Friday's FIVE!

My brother, Roger celebrates his birthday next week - on June 3rd. He lives in San Antonio with is wife and two youngest children, Delaney- (3) and Waylon (5 mo.). His oldest children, Jack (almost 20) and Allie (18) live in Indiana. While my brother cannot carry a tune in a bucket - he has never (successfully) played a musical instrument - and he certainly isn't known for his amazing rhythm... however, when it comes to music - pop - rock - current or early ... he knows it. If I ever have a music trivia question - I know I can call on him to come up with the answer.
I love this about my brother - he appreciates music as much as any musician with a major in the fine art. So - this week, in honor of my brother - as he celebrates his birthday...
my Friday FIVE! is a collection of songs or artists that make me think of him everytime I hear them played. There are so many songs and artists that he loves... and yet, for some reason... the following are the first few that come to mind....

1. Van Morrison - Real, Real Gone .... I'm really not sure why I think of him when I hear Van Morrison, I know he likes him... but I don't know how or why I remember that...
I just know that when I hear Van Morrison sing - I think of my brother. I do remember when we could first record on Casssette tapes - he recorded several of his albums for me... and a lot of them were Van Morrison albums. After all, I am brown eyed girl! http://www.vanmorrison.co.uk/

2. Mama's and the Papa's - My first "real" album... it was one of his... and I don't know if he had two of them or if he really didn't like it - but he gave me a Mama's and Papa's album from his collection of albums. I was probably 9 or 10 years old and he is 5 years older than me..... I thought it was just the coolest thing ever that my 'teenage' brother would give me one of his albums. I love the harmony of the group - and Mama Cass's beautiful alto voice.
Creeque Alley is still one of my all time favorite songs. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Mamas_and_the_Papas

3. Del Amitri - Roll to Me
A 1995 song that is one of my favorites... and during our 'divorce' days, I learned that it was also one of his. Roger and I were never real 'close' in the way that some siblings can be - I always loved him and looked up to him, after all, he was my big brother - but to share a close emotional sibling relationship eluded us because of the distance between us. I don't mean to imply there was animosity or competition or uneasiness between us - because there wasn't that either... we just weren't, glued at the hip - tell each other all of our secrets siblings. However, during our divorces in 2001 - we had each other.... and we became closer than we had ever been. Although it was a very difficult time, I cherish that time that I had with him. When the world was crumbling... we had each other. I will never forget that. It was during that time... that I learned he also loved Del Amitri - Roll to Me! It was a time when I learned I had more in common with my brother than I ever knew. http://www.delamitri.com/

4. Country Joe and the Fish
He was a teenager - he had friends in Viet Nam. I was afraid he would have to go. He had peace signs in his room, he had long hair and a bunch of non-conformist friends that made us laugh everyday. Roger would have his albums playing on his complex stereo system that he built himself... and while the Woodstock album was played often enough for me to remember the words...I can still hear my mother's voice calling to him down the hall...
"Roger - turn that OFF" as Country Joe bellowed..."GIMME AN 'F'".... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Country_Joe_and_the_Fish


5. Neil Young
I think Roger wanted to be Neil Young when he grew up - I remember hearing Neil Young, Crosby Stills and Nash and Crosby Stills Nash and Young the most - "After the Goldrush" with Tell Me Why and Southern Man. De'ja Vu with Helpless and Everybody I Love You!.
That is good stuff!!!! He loved it - I bet he still loves it... and I love it still... I love the sound of Neil Young and the rest of the CCNY voices but I also love the memories that it brings back... as I think of my brother. http://www.neilyoung.com/

Honorable mention... (this list could go on and on and on and on....)
Eddie Vetter - Last Kiss
Four Seasons - Big Girls Don't Cry
Jimi Hendrix

I love my brother - and I love to share music with him.
I hope this has your iPod spinnin' tonight Roger -

Have a GREAT week Big Bro!

Happy Birthday, I love you!

At the Bayou!

Painting at the Bayou.... silence - laughter - joy - friendship - happiness - concern - anxiety -
silence - love - creativity - saddness - tears - support - nostalgic - frustrated - hungry -
satisfied - accomplished - silence - love ... Painting at the Bayou with Nicki!

