Accidents

Accident:

[ak-si-duhnt] –noun

1. an undesirable or unfortunate happening that occurs unintentionally and usually results in harm, injury, damage, or loss; casualty; mishap: automobile accidents.

2. Law . such a happening resulting in injury that is in no way the fault of the injured person for which compensation or indemnity is legally sought.

3. any event that happens unexpectedly, without a deliberate plan or cause.

 

Accidents are strange. They feel surreal, assuming that you are fortunate enough to walk away unharmed. Most accidents, say around the house, are a disappointment, not resulting in any major injury, or sometimes, maybe, there's a close call; like a near fall down a flight of stairs that was narrowly averted. I tend to chastise myself for not being aware, or for not being focused on what I was doing.

 

Then there are the accidents that occur with Sophia, the childish accidents that 5, nearly 6 year olds get themselves into. Those are always nerve wracking, but thus far, I've been able to keep her injury to a minimum through management and a little T.L.C.

 

The family got into a little fender bender car accident yesterday and it shook us up a bit. For me, being a passenger, and then being a mother to the child in the backseat, I had a wild range of emotions. In my usual tact and class, the minute we were struck from behind, I screamed out a profanity, and then turned around to see if Sophia was ok, who was shouting "we crashed!!" and then began crying, which triggered me to cry. Everyone was perfectly fine; no physical injuries to anyone in the accident, and there were 4 cars in the pile up. It could have been so much worse, and I am so happy that it was just a fender bender, but it is frightening to think of how quickly things can go so wrong.

 

To see the accident through Sophia's eyes, her first accident at such a young age, when things in life are all good, and easy, and taken care of, it's been meaningful for me. Her trust is damaged. She doesn't want to get into the car again until it's fixed and she can't see "the white part sticking out" any more. We stayed up a little late talking it through and mostly she is afraid it will happen again, but that the car won't be fixed right and it won't protect us anymore. I pulled out all my tricks to reassure her that the car will be fixed, that it's unlikely to happen again, and that it WILL protect us.

 

How do I assure her, when there is no assurance? Aside from shutting ones self off from the world, or walking to every destination, there's no way to eliminate the risk of a car accident. It's there every time we get in the car. 

 

It reminded ME that things like this happen. It's been years and years since I've been in or around any kind of auto accident or incident. A person just forgets through years of safe driving, and being in the right places at the right times, that accidents happen, and the sobering side of it is that people can and do get hurt; all the time.

 

I'm filled to the rim with abundant gratitude for the gift of each day with my family and loved ones. I'm grateful that we're safe, and healthy, and unharmed. I am humbled by the gifts my daughter keeps giving me every day. Every day her exuberant, shining, trusting, innocent, real, raw self shows me the way to be a better person; to work toward deserving everything she puts in me.

Tosa Pool

Boy, today I am missing that camera cable. I would make a point to go to Hoyt Park and take photo's of the new Tosa Pool. It's magnificent. It's really a beautiful place, that was well executed, and I'm sooo pleased to have it in my community. Today is the grand opening, and lemme tell ya, the weather is SHIT. It's damp, and cloudy and cool, and the usual fare we've been given this spring.

Hoyt Pool is a landmark. The bath house/pavilion has been there since the 1930's. It's really lovely inside with original brass and hardwood, a wood burning fireplace, etc...I have yet been inside the newly remodeled, expanded and renovated building, but I anticipate a first class job, based on what I see on the exterior. It is cape cod inspired, and makes me want to spend long, lazy summer days there.

Here is a blurb from the "Friends o Hoyt Park and Pool":

The wooded acres of Hoyt Park have historically served residents as the site of the “local swimming hole.” More than 100 years ago, people sought out the banks of the expansive Menomonee River. In the 1920s and 1930s, the community swam in the earth-bottom swimming hole filled each summer by the local fire department. In 1937, Hoyt Park was entrusted to Milwaukee County and the Civilian Conservation Corps were engaged to help build the pool, which opened in 1939 and closed in 2003 due to severe structural problems.

