Home again

Got home about 2 p.m. on Tuesday. When I left for this long visit, I thought I'd be itching to get back by the time Jordan got there, but I wasn't at all. I was reluctant. I didn't want to face my responsibilities, especially the in-depth report I have to write about the press. I wanted to stay and play with Morgan and Kegan, read, eat Lisa's delicious meals, and sleep in that comfortable bed. But now I'm home, have been to Central Market (my goodness, when did ham get so expensive!), and am settled at my desk. I'm gradually putting away this and that from Christmas but will leave the house decorated until after tomorrow.

My last day in Houston ended with a bang--a trip to the Houston Zoo, where Colin and Lisa are members so that they can take the children often. This picture is probably one of my favorites of the whole trip. Kegan wanted to hold my hand, but he also wanted to catch up with the "big" kids and tried to urge me ahead--I figured we were already going at top speed for either of us.

I've gotten out my notes on the report I have to write, answered all the Christmas mail, unpacked the suitcase and--ooops! forgot to start the washer. Yep, I'm home, but I truly hope to take the relaxation of Houston into the New Year with me. May you all have a happy, blessed, and stress-free 2009.

A rainy Sundaya turns hectic

Rainy and cold this morning. I foresaw a quiet day at home but Colin wanted to go to Target and I wanted to go to Barnes & Noble, so we set off, leaving Lisa behind with the children. Had to sit in the mall for 15 minutes, waiting for B&N to open and had a good visit,

but we got our errands done--including a cursory examination of the new touch Blackberry. Jordan made terrific time down from Fort Worth and was here about 12:30.

Still thinking it was a quiet rainy day, I went up for a nap after lunch--and came down to pandemonium. Lisa's sister-in-law, Kristi, had brought her four-year-old nephew and twin 17-month nieces to join the fray. We had five adults and six kids, and everyone was constantly counting children's heads to make sure we had them all in sight. Colin had made two gingerbread houses and turned the kids loose to decorate--I fear more candy was consumed than went on the cakes. We had supper, and about 7:15 Kristi suddenly realized the time and that her nieces should have been in bed at 7 p.m. so they left in a flurry. We're trying a big experiment--Morgan has been sleeping on a pallet in the living room, and tonight we're going to see if Jacob will sleep next to her--he's still used to a pack-and-play when he travels. The picture above shows Aunt Lisa trying to quiet them down. Colin is being rather stern about "Get back on your pallets." Don't know if this will work or not. Jacob kept proclaiming he wanted to go home NOW.

I'm savoring the end of a lovely vacation but have that sense of returning to routine and wondering if I can take the relaxation and mellow mood with me. Meantime I'm get lots of hugs and kisses--and some "No!" retorts!

Another day, another "Juju" trip

Today, we went to Old Town Spring--Spring being a town slightly north and west of Kingwood where the kids live. It's one of those rejuvenated old areas turned into a tourist attraction--lots of kitsch, boutiques, sweet shoppes, small cafes, and the like. It reminds one of Kemah, or Manitou Springs in Colorado, Old Town in Albuquerque, or even, with a different flavor, Fort Worth's Stockyards area. We ate a delicious lunch in Ellen's Cafe (where the specialty is home-made ice cream), the kids found a two-story ramp that they ran up and down, and we shopped a bit. Visited an amazing doll hospital, the Spring Historical Museum where they really have some interesting artifacts--a small, apparently volunteer project, it's quality for its size. And then we visited the public restroom several times. In spite of a drizzle, the area was full of tourists. We ended our outing back at Ellen's eating ice cream cones on the porch. On the way home the drizzle turned to a violent downpour, the kind you hate to drive in, though Colin did admirably.
Jordan and Jacob arrive tomorrow, so its dawned on me that my vacation is drawing to a close. In recognition, I took an extra long nap. But I'd felt that today anyway. For a week now, I've been "Juju," a grandmother, and today, the first thoughts of the office crept it. I began a list of things to be done when I get home. I thought of something I should write tonight. The week away has done me good, but I guess I'm no good at staying away too long.
I'm barely into the P. D. James novel, The Private Patient, but already I'm intrigued by technique. She opens the novel focusing on the intended murder victim, so for the first 60 pages or so, the reader sees things through her eyes. She's not a particularly likeable or warm woman--scarred by the scar she carries on her cheek, a woman who keeps herself remote from others. Perhpas that's so that we don't abandon the book when she's murdered. But I still think it's a bit unusual to spend so much time developing the characters of the intended victim--a technique perhaps that would only work in the hands of a masterful writer like James.
Excuse me, I've got to go. The children are "helping" put up new shelves in the playroom and the opening of the Olympics, the TV "Event of the Year," is being replayed.

