There are some sounds in the night that are just comforting to me. Train whistles top my list.
Having lived in the city for all of my life the comforting sound of train whistles has always been in the background. We live about three miles from one of the main crossings in our town. There are so many other city sounds during the day that I can't say I have ever noticed the whistles being blown during the day. But at night, while laying in bed, the night breeze will carry that whirring sound of the wheels on the track along with the whistle before the crossings. It is a sound I remember hearing all of my life when settling down for the night.
When I was a youngster train travel was very popular. If you weren't seeing the USA in your Chevrolet then you could go places via rail. As the interstates grew train travel fell out of favor. I can remember taking the North Shore Line to Illinois from Milwaukee, many, many years ago. A lot people still find rail to Chicago from this area is a much easier way to travel. Amtrak can be caught at General Billy Mitchell air field, among other stops in Milwaukee and taken daily to Illinois.
As a rule Tom and I rarely utilize the trains here. There is not a line from our city that that my husband could take to work. I work ten minutes from home. Most places we travel to require our own vehicle. When we travel overseas we do use trains whenever possible. The system there is very elaborate and quite efficient because it is really used (unlike most public transportation here in the US). The price has risen exponentially over the last several years though. We have found lately it is just easier to rent a car and get around that way. I'm sure much of that is our mindset, that is how we are used to getting around.
However, just like at home, when overseas we can lay in bed and hear in the distance the comforting sound of the whistles in the night. That sound coupled with a gentle patter of rain is the most pleasant way to be coaxed to sleep. It is sad that people want to do away with that sound. To me it is like an old friend, especially when I am far from home, and not intrusive at all.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Stained Glass
Somehow I was talked in to taking a stained glass course...
Mary, Bonnie and I started out at a class through the Milwaukee Public School system earlier this year. We thought it would be a fun girl night out. Turned out we worked just about heads down the entire time we were at our classes. While we weren't especially impressed with the instructor, we did complete two projects. The second project was one of our choice. Bon and Mary each did an impressive piece (which they more or less designed themselves) and I did a sun catcher from one of the patterns provided by our teacher. I am not an artist. I hate putzy things. If I can't get it done quickly then I am usually done with it. I'm more inclined to complete something I actually have a use for, so finishing these two admittedly useless projects was a milestone for me.
However I must have believed I could actually make something useful. Being me (grand idea queen) I decided to go along with my girlfriends for another class, this one taught at the stained glass store we had been purchasing supplies at. Each time we were at the store they were very helpful so we had more confidence in what we would learn or accomplish there as opposed to the other class we had taken.
My project is a window, one of two I plan, to match an antique stained glass church window we picked up years ago at an antique store. That window is hanging in our front window. The window(s) I will make will be for doors on a built-in hutch in our dining room, that we plan on re-doing next year. I will need two, one for each side. Ambitiously (and probably 3 years down the road) I may make replacement windows for the corner hutches we installed a few years ago as well.
My girlfriend Mary has made a simply beautiful window. She chose colors that will work in her home. It has a very Prairie kind of look to it, really it is gorgeous. My other friend, Bonnie, has made a lovely piece that she will hang and when the light hits that glass, well it is stunning. Both made their patterns and did their own cutting. They also have managed to cut all their own glass (without destroying every piece they touch).
I missed the first two classes because of family obligations. I knew I was in trouble when Bonnie told me she learned more in the first class than we had learned in the whole session with the other guy. Okay, now I am already 7 weeks behind. Amy, the instructor, assured me I would be fine, she would get me up to speed. Well, she was true to her word. Between her and her helper Bryan (a delightful and talented young man) I got a pattern made (Bryan did the actually drawing from my prints), cut out and glass purchased and cut to match (with Amy's help).
I'm not completely finished yet but the piece is already unbelievably beautiful. Inequities on the ends are not a problem because it will be set in a door frame. Amy has shown us how to correct what we don't like in our soldering. She and Bryan are always there to help when it is needed, offer suggestions and give some tips to make what you are doing go smoother. She has offered us the opportunity to join another class in progress, on a different evening so that we may finish up these projects (Bon and Mary can begin new ones already). I'm going to take her up on it because I don't want to not complete this one. And come winter, my soldering iron and I will be back to the Stained Glass Store!
