Yes, I said chicken sitting. One of my daughter's best friends from high school is home from college this summer. She was staying with some friends and watching their nine chickens while the family is on vacation. In our town you can have chickens as long as there is no rooster. This keeps the noise down.
My daughter's friend came by tonight to drop off some of the eggs she has been collecting for the past week. We hadn't seen her all summer. She is like another daughter to me. I am extremely proud of her. She had about three dozen eggs.
She came over right after dinner. She came in dressed like a little farm girl. So cute. She had about three dozen eggs in cartons which she carried in a little basket. Yes, a basket.
I was aghast. I told her that I was shocked that she would do that. After all the advice that everyone has given her over the years she should have known. You never put all of your eggs in one basket.
D.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
I Told Her
She says she stays awake at night
Just to hear me breathe.
She says she needs to assure herself
That I would never leave.
I'm not sure what I can say,
I said I would never go.
I told her that when we wed,
Twenty glad years ago.
David Normand
Copyright, July, 2007
Just to hear me breathe.
She says she needs to assure herself
That I would never leave.
I'm not sure what I can say,
I said I would never go.
I told her that when we wed,
Twenty glad years ago.
David Normand
Copyright, July, 2007
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Random Thoughts
For some time now I have been considering taking a vow of silence. I am mentioning this here because in my thoughts I consider a great many things. I have debates on a myriad of issues. Life and death, right and wrong. But I get distracted and find myself speaking. And - for all of my friends - you know I suffer from hoof and mouth disease. I sometimes only open my mouth to change feet.
I am more thoughtful on paper. Like a well-trained dog.
[I am posting this consideration here because if I posted it on Facebook I know there are a cadre of people (family AND friends) who would heartily endorse and encourage that prospect. They would love to shut me up.]
===================================================================
I think my daughter started this thought with me:
What material are you?
Are you Wool? Good in any weather.
Are you silk? Usable only in the fairest weather.
I am water. Sometimes I get steamed.
But I can roll with the flow.
Sometimes I freeze, can’t be moved, and I can be pretty cold.
D.
I am more thoughtful on paper. Like a well-trained dog.
[I am posting this consideration here because if I posted it on Facebook I know there are a cadre of people (family AND friends) who would heartily endorse and encourage that prospect. They would love to shut me up.]
===================================================================
I think my daughter started this thought with me:
What material are you?
Are you Wool? Good in any weather.
Are you silk? Usable only in the fairest weather.
I am water. Sometimes I get steamed.
But I can roll with the flow.
Sometimes I freeze, can’t be moved, and I can be pretty cold.
D.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Final Jeopardy Question
On tonight's episode of Jeopardy there was an interesting final question. The question was (I will paraphrase it) "With 301 miles of coastline, this state has the longest coastline of all the states that were part of the original 13 colonies." I paused the show and my wife and I started our deliberations. I called my son in from the other room. We all had a great discussion. My son telling me several times that I was wrong. We each chose our answers and resumed the show. The answer was....
My wife got it right. Or close to it. I was wrong, as was my son. But as he was leaving the room he said he was right about one thing. I asked him what. He said "I was right about you being wrong."
Teenagers. Geesh!!
My wife got it right. Or close to it. I was wrong, as was my son. But as he was leaving the room he said he was right about one thing. I asked him what. He said "I was right about you being wrong."
Teenagers. Geesh!!
Monday, February 28, 2011
2011 Oscar Broadcast
I watched the Oscar's last night along with my wife. And I don't mind the broadcast being longer than four hours. We love going to movies so this is kind of a tradition for us. I thought that Anne Hathaway did a great job with her hosting duties. I think she really shined and she was the highlight of the duo. I think she is a great character. I thought James Franco looked a little "out of place".
I think both are extremely talented in their own ways and I was hoping for the best in the broadcast. I was hoping that they would do well. And I think Anne did. She is funny.
We are looking forward to seeing the rest of the nominated movies. We will have to rent them.
Happy movie going.
D.
I think both are extremely talented in their own ways and I was hoping for the best in the broadcast. I was hoping that they would do well. And I think Anne did. She is funny.
We are looking forward to seeing the rest of the nominated movies. We will have to rent them.
Happy movie going.
D.
Monday, February 21, 2011
conferences
It has been suggested to me that I should attend a very prestigious writer's conference which I have attended before. Unfortunately, this year I have nothing to present. I have nothing complete to present. I have many works in the planning stage but I have been planning on those for years now. I still add notes to the files but I have not constructed any paragraphs or story boards yet.
I am a work in progress. I am a compilation of notes and typos. I need an editor. I need a publisher. I need someone to push me.