I took a walk over to the park and strolled the parameter of the pool, and it's just so inviting with a sand pit area to play and build in, a large play set right in the zero depth pool, complete with slides and climbing/exploring areas, a large tube slide for the bigger "kids", a lap pool. There are gracious Adirondack chairs throughout, plenty of full sun and shaded spots. There is a really large, fully shaded eating spot, with nice tables. All of the covered areas are blue, cool, inviting canopies. It looks like the concession area will have a wide variety of food and snack items.

I feel so lucky to have such a nice park, with hiking trails, and playground, and now this wonderful pool! It brings me to day dreaming about those long lost, childhood days that were so good, they seemed like they'd never end, even though they always did, leading to the next lovely, lazy day.

Swimming Lessons

Sophia has been participating in Swim America's swim program. It's a neat program that is 1/2 hour sessions, every day, for 10 (work) days. The concept is to accelerate learning in a natural way, with a personalized approach. They have a high number of coaches to a lower number of students to give them a bit more attention than in other group sessions. My expectations were quite high going into the program, and I believe that Sophia's were as well.

Sophia has always been fearless when it comes to water. She absolutely loves it, and I say she gets that from me. I love to swim and be in the water; swimming has just always come naturally to me. The problem comes in where Sophia needs to listen and actually learn to swim. We've been going every day, and every day she "fails" the float portion of "level 2". Some of the problem is fear of holding her breath for as long as, or longer than 5 seconds, but mostly it's her fear that she'll sink like a stone to the bottom of the pool. She's said so herself. "I'm scared I'll sink to the bottom and drown" were her exact words.

Each day I watch from the stands and see her improving. It's so neat to see her cheerful, exuberant, excitement to get into the pool and start swimming. It's been difficult to watch her disappointment as the days go by and she stays at "level 2". I struggled with feeling disappointed that she couldn't get a "simple float" as the swim coach had said, but honestly, I've learned a great deal from watching her learn and gain confidence. So, maybe she hasn't mastered front and back float, and maybe she's a little leery to put her face under the water, but I see an eager girl, who will not be swayed. She wants so badly to learn, she faces her frustrations day after day with a huge smile on her face, and a throat full of giggles. She said to me "Mama, I just have to believe in myself more" and I believe that she understands what that means. Once she connects her body with her confidence, and finds a way to trust that the water will hold her, there won't be any stopping her.

If only I could bottle that sheer determination, there would be no limits to what we could do!!!

Dandelions

Dandelions seem to be the most hated, poisoned, vigorously hunted and destroyed "weed" on the planet. Or, so it seems to me. We happen to be one of the only houses on our block that does not hire a lawn service to decimate any trace of weed activity in our "lawn". I have to use the word lawn loosely. It's mostly weeds of all kinds, dandelions of course, and a mix of crazy grasses. This time of year, we stick out like a sore thumb. The yellow blossoms usually tend to die down a little bit after the first wave of spring wears off, but we have quite the yellow carpet.

Last year, it was bad enough that I watched my neighbor, who I really like and have a decent relationship with, dig out all the dandelions in his front yard by hand. OK, fine. He stops me a few days later and says something about spraying our lawn, and how he knows that I'm against toxic chemicals, BUT....Well, yeah, I AM against it. I have a daughter who I love dearly, and I grow food on this land. Seems really counter intuitive to poison my food supply and poison the ground my kid plays on. Now, that being said, he has two little girls, and grows food in HIS yard, but it doesn't scare him. At any rate, he told me that it took him 3 hours to dig out the dandelions in his lawn. I didn't really even understand what he was trying to say initially. I was so out of it on this front, I laughed and said "Yeah, I saw that and thought you were crazy". When the real truth he was speaking was that he spent that time digging MY dandelions out of his yard. He went so far as to ask me if it'd be OK for him to spray my front lawn. I conceded and said as long as he restricted it to the front lawn and mostly whatever he felt was a deterrent to HIS manicured yard. I never thought he'd do it, but one day, while coming back from dropping Sophia off at school, I saw him in my yard with his sprayer!!!