Mary, Bonnie and I started out at a class through the Milwaukee Public School system earlier this year. We thought it would be a fun girl night out. Turned out we worked just about heads down the entire time we were at our classes. While we weren't especially impressed with the instructor, we did complete two projects. The second project was one of our choice. Bon and Mary each did an impressive piece (which they more or less designed themselves) and I did a sun catcher from one of the patterns provided by our teacher. I am not an artist. I hate putzy things. If I can't get it done quickly then I am usually done with it. I'm more inclined to complete something I actually have a use for, so finishing these two admittedly useless projects was a milestone for me.
However I must have believed I could actually make something useful. Being me (grand idea queen) I decided to go along with my girlfriends for another class, this one taught at the stained glass store we had been purchasing supplies at. Each time we were at the store they were very helpful so we had more confidence in what we would learn or accomplish there as opposed to the other class we had taken.
My project is a window, one of two I plan, to match an antique stained glass church window we picked up years ago at an antique store. That window is hanging in our front window. The window(s) I will make will be for doors on a built-in hutch in our dining room, that we plan on re-doing next year. I will need two, one for each side. Ambitiously (and probably 3 years down the road) I may make replacement windows for the corner hutches we installed a few years ago as well.
My girlfriend Mary has made a simply beautiful window. She chose colors that will work in her home. It has a very Prairie kind of look to it, really it is gorgeous. My other friend, Bonnie, has made a lovely piece that she will hang and when the light hits that glass, well it is stunning. Both made their patterns and did their own cutting. They also have managed to cut all their own glass (without destroying every piece they touch).
I missed the first two classes because of family obligations. I knew I was in trouble when Bonnie told me she learned more in the first class than we had learned in the whole session with the other guy. Okay, now I am already 7 weeks behind. Amy, the instructor, assured me I would be fine, she would get me up to speed. Well, she was true to her word. Between her and her helper Bryan (a delightful and talented young man) I got a pattern made (Bryan did the actually drawing from my prints), cut out and glass purchased and cut to match (with Amy's help).
I'm not completely finished yet but the piece is already unbelievably beautiful. Inequities on the ends are not a problem because it will be set in a door frame. Amy has shown us how to correct what we don't like in our soldering. She and Bryan are always there to help when it is needed, offer suggestions and give some tips to make what you are doing go smoother. She has offered us the opportunity to join another class in progress, on a different evening so that we may finish up these projects (Bon and Mary can begin new ones already). I'm going to take her up on it because I don't want to not complete this one. And come winter, my soldering iron and I will be back to the Stained Glass Store!
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
No Mother's Day for Jennifer Bukosky
Mother's Day is May 11. We will spend Saturday the 10th with my Mom, my kids and most of my brothers and their families. As we have done for many years we will all converge in the afternoon at my Mom's house. It is a huge, crazy group. We talk, we laugh and we all catch up with what is new. We take a tally for food needed to feed the crowd and then go get our take-out. Mark has proposed subs this year in place of the fried chicken we normally have and I believe we have all agreed on this. Always a pleasant day. I hear from all the kids one way or the other. On Sunday we will be with Tom's Mom. Our tradition there is for us to prepare her a special meal and try to pamper her, making sure she doesn't lift a finger for this, her special day. We have fancy appetizers, great bread, a scrumptious salad and a lovely entree. A simple dessert will wind up the meal and we will have tried a few different types of wine by the end of the day-often themed on where our next vacation will be. Again, another simply wonderful day we are so blessed to share with someone we love dearly. We know how lucky we are to have our Moms and our family to celebrate with.
Of all the joys I have experienced in life, being a Mom, hands down, is the greatest. I still remember the day my oldest daughter Gina was born. Full term she was a tiny, perfect peach at five pounds, four ounces. It was and remains the happiest day of my life, matched three more times with the birth of Mark, Daniel and MaryBeth. In addition to my own children I have been blessed with an extended family, Toms children, Kim, Mike and Laura who also share their lives with me. I have what many envy and trust me, I never, ever take it for granted.
