-buds" descriptions. Chicken Frangelio grabbed my attention and would not let go. My partner decided to go with a tried and true Fish and Chips.
The Chicken Frangelio is a concert for all senses. A type of meal I robustly applause.
Tender breast of chicken peeking from beneath a generous portion of butternut ravioli, topped with a delicate hazelnut cream sauce, garnished with chopped candied pecans.
Notes of spices and sweetness tingled the tongue. A lacy scent of hazelnut tantalized.
Tender and smooth..this was a meal to be savored.
My partner's fish and chips were served with a generous portion of sweet potato fries and a small side of tartar sauce. Batter was golden and crisp .Fish was flaky with a distinct flavor of freshness. Sweet potato fries were the right blend of crunch and tenderness. The dish was served with a "grease catcher" liner on the dish. A nice touch, until the paper started to break apart, adhering to parts of the meal. The food was crisply fried, with no residue nor blend of "what else was in the fryolator today" flavor.
A side of Asian Slaw was a crunchy soft blend of cabbages, hint of a dressing mingled the textures.
Spying a dessert tray float by, we stopped our waitress and were dazzled with an array of delights. Pecan Square, Chocolate upon chocolate cake, Brown Sugar Creme Brulee, Carrot cake, Lemon cake and a tempting square of Chocolate chip banana bread pudding. Although this was the presentation tray, all offerings looked freshly sliced and enticing.
We selected the Lemon Cake. A generous portion perfect for sharing. Served pleasingly with a side twist of whipped cream and strawberry slices.
This layer cake was a blend of delights. Cake was dense, moist with a hint of lemon. A mousse like center layer was sharp with the tang of lemon yet a melt in your mouth texture. And the frosting. A thick "birthday cake" style butter cream, hard to resist, lick the spoon, not to sweet , eat it all cymbal crash ending to our symphony for the senses.
Decor is a comfortable blend of metal accents, wood, soft earthy colors and a star like sparkle set on moon rise blue sky. Tables for two, booths for four or more. Bathrooms were "office park" style, yet clean and well stocked.
The check total for the evenings' presentation of cocktails, wine, appetizers, entrees and dessert and a cup of coffee was just over $100.00 .
Our dining adventure that started off with hesitancy, settled into a comfortable satisfaction and a finale of impression.

Visited March 2012

Food!!! Bootlegger Restaurant in Lunenburg Ma

Had one of the best meals out ever! "Bootlegger Restaurant" in Lunenburg. Tuesday Night special is A Taste of Tuscany for Two. A chilled crispy salad with a nice blend of garnishes tossed in a light vinaigrette, Creative Entrees (there were 7 to chose from, ranging from Yellow fin tuna, chicken, haddock, eggplant, risotto to parpadelle pasta with meat sauce) and a Bottle of House Wine. $28.99 a couple. The "wine snob" part of me was impressed to find the House wine was Copper Ridge. Your choice of Merlot, Chardonnay or Pink Zinfandel, all an "easy sip compliment" to most meals. (and a screw cap so you can bring any leftover home!)
Our years of togetherness  shone through as we both selected the same entree. The "Scaloppini Di Pollo Parmagiana" was a flavorful blend of texture and tastes. Tender chicken lightly breaded and baked with just the right amount of cheese and red sauce, served on a bed of al dente linguini. Fresh bread and well seasoned dipping oil complimented the meal. Portions were the "clean your plate" size that allowed room for dessert. (not part of the special) A generous slice of The Lemon Mascarpone cake was a delight. A tingling blend of berries, lemon and fluffy cake.
Decor is comfortable. Simple with a splash of Gatsby Style in wall art, fabrics and crystal accented lighting. Our corner table was cozy, with bench seat and chair. Randomly placed toss pillows provided an extra zest of color and comfort.
The drink menu offered an extensive selection of designer cocktails. My Bellini Martini (peach) was divine. I was impressed with the serving. Instead of a -half spilled on the server -full glass I was presented with a chilled glass, half full, a small carafe with more of the cocktail and a small glass of ice from the cocktail shaker.
Our server was most pleasant,  kept a careful eye over our table yet did not hover nor distract. When the meal was finished we had a brief yet bright conversation and we left feeling as welcomed appreciated guests.
We noticed there was an attractive lounge area, but we had a long drive ahead and were comfortably full so decided "next time".
The outside of this place doesn't look like much. Partially burned out rusty sign, flat white building. Uninviting front entrance. Easy to pass by. The web site indicates they will be doing renovations so I am sure this will improve.
I have often heard the term "Gem in the Rough" yet always figured it was for finding that lost quarter on the bottom of your purse. A trip to Bootleggers is truly a GEM, and with the offered Special, available on Monday and Tuesday nights, you'll be able to hold onto that quarter, and come back for more!
www,thebootleggerrestaurant.com
50 Mass Ave.
Lunenburg, MA 01462
978-342-7711