Lankenau's Luau on Yellow Creek Lake

We are in the process of planning our 6th annual

"Lankenau's Luau on Yellow Creek Lake".

This is such a fun day - neighbors and friends.... near and far gather for food, drink and fun in the sun. It has become somewhat of a "reunion" for old lake friends that no longer come to YCL - and it is a time for our neighbors to gather and our family and out of town friends to enjoy a day at the lake. The festivities are planned for

Saturday - July 5th ... and as always... we are looking very forward to this highlight of the summer!

Trevor's first weekend at YCL!

We are having a wonderful Memorial Day weekend at Yellow Creek Lake! Katie and Tyler and Trevor have come to visit. We miss Phil, because he works Saturday, Sunday & Monday nights... however, it is Phil's work schedule that gives us this precious time to spend with our grandsons and Katie....So, while we do miss Phil, it is wonderful to have this time with Katie and the boys.

Tyler and Trevor are the 5th generation of my family to enjoy Yellow Creek Lake... the joy of family, friends, fun in the sun, and evenings around camp fires - roasting hot dogs and Marshmallows.

We had a great visit with Grandma today - and we enjoyed KFC and an assortments of salads - and Grandma's homebaked pies!

I'm so blessed - I love living at the lake with my peaceful husband- it often feels like we are on vacation all the time. I love sharing the lake with my children and my grandchildren. I love it when Mom comes up - and we all share this legacy that Grandpa and Grandma Pence started for us in the early 1930's....

PS: Betsy & Debbie - We hope you had a great time at Summer Camp... We Miss You -

Friday's FIVE!

I have been a strong supporter of Victims of Domestic Abuse for several years - I have lived abuse and I've loved other victims who have lived domestic abuse... and in honor of my friend, Lisa Mora - who died at the hands of her abusive husband one year ago today, this week's Friday's FIVE! is a simple focus of my favorite references and websites that support victims of domestic abuse.

I encourage any person involved in an abusive situation to GET OUT - GET HELP! There IS life after abuse. You can be peaceful and happy!

1. http://www.ndvh.org/

National Domestic Violence Hotline

1-800-799-SAFE

This website - and this telephone number can direct you to your local agencies that support victims of domestic violence.

2. http://www.ncadv.org/

National Coalition Against Domestic Violence

This is another National organization that offers a lot of valuable information - and support.

3. "The Verbally Abusive Relationship"

Patricia Evans

http://www.amazon.com/Verbally-Abusive-Relationship-Recognize-Respond/dp/1558505822/ref=pd_bbs_7_s9_rk?ie=UTF8&s=books&s9r=8afd079f0ea9078e010eba7fd5df0136&itemPosition=7&qid=1211331830&sr=8-7

Patricia Evans has several books on Verbal Abuse - Domestic violence usually begins with Verbal abuse, but ends in more physical violence. A search on Amazon or at your public library on"Domestic Abuse" will direct you to many good resources.

4. "Life Strategies"

Dr. Phil McGraw

http://www.amazon.com/Life-Strategies-Doing-Works-Matters/dp/0786884592

While this book isn't directly written for survivors of domestic violence - it was many of these 'Life Strategies' that helped me find my own way out of my own domestic abuse. Dr. Phil's "Life Laws" teach you principles necessary for being treated with dignity and respect.

5. Dr. Irene's Verbal Abuse Website

http://www.drirene.com/

This site is created, owned, operated, and funded by Dr. Irene Matiatos. I believe the site has been up and running since at least 1996 - and during the worst of my roller coaster, this website gave me an avenue to voice my pain. I had personal correspondence with Dr. Irene - before and after I divorced - and her support was so eye opening and valuable to me.

PLEASE DO WHAT YOU CAN DO TO END THE LEGACY OF ABUSE...!!!!!!!!!

