Dangers of Appliances with Heating Element

This morning one of my Mah Jongg students came into class saying she was exhausted due to a fire in her house last night. She turned her Viking dishwasher on late at night, just before bed. Once asleep she was rudely awakened by some kind of blaring alarm. Thankfully it was a smoke detector attached to her home security system.

Turns out her dishwasher had a short of some kind and the heating element malfunctioned causing a fire. Thankfully she, her husband, visiting daughter and grandchildren all got out of the house safely and three fire trucks came and out the fire out and pulled the dishwasher out into her driveway.

I make it a rule not to run my clothes dryer unless I am home. Now I am going to have to make that same rule for the dishwasher. You just don’t need a revolt by your appliances to cause you to lose your whole house.

Thankfully my student’s situation was not so bad that she missed Mah Jongg class, but now come the nightmare of trying to find a new dishwasher and fix the damage from the old one. She said getting the burning plastic smell out of the house might be the worse. God bless.

Nothing to Complain About

I left the house at 7:45 this morning. Plenty of time to get to work in Raleigh. Not half a mile from home my maps rerouted me. Accident ahead. I changed routes. Three miles later, another reroute, traffic backed up. I changed routes. My arrival time kept getting later and later. Then it happened again. This time the traffic was at a dead stop. I inched along to a place I could turn off and changed routes. I eventually arrived. My commute had doubled.

I found out the last detour was due to a tree down across a major road. Thank goodness my other detours delayed me long enough not to be hit by that tree. That is the way I looked at it. Not that my normal 30 minutes had taken a hour, but thanks to that extra time I was not on my normal road right as a tree was going to fall and hit some cars and stop traffic all together.

Sometimes you need to pull back from a scene and see the bigger picture. I wasn’t late for class because I always leave plenty of time for the unexpected. I wasn’t happy to constantly be rerouted and spend more time in the car, but it really wasn’t that much of a hardship. I got to listen to more of the wonderful book I am listening to.

I think about how my younger self would have reacted to all this rerouting and doubling of commute times. I am certain forty years ago I might have been screaming in my car. Who I was screaming at I do not know since only I could hear myself. I love that with age comes the acceptance of what we can not change. With age you see that maybe little annoying things are ok if it means you don’t have terrible horrific things.

Maybe I am just a little delirious from my fourteen hour day, but I am thankful for it also. I look forward to getting up early and doing it all again tomorrow, but only two classes instead of three. Nothing to complain about.

Garden Club Graduation

An unnamed husband was overheard saying, “I love the Garden club picnic. it is the best food of the year.” His words were echoed by two Garden Club ladies not ten minutes later.

Tonight was our final meeting of the garden club, the traditional year end supper with our husbands. There really isn’t much of a meeting except the passing of the torch. I got to say farewell as the President and Stephanie Perun officially took over. She presented me with a big pot for my hose, a gift I had asked Russ for and am glad I did. I also got a beautiful orchid.

Outside of that bit of business the picnic was a big yummy affair. The hostesses grilled steak and chicken and made a giant salad which was a lovely main, but ohhh, the appetizers, side dishes and desserts made by all the members were the real hits. At my table the ooohing and aahhhing was all about the puréed cauliflower. People went back just for seconds on that.

Sadly Anne Bradford had been assigned the dessert category so there were no patio beans. I alerted Stephanie that next year we need Anne to be assigned Patio Beans. Don’t ask me what they are, but they usually are my favorite thing at the garden club picnic, which I now realize I have been coming to for 23 years.

Thanks to the hostesses, Laura, Jane, Emmy and Mimi. I know it is a lot of work, especially with the threat, and non-threat, and threat again for rain, which thankfully never came.

It was nice to be thanked for being president, but it is not that hard a job. I am just happy that it was a fun year, with fun people and no drama and a yummy farewell.

Packing Boxes Right Is Hard

My sister had a business making boxes for beauty products, packing them and shipping them. Packing liquids takes extra care. It means being nice to your employees so they pack the boxes correctly. Poorly packed liquids are a recipe for disaster. My sister knows that and does it right.

Today a box from a national beauty and fragrance company arrived at my door. I knew when I opened the door and there was a small puddle of thick liquid under the corner of the box there was a problem.

I turned the box upside down and carried it to the kitchen counter quickly. Many ounces of liquid hand soap had already coated the inside of the box. It had covered the boxes of the gifts inside what were not bubble and plastic wrapped, but just thrown in the cardboard box in open top plastic bags. There were two small pillows of air, hardly enough to hold the four heavy glass candles from shifting, crushing one of the two large plastic bottle of hand soap.

Almost everything was ruined.

I photographed the evidence, having to wash and dry my hands between each removal of a slimy box. I called the manufacturer. They did not seem surprised and quickly sent me confirmation of a reorder as well as an email to send back my evidentiary photos.

The person you pay the least in your company can cost you the most. Packing items correctly may not seem like the most important job, but it is. Everything liquid and breakable should have been wrapped in bubble. Not one square inch should be left inside the box so that items don’t shift. Shifting items is what causes breakage. When you are in the logistics business this is lesson number one. You need to train your people and inspect their work. You need to treat them well and pay them enough that they care. If they don’t care, or worse yet, don’t like you, they cost you money and customers.

It took me thirty minutes to clean that mess us. I will never order from them again. I hope the replacement box is packed better.

The Card’s The Proof

Today at church our minister for youth and families, Alex, talked about plans he was making for the summer. Go to the beach, pick blueberries, become a saint. Nothing special, normal summer stuff.

Alex is not someone with a grandiose personality disorder. He was encouraging the whole congregation to become saints. Nothing big.

As I left church I spoke to Alex. “I grew up in the era of business cards,” I told him. “If you got a business card with a title, then you basically were whatever the title said you were.”

Alex liked this short cut. Sainthood via printing. So I mocked up a little card. No phone number or email needed. If you are a saint then you have a direct line where ever you need to go.

I encourage you all need to go get cards for whatever you dream you want to be. Think big. Jeez, Alex started with Saint. Carter made me cards as a Christmas present and gave me the title Mah Jongg Sage. It was big. Now I am a Mah Jongg Sage. I have the cards to prove it.

Go on. As the ad used to say, “Be all you can be.” It only takes the cost of a card.

Coronation Day

My very Anglophile stitching group celebrated Coronation Day with a breakfast get together that was fit for only the toniest royals. Kathi did not disappoint with decorations and flowers that Charles would have appreciated. Since he was busy at the actual coronation Kathi had his stand in at the ready.

We had the most lovely tea service for which Kathi is famous for. You could visit with her everyday for a month and never drink the same tea twice. I made an egg dish, Michelle baked yummy perfect scones and brought short bread directly from London, Nancy provided clotted cream and strawberry jam, Kathi whipped up her mother’s almond laced whipped cream with perfect strawberries and Karen made coronation chicken salad tea sandwiches. It was a feast.

We enjoyed our breakfast and then our lunch as we watched the BBC’s coverage of the big day, which Steve had taped for us. I was most impressed with tori MP Penny Mourdaunt who carried the sword through most of the ceremony. It never appeared to waiver or drop. I can’t imagine how tired her arms are tonight.

No matter how you feel about the royal family it was an impressive display of pageantry for which there are no equals to the Brits. True to our stitching group, Karen brought us each a commemorative tin of Fortnum and Mason coronation tea and and Nancy gave us each a Fortnum and Mason Coronation tea towel. I will treasure these mementos of this glorious celebration with such sweet friends. God Save the King.