Besides, I get distracted.
D.
I am a work in progress. I am a compilation of notes and typos. I need an editor. I need a publisher. I need someone to push me.
Besides, I get distracted.
D.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Christina's Day
Hello All. I hope you are having a great week.
I was watching the news tonight and there were several stories about little Christina Taylor Green's funeral. I was, have been all weekend, deeply touched by this little girl's life. It sounds like she led a charmed life.
Maybe it is coincidence that she was born on September 11, 2001. But I am sure she was a gift from God. Her life and death may not tell us any thing more than life is preciously short and we must make the best of it. I know that was said during her service. "Make the most of your time here."
And I had an idea. Why not call September 11th, in addition to a day of rememberance, why not make it a day of hope. Let's call it Christina's day. I think she deserves it.
David.
I was watching the news tonight and there were several stories about little Christina Taylor Green's funeral. I was, have been all weekend, deeply touched by this little girl's life. It sounds like she led a charmed life.
Maybe it is coincidence that she was born on September 11, 2001. But I am sure she was a gift from God. Her life and death may not tell us any thing more than life is preciously short and we must make the best of it. I know that was said during her service. "Make the most of your time here."
And I had an idea. Why not call September 11th, in addition to a day of rememberance, why not make it a day of hope. Let's call it Christina's day. I think she deserves it.
David.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Diamonds and stones
While talking to my daughter the other day, we discussed some of her many experiences in Europe. Some were good, some were bad. I paraphrased the old John Denver song, “Some Days are Diamonds”, and told her that "life will give you experiences like that. Some experiences are diamonds and are treated as cherished gems. Other experiences are just stones and you use those stones to skip across the waters of life and amuse yourself by how mundane they are."
D.
D.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Hometown Notoriety
Greetings from a suburb of San Diego, Ca. Ok. As I get deeper into this blogging thing I am putting more clues to my location. I was hoping to keep it rather generic (So. California) but that is proving to be difficult. There is so much I want to write about that details are leaking through.
Tonight on the CBS sitcom, $#*! My Dad Says , my hometown was mentioned. It is not surprising considering that the show itself is set in San Diego and El Cajon is a suburb, a small town about 8 miles away. There should be a sense of pride when your hometown gets mentioned on a national television show, but not tonight. Tonight, this show mentioned my hometown as the "anus of America". It really isn't. (My wife and I have in the past referred to it as the "armpit of America", but really only in jest and, kind of affectionately.) At any rate, it was nice to be mentioned.
In all fairness, I should state that El Cajon is really a nice little town.
Ok, well that about covers it. Come and visit sometime. Enjoy the weather.
D.
Update, November 20, 2010: El Cajon also has the annual Mother Goose Parade, which has been called the largest parade "in San Diego County and the largest of its type west of the Mississippi" River.
Tonight on the CBS sitcom, $#*! My Dad Says , my hometown was mentioned. It is not surprising considering that the show itself is set in San Diego and El Cajon is a suburb, a small town about 8 miles away. There should be a sense of pride when your hometown gets mentioned on a national television show, but not tonight. Tonight, this show mentioned my hometown as the "anus of America". It really isn't. (My wife and I have in the past referred to it as the "armpit of America", but really only in jest and, kind of affectionately.) At any rate, it was nice to be mentioned.
In all fairness, I should state that El Cajon is really a nice little town.
- At one time in the 1990's the mayor wanted the city to be known as "The City of Trees" and he suggested that we all plant trees.
- The words "El Cajon" in Spanish mean "the box". El Cajon sits in a small valley that is shaped like a box.
- It is the home to Parkway Plaza Mall and the airport, Gillespie Field, (which has an annual air show and a flight museum) http://www.sandiegan.com/airports/gillespie-field/.
- El Cajon is home to the Olaf Wieghorst Museum and Western Heritage Center http://www.wieghorstmuseum.org/. My wife and I used to live a half a block from this old house. We always wondered what it was. It was an old house with a strange looking wall around the yard. It wasn't until years later that we realized it was the home of a famous Western artist. And then they made it into a museum.
- We used to have an amusement park (Frasier's Frontier - before that, Marshal Scotty's) but it closed.
- We used to have a race track, too. But it closed too.
Ok, well that about covers it. Come and visit sometime. Enjoy the weather.
D.
Update, November 20, 2010: El Cajon also has the annual Mother Goose Parade, which has been called the largest parade "in San Diego County and the largest of its type west of the Mississippi" River.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
A Glorious Day
Have you ever woken up on any ordinary day and felt more than ordinary? Today started like any other day. I slept well. I had a decent breakfast and coffee. Got the wife and boy (er, young man) off to school, settled down to my coffee, breakfast and newspaper (really, articles from internet news sites) and I was ready to meet the day.