In Memory of Lisa Mora

One year ago today, my friend, Lisa Mora was murdered by her husband, Omar Mora - with her mother and two young sons (7 & 2) witnessing the violent murder. Lisa lived in an abusive relationship - and was controlled by her abusive husband for years. Sadly, many people were not aware of the abuse that was going on in their home, and were suprised that Omar could do such a thing. This is the pattern for abusers ... convincing everyone else they are charming people, while they emotionally, verbally, physically and sexually abuse their partners. Isolation is their goal, while attempting to convince their victims that they are responsible for the behavior. Abuse leaves a terrible legacy that is passed down from generation to generation. Abuse can be emotional, physical, verbal, substance or sexual, but the same patterns and behaviors develop in the victim - and the children that are witness to abuse live a life that examples the abuse as normal and acceptable behavior, thus resulting in a destiny of a lifetime of abuse.

The legacy must be stopped -
Break the Silence .... Make a Call.
National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE)
http://www.ndvh.org/

HELP FIND OMAR MORA
OMAR MORA fled the scene and has not been seen since. In July 2007, his truck was found in Chicago. He is suspected to be in Mexico.

http://www.amw.com/fugitives/brief.cfm?id=45464
AMERICA'S MOST WANTED
1-800-CRIME-TV

REST IN PEACE LISA,
WE MISS YOU!

My New Shoes!!!

Here are my new shoes and Wally, the walker, my new walking buddy for the next few weeks. I went to the Dr. yesterday - and everything seems to be going well. I believe I'm in less pain this time than I was 1 week post surgery with the other two surgeries (Sept 2007 & Dec 2007) on my left foot. I return to have the sutures removed next week - and then consult with the physician on June 20th to see if the pin is ready to be removed. If it is not - I will have to wait until the week of July 7th. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that June 20th is sufficient - while I certainly want to make sure the fusion is successful this time. For those of you facing removal of a Morton's Neuroma or Metatarsophalangeal fusion... having been through both surgeries twice... I recommend following Dr. orders - and avoid cortizone injections and leave pins in as long as possible. I believe the two cortizone injections in my left foot to 'stave' off surgery to remove the neuroma - probably compromised the volar plate in my foot - resulting in the hammertoe and the necessity of the Metatrsophalangeal fusion and tendon transfers. The first attempt to fuse resulted in a 'non-union' and required a second fusion surgery. In the mean time... all the weight bearing and compression on my right foot resulted in another Mortons Neuroma in my RIGHT foot. This time - the neuroma was removed without prior cortizone injections. The neuroma on my left foot was in the less common location between the 2nd and 3rd toe - the neuroma on my right foot was between my 3rd and 4th toe, the location of 80% of all neuromas.

Here is my disclaimer - If you are squeamish - the photos below are not pleasant....
If not ... and you have done a blog search for Morton's Neuroma or Hammertoe repair.... the following will help with your expectation of incision locations and results 1 week Post Op.

PS: For my family and friends have that enjoyed my party trick... looks like my unique ability to 'flip the toe' will remain intact!!!!

Spring Planting

My Spring planting is done - I have fertilized for the first time.... and now - I can recover from my surgery among a beautiful canvas of color.... I love taking care of my flowers, preening, and plucking and picking.... and I love that every boat that passes enjoys my flowers as much as I do!


I bought 'sap' buckets on ebay this year.... I've used a lot of dichondria in these pots...so it will vine and hang well below these pots by the end of the summer. Some of the pots are filled with impatients - others have petunias.


another 'sap' bucket with dichondria and brachyscome -
most of my goods were purchased at Anderson's in Warsaw...but I'll stop at any greenhouse along the road!!!

http://angelo-bernacchi.com/
I bought these BRIGHT ORANGE geraniums at Bernacchi's in LaPorte, IN. I love them!!!! The front porch is planted in HOT colors to inspire the Margarativille atmosphere that we enjoy....Living on Lake time!


Lots of purple, hot pinks and oranges...in clay pots.
In a few weeks - the pots won't even be visable. I love Osteospermum - in Lemon Symphony, Melon Symphony and Soprano, a dark purple daisy like flower. I love the Cherry Blossom superbells and new this season, Dreamsicle.


Spiral rush, geraniums, superbells and Margarita Sweet potato vine will cover the steps.