Whiskers That Walk

Had a phenomenal day today at the Sterling Animal Shelter sponsored Whisker Walk.  Perfect weather, lots of  amazing vendors, oodles of rescue groups..even for poodles<S> and some of the nicest wet noses you'll ever meet!  I received a few slobbery kisses too!

  I am still in awe from this moment. A kind lady took this photo with her cell phone.  Never have I had this much attention!   I had a bowl of doggie cookies for  people to give to their dogs.   A few dogs stopped and waited for me to hand them a cookie, with approval from the "fur parents".  The first three dogs in this group stopped, sniffed and  sat patiently with eyes on me. I chatted to them as I gave them each a cookie, and then another one.   The next group of dogs joined in and then a third and at one point I had 16 beautiful eyes on me!  What an incredible group of dogs!
  I enjoy  setting up my booth of dog toys and treats, now with a focus on travel. The assortment of people and dogs  is vast.  Many look a-likes,  opposites, and just the perfect matches.  There were several dogs working their way along the paths with the assistance of  rear wheels for support. My heart truly went out to these gentle creatures.  When others may have  cast them out, there was someone willing to put in an effort to care.
 I saw dogs that I wished would have found a different family, I saw families that were the perfect blend of character and friend.  I saw caring kids and kids that really couldn't care.  I saw devotion, pride, friendship and love. 
  It was an exhausting day. I had many wonderful chats with four legged friends and two......I was able to share some knowledge, some ideas, and I learned some as well.
I didn't make it out to the food booths, even though the scent of onions and peppers and kettle corn and friend dough was oh so tempting. I wasn't able to go visit the booths of the rescue groups to silently wish their adoptable dogs "Good Luck".... there were activities and games and hand outs and raffles and fun....I stayed in my 10X10 booth, collecting kisses and wiggles and an appreciation for the knowledge that Dog Is Good.
    A special thank you to the efforts of Sterling Animal Shelter Staff and Volunteers who obviously worked long and hard at making this event a grand success. The event was well organized, staged, and enjoyable for all.

Clouds before the Storm

Yesterday morning I was arguing with a few weeds in my garden.  I decided to let them win and was attempting to get a few photos as the sun was playing a shadow game.  Trying to judge when the next beams would highlight the roses, I turned, looked up and was "awe-struck".   Clouds before the Storm. June 1, 2011.

In Love

with my shed. And the new colors that are  beckoning in the garden. A few first time bloomers as well. 
I love the patience my garden teaches.
 At the side of my shed is The Sanctuary Garden. Yes, all my gardens have names. Easier for my husband to find me when I get "lost" in the flowers.  There is a small red birdhouse at the back of this garden. The house never made it into a tree so I stuck it on a birch log.  The other day I noticed some motion near the house and saw two tiny wrens busily gathering  twigs and pieces of  a coco fiber basket liner . When they would find just the "right" size they took turns carefully tucking  their selections into the  house.
 I am honored.
A Yard Sale treasure  is the strawberry planter, complete with strawberry plants. I noticed today one is in bloom!
I love found treasures.
One view inside my shed. The company chair. waiting for, well, company. New cuttings from an old Jade plant. Crossing fingers they will take root so they can be passed along to friends old and new.  I love sharing what I have grown.

My shed in the perfect setting. I love how a few steps can take me so very far.