Fiesta Time

It really takes a good reason for us to go to a party these day. Tonight was a good one. Since the pandemic we have turned into such hermits we hardly see anyone. It was so fun to be with lots of friends tonight at the club. The best part was all us old people wondering who all the young people were.

The highlight was the Anderson’s bringing their twin grandsons. The double decker stroller gave us all amble viewing time.

For once I was the one dragging Russ out early. I have a coronation party early in the morning. Too many parties in one 24 hour period.

Thank You Apple Maps

When I go anywhere that involves highway driving these days I use my maps app even if I know exactly where I am going. I don’t do it so that the app can tell me how to get to my destination. I do it so the app can alert me if there is a problem on the road.

Tonight I went to Greensboro to teach at Lesley Tuck’s house. It was a late class. She had invited me to spend the night, but since it was only an hours drive I declined and was just coming home after class.

As I was driving down I -40, talking on the phone to Russ, I said, “ I have to get off the phone, the map I showing a big red section of highway up ahead.”

At ten at night the only reason that the eight lane highway would be red is an accident. My app put up a big warning sign then added seven minutes to my trip. The good news was it was only seven minutes. At least that meant the highway was not completely closed.

Sure enough as soon as I reached the crest of the hill I could see many flashing lights. The three left hand lanes of the highway were blocked. Traffic slowed, but did not stop as we all merged right. I passed fire engines first that were blocking the lanes, then police cars, then a car that was totaled with people sitting on the road. At least they were alive. Further down the road more damaged cars and trucks. I am not exactly sure how many vehicles were involved.

It was a very bad accident. I am lucky I did not leave Lesley’s house 15 minutes earlier. I am also glad I had prior warning of the accident by the app because of the topography I would not have seen it coming as soon as I did.

Please be careful driving and use a Maps App when you can. This is one of the good things about crowd sourcing information. I am happy to have big brother alerting me to upcoming danger.

I did get home safe and sound. It just took me ten minutes longer.

My Birthday Twins

When I was in third grade there was a girl in my class I did not like much who I later came to discover shared my birthday with me. Sharing your birthday in third grade is not much fun at all, but especially with someone who was more like an enemy.

When I was fifteen my aunt Janie Leigh had a third child, Sarah on my birthday. What an improvement over the the third grade birthday twin. I have loved sharing my day with my cousin.

When I went to college I discovered that one of my favorite friends and sorority sisters Tricia and I shared the same day. Adding yet another great person to my birthday group was a pleasure.I liked her so much she was a bridesmaid in my wedding, even though it was the eve of our shared birthday.

While in college my dearest friend Suzanne invited me to go on spring break to visit her sister Gussy in Puerto Rico where she was living. Gussy and I became fast friends and knew we were sisters separated at birth because we both where born on May third, just nine years apart.

When I moved to Durham I met a great friend at garden club, Beth Sholtz and we discovered we were born five years apart to the day. I was in great company with Beth sharing the same day.

I love having close friends as my birthday twins. It seems so wonderful to share a birthday now, not at all like having to do it with someone I didn’t love in third grade.

So to all who share this as their special day, I hope you have had a day filled with loving messages, presents, parties and cake. May 3 is a great day because you came into the world then.

A Good 31 Year Start

My friend Karen had been cleaning out her boxes from storage a few months ago in preparation for moving to her new home in New Hampshire. Apparently she came across a trove of photos from my wedding and she put them in a card to send me, then packed the card.

It was uncovered while unpacking at her new place and she sent it to me arriving today, on our 31st anniversary. It is so fun to see new photos to me from this very day 31 years ago when the terribly young Russ Lange changed my life.

If I had to make a prediction on that day of how our life might go I would never have guessed the great adventure it has been. Little did I know we would soon move to North Carolina and set down such strong roots. I might have thought we would have a child named Carter, but could only have hoped to have such a perfect blending of the two of us.

The big thing is I never dreamed of having a husband as supportive, kind and loving as Russ turned out to be. You decide to marry someone and it is hard to know all their potential, let alone that you will grow in compatible ways. I am so thankful Russ took such a big chance on me as I was so different from anyone he had ever met before.

Happy anniversary to the best husband for me I could ever get. Thirty-one years is a good start. Let’s see where we go in the next 31.

Farewell

Carter and Claire had one last day in Durham. Carter had work so there was that. The one big thing they did was go on a little Durham tour and while out they filled the Land Cruiser with gas and ran it through the car wash!

That was Claire’s idea and it was big. The Land Cruiser had a layer of pollen on it that I was worried would never come off. It was a very thoughtful and kind act for them to do before they left town.

It was so great to have them here. Carter said it was so fun to come home as an adult and that she should do it more often. Since we are at about two visits a year I would love it if she were home more often. I just forget that Boston is her home now.

Shay was particularly sad to see them go. She loved having two dog lovers to fawn all over her. She put the blue ribbon on that came with the gifts Claire brought. It looks particularly good with her brown coat and her pink Hydrangeas.

I think Shay is going to be standing on the front porch looking for Carter for a day or two. I’m with you Shay.

When in Durham

Our day started with a breakfast delivery from the Tom’s because Ellis and her boyfriend Kevin were in town and we had a rare chance to all be together. Kevin and Claire were good sports as we told stories about Carter and Ellis growing up. It was such a treat to have everyone together.

Later in the day we had plans to go to the ball game. When friends come to Durham in the spring you take them to a Durham Bulls. When Carter comes home you definitely take her to the bulls. We have been going to the bulls since she was four months old. It is part of her.

When we got to our seats the long time on-field announcer Jatovi McDuff looked across the infield at Carter and made an “OMG” Face. He looked to me and mouthed, “How can it be?”

We have been buddies with Jatovi for so many years that he still thinks of Carter as being that nine year old girl who, with her friend Ellis, used to scream at Pat the bat boy so he would look at them. Jatovi came over to our seats to give Carter a big hug, meet Claire and the best thing was hug my mother. She didn’t have a choice, he said to her, “we are huggers.”

The game was not the bulls best showing when the Redbirds scored eight runs in the second inning. It felt like it would never end, and that was just the second inning. But it was a beautiful night. The rain had stopped and the sun came out. The park was not too full thanks to the earlier rain.

We didn’t stay until the end, but went to Thai Cafe for dinner to round out the full Durham Experience. We did have to take my mom home and get back to play some fast Mah Jongg. Such a Durham day.

Sharing the Obsession

I’ve done it now. Introduced Mah Jongg to Claire. Carter has known how to play since she was practically a baby as I sometimes needed her to sit in. Claire has wanted to learn since she likes games of all kinds.

This afternoon I gave Claire a lesson. She was methodical at learning what the tiles were. She had little trouble learning how to read the card. She took right to it.

Carter, Claire and I played a game before dinner. We took a quick break to eat dinner outdoors on the perfect night to enjoy the spring weather. Russ cleaned up so the three Mah Jongg players could return to the table. Carter and Claire both won a game and now are hooked.

I had to retire and left them at the game table plying Siamese Mah Jongg. I might have created a problem by sharing this obsession. I am planning on going to Boston to teach their friends. As long as they promise to still go to work I can think of worse things to do. Mah Jongg is good clean fun.

