Getting physical
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Training sessions have been going really well these past few weeks. I
swim, lift, and run on my own (or with the masters swim team) during the
week, and o...
13 years ago
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Friday, March 25, 2011
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
bad news
Matthew called me today to tell me that Bursdas' Mother had died of suffication in the night. She had epilepsy. Please pray for them.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Spring and New Orleans
Hello, family! I hope you’re all enjoying this first gorgeous day of spring. The wind may be gusting, but the sun is warm, and the trees are beginning to bud. I just got back from a walk in the Great Plains Nature Center, which is only a 20 minute walk from our apartment. While there, I had the pleasure of seeing 18 turtles sunning themselves on logs in Chisholm Creek. Eighteen at the same time – all different colors and sizes, some nuzzling each other.
Last week and weekend, I got to spend some time in New Orleans for a conference for work. The last time I was in New Orleans, it was on a family vacation the summer before my 7th grade year. I remember Bourbon Street and the Superdome and the unfamiliar feeling of the being in the minority when the four of us boarded a bus downtown. This time around, I took in more sights, sounds, smells, and tastes. It was sensory overload.
When my colleagues and I went out the Thursday after Mardi Gras, we soaked in the sights of decorated verandas, performance artists, sex shops and strip clubs on Bourbon Street, art galleries on Royal Street, and people, people everywhere.
We enjoyed the sounds of live blues, jazz, and Zydeco music, as well as the performances of street musicians of all ages – a family band performing “Dream a Little Dream of Me,” a violinist and guitarist performing “The House of the Rising Sun,” a middle school age boy blasting on his trumpet.
We breathed in the smell of cigar smoke and waffle cones, and we feasted on gumbo, pralines, red beans and rice, and beignets. In fact, on our third night there, we dined at Emeril’s NOLA Restaurant where I indulged in shrimp & grits and three kinds of crème brulee, including mocha and coconut. It was heavenly.
By the time we left on Sunday afternoon, however, we were all ready to get away from the crowds of people (who’d arrived for St. Patrick’s Day) and stench that had overtaken the French Quarter – a foul mix of garbage, horse crap, and cigarette smoke. It feels good to be back in Kansas where the air is fresh and the people are not right on top of you.
I hope you all have a wonderful week, and I hope to see you at Easter!
Last week and weekend, I got to spend some time in New Orleans for a conference for work. The last time I was in New Orleans, it was on a family vacation the summer before my 7th grade year. I remember Bourbon Street and the Superdome and the unfamiliar feeling of the being in the minority when the four of us boarded a bus downtown. This time around, I took in more sights, sounds, smells, and tastes. It was sensory overload.
When my colleagues and I went out the Thursday after Mardi Gras, we soaked in the sights of decorated verandas, performance artists, sex shops and strip clubs on Bourbon Street, art galleries on Royal Street, and people, people everywhere.
We enjoyed the sounds of live blues, jazz, and Zydeco music, as well as the performances of street musicians of all ages – a family band performing “Dream a Little Dream of Me,” a violinist and guitarist performing “The House of the Rising Sun,” a middle school age boy blasting on his trumpet.
We breathed in the smell of cigar smoke and waffle cones, and we feasted on gumbo, pralines, red beans and rice, and beignets. In fact, on our third night there, we dined at Emeril’s NOLA Restaurant where I indulged in shrimp & grits and three kinds of crème brulee, including mocha and coconut. It was heavenly.
By the time we left on Sunday afternoon, however, we were all ready to get away from the crowds of people (who’d arrived for St. Patrick’s Day) and stench that had overtaken the French Quarter – a foul mix of garbage, horse crap, and cigarette smoke. It feels good to be back in Kansas where the air is fresh and the people are not right on top of you.
I hope you all have a wonderful week, and I hope to see you at Easter!