Flea Market Morning

It seems like a easy breezy way to earn a few extra dollars.  Sitting in the sunshine, people offering a handful of quarters...or just one. Some laughter, some challenges, some pseudo arguments as to  the price tag value of  50cents. The communication value of language barriers that are crossed with a show of fingers and a smile.  The feeling of accomplishment when  someone  pays for and walks away smiling  while holding Auntie Mabel's wedding gift of a chartreuse hand made ceramic lamp! Success!!! 
 The whole process can start several days or hours before the gate opens.  Assembling an assortment of shiny things, okay, dusty things that with a good cleaning will now be shiny things to add to the "Must Go" box.  Taking those now shiny things out of the Must Go box because they look pretty good. Arguing with yourself about getting new shiny things to replace them and finally  putting them back into the  box and closing the lid.  
 Trying to hold onto the philosophy of "Does it make you smile" to be able to part with long held treasures. Treasures held because you felt you had to hold onto them, yet realizing you no longer  need, want  and maybe never even liked ...and now you can let go.  You finally have that choice. You can load up your wagon and go!
 The morning starts so early.  Smacking the annoying buzz of the alarm does not change time to allow you "5 more minutes".  Stumbling about before the sun peeks from it's slumber you try to remember the last minute "stuff", kiss the dog, kiss the husband...and journey onward.
 The  back roads drive can be beautiful. A hint of brightness awakens the  birds and small animals to play their style of hopscotch across the path. A dew mist can linger over freshly mowed lawns, carefully tended designer gardens, and color "pops" in a field of wild flowers. Perhaps I should apologize to my alarm clock for that  "5 more minutes" smack!
 Arriving, waiting, sometimes heater running to ward off the chill, wishing for coffee, remembering not to panic when a flashlight beams into the back of your car for its only  a "dealer" trying to spot the good stuff.
 Gates open, cars parade in, find your preferred table and start the rush of unloading and set up before the swarm of "dealers" looking for that collectible valuable "buy it cheap' item.  Or not.  Sometimes I am granted an ease of set up. Carefully placing items that will catch the sparkles of sunlight, an eager eye of a child, a reminiscent grandmother, a laughter of silliness, a puzzle, a must pick up and shake, a box to dig through, a pretty container that must be opened, a gadget with a plug for the handyman to ponder, books for a potential scholar, if only for an escape to a garden.  
 My price tags are low. Too low I have been told.  But as items are wanted, I wrap and bag and add another quarter to my pocket I am satisfied.  
 A world of people pass my  table. The suave morning shopper, the giggling fashion queens, the "do you a favor and give you a quarter for it" buffoon.  Well dressed couples,  too long married couples, so young "how did we get here" couples.  Family mullet style country stars, young "wanna be's" in Classic Rock style tight hiphuggers and Beatle caps, gothics and harleys, polka dots and tattoos. Cigarette flickers and "Yo Dude" looking at chicks, snickers. Tattered old Marines proudly sporting their emblems, Elderly ladies you wish you had known, tall tale telling gentlemen, bargaining just to have the time.
 Familiar faces that now smile and share a word or two.  Updating life over a clothed table of wares. 
 Some totally annoying obnoxious out for a mean parade that remind you again of balance and patience.
 And the dear new friend, new trust,who will always stop and guard my table while I  dash, sometimes madly to the local porta potty.
 Most all stop and look, some pass on by. My pockets become heavy with change and dollars and words and connections and  smiles. I've held tightly to set values and eased to let some go. For some buyers they have smugly "won the battle". Others are truly grateful. They thank me for the "gift". And selfishly it makes me smile.  Somewhere along the way someone has done the same for me. I may not realize it until much later when I pull that item from the shelf, dust it off and remember the shine. 
The day ends when the flow slows down, boxes are once again packed and  "forget about it" items are tossed into the trash. Some days the boxes are still heavy. other times the load to carry home is light.  Yet I always have  extra change in my pocket, a feeling of accomplishment a smile in my day, and my shopping list dream of more cat food, more milkbones, something for supper,  something new for my garden and perhaps something shiny for my shelf.