Boxing Day

We did no boxing today, having thrown all the boxes away yesterday, but we treated the day like a holiday. Lisa and Colin did a Juju outing and dragged the kids to two places I wanted to go: Kenny & Ziggy's deli and Booked for Murder. I was so determined to eat ethnic food at the deli that I ordered a latke, which we shared, and chopped liver, thinking to compare it to what I usually get--I know, I know, I have to give it up. And today's serving was so big and rich that I am now through with it for a long time, definitely a good thing. But afterward, I wished I'd ordered one of their supersandwiches, like pastrami and tongue with Russian dressing. Just reading the menu is sheer delight for me.
Booked for Murder is one of the country's best murder bookstores. One of our authors suggested I go there, and I'd forgotten it but went happily, especially when I found out that all used books were 50% discounted. I got two hardbacks and two paperbacks for $11, not that I needed more reading material. Lesson learned: I bought a Phyllis Whitney novel, set in Norway--Whitney because I used to love reading her books, Norway because Lisa's mom grew up there, Lisa has visited often, and she's interested in cozies--so I thought this the perfect match. I'd read the book by Tuesday and leave it for her. Problem is the novel was written in 1972 and try as I might this afternoon, I couldn't get into it. It was too introspective, giving me all the troubles I often have with British cozies. I guess style in cozies changes--and then there's that age-old question of what authors' works will be read a hundred years from now--I don't guess Whiteny will make that cut. I gave up. I've started the newest P. D. James--it always takes me a while to get into her works too, but Mary Lu assures me it's such a wonderful book I should persevere--and besides, as Mary Lu says and I agree, she writes beautifully. Except I've already wished for a dictionary a couple of times.
I had given Lisa two books for Christmas--a Margaret Truman and a Diane Mott Davidson. Tonight we decided she should start with the Truman. All is quiet--I think the household is suffering from the "day after Christmas" letdown. Kegan slept in the car while we were out and about and so didn't get his good nap; Morgan "rested" briefly, ran and played, and then fell sound asleep on the couch for two hours. Now both are down, Colin's asleep, and Lisa and I are at our computers but ready to go to sleep.

Christmas Number Two

The Alters and Griesbachs ate Christmas dinner in their pajamas. When I think back to my childhood and the formal dinners--Dad in a starched white shirt, ceremonioiusly carving the turkey at the table, I know he is twirling in his grave. But we were all cooking and working in the kitchen and saw no reason to change into "good" clothes. So we happily ate in our pjs--and won't get out of them all day. Dinner was delicious. Instead of brining the turkey, we salted it last night with a lot of kosher salt, a variety of herbs, and some grated lemon peel. The gravy, made with shallots and white wine plus turkey drippings and canned broth, was delicious--and plentiful. I hate running out of gravy! Everything else was great, and we--being the grandparents--and cleaned the kitchen fairly quickly. Then everyone watched mesmerized as Lisa tried out the new WiiFit exerciser. Getting yourself established in it is a complicated program, but she did it and found her weight and body mass index were right on target. Offered a chance to try, I declined. I'll stick to my yoga. The directions to this suggest doing yoga on it. Now why would I want to do yoga on a balance board when I sometimes have enough trouble keeping my balance on a mat on the floor?

Now Lisa's parents, John and Torhild, have headed for Sugar Land--far south Houston--and the kids are playing. I thought both Colin and Kegan were down and out for the count (see picture above) but they both have revived.

I hope everyone had as blessed and happy a Christmas as we did. There's nothing like family.

Christmas Day

I kind of quit my Christmas Eve post in the middle and never got back to it, but Brandon told me this morning they were reading my blog to keep up with us, so this is for family and friends who want to know about Christmas in the Kingwood Alter household. I hope the others will reciprocate with pictures and emails.

This morning the children slept till almost 7:30--unprecedented in a household where they get up at five. When I wandered down about 7:15, thinking I had missed it all, Colin and Lisa were pacing the floor in anticipation--and disappointed that it was just me.

We had a traditional Alter Christmas--gifts from Santa and stockings opened, then a big breakfast, and only then opening gifts. Others who have married into the clan rebel at this tradition--B., I can hear you gritting your teeth. We had a chili releno casserole, a rich and very fattening but oh so good potato casserole, and bacon, orange juice and much coffee. Then came gifts, the highlight of which was a box of excelsior Colin gave to Morgan with a coupon saying her mother would clean it up. Morgan threw excelsior into the air by the handsful (Mel, I hope you read this spelling) and an excelsior fight ensued. We did all pitch in to clean it up. We opened gifts until the kids' eyes glazed over and then put a stack of children's presents aside to be opened later. Now we're getting ready to fix a traditional dinner--turkey, ham, green bean casserole, corn, stuffing, etc.

Morgan, just four months into being a three-year-old, is at the perfect age for Christmas, all agog about all of it. Last night she tried to rush me to bed, explaining she had heard Santa's sleigh nearby and he wouldn't come if I was sitting in the living room reading. I promised to hurry on to bed. This morning she was excited by everything, her eyes glowing--her daddy sent her on a treasure hunt to find the pink scooter she had wanted so badly, and she was even allowed to eat candy before breakfast. A great day.

Maybe more later--check back.

Christmas Eve and all the preparations

Christmas Eve and all the preparations are undeer way, including the making, from scratch, of a gingerbread house. Morgan wants to sleep on the couch, but she can't stay in the living room, because after all, Santa will be coming. Still to be baked, the Krispie Orange cookies that are Colin's favorite and what must be always laid out for Santa.