About mid morning I started looking for a snack and going through the fridge. I could see nothing in there for dinner. I might have to go to the store. It is amazing that a small decision can turn into a glorious revelation. I decided that I would need to go to the store.
After my shower I stepped onto the front porch. What a beautiful and glorious day. I think I will walk. Not a cloud in the sky, the temperature was about 70ºF, I could see the birds dancing on my lawn. I walked to the store. Not a bad walk. No traffic. No noise other than the birds and babies crying in houses along the way. Babies crying meant that my neighbors had their windows open on this beautiful autumn day in southern California. Very nice walk indeed.
At the store I bought fresh vegetables, garlic and ginger. How about stir fry for dinner? I carried my reusable canvas shopping bag with me. The one with the shoulder strap, like a bindle sack (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bindle). An easy way to carry groceries home.
On my way home I decided to walk by the Presbyterian church. And it just so happens that it is 12 o'clock. The church bells started to ring as if to remind me to Whom this day belongs. They also reminded me of my wife. She loves our neighborhood, in part because of these bells. Talking to her on this beautiful, glorious day reminds me why I married her. She is the one with whom I want to share this moment. And thanks to our modern cell phone technology I did. It was great hearing her voice. She lifts my spirit.
I am having a good day. I will soon be employed. I love my wife. I have two bright, beautiful children growing into responsible adults. I have a good life.
I hope that your day is going well. If it isn't, I hope that it gets better. Have a great day.
Lastly, I would like to share the last line from my horoscope today. The first four lines were very negative and not indicative of my mood. But the last..."Fortunately, you'll have some very valuable help; the heavens are feeling quite harmonious." No kidding! I already knew that.
D.
About mid morning I started looking for a snack and going through the fridge. I could see nothing in there for dinner. I might have to go to the store. It is amazing that a small decision can turn into a glorious revelation. I decided that I would need to go to the store.
After my shower I stepped onto the front porch. What a beautiful and glorious day. I think I will walk. Not a cloud in the sky, the temperature was about 70ºF, I could see the birds dancing on my lawn. I walked to the store. Not a bad walk. No traffic. No noise other than the birds and babies crying in houses along the way. Babies crying meant that my neighbors had their windows open on this beautiful autumn day in southern California. Very nice walk indeed.
At the store I bought fresh vegetables, garlic and ginger. How about stir fry for dinner? I carried my reusable canvas shopping bag with me. The one with the shoulder strap, like a bindle sack (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bindle). An easy way to carry groceries home.
On my way home I decided to walk by the Presbyterian church. And it just so happens that it is 12 o'clock. The church bells started to ring as if to remind me to Whom this day belongs. They also reminded me of my wife. She loves our neighborhood, in part because of these bells. Talking to her on this beautiful, glorious day reminds me why I married her. She is the one with whom I want to share this moment. And thanks to our modern cell phone technology I did. It was great hearing her voice. She lifts my spirit.
I am having a good day. I will soon be employed. I love my wife. I have two bright, beautiful children growing into responsible adults. I have a good life.
I hope that your day is going well. If it isn't, I hope that it gets better. Have a great day.
Lastly, I would like to share the last line from my horoscope today. The first four lines were very negative and not indicative of my mood. But the last..."Fortunately, you'll have some very valuable help; the heavens are feeling quite harmonious." No kidding! I already knew that.
D.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Bangkok Orchid Thai Restaurant
The other night we had a terrific dinner. Wonderful flavors, very satisfying. I have done the calculations here before. There are about 15 restaurants within walking distance of my house (1-2 miles). My wife and I decided to take a walk out for dinner to a local restaurant. We were going to go to Souplantation but my son decided that Thai food was a better choice for a Tuesday. We went to the Thai restaurant next door.
This new restaurant has been open for several months. I was extremely excited when I saw that they were going to open. The only other Thai restaurant in the area is a bit farther away, a longer walk and we don't get there much. But this one is very close by.
My son is 16 and making a lot of great decisions lately. He is growing up. His palate is developing quite nicely. I am teaching him to cook and he is discovering new food items. He just recently posted on his Facebook page that he "love[s] Thai food".
The last three times we had been there we ordered the Leaf Wrapped Savories. We all loved it for the variety. Spinach leaves to wrap coconut, diced ginger, peanuts, bean sprouts, and carrots. Top those wraps with a Thai sauce really makes this an awesome beginning. Every flavor comes through in its original glory.