Jennifer Bukosky, her daughter Courtney Bella and her unborn daughter Sophia,were murdered by a drugged driver, Mark Benson, on April 25, 2008. She will not be here for Mother's Day and her son Zachery will have to celebrate this day without his mother. Her Mom will spend the day in a manner no mother ever wishes to, knowing she will never see her daughter again. Jennifer and her husband will not experience the joy of the birth of the child she was carrying, the child they had named Sophia. Mark Benson has stolen from her the opportunity for the third happiest day of her life. He has stolen from Zachery a Mom and two sisters. I can not imagine life without my siblings. All the stories she had to share with Zachery will never be told. All the times he will need to be comforted in a manner that only a Mom can do are lost for him. All of the events that are special will have a diminished factor because his Mom is no longer here to share. Giggles at a funny movie, cheers at a sporting event and band-aids when needed will no longer be available for Zachery from his Mom. Jennifer will never be a Grandma-the other life changing event I consider also among the happiest days of my life. We have been blessed eight times. Courtney Bella will never be a bride or a bridesmaid or get to visit places she has read or dreamed about. She will not be around to toss her hat after graduation. She will never experience motherhood. Thankfully Sophia always had her Mom. My heart aches for Jennifer, Courtney, Sophia and Zachery, as well as the rest of the family. Her parents have experienced the unthinkable-a child that has been murdered.
Judges need to put repeat drugged and/or drunk drivers in jail and they have to throw away the keys. It really doesn't make any difference if it doesn't deter others. If Mark Benson had been in jail, rather than sentenced and then let go, he would not have been on the road to kill Jennifer and her children. It would have deterred HIM!
To get involved in something that could possibly help tightened the loose ends in the judicial system that deals with these criminals click here . Jennifer's father has decided to plead with young people to get involved and help fix this broken system. I think that call to action may do double duty. We all talk to our kids about drinking and driving. We all talk to our kids about drugs. Stories such as this bring it home for the kids, especially since she was a part of a faculty, as well as for quite a few adults. I've heard many say they have never driven after drinking but the statistics show that just is not true. What is true is that many of us, and yes, I will include myself, have had a few drinks and feel okay, feel as though we can drive. Chances are we shouldn't have or we were much closer to the limit than we imagined. Most casual drinkers would never think of themselves in the same light as Mark Benson. Having a cocktail at supper and then driving home is certainly not being a drunk driver. Somehow though, it seems to inhibit us from condemning true drunk drivers. We can't have the real dialog with our children or family members though unless we can. And we all have to face that in ourselves. If I have two drinks, is it the tipping point? How about one? Or three? When is someone an alcoholic or a drug addict that makes them a danger to the rest of society? How do we protect ourselves from them? What do we do about it? Questions that Jennifer will never be able to help answer.
Of all the joys I have experienced in life, being a Mom, hands down, is the greatest. I still remember the day my oldest daughter Gina was born. Full term she was a tiny, perfect peach at five pounds, four ounces. It was and remains the happiest day of my life, matched three more times with the birth of Mark, Daniel and MaryBeth. In addition to my own children I have been blessed with an extended family, Toms children, Kim, Mike and Laura who also share their lives with me. I have what many envy and trust me, I never, ever take it for granted.
Jennifer Bukosky, her daughter Courtney Bella and her unborn daughter Sophia,were murdered by a drugged driver, Mark Benson, on April 25, 2008. She will not be here for Mother's Day and her son Zachery will have to celebrate this day without his mother. Her Mom will spend the day in a manner no mother ever wishes to, knowing she will never see her daughter again. Jennifer and her husband will not experience the joy of the birth of the child she was carrying, the child they had named Sophia. Mark Benson has stolen from her the opportunity for the third happiest day of her life. He has stolen from Zachery a Mom and two sisters. I can not imagine life without my siblings. All the stories she had to share with Zachery will never be told. All the times he will need to be comforted in a manner that only a Mom can do are lost for him. All of the events that are special will have a diminished factor because his Mom is no longer here to share. Giggles at a funny movie, cheers at a sporting event and band-aids when needed will no longer be available for Zachery from his Mom. Jennifer will never be a Grandma-the other life changing event I consider also among the happiest days of my life. We have been blessed eight times. Courtney Bella will never be a bride or a bridesmaid or get to visit places she has read or dreamed about. She will not be around to toss her hat after graduation. She will never experience motherhood. Thankfully Sophia always had her Mom. My heart aches for Jennifer, Courtney, Sophia and Zachery, as well as the rest of the family. Her parents have experienced the unthinkable-a child that has been murdered.