So, of course, this being our 6th year in the house, and the 6th year of our grass not being treated, (we bought it when it had been sprayed consistently) we have a MASS of dandelions. Worse than I'd have ever thought, considering that it's just what we generate here, since everyone else is pouring poison on their grass.

Well, this morning, Mr. O had to finally mow the yard, and in turn, mow down all the dandelions. Sophia started to cry. She couldn't stop, and I asked her what was wrong and she said that it was breaking her heart that he was taking away all the dandelions.

Every year, when she sees that first puff of yellow, her heart soars and she shouts "Mama!!! I have a present for you!!!" She gleefully yanks it out of the ground and hands it to me with a smile that could light up a room. Some days she'll run in the house with a fist full; a grand bouquet for me to display for the short hours until they wither into a revolting blob of dead weeds. Each year I explain that no one wants her to pick the dried out ones that have gone to seed; no one wants her to blow the seeds off and scatter them far and wide, and yet, the joy she experiences from it, the innocent wonder of something that can transform itself the way dandelions do, it's priceless. Who doesn't remember the sheer fun of picking dandelions? We used to pick them and sing a little ditty "Mama had a baby and it's head popped off", while popping and flinging the flower cap off with a quick flick of the thumb. I think dandelions are synonymous with childhood.

Aside from the fun they bring to children, it would behoove me to gather and EAT our dandelion greens. We have plenty in the yard. I could have been eating dandelion salad for days and days. I hear the nutritional benefit is huge. They are high in vitamin A, provide 188% of the RDA for vitamin K, as well as being a good source of calcium and iron too.

Well, I did give Mr. O the OK to "do something" about the weeds, and hopefully that will be mostly in the front yard, since our baby girl and her friends play in that "grass" and mud and mess in the back yard, and I REALLY don't want to put poison in our food.....I'm conflicted. I LOVE where we live and it's a lovely place to look at, but I hate the peer pressure to conform. I love lush lawns as much as the next guy, but I love my beautiful yellow bouquets more.

Glorious Smoked Chubs

Today was a second big day of gardening, and I am feeling the pinch of not having my photo cable. I miss being able to share pictures of what is happening, because right now, the garden is starting to come to life, and I'd LOVE to show you.

Before I could get to the bulk of the gardening and yard work, I had to first hit Sophia's book fair, and then pick up some essentials at Sendik's (the local grocery store) and then pick up some seeds at the garden center. While I was at Sendik's I noticed a package of delectable, fresh, fat, smoked chubs. I had to have them. I put the package in my cart and spun around to go and get the expensive cream of asparagus soup I'd seen over in the dairy isle. I was going to have a feast for lunch, to get me fueled up for gardening.

Some of you may be wondering what on earth is she talking about "smoked chubs??" If you don't know, here it is:

Yes, this is exactly what I had for lunch today, along with a steaming cup of gourmet cream of asparagus soup made with tarragon, and creme freche. MMmmm. It was Divine!!!

If you live in Wisconsin, or grew up in Wisconsin, chances are you've purchased fish of varied types at little places like this one: Ewigs Port Washington, WI I have strong, and very fond memories of drives with my Mother, either to my family's cottage, or up to Door County and stopping off to pick up some smoked fish. Mostly it was always chubs. Oh, sure, sometimes a white fish, but mostly it was chubs. The smell, and the taste will always be a delicacy to me; an ambrosia that takes me back to sunny, summer days, sitting at a park side picnic table, with an open box of smelly fish, some plastic forks and a pile of napkins; smiling at my Mother for her genius at having purchased this special treat. The smell of the fish lingers on the fingers for the entire day after you eat them, and I have to confess, I love to bring my fingers to my nose and inhale the memory of the little luncheon devoured with greedy joy just hours before.

Today was a day like one of those days, except I didn't have a 5 pound box of fish, I had three fish, and I wasn't with my Mom. I was alone, but the window was open, and the sun had started to peek out. The breeze was warm, thick and humid. The fish was absolutely delicious.