Pink Verbena, brachyscome, bacopa, sweet potato vine and geraniums fill watering cans,
pails and minnow buckets.


More geraniums, brachyscome and a heart Ivy Topiary, sweet potato vine and Osteospermum.


I love this galvanized container - It was a gift from my brother and sister-in-law and it has
"Lankenau" embossed on the front. It is packed full of a purple assortment of annuals including Osteospermum and trailing purple Superbells with some bacopa hanging on the outside of the steps.


The front planter boxes filled with superbells, lobelia, dichondria, bacopa and Peters Gold Carpet (Bidens)



The side porch has many supertunias.... raspberry blast, vists bubblegum and vista cotton candy. I've used a lot of licorice and marguarite daisies with Diamond Frost Eurphorbia.




My wrought iron antique container filled with "hot" impatients and coleus




A basket of purple osteospermum, bacopa and bordeaux petunias on a stump under the arch.
The Archway is covered with Akebia and Sweet Autumn clematis that was a start from my mother-in-law, Jan. They vines have been established for about 5 years and are really beginning to take off. I enjoy the archway as it is where my bird feeder is and the house wren nests each year. It is just outside the window from our dining table and I enjoy watching the perennials come up. The iris is a Pink iris that Janet Kirkwood shared with me. I treated Janets grand-daughter and Janet became a very good friend. I think of her everytime the pink iris blooms.
Its early, and the plants have just been planted - I will post more photos as they mature.

Addendum....

In honor of Katie's 28th birthday - my Friday FIVE! this week focused on the things that Katie and I enjoy doing together... however, there is one thing that I didn't include in the Friday FIVE! that is certainly worth an addendum - and possibly could have been top on the list of the Friday FIVE! When Katie was just 13 years old - we took our first family trip to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Little did we know, that it would become a family favorite vacation spot. We have since returned many, many times - and hiked many, many different trails in the National Park. Katie celebrated her 16th birthday on the Abrams Falls trail - and Betsy celebrated her 16th birthday on the Alum Cave Bluff trail. Two years ago - we took Tyler, the next generation to hike Andrews Bald. Discussing this with Katie today - we realized that there are so many things that we love about hiking in the smokies - packing the sandwiches for lunch on the trail, the sights and smells and vistas to enjoy on the trail, the time together, the silence, the hustle and bustle of downtown Gatlinburg and the taste of the cold beer after the hike - just to mention a few. There is just so much to enjoy - together as a group ... or just with our partners. We have passed this love on to a new generation....and before long, we'll be planning a trip to introduce Trevor to the Smokies.....

Homemade Noodles!

One of Katie's favorite meals is her Momma's Homemade Noodles...

When I would make noodles when Katie and Betsy were little - I had to shoo them out of the kitchen area or they would eat the noodles raw before they had a chance to cook. So, for Katie... in honor of her birthday month - I am posting my Homemade Noodle Recipe -

Mindy's Homemade Egg Noodles

1 Cup Bread Flour

1 T Vegetable Oil

3/4 tsp. salt

3 T Water

1 Egg

Bread flour for rolling and dusting

Place four in a medium bowl - make a well in the center and add the rest of the ingredients. With a fork, stir to combine until a ball of dough forms. Turn out onto a lightly floured space and knead until a smooth dough is achieved - about 5 minutes. Cover dough with tea towel and allow to rest for 45 minutes.

Cut dough in half. Roll out one-half to approx. 14X8inch rectangle, not quite paper thin. Sprinkle dough surface lightly with a bit more flour, flip over, and sprinkle more flour on the other side. Transfer to a tea towel and repeat with remaining dough. Allow the rolled out dough to stand 20-30 minutes.

Roll dough up like a jelly roll, starting from the short side. Use a very sharp knife, cut the noodles about 3/8" wide. Unroll each slice onto the tea towel, sprinkle with a bit more flour and allow to stand until noodles are completely dry - this may take several hours, depending on the humidity in the air or the amount of moisture in the flour.

We like to cook our noodles in a very rich, chicken broth seasoned with clove.

I love the satisfied look on the faces of my family as they enjoy the taste of the rich homemade noodles!!