Judges need to put repeat drugged and/or drunk drivers in jail and they have to throw away the keys. It really doesn't make any difference if it doesn't deter others. If Mark Benson had been in jail, rather than sentenced and then let go, he would not have been on the road to kill Jennifer and her children. It would have deterred HIM!
To get involved in something that could possibly help tightened the loose ends in the judicial system that deals with these criminals click here . Jennifer's father has decided to plead with young people to get involved and help fix this broken system. I think that call to action may do double duty. We all talk to our kids about drinking and driving. We all talk to our kids about drugs. Stories such as this bring it home for the kids, especially since she was a part of a faculty, as well as for quite a few adults. I've heard many say they have never driven after drinking but the statistics show that just is not true. What is true is that many of us, and yes, I will include myself, have had a few drinks and feel okay, feel as though we can drive. Chances are we shouldn't have or we were much closer to the limit than we imagined. Most casual drinkers would never think of themselves in the same light as Mark Benson. Having a cocktail at supper and then driving home is certainly not being a drunk driver. Somehow though, it seems to inhibit us from condemning true drunk drivers. We can't have the real dialog with our children or family members though unless we can. And we all have to face that in ourselves. If I have two drinks, is it the tipping point? How about one? Or three? When is someone an alcoholic or a drug addict that makes them a danger to the rest of society? How do we protect ourselves from them? What do we do about it? Questions that Jennifer will never be able to help answer.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Stephen King
Stephen King. Just another in an ever growing list of elitists that does not have a clue when it comes to the people that serve our country. Perhaps someone should nudge him and let him know reading and writing is required for the military. Additionally, the brave young men and women that serve very often have given up the opportunity for higher education and in some cases have left lucrative careers in order to serve. In our own community we have the likes of Vicky Hollowell as well as State Representative Mark Gundrum willing to leave the comfort of their lives to serve. Either of these people sound illiterate or too stupid to find something else to do?
Was King just promoting a new book when he felt it necessary to donate his books to those serving in the military several years ago? Did he send books with no words? I mean if they are too stupid to get by in society, as he so eloquently stated, why would he need to peddle his books? People like him are much like bigots, only worse. We call out bigots immediately, yet his trash is common fodder for the elite and never challenged. This is the way they think. He must be shocked that the average person doesn't like what he has to say. People like him don't know people that think differently. In his circle, they all think alike.
The United States of America no longer has a draft. The men and women that sign up and eventually serve are volunteers. They aren't paid very well. They have to put up with the likes of King and his ilk. If they go to their local VA they get sub standard care. They have a bunch of blowhard politicians that play games with the money that funds their missions and put them in harms way. And they know when they sign up they have a chance to go to the God forsaken middle east.
Here is what I know. They are required to read and write. Given the state of many public schools, for some that is quite a feat. They are young and presumably have the best years of their lives ahead of them yet are willingly to give up some of their youth for a cause that is strong in their hearts. They believe in the freedoms we have. Freedoms that allow King to write whatever he wants. Freedoms that allow King to make the kind of money he makes. Freedoms that allow him to open his big mouth and talk stupid. They are courageous. I'll bet King has used that word in many of his writings and he could never know the meaning. When a young person leaves their home, their comfort and their loved ones because they think they can make a difference they certainly are courageous and they deserve respect. Our enemies in that awful desert are evil. Our service people wish to protect us from that. Thankfully most of those brave men and women know that blowhard politicians and out-of-touch elitists do not represent the majority of the country.
Show your support for the troops And each time you see one of these brave young souls, thank them!