Welcome to Durham Claire

Carter and Claire arrived today for a four day visit. It is Claire’s first visit to Durham and we are very excited to show her the place Carter hails from. They took a very early morning flight. They said they met at Logan at 5:30 in the morning, which makes me tired just thinking about it.

I picked them up at the airport and on the way home Carter and I told Claire about some of the things she would see on the way to our house. Our favorite thing we described is the ugliest house in the neighborhood. As we rounded the corner near it I just said, “Look to your left.”

“Oh my, so much worse than you described.”

Once at home Carter had a good reunion with Shay, introducing her to Claire who has a sweet doodle named Norman. Thankfully shay took right to Claire. We gabbed for a while, then had a little tour of the garden where I harvested some arugula and lettuce for our strawberry salad lunch.

Carter took Claire downtown to Russ’ office and showed her American Tobacco Campus and the Bulls Park. Carter had a two hour zoom conference she took from Russ’ office. I met them all downtown for a quick dinner at Dashi.

The very early day was catching up with them and me by association. Russ had been up since three, but that is normal for him.

We are calling it an early night so we can go the the farmer’s market in the morning and then get some good game playing in. At last I have another game lover in the family. Thrilled to have Claire here to encourage game playing. Tomorrow Mah Jongg lessons will be given and at least a few games of Catan. Can hardly wait.

What a Mistake

I awoke to the prospects of free rainy day ahead of me. Carter and Claire are coming for a four day visit tomorrow. I want to make sure everything in the house is clean so I got out the robot vacuum and set it lose. I scrubbed the kitchen counters and dusted the dining room table. I doubt we are going to sit at the big table for twelve when we are only four, but I want to remove any visible dust, not just for Carter and Claire, but for me. I am happier when there is no dust.

As I went about my day inside the rain started to subside and I saw an opportunity to get out in my garden before the rain came back. I was taking stock of my green beans sprouting, noting how many beans did not come up at all so I could get a new bean from the packet to replace the failed one, when my phone rang.

It was one of my Mah Jongg students, whose house I have been teaching at. “Dana, are you on your way?”

“Sarah, Oh NO, I have you in my calendar for tomorrow. ”

We had changed the date for her her class and I did not have it right in my calendar. I have never missed a class before. I have never even been late.

“I am getting in the car right now,” I said. “I will be there is half an hour.”

In my gardening and cleaning clothes I drove to Raleigh. On the way I called Sarah back and asked to be put on speaker phone. I apologized profusely and then gave the class some instructions on something I was planning on teaching them tomorrow.

By the time I had arrived the class members had each down loaded the app I wanted them to, created user names and shared them with each other. Thank goodness my terrible gaff gave them some time to do that. I told them they all could come to new card class for free next year.

We started the class 42 minutes late, but everyone stayed almost an extra 42 minutes and got their full three hours of instructions. It was no consolation for my mistake and their lost time. Bless these sweet ladies who were so kind to me after I made them wait.

Thank goodness I was home just working when Sarah called. I am going to double check all my classes at the beginning of each week for a while now. I can’t endure a mistake like that ever again.

Setting a Goal

Working is really getting in the way of my needlepointing. And don’t get me started on quilting. I haven’t sat down at the sewing machine in months. Thank god it wasn’t too cold a winter and we didn’t all need many new quilts. Not that I quilt for comfort, but for art.

I recently started a giant multi-year needlepoint project. I am making seat cushions for my game table chairs. I am free hand needlepointing four different flowers, one per chair. I started with the easiest flower using a fabric that is on another chair as the inspiration for my flowers. I had to size the flower up to be one big dramatic bloom.

The canvas is so large I have to roll it up like a giant roll of wrapping paper when I am not working on it. Today was one of the first days I have had time to run by Chapel hill needlepoint to pick out a color I needed to go between the round parts.

I wish I had time to work hours on this canvas everyday, but I don’t. I need to set a time goal to get it finished, perhaps before we leave for Maine. I am worried that when I get to doing the background it will be so boring I won’t push through. My friend Michelle suggested I just do one side of the flower and then the background on that side so I break up the background into two halves. I like that idea. I think I could finish half the flower in the next two weeks.

I’m putting that out in the universe. Maybe that’s all I need to do is hold myself accountable through the blog. So here is a photo of where I am today. I’ll report back in two weeks.

I Hate Inefficiency

I really should have been an efficiency expert. I remember reading Cheeper by the dozen and loved that the father was an efficiency expert. It is so hard for me to watch people wasting time, or steps or movements.

When I plan my teaching days I try and have as little time between classes as possible. So I standardize the times I teach. Nine to noon is the morning class. One to four is the afternoon and six to nine PM is the the night. Every once in a while I break down and let people pick their own times. I really should not let that happen because then it just leads to me wasting time.

Today I had a class in Raleigh at 11-2. This was a moment of weakness on my part letting them change their time. Turns out to have been a bad idea for them too because a bunch had to miss class.

The problem with a class from 11-2 is I had four hours until my six PM class. I planned to eat my lunch/ dinner combo them, but still it was a lot of time to kill. I hate shopping, but I did need to pick up some organic fertilizer for my garden so I did that. I thought ahead of who I will need a birthday present for and shopped for that friend a month in advance.

Other than those errands I could think of nothing else that had to be done. So I went to set up for my second class an hour early and did some work while I waited.

I hated feeling unproductive. Not that I was, but it felt that way. I have so much to do at home and if I had scheduled better I could have gotten more done at home and not had time to kill away from home.

So lesson learned. No adjusting class times. I offer them when they fit in my calendar. I can’t let work drive me crazy because I am not being efficient. Productivity comes first. There are only so many hours in the day and I have to make the most of them.

It’s Monday, Must Be Greenville

As my friend Nikki says, “Greenville is my second favorite eastern NC town.” I don’t mean for my Mah Jongg towns to compete to be my favorite, but they sure do try. Last week I walked away from Kinston with the following gifts: hand made Mah Jongg soaps from Nancy, a loaf of homemade banana nut bread with home grown blueberries from Debbie along with half a dozen printed photos, a special Stanley straw from Heather, a place to stay at the beach from Ann, an invitation to stay with Sylvia at a future visit. Not to mention the dinner parties Becky hosted for me while I was staying with her. The outpouring of love was over whelming.

Today I was in Greenville to do the new card class for those friends. Lee Vann showed up with beautiful yellow Peonies from her garden. I don’t want people to think they need to do anything to get to be the teacher’s pet. You all are my favorites.

My favorite part of new card class is when I invite people to take photos of the slides of the easiest hands. It is like a rush to get Taylor Swift tickets. As I was taking a picture of students taking pictures Nikki took a picture of me.

Thanks Nikki for organizing the Greenville crowd and bringing Mah Jongg to your town and inviting the Rocky Mount Girls. It was a fun day with friends.

More and Bigger

My Dad did everything big. He always ordered two beers as soon as he sat down, or two vodkas or two gins, you get the idea. He repeated phrases to make sure you understood. When he shopped he would buy the shirt in every color.

A few years ago when I visited him at the farm he asked me if I wanted some zinnia seeds as his internet order had arrived. I said, “Sure,” and he handed me four bags that totaled two pounds of seeds.

FOUR POUNDS of zinnia seeds could be a three acre field of zinnias! Think of a thousand of those little paper envelopes of seeds all dumped into a bucket.

I planted handfuls of those seeds. They made a beautiful bed in front of our house. I gave handfuls of seeds away. I planted more the next year, gave more away.