On those previous occasions we tried the standard Pad Thai noodles with chicken or shrimp. Both very good dishes. My wife ordered the Pad Thai Chicken on this night. Previously I ordered some things I hadn't tried before. I wanted to experience some different flavors. On occasion I was surprised by the heat. But the heat doesn't last long.
Keeping with my sense of adventure I ordered something new. Calamari Panang Curry. The flavors were quite simply extraordinary. A very nice meal. The Kaffir lime leaves and lemongrass were just fantastic. I was also pleased that it came in a coconut sauce. I vowed to try this dish at home. I have the recipe right here as I write this. Someday I will try it. It is that good. I would love to make it a part of my repertoire.
I have made up my mind to come back and try some other new and interesting entree'. Bangkok Orchid Thai has an extensive menu. I could be quite happy for the next six months. I think I will be.
The owner has assured me that the Panang Curry is great with scallops. I love scallops. Look for me there next week.
D.
This new restaurant has been open for several months. I was extremely excited when I saw that they were going to open. The only other Thai restaurant in the area is a bit farther away, a longer walk and we don't get there much. But this one is very close by.
My son is 16 and making a lot of great decisions lately. He is growing up. His palate is developing quite nicely. I am teaching him to cook and he is discovering new food items. He just recently posted on his Facebook page that he "love[s] Thai food".
The last three times we had been there we ordered the Leaf Wrapped Savories. We all loved it for the variety. Spinach leaves to wrap coconut, diced ginger, peanuts, bean sprouts, and carrots. Top those wraps with a Thai sauce really makes this an awesome beginning. Every flavor comes through in its original glory.
On those previous occasions we tried the standard Pad Thai noodles with chicken or shrimp. Both very good dishes. My wife ordered the Pad Thai Chicken on this night. Previously I ordered some things I hadn't tried before. I wanted to experience some different flavors. On occasion I was surprised by the heat. But the heat doesn't last long.
Keeping with my sense of adventure I ordered something new. Calamari Panang Curry. The flavors were quite simply extraordinary. A very nice meal. The Kaffir lime leaves and lemongrass were just fantastic. I was also pleased that it came in a coconut sauce. I vowed to try this dish at home. I have the recipe right here as I write this. Someday I will try it. It is that good. I would love to make it a part of my repertoire.
I have made up my mind to come back and try some other new and interesting entree'. Bangkok Orchid Thai has an extensive menu. I could be quite happy for the next six months. I think I will be.
The owner has assured me that the Panang Curry is great with scallops. I love scallops. Look for me there next week.
D.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Desires
I want to finish my coffee.
I want breakfast in bed.
I want to sleep when I'm tired.
I want nothing to dread.
I want to be the ear when you talk.
I want to be the floor when you walk.
I want to say things to make you smile.
I want to stay beside you all the while.
I want to be the air when you breathe.
I want to be there when you leave.
I need your smiles and your sighs.
I need the beauty of your eyes.
I love this woman, this lady next to me,
Except for my love there is nothing she expects of me.
I have given her my life, she makes me whole.
Together we are each other’s heart and soul.
Note: I think I wrote this in the mid nineties. When the kids were small.
D.
I want breakfast in bed.
I want to sleep when I'm tired.
I want nothing to dread.
I want to be the ear when you talk.
I want to be the floor when you walk.
I want to say things to make you smile.
I want to stay beside you all the while.
I want to be the air when you breathe.
I want to be there when you leave.
I need your smiles and your sighs.
I need the beauty of your eyes.
I love this woman, this lady next to me,
Except for my love there is nothing she expects of me.
I have given her my life, she makes me whole.
Together we are each other’s heart and soul.
Note: I think I wrote this in the mid nineties. When the kids were small.
D.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Election Day, 2010
Today is election day. I am going to vote and express my right as an American citizen. I am unemployed, but I am not going to vote to keep it that way.
Just my opinion. If you don't vote, you have no right to complain.
D.
Just my opinion. If you don't vote, you have no right to complain.
D.
Monday, November 1, 2010
World Series Win
Congratulations to Bruce Bochy on his World Series Win. This victory is well deserved.
I think he is the best manager in baseball. I always have. I think the San Diego Padres made a huge mistake in letting him go. That's life. I don't go to nearly as many games as I have in the past. There are many reasons for that. But...
Congratulations Bruce. Enjoy. A job well done.
D.
I think he is the best manager in baseball. I always have. I think the San Diego Padres made a huge mistake in letting him go. That's life. I don't go to nearly as many games as I have in the past. There are many reasons for that. But...
Congratulations Bruce. Enjoy. A job well done.
D.
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