Was King just promoting a new book when he felt it necessary to donate his books to those serving in the military several years ago? Did he send books with no words? I mean if they are too stupid to get by in society, as he so eloquently stated, why would he need to peddle his books? People like him are much like bigots, only worse. We call out bigots immediately, yet his trash is common fodder for the elite and never challenged. This is the way they think. He must be shocked that the average person doesn't like what he has to say. People like him don't know people that think differently. In his circle, they all think alike.
The United States of America no longer has a draft. The men and women that sign up and eventually serve are volunteers. They aren't paid very well. They have to put up with the likes of King and his ilk. If they go to their local VA they get sub standard care. They have a bunch of blowhard politicians that play games with the money that funds their missions and put them in harms way. And they know when they sign up they have a chance to go to the God forsaken middle east.
Here is what I know. They are required to read and write. Given the state of many public schools, for some that is quite a feat. They are young and presumably have the best years of their lives ahead of them yet are willingly to give up some of their youth for a cause that is strong in their hearts. They believe in the freedoms we have. Freedoms that allow King to write whatever he wants. Freedoms that allow King to make the kind of money he makes. Freedoms that allow him to open his big mouth and talk stupid. They are courageous. I'll bet King has used that word in many of his writings and he could never know the meaning. When a young person leaves their home, their comfort and their loved ones because they think they can make a difference they certainly are courageous and they deserve respect. Our enemies in that awful desert are evil. Our service people wish to protect us from that. Thankfully most of those brave men and women know that blowhard politicians and out-of-touch elitists do not represent the majority of the country.
Show your support for the troops And each time you see one of these brave young souls, thank them!
Hillary Clinton
Hillary Clinton. Used to be you either loved her or you hated her. Lately many people are looking at her in a different light.
I should probably disclose that I am not a Hillary supporter. Her politics are not mine. That said I do find that she has many attributes I think a president should have.
Number one, she has been around for quite a long time. Youth may be nice, but experience in life does have its merits. This is John McCains big number one as well.
Number two, she knows how to play the game. Like it or not, the biggest part of politics is how one plays the game. You live in a bubble if you think otherwise. If you believe Obama will bring a "new kind of politics", well, hope you weren't injured in the turnip truck fall.
Number three, she's focused. She is the only politician I have ever heard that can remain on topic, credibly, even when Rome is burning around her.
Number four, she isn't a quitter. If the other Dems or Obama think she is going away, they are on something. Even if she were to drop out, the run would be continuing, it would just be for the following term.
Being a nice "person" is not a prerequisite for being president. Truman brought an end to World War II. He was more unpopular than George W. Bush. But he did what needed to be done. Same with un-elected Ford. He did more for this country than anyone will every know, but he was hated and certainly never had a chance for actually being elected. Yeah, it is sort of a popularity contest (isn't she saying she has the popular vote? Didn't Gore get the "popular vote"?), but politics ain't bean bag. If she can hang on...
And really, does anyone really believe she is going to quit???
I should probably disclose that I am not a Hillary supporter. Her politics are not mine. That said I do find that she has many attributes I think a president should have.
Number one, she has been around for quite a long time. Youth may be nice, but experience in life does have its merits. This is John McCains big number one as well.
Number two, she knows how to play the game. Like it or not, the biggest part of politics is how one plays the game. You live in a bubble if you think otherwise. If you believe Obama will bring a "new kind of politics", well, hope you weren't injured in the turnip truck fall.
Number three, she's focused. She is the only politician I have ever heard that can remain on topic, credibly, even when Rome is burning around her.
Number four, she isn't a quitter. If the other Dems or Obama think she is going away, they are on something. Even if she were to drop out, the run would be continuing, it would just be for the following term.
Being a nice "person" is not a prerequisite for being president. Truman brought an end to World War II. He was more unpopular than George W. Bush. But he did what needed to be done. Same with un-elected Ford. He did more for this country than anyone will every know, but he was hated and certainly never had a chance for actually being elected. Yeah, it is sort of a popularity contest (isn't she saying she has the popular vote? Didn't Gore get the "popular vote"?), but politics ain't bean bag. If she can hang on...
And really, does anyone really believe she is going to quit???
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