Showing posts with label Piano. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Piano. Show all posts

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

My piano instruction books arrived yesterday as I had hoped!! I sat down with Book #1--started at the very beginning--and worked my way through the first three lessons. Andrew came home during this practice, and stated "sounds pretty good"....which actually is a compliment from him.



As I promised a few days ago, I would post finished pictures of Lydia's Starghan. This definitely ended up being a bit bigger than I anticipated. But, she'll be able to have this as she grows. I'm really liking the bright colors....and I know she is attracted to bright colors....so one birthday present for Lydia has been completed!!




Now, Peggy was questioning 'popeye eggs'....no, there is no spinach in them--even though that seems to be all Popeye ever ate!!

These are something that bring back a lot of childhood memories--both for me and my own children. When I was young, and my father had passed away, my mother went back to work full-time. My grandmother was then in charge of me. She would venture to my Aunt Edna's once a week to help her with her children and her ironing. For some reason, my grandmother loved to iron, and she ironed everything!!

During the summer when I wasn't in school, my mom would be at work, my brother off somewhere (remember he is 5 years older than me!), and Grandma and I would take a taxi cab to my Aunt Edna's once a week. I remember leaving in the morning before breakfast. I loved that taxi ride!! Grandma would sit up front with the driver, and I had the whole backseat to myself. This was a large, leather seat, and as the cab driver would go around corners, I'd slide back and forth across the seat....just laughing!! No seatbelts at that time!!

Anyway--since we had had no breakfast, Aunt Edna would make us 'popeye eggs'. So, I guess you could say this has been handed down through the family....

It's really very simple--not much to it--but it was special to me and then in turn to my own children.

You will need an egg and one slice of bread for each one you need to make. Place your bread on a counter or plate (or wherever is your choosing!). Take a glass (say juice glass size--not too big of a glass!!), and use the opening of this glass to cut of hole in the center of the bread.

Now you have a slice of bread with a hole in it and a small piece of round bread. Melt a little butter in a frying pan. Place your bread with the hole and the round bread in the pan. Break your egg and pour into the hole in the bread. Let this fry until ready to turn. Flip over the bread with the egg and the round hole....cook slightly on the other side.

Now, you have an egg and toast--all in one--plus a little round toasted piece of bread to dip into your egg.

How did this receive the name of 'popeye egg'? Well, remember Popeye? He only ever had one eye open....and this looks just like an eye staring up at you (before you eat it).

Give it a try--easy, simple, and tastes good, too!!

Why did Lindsay ask if I thought of her? Lindsay had her tonsils removed when she was four years old. After this procedure, she refused to eat.....for days. She would drink, but not eat a thing. Finally, she ate a poached egg....which is all she ate--each meal--every day--for I couldn't tell you how long--a poached egg sitting on a piece of toast.

One morning I changed this to a 'popeye egg' to see if she would eat this. And she did--again every day, every meal--for almost a year. But, at least she was eating again. No wonder she asked if I thought of her!! How could I not?

And who would have thought--the child who only ate these for so long would turn into one of the best cooks I know. She now eats (and makes) all kinds of delicacies using unusual seasonings and altering recipes to suit herself. Go, Lindsay!!

Have to go get ready for work!! A wonderful day to all!!

Beth

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Remember to Drink Water!!

As I walked outside this morning with my cup of coffee, I looked up at the sky. Yes, it is still dark. But, the clouds are visible with small patches of sky shining through....reminded me of a patchwork quilt....

I've always wanted to try my hand at quilting, but have never succeeded. Perhaps sometime in the future...or perhaps never.

I see that 'Tea' left a comment regarding migraines and drinking water. I'm going to give that a try. I very rarely drink water...mainly consume coffee as a liquid....and now I'm thinking that since coffee actually is a diuretic (making you go to the bathroom more!), that perhaps I'm actually dehydrating myself!! So, water it is....anything is worth a try!! And if this works, what a simple solution to such a complex problem!! This will have to a conscious effort on my part to try to get enough water into my system. I'm going to actually write myself a note that says "Remember to Drink Water!!" and post it to my computer...particularly at work...thanks for the suggestion, 'Tea'!!