Seeds have a shelf life. I tried to use up those bags or give them away as fast as I could. It was so like my father to have bought twenty times more seeds than any of us could possibly plant.

Today I pulled out my last giant bag of zinnia seeds. It was easily at least 7 ounces still left. My Dad has been gone a year and a half and the seeds still exist. Russ and I added compost to my zinnia bed, which has gotten bigger every year. I lay out six long rows of seeds, sown heavy, since I have so many and am unsure if they might still germinate. Even with this bigger bed I still have seeds left. So like my Dad, more than anyone could ever use.

I hope that I get some flowers to have one more summer of my Dad in my garden. Eventually I will have to order my own seeds, but for now I still have the gift my Dad gave me.

I’m Lonely

I’m taking over my mother’s blog today. See, I’m lonely and want friends to visit. I do have my babies on every bed in the house as well as in my big basket in the sunroom. I like my babies, but I have silenced most of them by removing the squeaker. I don’t mean to hurt them, I just love pulling the squeaker out. I think I need professional help to not hurt my babies, but my parents haven’t gotten me any therapy.

My Dad says walking would make me happier. Some days I will walk with him, but some days I only go to the end of the street and then turn back to home. Today he tried to get me to walk, but what was he thinking? The ground was wet and I am a pure princess and don’t like my paws to be wet.

I stood on the porch looking for friends walking by, but did see any. I guess they don’t like to have wet paws either. My Dad should realize I am not alone in that no walking in the rain rule.

Mom and Dad left me home alone this morning. They said it was because they were going to the farmers’ market where dogs are not allowed. I hate that rule. Dogs like farms. It was OK because they came home with a chicken for me. Not as a pet, it was cooked.

I hope the sun shines tomorrow. I am not promising I will go on a walk , but I will be happier when I go do my business in the front yard. Someone should build a covered area for me so that I never have to get wet. Mom? Are you reading this?

Home for Shay

Russ reported that while I was away Shay kept going to the top of the steps to look down to the garage door. She was looking for me to walk in and be with her. So sorry sweet Shay, eight classes this week kept me away from you.

April is my big month. I know Shay wishes I would just stay home with her, but I have to make hay while the sunshines.

Russ did an excellent job holding everything down at home. He even watered my garden and flowers in all the pots.

Now I am home snuggling with my girl. I am tired and she is happy to take care of me. I am not sure who is supervising Russ in his office since Shay is with me, but she will have plenty of time to do her office job next week when I am away again. Oh, April.

Big Kinston Day

Becky Darst has been a most wonderful hostess to me. We had a free morning since classes were not until the afternoon and evening. We started the day with Becky showing me six of her favorite games. I would have been happy to stay home and play all of them but Becky wanted to give me the big tour of Kinston. First we drove around to see everyone’s houses. If you want a beautiful house move to Kinston because you can get the best house for the best deal.

As we were touring we happened upon my friend Ruth E.’s mother and cousin who were out walking and stopped to say hi and ask how Mah Jongg was going.

Then Becky took me into to town to see the O’Neil hotel which had been her husband’s office when he worked for First Citizen’s Bank. The boutique hotel has seven fabulous rooms with the most wonderful art. I know this because Becky knew the manager who showed us the whole property.

Our favorite room was the one that had twin bunk beds built into a bank vault. Christopher, the manger, could not have been more fun and was kind to show us everything.

Back to Becky’s we went to grab a quick lunch before we went to the club for Mah Jongg lessons. The advanced class lamented plenty about the difficulty of the new card. The night class did not know the difference and everyone in the class Mah Jongged at least once, thank goodness. It made the wins even sweeter for the girls who did it later in the night.

Thanks to all who make my trips to Kinston so memorable. I could not do this without Kristi Blizzard, who was missed today. I also missed Jane Brothers. Just means another trip is in store. I have a whole new group of cute players. Thanks Kinston, your never disappoint.

Big Kinston Day

Becky Darst has been a most wonderful hostess to me. We had a free morning since classes were not until the afternoon and evening. We started the day with Becky showing me six of her favorite games. I would have been happy to stay home and play all of them but Becky wanted to give me the big tour of Kinston. First we drove around to see everyone’s houses. If you want a beautiful house move to Kinston because you can get the best house for the best deal.

As we were touring we happened upon my friend Ruth E.’s mother and cousin who were out walking and stopped to say hi and ask how Mah Jongg was going.

Then Becky took me into to town to see the O’Neil hotel which had been her husband’s office when he worked for First Citizen’s Bank. The boutique hotel has seven fabulous rooms with the most wonderful art. I know this because Becky knew the manager who showed us the whole property.

Our favorite room was the one that had twin bunk beds built into a bank vault. Christopher, the manger, could not have been more fun and was kind to show us everything.

Back to Becky’s we went to grab a quick lunch before we went to the club for Mah Jongg lessons. The advanced class lamented plenty about the difficulty of the new card. The night class did not know the difference and everyone in the class Mah Jongged at least once, thank goodness. It made the wins even sweeter for the girls who did it later in the night.

Thanks to all who make my trips to Kinston so memorable. I could not do this without Kristi Blizzard, who was missed today. I also missed Jane Brothers. Just means another trip is in store. I have a whole new group of cute players. Thanks Kinston, your never disappoint.

New Day, New Town

It was a glorious day to visit New Bern, NC. I was lucky enough to be invited to the New Bern Golf and Country Club to give a lecture to a wonderful group of women. I have not taught Mah Jongg in New Bern, but had many familiar faces from the Coral bay club.

For those virgins to my classes the first one can be a little bit of a surprise if you are not used to my animated style. Thankfully these women were not to shocked.

It was a big group of 45 so I needed all the tech to work, which it did not always do, but in-spite of some poltergeist like trouble having slides project the information was conveyed.

After the lecture we adjourned to a lovely lunch overlooking the river and then we got to play some. I love when students I have taught beat me because then I feel like they learned. And beat me they did.

I had to get back to Kinston to teach the evening class. Thankfully they are a darling class. Now I am retired to Becky Darst’s house where I am well taken care of. Thank goodness, otherwise this schedule would do me in.

Eastern North Carolina Tour

Today I started my New Mah Jongg Card Tour of Eastern North Carolina. It’s nothing like a Taylor Swift or Bruce Springsteen Tour. Tickets are not hard to get. You don’t have to go through Ticket masterand there is no up charge. There is also no tour bus or roadies.

Instead it’s me in my little Cmax, tooling down rt. 70 to my favorite small town, Kinston. I am basing this week’s tour out of Kinston since I love these people the most and they are the most hospitable. The fabulous Becky Darst is my hostess this week. She let me know months in advance that she had beat others out in claiming me for which I am eternally grateful. I don’t know if that means she actually drew the short straw, but it is very convenient since she lives so close to the club.

The first class was this afternoon with the band of faithful Kinston Mah Jongg Players. It ended at four and I had a two hour break before my second class of new beginners. In that two hour period I went to Becky’s along with five other friends. Had a yummy early supper together and got all caught up and was back at the club in time to set up for the class.

Not only is Becky putting me up, but throwing a dinner party, and one that started at four is most generous. I should have come right home from the last class and gone to bed, but I stayed up talking to Becky. Now I’ve got to wind down and catch some zzz’s because I am off to New Bern at the crack of dawn for the second small town tour stop tomorrow.