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Bring it Spring
Bring it Spring! Inspiring! Did anyone notice that robins have hung around for most of the winter? I thought they went somewhere for the winter and returned in the spring. I thought they arrived to herald in the warm weather? Is this a myth? Do I need to do a Snopes check? Well the red birds have been flocking to our bird feeder and they look gorgeous against the snow laden limbs of the pin oak tree. There is on an average of eight at any given time, as well as the occasional bluejay and even a couple of black birds have been visiting, but John opens the door on the deck and the black birds scatter. The red birds return quickly. We transplanted the bamboo out into the yard this fall, as its whiskey barrel pot was in a state of decay. It still has its leaves and they still have a green tint to them. They are so delicate looking. They kind of make you think of spring. Anyway I am ready for the "S" word, otherwise known as snow, to leave the weather peoples' vocabulary and for them to become bored with the phrase "Sunny and mild again today." I am ready for 70 degrees for highs and 50 degrees for lows. Honor teased us with the information that Saturday brought them 50 degree temperatures. Hey we want to see 50 degrees too. So bring it on spring and no time like the present I say!
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Home Free!!
This week went off without a hitch! Before the 15-hour drive to Kennesaw on Tuesday, I prepared all of my spring syllabi and made sure my students and colleagues knew I wouldn't be available this past week (the first week of classes at WSU).
Trent and I had an enjoyable drive to Georgia on Tuesday. I actually drove the first seven hours (Wichita through St. Louis) without stopping. My bladder didn't let me down on this trip. Woohoo! On Wednesday, we packed up the house with the help of our friend Mike. Trent had done a great deal of the packing before coming to Kansas, so we were able to work relatively efficiently.
On Thursday morning, we signed closing paperwork and said goodbye to our first house. We got on the road at 11 a.m. Eastern time and decided to take the northern route (the way we came) since there were snow storms predicted on either route we might take back to Wichita. We had snow in Kentucky, but other than that it was smooth sailing. In fact, we didn't even run into traffic in Chattanooga, Nashville, or St. Louis. We made it to Olathe at 11:30 central time, and we stayed over with Trent's mom.
Friday, we drove to Wichita and put almost all of our furniture into storage. We did bring two chairs and my piano into the apartment though. Yay, I've got my piano back! (And Trent has his big screen TV.)
No more ties to Georgia. No more mortgage payment (for now). We're here to stay, and it feels pretty darn good! Thanks for all your prayers and encouragement, everyone!
Trent and I had an enjoyable drive to Georgia on Tuesday. I actually drove the first seven hours (Wichita through St. Louis) without stopping. My bladder didn't let me down on this trip. Woohoo! On Wednesday, we packed up the house with the help of our friend Mike. Trent had done a great deal of the packing before coming to Kansas, so we were able to work relatively efficiently.
On Thursday morning, we signed closing paperwork and said goodbye to our first house. We got on the road at 11 a.m. Eastern time and decided to take the northern route (the way we came) since there were snow storms predicted on either route we might take back to Wichita. We had snow in Kentucky, but other than that it was smooth sailing. In fact, we didn't even run into traffic in Chattanooga, Nashville, or St. Louis. We made it to Olathe at 11:30 central time, and we stayed over with Trent's mom.
Friday, we drove to Wichita and put almost all of our furniture into storage. We did bring two chairs and my piano into the apartment though. Yay, I've got my piano back! (And Trent has his big screen TV.)
No more ties to Georgia. No more mortgage payment (for now). We're here to stay, and it feels pretty darn good! Thanks for all your prayers and encouragement, everyone!
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Christmas....what would it be without Fiddler-style drama!!
This is a simple Christmas tale.....actually a true life story!
Come with me now as we enter the world of the harried cook and self-made perfectionist at the Ellis household.
I was off work Friday (Christmas Eve) and planned to get some prep stuff done for our main holiday meal at Sharon's house on Christmas Day. Last weekend I had slow cooked a marinated briscuit and put it in the freezer thru the week.......I set it out to thaw Thursday eve when I got home from work. (The meat is easier to slice when still slightly frozen...just a little tip from Ellen, Master Chef). Then I brewed up the "special " barbecue sauce to steep the meat in after slicing. At 9 pm I hit the sack thinking the meat was continuing to defrost in the fridge since it was no longer in view on the countertop. (My sous-chef, Marshall, often helps with these details).
Yesterday I began to un load the dishwasher ...it no longer runs without making a huge hullabaloo so it has been relegated to "drying rack" status.