I saw Lydia yesterday....unfortunately because she had a doctor's appointment. Poor little girl has a fever, both ears infected and a sore throat. So, she is now on antibiotics (which she doesn't like to take at all!). Both she and Cara looked like they needed a long rest.....Lydia has been up during the past two nights with pain in her ears...and I mean all night long!!

No work done on Lydia's CHRISTmas stocking due to the migraine over the weekend....there is no way I could have seen those tiny stitches...so hopefully this week some progress will be made.

My piano instruction books were to have arrived yesterday, and they did not. I am hoping for today. I've been fooling around with this, and if I am going to learn I want to learn in the proper way. I have a goal...by CHRISTmas I want to be able to play "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" by Bach...now that is a goal!! I have some Chopin pieces that are also my favorites. Talk about jumping ahead of myself......

So, that's all for today.....

Beth

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

And the week begins...

a day later than usual....but still beginning.


The three day weekend is officially over, and I feel like it has just begun!!
Cara brought Lydia over for a visit on Sunday, and she played the piano (in her own fashion, of course). She seemed to enjoy the fact that she could make "music", and kept saying "Ooooohhh!".....I think we have a natural on our hands....

I did a little shopping around for piano instruction books, and finally decided which to order. I've gotten as far as "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star", using both hands. which I consider to be an accomplishment since I haven't played anything or read music for quite a number of years.

Lydia's Starghan is almost completed, and then I can move on to her stocking. I had every intention of finishing her birthday project this weekend. But, as each "go-around" is longer than the previous, it's taking me a bit longer than anticipated. I have two more rows and then the edging....then completion!!

After I posted my "gratitude list" yesterday, I walked outside for a bit. Almost immediately, two more items to add to my list occurred. I've written them down, and they'll have to wait until next week's posting.

I hope to have a photo of the finished Starghan tomorrow. Never did find those batteries...I wonder where they walked to? Hmmmm.......

Beth

Saturday, September 4, 2010

Arrival

And so my 'surprise' arrived last evening around 5:30 p.m.!! Andrew and Lindsay were also excited about this 'arrival'!! Andrew picked up Lindsay from work, went to her home so she could change her clothes, and then came to my home to 'play around'. And 'play around' they did!! Cara is also interested in using this item....though she is wondering how she is going to manage her schedule in order to have ample time to fully use her ability.....
And, of course, Lydia will be able to make use of this some day also!!





And here it is!!


Now, you may be wondering how I came to be the owner of this piano--me, who cannot afford a piano in any way, shape or form.


Friends of mine are expecting a baby within the next week or so. They live in a townhouse, and did not have the room to keep this with all the baby items that are clamoring for space.


They put a small blurb on Facebook asking who would be interested in this. Six people were, so they held a silent auction, and I won!! YIPPEE!!


I wanted Andrew and a friend to move this for me, but the more he looked and investigated the possibilities and problems of moving a piano, he opted for professional piano movers. And early last evening, this piano came to my home....a true blessing....something that my heart has desired for over 50+ years.


Yes, you read that right--50+ years!! I first expressed my desire for a piano when I was 5 years old. My parents could not afford one, did not have the room, and did not have the extra income for lessons. I have not been praying for a piano, but God knows the desires of our hearts, and He granted this desire to me in a way I could afford and then enjoy. Thank You, God!! (and the former owners of the piano!!).


Now, off to investigate a little further for instruction books.....I just can't decide which to purchase. I think I'm going to go to the bookstore today....look around at what is available and pricing of these books. Then, back to Amazon to see what prices they have to offer....


I can read music, so I am a step ahead of the game!!


Since the stores aren't open yet, I think I'll go work on Lydia's Star Afghan for a bit....another thank You to God for my elbow not acting up while I am doing this!!



Beth