Miss Ann Says

thoughts from everyday life
Miss Ann Says
  • About Me & Media Bio:
  • Speaker/Writer
  • Tag: randomness

    • a few good men

      Posted at 4:22 pm by missannsays, on January 3, 2014

      Today, I awoke to a sunny day. The sun was shining, the sky was blue, there wasn’t a cloud* to be seen and the ground was covered in snow definitely a picturesque setting. Wow, it is beautiful! Upon further investigation I realized my driveway hadn’t been plowed, my car was covered with snow and the deck would need to be shoveled before I could get wood for the wood burning stove. Oh, well I have enough wood for a while. I am going to play the “Scarlett O’Hara” card. “I can’t think about that right now. If I do, I’ll go crazy. I’ll think about that tomorrow”. πŸ™‚ So I checked the weather report which made the Scarlett O’Hara card seem even better. With the wind chill the temperature outside had a minus sign in front of it. No, thank you.

      And then a slight gloom started to set in. Actually a small pity party started to materialize. I was taken aback at first. What is this all about? Was it because I had a dull pain in my shoulder/neck? Most likely caused my carrying wood yesterday and then deciding that hurling wood over the deck rail onto the deck was a better mode of operation. Obviously from the pain in my shoulder, it was not. I took 2 Advil and thought about my funk. I realized that I was feeling sorry for myself. But why? The only reason I felt sorry for myself was I was going to have to be a participant in this snow day and not just an observer -see blog from yesterday. I was being a brat and felt alone.

      Breakfast was going to be needed before shoveling could begin. As I started to cook, I heard someone on the deck. It was the 10-year-old boy from across the street. Over the summer, I had arranged with my neighbor’s son to shovel a path to the Barn but I wasn’t sure if he would show up on such a cold day. He had shoveled yesterday but wasn’t sure if he would be back. Yes, he showed up and he brought his dad and older brother. After a brief “catching up on things” conversation, they asked if I wanted them to clear the snow off the car and shovel out the car. I explained that my snowplow guy wasn’t sure if he would have his truck back from repairs in time to plow thus why I had parked near the road. I mentioned I am not leaving until tomorrow but yes, that would be wonderful. A few moments later I heard the snowplow. Wow! There was a knock on the door asking for car keys to move the car so the driveway could be plowed. In less that 20 minutes, the driveway was plowed, my car was cleared and path was shoveled.

      As I glanced out the window, I was grateful. I smiled. I am an independent woman but on occasion I have grumbled to God that I have no men in my life (my husband, father and brother are deceased). I seem to grumble especially when there are things that I think a man would be better at. I am not so liberated or independent that I don’t want a man to do the heavy stuff. πŸ™‚ And on those occasions like today God reminds me that I am so wrong about that. First and foremost I have Him. God also reminded me of all the men in my life and as I thought about them and I smiled again. Today, I awoke to a sunny day. Today God blessed me with a few good men and boys. Thank you!

      *Side note: cloudless blue skies make me nervous. That however is a story or therapy session for another day.

      Posted in Uncategorized | 0 Comments | Tagged friendship, little things, randomness
    • let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

      Posted at 2:36 pm by missannsays, on January 2, 2014

      I enjoy a good snow storm. Let me clarify that! I enjoy a good snow storm when I don’t have to go anywhere and when those I love don’t have to go anywhere. Also I enjoy it when the neighborhood kids are willing to shovel my deck and driveway. And my car is in the garage. So basically I enjoy a good snow storm when I am an observer. Think about it when you are inside warm, feed and cozy what is there not to like. When the decision of whether this or that is happening or not happening is made for you, that is great. The should I venture out or not venture out is not good but take the decision out of my hands and I am delighted.