Well...what to my wondering eyes do you think appeared on the dishwasher rack???? Just two packages of cooked briscuit and 8 tiny reindeer! Of course, the meat was well thawed and reindeer, being herbivores, refused to touch it. I was completely stupefied....Christmas dinner in a shambles....my hard work down the drain.
I immediately called Marshall at work to announce his faux pas...the annual Christmas fiasco! When will I ever learn?? I HAVE TO DO EVERYTHING MYSELF!!
Andy, who lives with us, informed me that the meat was "just fine". I informed him that if he thought so he could have a slice of briscuit fresh from the dishwasher and we would just see about that..."let me know if you get the craps" I told him as I handed him a hunk of meat.
By nightfall all was well....and today, Christmas Day, Andy does not seem to need IV fluid resucitaion!! Gloriosky.....he was right! So I will proudly serve this beef (aged in the dishwasher) to my family later today...most none the wiser. Although, after my act as a drama queen, I may have to eat crow!!
Just another happy crazy Fiddler holiday....
Merry Christmas,
Ellen
Come with me now as we enter the world of the harried cook and self-made perfectionist at the Ellis household.
I was off work Friday (Christmas Eve) and planned to get some prep stuff done for our main holiday meal at Sharon's house on Christmas Day. Last weekend I had slow cooked a marinated briscuit and put it in the freezer thru the week.......I set it out to thaw Thursday eve when I got home from work. (The meat is easier to slice when still slightly frozen...just a little tip from Ellen, Master Chef). Then I brewed up the "special " barbecue sauce to steep the meat in after slicing. At 9 pm I hit the sack thinking the meat was continuing to defrost in the fridge since it was no longer in view on the countertop. (My sous-chef, Marshall, often helps with these details).
Yesterday I began to un load the dishwasher ...it no longer runs without making a huge hullabaloo so it has been relegated to "drying rack" status.
Well...what to my wondering eyes do you think appeared on the dishwasher rack???? Just two packages of cooked briscuit and 8 tiny reindeer! Of course, the meat was well thawed and reindeer, being herbivores, refused to touch it. I was completely stupefied....Christmas dinner in a shambles....my hard work down the drain.
I immediately called Marshall at work to announce his faux pas...the annual Christmas fiasco! When will I ever learn?? I HAVE TO DO EVERYTHING MYSELF!!
Andy, who lives with us, informed me that the meat was "just fine". I informed him that if he thought so he could have a slice of briscuit fresh from the dishwasher and we would just see about that..."let me know if you get the craps" I told him as I handed him a hunk of meat.
By nightfall all was well....and today, Christmas Day, Andy does not seem to need IV fluid resucitaion!! Gloriosky.....he was right! So I will proudly serve this beef (aged in the dishwasher) to my family later today...most none the wiser. Although, after my act as a drama queen, I may have to eat crow!!
Just another happy crazy Fiddler holiday....
Merry Christmas,
Ellen
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Home for the Holidays
I don’t think I’ve had a chance to post on here since before I moved to Kansas, but I’m glad that several of you have been keeping us up to date on your lives and adventures.
First off, I want to say congratulations to Beth, Peter, and Jacob on the arrival of little Mya. I understand from my mom that Mya and Beth are home from the hospital and doing well. Yay! I can’t wait to meet my latest second cousin! What a lovely Christmas surprise for the Leyva and Kepka families!
It’s Sunday evening, and I’m listening to Christmas songs in our cozy one bedroom apartment in Wichita. It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Sing it, Andy Williams!
Trent is back in Georgia right now to de-winterize the house, now under contract, for the home inspection, which took place last week. He’s waiting for our realtor to contact him regarding the inspection and whether or not the buyers want to change the terms of the contract. We’re hoping the inspection didn’t bring up any surprises. The closing date is Jan. 20 (Andy’s b-day). Here’s to smooth sailing until then. (And here’s to Trent getting back to Kansas before Christmas …)
The semester at Wichita State is finally over, and I am grateful to have not brought any work home this weekend. I’ll head into work Monday-Wednesday this week, but I’m hoping to take Thursday off to bake sugar cookies (that’s right, Andy!) and make my aunt Peggy’s chex mix (a.k.a. scramble). Time away from work is exactly what I need right now.