Nothing better than Eastern North Carolina. Taylor Swift or Bruce could not be doing any better.

Early Birthday Celebration

My birthday is more than two weeks away, but today I got to celebrate early. My needlepoint group is extraordinary about celebrating each other’s birthdays. Since my birthday is so close to Michelle’s birthday we had a joint birthday party today.

We always have a beautiful cake lovingly made by one of the members. Kathi had called me last week to ask me what my favorite cake was and I said lemon. She seemed to not like my answer and asked me what my second favorite was. I said, “Whatever Michelle wants.” We are talking about cake here, what could be bad.

She didn’t like that answer either and made me give her a second choice. I said, “Chocolate.”

“You know Nancy does not like chocolate cake,” Kathi said.

“Kathi, whatever Michelle wants is fine.”

“Pick another cake.” (Usually the cake is a surprise and I was wondering why I was getting the third degree.”

I was running out of ideas as I didn’t want to say something difficult. So since it is strawberry season I said, “strawberry,” even though it is not close to a favorite flavor.

I saw Michelle at church yesterday and asked her what her favorite cake was, “Lemon.”

I relayed the inquisition from Kathi and we laughed. Both Michelle and I were thrilled when we found out Christy, a superior baker, had made a lemon chiffon cake.

After we had enjoyed it I asked Kathi why she wanted so many cake choices and she said, “I wanted you to be surprised.” I would have really been surprised if it had been funfetti! So glad Michelle and I both love lemon.

Recurring Nightmares

The other night I woke myself up to get out of a nightmare I was having. I think I only recently realized I could do that. Maybe in the last year have I developed the consciousness when I am having a bad dream that I don’t have to endure it to the end if I just wake up. I wish someone had told me earlier that it was possible to do that.

In my dream a few days ago I dreamt I still worked at my first job out of college. My boss had called me and asked me what my plans for the day were and I didn’t want to tell him I didn’t have any. So I started making up appointments in a panic. For the record this never actually happened, but it sure felt real in my dream.

The day I was having this dream was the day I was teaching three giant classes. I don’t know if I was feeling anxiety about that big day. It wasn’t like I didn’t have a plan and it certainly wasn’t like I have a boss.

Of all the jobs I have had I don’t have any recurring nightmares about any of them except that first one. Granted I worked for some real dolts, but they never were really mean to me. I saw them be mean to plenty of other people. I think they were afraid of me, as they should have been. I was a lot meaner myself back then.

My only other recurring nightmare is one where I am in college right before exams and I discover I was registered for a class I never went to and I have to take the final exam. The class is always something like a foreign language, something I can’t bullshit.

The funniest thing about this dream is in real life I hardly ever missed class, except gym. I also tend to not miss appointments, but in the nightmare I am not like myself at all.

It seems odd that I only dream bad things about not being myself and never have dreams about being a model or an astronaut or some other absurd thought.

At this point in life I just glad that I can wake up and be myself and not have to answer to someone else. That’s better than a dream.

Bulls For the Win

In the midst of my Mah Jongg mania teaching Russ texted me Friday and asked if I want to go to the Bulls Game tonight. It was a risky time to be asking me since I was burning the candle on both ends, but I said sure.

I called our friends Sara and Dave and asked if they wanted to go to the game with us. It had been too long since I had seen Sara and they are great Bulls fans who actually watch the game.

I had told Sara we would pick them up and then forgot I had said that as we waited for them to come to the house. About fifteen minutes into waiting for them it dawned on me my mistake. So we were a little on the late side to the game. We decided to get tacos for dinner and ordered before going to our seats. Unfortunately I messed up the automated ordering system and never actually entered my order. So Russ hung around the taco stand for a very long time waiting for my dinner that was never coming.

Thankfully all my mistakes were not foreshadowing for how the game was going to go. We were standing right under the Bull when a home run was hit bringing in three players. I had never been so close to the Bull when he is snorting. It was very exciting.

Despite what Russ had told us about our season tickets we still were in the second row on the first baseline where we have been since the beginning, but no longer behind the bulls, as they switched dugouts. Now we are behind the visitors. It made for some excitement tonight as we heard the Lehigh Valley Iron Pig Manager say the F word twice at the umpire and get ejected from the game.

The Bulls were in fine form and won the game 8 -6. There were a few tense moments when the outfielders missed a number of catches, but the hitting was good.

It was an excellent first game of the season for us. The weather was perfect, no humidity, no pollen and just the right temperature. I am hoping for more nights like tonight, not that I have time to go to many games, but they sure are fun when we do go.

Planting Time

No matter how busy or how tired I am it’s planting time around here. I learned my lesson long ago to only buy as many plants at one time as I can plant in the next two days. Thankfully I usually am driving my little car and it only holds so much. Back in the days when I drove the Land Cruiser I would fill that baby up with plants and it would take me weeks to plants them all.

When I went to Augusta I bought a bunch of perennials and they seem to be thriving. Tuesday, after garden club I stopped at Stone Brothers and bought a few more perennials, a packet of bean seeds, a few tomatoes and eggplants. I have not transplanted the veggies as I am letting them acclimate to my garden.

Today after teaching my morning class I came home and passed out for a nice nap. I awoke refreshed and ready to plant. The earth was easy to til from the good rain we had.

I am ready to go to the farmers’ market first thing in the morning to get my next round of plants. I need to get my vegetable garden in before I am off on my Mah Jongg down east tour next week. I pray we have had all the cold weather we are going to get since I won’t be around to cover things. Russ is fine in a pinch, but I hate to impose on him and Shay only snuggles in blankets and won’t share them with the veggies.

Three Down, Two to Go

From six PM last night to noon tomorrow I am teaching five three-hour classes. This is what happens in April when the new card comes out. I hate disappointing anyone who wants to learn Mah Jongg so April is packed.

Last night was a cute group of young women in downtown Raleigh learning beginner Mah Jongg. Today is my big New Card Orientation Classes at Carolina Country Club. I had a morning class where there were so many great questions. I just love how curious everyone is.

The afternoon class was just as exhilarating. My favorite thing happened when I put up the slide of the easiest hands and the whole room took out their phone and took photos of the slides.

Now I’m relaxing in the Bogey Den before my night class. Thankfully my extroversion gets me through the day of three big lecture classes. I was worried that nine hours of talking to a room of almost 100 3 times would be too much, but it hasn’t been.

Let’s see how I feel tomorrow afternoon after I have driven home and driven back to Raleigh and taught a whole new group o new players their first class. First classes are the hardest on me, but Los something I can do in my sleep.

The fun part is I do it all again next week when I go to Kinston and New Bern. Thank goodness I made this sixty-slide Power Point to do the new card orientation class so that I make sure to cover all the important topics every time. Now I know to tell people to take their cameras out on certain slides and take photos!

My Durham Magazine Column

My cable and internet went out this morning. Not great timing as I was finishing polishing m sixty slide power point for the new Mah Jongg card class.

I am teaching in Raleigh tonight. Will get home around 10. Turn around at 7:45 and drive back to Raleigh. Teach three back to back classes. Get h.one around ten tomorrow night. Go back to Raleigh at 7:45 Friday morning and teach.

So five three hour classes in a forty hour window. That leaves no time to get my internet fixed. So as I am sitting in a parking lot before I lug my stuff into an event space and I posting a photo from Durham magazine of my column. I have no band width to do anything els.