      Of course when my daughters were little and I owned my studio the whole “possible” snow storm scenario was not a welcome thing. “How much snow and when is it starting? “Is it going to be bad by me but good in NJ?” “Is there school?” The whole thing was crazy. Mostly because I lived 26 miles and at least one mountain away from my studio and my daughter’s school. So basically what was happening at my house may have had (and many times did have) no bearing on where I needn’t to be. It was stressful. If there was a storm forecast, I usually wanted a giant storm over the entire Metro New York area so no one could question or comment on the decision not to have classes. I mean a big storm starting preferably at midnight and continuing all day but please don’t happen on the same day as the last storm. There have been winters when it snows on the same day of the week. One year Tuesdays kept misses classes.

      When Emily was in third or fourth grade there was so many snow days that it snowed on the scheduled vacation day that was a make up snow day. A matter of fact, I remember telling Emily “if you ever get to go to school, bring home all your books.” πŸ™‚

      Today there is a snow storm heading my way. It is a named storm which is just wrong. Could we stop naming snow storms? I don’t get it. Anyway I am safely at the Barn aka my weekend house. There is supposed to be a Ladies Time Out @ the Barn Friday evening until Saturday but we will see. In preparing to spend a few days here, I let my neighbors at my primary residence know I will be away and asked if someone could please shovel. I also suggested that my neighbor park one of their cars in my garage because why let a garage sit empty. I am toasty warm and have supplies. I may fill the bath tub with water if it gets windy because I have a well at the Barn and no electricity could be problematic. The wood burning stove is supplying heat so I am hunkered down. When it is time to leave, I do know I will have to shovel my car out because there is no garage at the Barn. 😦 But I am thinking maybe the weather will get warm and the snow will melt before I decide to leave πŸ™‚

      Posted in daily life, Uncategorized | 0 Comments | Tagged little things, randomness
    • Christmas stories

      Posted at 8:30 pm by missannsays, on December 17, 2013

      The one of the many things I enjoy about decorating for Christmas is unwrapping and displaying the different items and remembering the stories associated with them.

      1. Some have funny stories like my handmade wooden reindeer, a gift from a student, that has burnt antlers because years ago Bruce accidentally threw the antlers into the fireplace. I walked in the room and said “what happened to his antlers” and there was a strange look, a fireproof glove and a hand reaching into the fire to retrieve it. Or there is the slightly gnawed on wooden tree, a gift my brother-in-law had made, that the dog decided to eat. Others have sentimental stories like the adorable clothes pin nativity scene Emily made in elementary school. Yes, mommies save and cherish those projects.

      IMG_0620
      IMG_0625

      2. Some have travel/adventure stories like my travel ornaments. I personally think that ornaments are the best kind of souvenirs so my Christmas tree is decorated with a fuzzy bear from Alaska, a buffalo from Mount Rushmore, a pretty hand painted ball ornament with a scuba diver from St Thomas and an official Plaza Hotel ornament.
      IMG_0622

      IMG_0621

      IMG_0623

      3. My daughters learned early on that books were the one thing mom would buy them so we have many books and many Christmas books full of wonderful stories. Golden books, pop up books, classics, poetry and gift books – A Cup of Christmas Tree, God with Us, The legend of the Christmas Prayer, What does Christmas Sound Like?, A Family Christmas, and The Legend of The Three Trees to name a few. A few years ago I didn’t put the little kid books out and Meghan commented “what happened to the kiddie books? I still like to look through them.” Thus why the kiddie Christmas books are still displayed.

      4. By far the best Christmas decorations are those made with paper, glue and a photo of those you love. For those decorations come with a lifetime of stories.
      IMG_0624

      Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment | Tagged Christmas, family, kid stuff, little things, randomness, travel
    • the butcher, the baker and the candlestick maker