Relaxing with the holidays

In thinking about going to Houston, I was prepared to devote time to getting back to my mystery, but it hasn't happened--and I can see the holidays sliding by without it happening. My fellow members in Sisters in Crime would accuse me of not being dedicated enough, but . . . . Yesterday Lisa and I did what must have been at least two hours at SuperTarget, going from one end of the store to the other. I didn't have on good shoes for all that walking, even with arch supports, and today my right foot is paying the penalty. We also ran a couple of other errands, and in the afternoon went to Colin's office party--which was for children and adults both. In the evening, we looked at really elaborate hristmas lights.
This morning Lisa has gone to get a haircut. I slept until almost 8:30 and "putzed" around, reading email, eating breakfast, etc., and finally got my bed made and got dressed. It's not too cold but rainy, and I don't care if I stay indoors all day. I have good books to read. Tonight Colin says we're going to look at more lights.
Two interesting things tell me I'm really relaxed. My balance and self-confidence are so much better. I don't have to be sure I'm right next to somebody, and I negotiate parking lots and curbs better than usual--still need a hand on some curbs, but . . . .
Know that dream we all have about being enrolled in classes and when it's time for finals we discover we have been attending? I may have put it to rest last night, because in my dream I went to the faculty--it was my former professor and now colleague, Bob Frye, and said, "Look, we all know this is silly. I don't need an undergraduate degree. I have a Ph.D. and I'm seventy years old. I was just doing it because I liked the people I was running around with. I don't need paleontology 101 or first year French." They agreed, though one person suggeseted it was frivolous of me. I thought if I didn't have classes I could sleep late every morning (see how I'm enjoying not having to get up?) but then I realized I'd have to go back to my office, which I'd neglected all semester. When I went back, new people had taken over--a fund-raiser had appropriated my office and my personnel had all changed. I didn't know if there was room for me or not (oops! insecurities arising from another quarter!). It was all very interesting--but I'm curious now if the finals dream will return.
Morgan and Kegan are at daycare, and the house is quiet. I'm going to read before we get caught up in a round of cooking and errands.

Safely in Houston

Today I rode to Houston with people I didn't know--the driver works with Jordan and was a delightful young woman. She and family (two cars caravaned) were headed for Galveston and a cruise to Mexico. They were kind enough to bring me as far as Spring (north of Houston) where by pre-arrangement Colin met us at a Coney Island restaurant. So here I am settled in with two grandchildren who didn't take as long to remember me as I was afraid they would. It will be a busy week--cooking, shopping, Colin's office party (children and grandparents invited apparently). But it will also be a lazy week of reading and napping. And somehow I intend to get back to my mystery. But for ten days, I'm going to think as little as I can about my office.

Traveling

I'm not a graceful traveler. My horoscope sign is Cancer, and that means I'm a homebody. But I certainly don't want to be home alone on Christmas, so this year I'm going to Houston to be with Colin and his family. It will be a great chance to get to know Morgan (3) and Kegan (1-1/2) better--usually when we meet, it's among throngs of family. I'm leaving in the morning, at 9 a.m., riding with one of Jordan's colleagues who is going to Galveston for a cruise. Jordan said they could just let me out on I-45, which gave me visions of being shoved out the door of a car. Then Lisa said to tell them to take me to I-45 and 1960, but I complained I did not want to be left at an intersection--I wanted a McDonald's or something, a Stop 'n Go, some definite place. So they came up with a hot dog place--the name is in my purse--and Lisa said Colin will no doubt want to eat there. But, per orders from Jordan, I am taking a sandwich in the car--and some cookies.
I have spent today doing all those last-minute things you do when you're about to turn your house over to someone else for ten days--laundry, watering plants, dishwasher, cleaning the cat box thoroughly, sorting out what to give Jordan from the fridge. A former student will stay here Sunday and Monday since it will be very cold and Scooby can't stay outside; then Sue will take over. Her parents arrive Tuesday, so it works well for her to sleep either in the main house or in the apt.--her choice, unless it gets bitterly cold again. I told her she might find it more trouble to sleep with my animals than in a crowded small house with her parents and kids.
Tonight Jacob is spending the night. We had a jolly evening--periods of watching a DVD followed by periods of play and conversation I didn't quite get all of. Just now, at my desk, I heard this other-worldly voice calling, "Juju, Juju." I looked out the window, even went to the door, wondering if Sue's kids were out there. But Scooby didn't bark, and then of course I realized it was Jacob on the monitor. So I went in and loved him and told him he'd have a good sleep and Mommy and Daddy would come in the morning. He said, "Okay" and appeared to settle down. Earlier we watched a movie about "Do Claus" (Santa) and he commented on the "shew lights"--Christmas lights. Jacob is nothing if not imaginative.
I'm going to write some Christmas thank-you notes and go to sleep early. It will be a hectic morning, trying to juggle Jacob and last-minute packing.