Reality Ministries Happiness

My garden club had a fabulous field trip to Reality Ministries today to visit their North St. Neighborhood and specific to see Tony’s garden at the corner house.

I first got to know Reality years ago when Beth Sholtz told me about it and suggested I do a story on it for Durham Magazine. I met Susan McSwain, the founder and was so impressed with their mission to create a community of friends where people living with disabilities are side by side with friends whose disabilities not as apparent. The day program provides a loving place for 400 people who might otherwise be lonely to have a place to come and be with friends.

One of the wonderful things that came out of Reality was an intentional neighborhood of 20 homes where over 100 people live together, people with all kinds of abilities living together. These are not normal group homes, but families made up of chosen friends.

Many of the houses have glorious gardens and we went to have a tour of one of these gardens where Tony lives and tends his fruits, vegetables and flowers. Tony grew up in Greensboro and moved to Durham when his mother passed away. My guess is he is in his seventies and without Reality I am not sure where he would live. Bonnie who also lives in the home with Tony was there and shared her gift of making tea with us all. They were a most friendly pair who were clearly loved by many.

It was an incredible visit and I was so happy that members of the garden club got to learn about the miracle of Reality Ministries and meet the sweet friends who spend their day there.

Tony is a master gardener and he showed how people of all abilities can have extraordinarily talents. His gift is gardening, and maybe also impersonating Elvis, but that is a story for another day.

Thanks to Quinn Holmquist, the community out reach director for sharing Reality with us and making us feel so welcome. If you live in or around Durham and want to visit a happy place call Quinn to schedule a visit. It will change your perspective on how wonderful it is to live in a world where everyone is valued.

Betrayal

When I leave home to go teach Mah Jongg it is one thing that Russ has to fend for himself, but for Shay it can seem like I am abandoning her. Tonight I went to a cute girl’s house in Raliegh. He darling puppy Bonnie took a liking to me and wanted to snuggle while I was teaching.

It is never a hardship to play with cute puppies. The only bad thing is the look of betrayal on Shay’s face as she sniffs all of me when I get home.

I try and reassure her that she is my number one dog, always, but she is not happy to know that I step out on her. No matter how much I tell her it is just for work, she is still insulted.

I wonder if Shay should become my Mah Jongg assistant then she could entertain the dogs while class is going on. The only problem with that is she would have to play with other dogs and hat is not something she likes to do. She would think she should teach Mah Jongg and Ali could play with the dogs. If I could just get her to hold the pointer stick.

Happy Easter to All

A glorious day happened to day! Christians celebrated our risen Lord.

My Mom came to church with us, but had to sit in the pew with Russ and our friend’s Jeanne and David because I was the lector and sat up front. It was a cool, but sunny start to a cloudless perfect day. Church was full with many friends. Chris gave a great sermon about going out into the world to do good. Always my favorite theme.

After church Lynn and Logan came over for Easter lunch with us. It was a feast of all that spring has to offer, peas, deviled eggs, lamb chops, with fresh mint sauce from my garden mint, new potatoes, blue cheese slaw and carrot and cheese cake bars. Nothing is more satisfying than cooking for Logan who is the most appreciative eater.

Then there was the excitement of watching the Masters and Jon Rahm’s decisive win. I was so happy that a non LIV tour player won as I am not a fan of the Saudi’s blood money in golf.

I had a lovely afternoon needlepointing while watching the golf. It was practically the perfect Easter. It only could have been made better if Carter was home. But we had a great FaceTime with her while my mom was still here.

Happy Easter to all. The Lord is Risen, he is risen indeed.

The Busiest Time

April is my crazy month ever since I started teaching New Card Mah Jongg Classes. This month I am touring the state teaching my friends all the secrets to the new Mah Jongg card. Since my giant class is Thursday I had to finish my lessons. To make teaching the new card easier this year I created a power point presentation for the class. It took forever, but at over 60 slides long it covers a lot of information.

Between working on my slides, I made my big teaching Card for the year, planted some foxgloves, lupines, lantana and creeping Jeni I bought in Georgia, set the table for Easter lunch and prepped as much of the Easter feast as I could.

After chopping the mint from my garden to make mint sauce for the lamb I finally hit the wall and called it a night.

I almost forgot to practice my lector readings. Thank goodness being lector on Easter never includes lists of difficult names.

The one thing I did not do was look for a warmer Easter Dress. I am praying it is warmer tomorrow than it is today. I might have to wear a Christmas dress if the cold and rain keeps up.

Happy Easter to all the believers.

You Just Don’t Know

On my drive home from Augusta this morning I got a text from my mother that my cousin Steve had passed away. Steve was my mother’s middle sister Susan’s youngest son. As the oldest child of the oldest child my first cousins on my mother’s side are all much younger than I am. I was a teenager when Steve came along.

Sadly Steve led a hard life. His demons were constantly present. I saw him at his mother’s memorial service five years ago and he was in a fairly good place. Then at another cousin’s wedding where we found out he was getting married too and having a baby. I was hopeful for that baby and sadly now Steve has left him and his very young wife, Amanda.

My uncle Hank has memory issues and so my cousin Jim, Steve’s older brother, has a lot on his plate. I am just so sad for him and pray for them all. You just don’t know how much time you have. Try and not leave anyone without telling them how much they mean to you.

Near Perfect Day at the Masters

Going to the Masters with Judy, Master of the Masters was perfect. We were up early and out of the door making the fifteen minute drive to August National in time to get great parking in the B lot. The walking from the car was nice and easy. The weather was warm, but mostly overcast in the morning.

We executed our plan “par”-fectly. Our first stop was at the pro shop where the line to get in kept moving at a steady pace. I was able to purchase all the gifts I could afford, filling two bags, that I regretted when I had to carry them to the car, but I am getting ahead of myself.

The Masters thinks of everything a guest might want, including an excellent check service for all the purchases you make. I was amazed at the men who looked like their bought their wardrobe for the next ten years.

Judy had asked me what my goals for the day were and shopping was checked off, next was seeing as many players as I could and lastly seeing as much of the course as I could.

We started the morning watching a pairing that included Fred Couples as we walked the course to the stands on the green at the fourth hole. On the way there we got some breakfast and then seats at the top of the stands. It turned out to be an inspired place to see most of the players, including Tiger.

The fourth hole is not one of the famous ones, but it turned out to be a formidable hole for many players. Judy and I got to be quite the experts on the hole and predicted with precision who was going to make par and who would go over based on their tee shot. There were many potential birdies that never materialized. In fact we only saw one all day.

We took a break from four to walk the course and the only thing that was not perfect is the lack of color on the course as 90% of the azaleas were already spent. The normally gorgeous 13 hole was just a wash of green without one pink bloom.

It was a treat to see Tiger since it might be his last Masters. The most exciting player was Amateur Sam Bennet making his first Masters’ appearance. I predict great things from him. He arrived at the fourth three under par and held it together to finish the day four under. I also really liked Tom Kim. Of course seeing Spieth, Scheffler, Koepka, Rahm and Day was exciting, but Hovland was a nice surprise to me.

It was thrilling to watch these superior athletes. I am ever thankful to Judy for hosting me. I think I had the pick day of the tournament as the weather is not looking good for the weekend. It will be interesting to see how the tournament ends up.

My day at the Masters checks off a top bucket list item. Thanks, Judy. You are the best.