I'm sure that every person, from their home region has a food like this one, something that is so explicitly home, so much a part of the place and the person, that it just sits with them like the afghan that their grandmother knit them. Smoked fish is a deep  running, common thread among Wisconsinites. Everyone knows what you're talking about when you mention it, and I'd say 99% of people will groan agreeably and utter words of desire if talk of smoked fish carries on too long. Often times it's poorly smoked, over done, salty, and dry, but you have to be a connoisseur. You have to be able to feel the fish, look at the oil, and yes, you want it to be oily; test that it's flesh gives way a bit when lightly pressed. That way you know you've got a moist, meaty, mild tasting bit of heaven. All that's needed to accompany this lovely bit of fish, is possibly some Italian bread and butter, but really, nothing but the fish. Maybe a good beer, but, really, just the fish...

Tip Of The Day

I'm back from the "great north woods" and a relatively relaxing trip. I'm simply grateful that the sun made an appearance and has stuck around since Sunday. It's still windy and cold, but I have got to say, I NEED the light for my frame of mind. This has been an especially, remarkably cold, dark, dreary spring and everyone I run into makes roughly the same comment "enough is enough".

Upon my return from the cottage, I went to get my camera and the cable cord, and discovered that I do not have the cable for my camera, so, I will not be able to download my pictures, which is going to make my blog a little trickier to do. Not to mention that it would have been useful for a project we need to work on for Sophia's school work. C'est la vie. I'll get it the next time I'm up there, I guess. It'll make me more discriminating with the photos I take.

So, because I'm still adjusting to the busy week, and am spending most of my time out in the garden at the moment, I'm simply posting a helpful tip for anyone who's interested in saving a little money while being a bit greener in your kitchen

Tip of The Day:

Here's a recipe to make your own home made all purpose, disinfecting kitchen spray. It's very economical when compared to the earth friendly kitchen cleansers found at your local stores.

All Purpose Disinfecting Kitchen Spray

1/4 Cup white vinegar

2 teaspoons Borax

1/4 teaspoon Dr. Bronner's liquid castile soap

 (scent of your choice, I enjoy peppermint)

Water

When you finish a 32 ounce bottle of kitchen spray, save the bottle, add the above ingredients, and top it off with water. Shake, and use to wipe down the stove, refrigerator, counter tops, microwave, or any surface that needs a thorough wipe down. I love it, and once you make the initial investment, you can make nearly endless bottles of cleanser.

If you're unfamiliar with Dr. Bronner's, or castile soap, please visit the web page: Dr. Bronner's it's a wonderful, environmentally friendly soap/cleanser. You will most likely have to hit your local natural foods store to find a variety of Dr. Bronner's soaps, where you can find a variety of scents to suit your taste.

Borax of course can be found in the laundry detergent isle of the supermarket.

Happy cleaning!



Technology - Less

Yesterday I was not able to get on my computer for the majority of the day because of technological difficulties. It's frustrating when the technology we have all come to rely on "breaks down". I'm caught somewhere in the middle of being an outright luddite, and being completely immersed in technology. I rely heavily on my computer, and I use my cell phone for calls and an occasional text. When it comes to this blog, I absolutely need my computer and an internet connection.

I've been busting my behind getting prepared to head up north to the cottage. My day is filled with laundry, baking, cooking, packing and generally getting the house as set as it can be for leaving Mr. O in charge.

While I work, I am eager to set off on my own and have a couple days all to myself. It's interesting because the reason I'm going up there alone is to get the bathroom painted. My "get away" is to go and work, but I'm looking forward to it with anticipation. I hope that the weather is pleasant and the drive speedy. If I'm lucky, I'll be able to crank the painting out in a day, and have the rest of the time to relax, do some writing and test drive my peddle boat.

I won't be able to post anything to the blog until next Monday, as I will be without internet access, and essentially unplugged from the technology. I anticipate some photos and posts from the great north woods next week.