I can’t wait to see my and Trent’s families this weekend. The fact that we only have to drive a couple of hours to see everyone is a Christmas miracle. I hope that you are all experiencing blessings of the season. Merry Christmas!
First off, I want to say congratulations to Beth, Peter, and Jacob on the arrival of little Mya. I understand from my mom that Mya and Beth are home from the hospital and doing well. Yay! I can’t wait to meet my latest second cousin! What a lovely Christmas surprise for the Leyva and Kepka families!
It’s Sunday evening, and I’m listening to Christmas songs in our cozy one bedroom apartment in Wichita. It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Sing it, Andy Williams!
Trent is back in Georgia right now to de-winterize the house, now under contract, for the home inspection, which took place last week. He’s waiting for our realtor to contact him regarding the inspection and whether or not the buyers want to change the terms of the contract. We’re hoping the inspection didn’t bring up any surprises. The closing date is Jan. 20 (Andy’s b-day). Here’s to smooth sailing until then. (And here’s to Trent getting back to Kansas before Christmas …)
The semester at Wichita State is finally over, and I am grateful to have not brought any work home this weekend. I’ll head into work Monday-Wednesday this week, but I’m hoping to take Thursday off to bake sugar cookies (that’s right, Andy!) and make my aunt Peggy’s chex mix (a.k.a. scramble). Time away from work is exactly what I need right now.
I can’t wait to see my and Trent’s families this weekend. The fact that we only have to drive a couple of hours to see everyone is a Christmas miracle. I hope that you are all experiencing blessings of the season. Merry Christmas!
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Message from Santa
Peter found out about this site where you can have personalized messages from Santa made for you child. I hope the link works cause this is really cute & Jacob loved it.
Santa Claus has prepared a video message for Jacob with his PNP - Portable North Pole console. http://www.portablenorthpole.ca/watch/guest/lMDAGmIcApiljQqaL352fQ
Hope you enjoy it.
Katie, my email changed but I don't know how to update it so I get the email notifications. I'm not getting anything. My new email is bleyva1976@yahoo.com . Maybe you can figure out.
Santa Claus has prepared a video message for Jacob with his PNP - Portable North Pole console. http://www.portablenorthpole.ca/watch/guest/lMDAGmIcApiljQqaL352fQ
Hope you enjoy it.
Katie, my email changed but I don't know how to update it so I get the email notifications. I'm not getting anything. My new email is bleyva1976@yahoo.com . Maybe you can figure out.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Thanksgiving
The Conlin clan will host this years Thanksgiving dinner. All are welcome! Dinner will be at 12:30 for those who have to go to work later. Bring what ever sound good to you just come what ever works.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Coyote Howl
What a fine time everyone had in the pasture at John and Meg's Saturday night......down in a hollow protected from wind we gathered around a huge bonfire for a night of stories and treats. Meg's friend, Chester, brought his cast iron pot for some popcorn poppin' on the open fire......sprinkled with sea salt it really was a treat. Hot dogs, brats, chips and cider were also on the menu. Sharon's moist brownies were yummy.....and what fun making S'mores.....what could be better on a fall evening around a toasty fire.
The coyotes came to howl....responding to Joni's yips as she worked to bring them closer to the human pack. This was a first for me.....I don't think I've ever heard them howl before....maybe they wanted a toasty marshmallow!!
Lots of funny stories were shared...spooky real life experiences and late night dreams made for an entertaining evening. I enjoyed spending time with everyone......I don't think Katie or Andy had been to a Howl before so it was great to share it with them!! Many thanks to John and Meg for planning such a fun party! Next year..........be there or be a pumpkin!!
ellen
The coyotes came to howl....responding to Joni's yips as she worked to bring them closer to the human pack. This was a first for me.....I don't think I've ever heard them howl before....maybe they wanted a toasty marshmallow!!
Lots of funny stories were shared...spooky real life experiences and late night dreams made for an entertaining evening. I enjoyed spending time with everyone......I don't think Katie or Andy had been to a Howl before so it was great to share it with them!! Many thanks to John and Meg for planning such a fun party! Next year..........be there or be a pumpkin!!
ellen
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