Yeah for Judy

Some thirty years ago I met Judy when we both worked for my Dad. She worked in the Pawley’s Island office and none of us could survive without her. Judy was one person who could put up with my father and we were in awe with how she did that.

When I retired to have Carter and my Dad more or less retired Russ hired Judy and she worked for him for 25 years. Judy was the best CFO and trusted advisor at Russ’ company, but to me she just got to be my friend since I was no longer working.

Judy retired this year and when she did she asked me if I wanted to go to the Masters with her. Judy grew up in Augusta, still has a place there and has had tickets to the Masters forever. You can imagine my answer was yes in a skinny minute.

Judy, being the most upstanding employee never could invite me to the Masters when Russ was still her boss, but the second he wasn’t…

So today is the day I drove down to Augusta. Judy arrived at her place here about the same time I did. We watched ESPN all afternoon, prepping for my day at the Masters tomorrow. We have a big plan and there is no one better to go with than a pro like Judy. She could answer every question I had, except whether I can wear my Apple Watch. No phones or cameras are allowed, but according to the website smart watches that can’t make calls or take pictures are fine.

We had a lovely dinner and watched Ted Lasso, because once you are on a sports theme you should stay on it.

I am being a terrible guest and going to bed very early. I want to have all my energy cells fully charged for our day, especially since we are going over to the course very early.

I do miss having Judy at Russ’ office as she always had the answers to any of my questions, but I really appreciate just having her as my friend, and such a generous one.

Happy Birthday to my “sister” Janet

I am lucky to have a real sister Janet and a great sorority sister Janet. Today is my Pi Phi sister Janet del Valle’s birthday. So to her I want to say a big Happy day!

Sisters are important, be they the ones you had from birth or the ones you chose. I literally chose Janet d. as my sister as I was the membership chairman when she rushed our sorority. Little did I know at the time that I was choosing a friend for life.

We have been together through not just college and those early 20’s years when we were just figuring out who we were, but through weddings, all of them, children, loss of parents, empty nests and now entering the next chapters of our lives.

I am so thankful to have a chosen sister to laugh and reminisce with. To play games and do puzzles together. To share the daily goings on albeit through text, Facebook, and wordle.

I knew from having real sisters, and my Walker’s sister gang that female friends are so important. The proof that college sisterhood endures is how many of my Pi Phi sisters are still my closest friends. It was my twin Pi Phi sister Laura’s birthday two days ago and I cherish her so much too.

So happy birthday to my other Janet. My chosen sister.

All is Right in the World

At last my Mah Jongg cards arrived. Thank goodness because it was not as much fun to play without a card this morning.

Mah Jongg Christmas, as us gentile Mah Jongg players call the day our new cards come, was not on April 1 as it should have been. I would have thought that the National Mah Jongg League could have gotten cards ordered on January 1 out in a little more timely manner, especially when they raised the price by 50%.

I must say I miss the days when Ruth was alive, god rest her soul. For those who do not know Ruth was the President of the National Mah Jongg League for many years and from the outside it appeared that she ran a tight ship.

I have spend plenty of time analyzing the new card and so far, have written 25 slides for the new card class. I figure I might have at least that many more to go. I will save my opinion of the new card for my class.

Happy playing everyone.

It’s Not About Luck

I have gotten to work on my new card curriculum for the 2023 Mah Jongg card. My friend Jan sent me a post that some person wrote about the new card. I was laughing as I read it. She wrote that Mah Jongg was 70% luck and 30% skill.

I don’t know who her teacher is, but she needs a better one, then she would know it’s not in anyway about luck. Mah Jongg is a skill that can be developed. You only say something is that much luck to make yourself feel better when you don’t win.

The one thing I say to all my students is, “You all have the same amount of luck.” It is not usually luck that makes someone win. It is maximizing your opportunities.

How do you do that? It’s making the most of the Charleston. Anyone who stops the Charleston when they don’t have at least 11 or 12 tiles for one hand is not maximizing.

As far as understanding where your opportunities are in the 2023 card, you will have to come to class to learn that. I worked for three hours today on my PowerPoint for the class and have barley scratched the surface. It’s going to be fun.

Waiting, Waiting

My new Mah Jongg cards were supposed to come today according to my USPS Informed Delivery email. So far they are not here. They did not come with my regular mail and the USPS site says they will be here by 9:00PM. I am not sure I believe them.

So I did some other things today. First we went to the farmer’s market and bought strawberries and plants. Strawberries went up in price a huge amount! Plants did too. I brought home some spinach, cilantro, dill and Lactose kale, which I planted.

Then I decided I should start my game table chair needlepoint seats. I drew out the first one on a poster board and then copied just the center onto my canvas. I want to stitch the center first and then add the rest. It’s going to take forever due to the size of the canvas and this is just one of the four.

Finally I couldn’t take it anymore. A friend showed me the new Mah Jongg Card so I started analyzing it in preparation to write my “New Card” class syllabus. This year I am doing it in PowerPoint since I have such large groups in my classes. I pray my cards come soon. It’s hard to be a Mah Jongg teacher without the cards.

I could switch to be a garden or needlepoint teacher, but that’s not as fun.

Thank You’s

Late this afternoon I looked out my front door and there were two packages on my front porch. One a big giant box and the other a big bag. I looked down into the open topped bag and saw a beautiful Japanese knife with a note tied around it. Beneath was my cake plate I had brought to my friend’s house. I picked up the knife and read the note of thanks.

The box was also a thank you. Inside were four giant ribeye pork chops, each individually wrapped as if they were gold themselves. I had never seen a chop so big, let alone four. They were from our friends who came to visit two weeks ago.

Such extravagant thank you’s. One for a cake, the other for a night’s visit. I texted my friend who returned the cake plate and said that the knife was an over the top thank you for a cake. She texted back, “Isn’t that your knife? I thought you brought it with the cake.”

I had not brought this knife. When I went to cut the cake at her house my friends and I had a terrible time finding a knife in her kitchen. She doesn’t ever cook. The knife we found came from the skinniest drawer that held four or five very random knives.

“I haven’t been in the kitchen much in the last year.” The knife was not a gift to me. She came back and picked up her bag and knife.

I am now afraid to call my friends about these pork chops. These friends don’t live here and I don’t want to ship meat out of state. I am sure they really are a thank you gift, but after the knife…

Carrot Cake Extraordinaire

Years ago I read about a woman’s secret to the best carrot cake was using puréed carrot baby food in her cake. I liked the idea of purée, but was a little yucked out about the baby food part of it. I went so far as to look at baby food jars in the store and was shocked at the price. To get a cup and a half of carrot purée would cost me four dollars, but I only needed 80¢ worth of carrots to get the same.

So I decided I would make my own chunky carrot purée that would be a cross between baby food and raw carrots. It made a superior cake

1 1/2 cups of mashed cooked carrots – recipe below

3 cups of flour

2 1/2 cups of sugar

1 1/2 t. Salt

1 T. baking soda

1 1/2 T cinnamon

1 1/2 cups of vegetable oil

4 jumbo or 5 regular eggs

1 T. Vanilla

1 cup crushed pineapple – lightly drained

1 1/2 cups chopped pecans

1 1/2 cups of shredded coconut

Take about four peeled carrots and place them in a sauce pan with 1 T. Or sugar and 1 t. Salt and enough water to cover them. Cover the pot and put on medium heat and cook gently until the carrots are soft. Drain the water and using a potato masher, smash up the carrots.

Preheat the oven to 350° and prep two 9” cake pans.

