How to deal with the l-o-o-o-o-ng winter

This is it: my solution to the winter doldrums. Every winter I find a challenging jigsaw puzzle for those days when it's just too cold and/or wooly to do anything else. Trouble is, this year my only puzzles were old ones, far too easy to assemble. I was done in a couple of days and winter still loomed large. The puzzle you see here consists of 5000 pieces. It's about 39x62" in size and should keep me busy for awhile. The photo here is a result of I'd guess 2-3 hours of work.

Geez....this might even get me through to NEXT winter (although right now I dare not consider the next round of frigid cold). I'll keep you posted.

Mr. Obama Goes to Washington

My musings on the Inauguration:

Interesting that Obama , a biracial man, is referred to as "black." He is equally white. Yes, I know that traditionally a person with at least 1/64th (I think that's right) black ancestry is considered black, but doesn't that seem foolish? If I am 1/64th Russian and 63/64ths Polynesian, does that make me Russian? I don't know, it seems a silly distinction. Rather than our color perhaps we should be recognized by our cultural heritage - all of it.

None of that, however, diminishes the significance of today's events. I'm sure every inaugural speech, each changing of the executive guard, brings renewed hope and optimism, but there was something special about today. We are looking at a rather bleak economical forecast, we are involved in an unpopular war, many of us are left feeling let down and betrayed by the outgoing administration. Yet the support and enthusiasm of the crowd seems more than just the renewed hope that comes with a new administration.

As I watched the live feed of the Obamas attending a church service this morning, and again later during the invocation and benediction of the swearing-in ceremony, I wondered... what if an incoming President's religion - or lack thereof - ran counter to those traditions? What if an incoming President believed - as I think we should seriously consider - that the separation of church and state needs to be honored and therefore chose not to include any religious observances as a part of the inauguration?

The following paragraphs were, to me, the most memorable part of the address:

"...We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.

For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus — and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace."

Obama reminds us of our heritage, our forefathers' dreams, and the cultural diversity in our country and our world. He tells us not to forget where we come from, and where we are going. He challenges us to respond to the needs, to be open to the cultures, of peoples all over the world.

One other thing that impresses me is Obama's charge for us to renew our commitment to volunteering through his "Renew America Together" campaign. As its home page says (http://www.usaservice.org) "President Obama believes each of us, as Americans, have a responsibility to do what we can for our communities and fellow citizens. We are one nation." I was unaware that MLK Day was supposed to be a national day of community service and I commend Obama for reminding us of our responsibility as caring citizens.

I hope - I fervently hope - that when the excitement and celebration has waned and President Obama hunkers down to the job ahead of him, he remembers his words and does his damndest to live up to them.

The Continuing Adventures of Oma and Kelsey

"Would you guys like to come visit tomorrow?" It was my daughter in law calling. "All Kelsey talks about is, "Oma, Oma, Oma. Amia, Amia, Amia." Music to a grandmother's ear. The shy clingy toddler has left her cocoon, emerging as a mischievous social butterfly. She is asking for Oma and Aunt Amelia to come visit.

Having recently discovered crayons and paints, Kelsey spent the day of our Christmas celebration coaxing various family members to color with her. "Oma! Oma! Color!" She ran from one adult to another, her eyes sparkling with the secret that she was about to jump in your lap, suddenly dropping into your arms then as quickly hopping up to "drop in" on another unsuspecting victim.

So on Saturday morning, Amelia and I traveled to Kelsey's house, bringing along Riley the beagle to play with Kelsey's puppy Zeus. Kelsey was the quintessential hostess, showing us her kitty, her new toys, her crib. And then the paints came out. Mom was quick to strip off the new pants and t-shirt lest they become an unwitting canvas for the budding artist. It was a wise move. Kelsey's hands quickly became covered with paint which she immediately wiped clean on her belly. Then came the face painting. Kelsey painted Oma and Aunt Amia, and we returned the favor. After the masterpieces had been completed and set on the counter to dry it was off to the tub for Kelsey. A little more play, an Elmo's World video, and Miss Kelsey was rubbing her eyes and trying not to fall asleep. It was time for the visitors to head for home.

Another excellent adventure for Oma and Kelsey.

Where's My Lobster?

Last night Max and I were talking about relationships and how hard it is to find a good mate. What is it about men, I wanted to know, and where are the good ones? Ask any woman that question and she will roll her eyes, pausing at an upward glance as if to say, "God, what were you thinking???" No, this isn't meant to be a man-bashing post. I know there are as many creepy women out there as there are men. But this isn't about women - or creeps for that matter. What I'd like to know is how to find my lobster.

Any Friends fan can tell you about lobsters. There is an episode in which Phoebe reassures Ross that he and Rachel will eventually get together. How can she be so sure? asks Ross. Because, says Phobe, "She's your lobster." Phoebe goes on to explain that lobsters mate for life and describes two old lobsters crawling around in a tank lovingly holding claws. As it turns out, lobsters aren't monogamous; they are cold-blooded creatures with very small brains that are little more than a bunch of ganglia. Lobsters tend to be cannibalistic in a crowded environment but in small groups, they are fun-loving types, hanging out in pods of around a dozen members. Add a tiny tv broadcasting some lobster-type sporting event, a few crustacean brews, and VOILA! There's your guy!

Imagine this profile on "ClawsMate.com"...
Mature decapod seeks special lady
Love long walks on the beach, strolling claw-in-claw and enjoying a seaside sunset. Looking to meet someone who is down to earth. Not into tickle sticks, nets, and other head games. I have fun in small groups but try to stay away from larger crowds. Most of my free time is spent relaxing under stone ledges or exploring the scenery along the reef. I enjoy preparing meals for my partner and would love to share a dinner of fresh mollusks with algae dressing with you. I believe in safety at all times and am banded for your protection. E-mail me and let's see where it goes.

But seriously... the cynical me is slowly giving way to the desire for companionship. A warm touch, a soft caress, all those romantic ideas we carry through life. I know it's out there. I've seen it. I know people who have it. I want to believe there is still a chance for me.

I want my lobster.