In a big bowl mix the dry ingredients. In a big measuring cup, beat the eggs and add the oil and the vanilla and then pour into the dry and mix together. It will be stiff.

Fold in the carrot mash, pineapple, coconut and pecans.

Divide between the cake pans. Place on middle rack and bake for 40-45 mins. Until the middle is not jiggly.

Set on cooling rack and then chill the cake layer for a few hours.

CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

12 Oz. Of cream cheese at room temp

8 oz. Of softened butter

4 cups of powdered sugar

2 T. Lemon juice

In a stand mixer cream the butter add and cream cheese together. Add the powdered sugar in thirds beating between additions. Add the lemon juice and beat until combined.

Chill the frosting for half an hour.

Frost the cake. I made little carrots with marzipan and gel food coloring.

Your Child’s Life or your Gun

Today in NC our Legislators voted to override the Governor’s veto on a bill that removes the need for back ground checks for gun permits. TODAY! After what happened in Nashville yesterday. If Tennessee had back ground checks, yesterday’s shooter probably would not have been permitted to buy seven guns legally.

At this point all I have to say is we have a choice, the life of your child or the right to carry your gun. That is the choice. Are you really choosing a gun over your child? I know there are those of you who believe that by having a gun you are protecting your child, but not when they aren’t with you. Then someone else might have a gun and shoot your child.

The data proves that more children are dying by gun shots that any other reason, not cancer or car accidents or any other illness. Guns. You can’t take a baby home from the hospital without an approved car seat that has been inspected to make sure it is installed correctly, but someone can buy a gun and shoot their way into your child’s school and kill them.

Your child’s life or your gun, which one do you chose?

Intergenerational Mah Jongg

Yesterday I finished teaching a group of young women and four of their Mom’s. There is nothing better than a good intergenerational Mah Jongg group. I so cherish my friends of many ages who I have played Mah Jongg with over the last 30 years.

When the group played their last hands of the class and started to pack up the games, their class leader Jenna, who had organized their class, asked if we could get a photo. She wondered if they might be in the blog. Of course and of course. They were such a fun group who took to the game very quickly.

Tonight I had a different group of thirty something’s. They are quickly becoming addicted. As I had taught some of their mothers or mother-in-laws we discussed how great it will be at family vacations that they can all play Mah Jongg together.

Playing games together is one of the best ways to spend time together, especially with in-laws. Suddenly there are no grudges about who got cut from the wedding list due to space constraints or the slight someone felt from being told her stuffing was not needed at thanksgiving is no longer important because you have laughed and had fun together.

No one pulls a hamstring playing Mah Jongg. There is so much grace given in playing together as everyone celebrates the winner and commiserates over losing.

If you want something the whole family, including kids as young as 8, can do together, learn Mah Jongg. It will keep you all young and happy.

Happy Birthday Kathi

My lack of calendar awareness yesterday was remedied today. I knew I had a teeth cleaning first thing in the morning. I was home by 10:15 this morning and had a good four hours to complete the making of the birthday cake for my friend Kathi. It was plenty of time given that I had baked the cake last night and the layers were chilling in the fridge.

My plan was to make a carrot cake with marzipan carrots. Not that hard a job, but the hurricane of a mess that I made in the kitchen looks like a different story. I was well pleased with the final outcome, although not of the lighting of my photo.

Kathi was very happy with the look of the cake when I brought it to her. She is such a visual person that how the cake looks is the most important thing. Thankfully she also liked the taste, especially of the frosting.

I was happy to celebrate her and am hoping that she has a most excellent and very healthy next year.

When Your Plan Bumps Into Your Calendar

I didn’t sleep well last night. I woke up after four hours sleep and never really went back to bed. No problem, I thought. I have an easy Sunday. I even thought, “I have an easy week.”

The plan was to watch CBS Sunday morning, go to church, needlepoint most of the day, trying to finish something on deadline and bake a cake for a friend’s birthday. If the weather permitted I might work in the garden. What a nice spring Sunday.

It all started out fine. I watched Sunday morning while needlepointing. Got dressed for church. Russ and I were the second ones in the pews besides the choir. I pulled out my needlepoint, yes I stitch at church and my pastor is fine with it. I said hello to the Wolfs. Then I looked at my watch to turn it to theatre mode which would silence and darken it. As I did that I noticed a calendar entry. Mah Jongg Class for a new group today. OH Shit!

I looked at my phone. Sure enough I had forgotten that I had scheduled a new group for four hours of lessons today and tomorrow. I also noticed that I had lessons Tuesday and Wednesday night. How had this slipped my mind. Last week when I taught I had a little thought that I had a small break before the New Mah Jongg card came out April 1. Apparently I had blanked out on the fact that I had people dying to learn Mah Jongg.

Not only did I need to be in Raliegh at 12:45 I realized that I was out of Mah Jongg Cards, because why would I need more when this card is only good for five more days.

I looked at Russ and told him I had to go. So before the prelude even started I got up and exited Church. Russ said people asked if I was sick. Yes, just in the head. I should have looked at my calendar.

Thankfully, I got all the supplies, and made it to the class and the students were none the wiser. I might have been a little short with one student, but then I turned back into the “this is the most fun game in the world teacher,” and all was fine.

The cake is in the oven now and I plan on finishing it tomorrow. So much for the needlepoint. At least I did not miss class with a group who had such difficulty finding agreeable times we are doing the whole thing in two longer sessions, rather than three. I am certain to have nightmares now about not showing up for class. I better pay better attention to my calendar a few days in advance.

Plants, Plants and More Plants

It was warm yesterday and I got the gardening bug. Russ and I got up early to go to the Durham Farmer’s market before my Mom was scheduled to come over. We didn’t get out as early as I wanted, but still pulled up just before nine. Russ and I looked over at the pavilion and there were just a few trucks just beginning to set up. Apparently the Farmer’s market is still on winter hours. Next week they open at eight, the time I am used to them opening.

With the looming deadline of my mother’s arrival Russ and I couldn’t wait until 10 so we went to Stone Bros. new location, just down Washington st. I was in the market for a few herbs, lettuces, kale and some ground cover. They had exactly what I was looking for.

The new Stone Brothers location is much bigger with more parking than the old location. They are adding a bigger nursery on the side. Inside the look was very familiar with the seed bins and old shelves.

I talked with the owner and complimented him on the new location, noting that it must had been a lot of work to make the move. He said they closed on Friday, moved everything and opened on Sunday. I am happy to have them still downtown.

The plants I got were exactly what I was looking for. The farmers market will have to wait until next week. I’ll want more plants then and the week after that and the week after that.

The Fireworks of Lady Banks

We skipped Spring today and bore full head-on into summer. It was 87° outside according to my trusty Apple Watch. The warmth compelled me to go out and sprinkle some arugula seeds in one of my raised beds. I should have done it earlier as they do fine in colder weather, but this warmth should be a good kick start to the germination.

My Lady Banks Roses are starting the spectacular show season. The yellow one above my front door is in full bloom. I photographed it too late in the day to get to really enjoy the color, but you can get an idea.

The humongous white version that acts as a canopy to our double width garage door has a spit of white blooms showing, but a bridal veils worth of tiny buds readying themselves to a full fireworks show in a day or two.

The weather says it is going to rain tomorrow. I hope it is light enough not to totally deflower the tender roses. They are such a short lived joy, but what a great show they put on.