      Posted at 8:29 am by missannsays, on November 28, 2013

      I had an “aha” moment this morning. I was thinking about what I need to do before I head to PA via Toms River. I need to stop and pick up the raspberry tart I ordered. Wait!!! I said I won’t shop on Thanksgiving. And then the “aha” moment. Some stores were always open on Thanksgiving – the butcher, the baker and the candlestick maker. Modern equivalent – the convenience store, the bakery and the gas station. With a little planning, you could always get things you needed on Thanksgiving – milk, bread, fuel. Maybe you had to drive to the next town or go first thing in the morning because the bakery closed at 11 but you could get what you needed. And somewhere through the years the mindset changed and now you can get what you want on Thanksgiving. You may not need it but you want it. And you want it today! I don’t know who is to blame if there even is someone or something to blame but won’t it be great if our wants and needs were the same thing (at least for one day)

      I pray that our very basic needs of food, clothing, shelter, education, health, peace of mind and friendship will be met. And I also pray that I will have eyes to see, ears to hear, a heart that cares and hands to help. Happy Thanksgiving. πŸ™‚

      Posted in Uncategorized | 0 Comments | Tagged friendship, little things, randomness, telling the next generation
    • randomness X 3

      Posted at 8:10 pm by missannsays, on November 23, 2013

      0141. On Friday morning as I was preparing to travel into the National September 11 Memorial to lead a tour for a daughter’s friend, I dropped an earring down the bathroom sink. You know that feeling when you watch and think it isn’t going to go down, it is too big, it can’t possibly fit under that little space. And then the earring is gone, just gone. It seems impossible. The stopper wasn’t even open all the way. So in a moment of “no worries, I can fix this problem” I proceed to remove all the towels and stuff from under the sink and unscrew that “little thing” and now my lack of any knowledge of plumbing has caught up with me. I place all the little pieces on the bathroom counter, tidy up the pile of towels, leave my side door unlocked and head to NYC. I call my plumber from my cell phone and leave him message. And when I get home the bill ($75) with the following tip was on my bathroom counter “always close drain when putting on jewelry”. This morning my plumber called. He wanted to share a story that happened yesterday afternoon after he had taken care of my issue. His 8-year-old daughter recently had her ears pierced and yesterday she was changing her earrings for the first time. He walks into the bathroom to make sure she has closed the drain. He comments “make sure you close the drain”. She comments “Dad, everyone knows to do that.” well, maybe not everyone πŸ™‚

      2. This past week on the radio they were announcing that President Obama and First Lady, Michelle Obama, would be laying a wreath at Arlington National Cemetery in remembrance of the fiftieth anniversary of the assassination of President Kennedy. They also announced that the Obamas would be joined by former President Bill Clinton and his wife Hillary Rodman Clinton. I just found it weird that Hilary Clinton who has been an US Senator and the Secretary of State was only referred to as “Bill’s wife” not even former First Lady. Really???

      3. A recent visitor to the memorial commented “I am glad the survivor tree isn’t perfect. It is okay there aren’t branches on the one side because everything changed that day. I am glad it is thriving but it is good to remember that it was changed” Something to ponder.

      Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment | Tagged little things, randomness, respect, September 11
    • all done up and dvds

      Posted at 10:02 pm by missannsays, on October 26, 2013

      On Thursday evening, I attended the 28th Annual Gala for the New York Police and Fire Widows’ and Children’s Fund. What an amazing event. Over the past twelve years I have been blessed to receive a yearly check from the Benefit Fund. On September 11 of this year I meet the chairman of the board of directors of the Benefit Fund when we were both invited to ring the bell at the NASDAQ. This year when invitation to attend the gala arrived I looked at it more closely and thought maybe I will go. While having lunch a few days after the invitation had arrived, two of my FDNY widow friends decided we would get “dressed up” and attend together. We figured we would have fun being together and really why would you turn down an invitation to dinner at the Waldorf! We decided we would rent a limo so we didn’t have to drive and to be honest attending a gala at the Waldorf Astoria sounded like something you should arrive in a limo for. We sounded like three teenage girls planning for the prom. πŸ™‚

      I decided my hair needed to be cut so I scheduled my appointment for the morning of the gala because my hair only looks really good right after my hairstylist has done it. I figured I probably should get my nails done as well. While I was at the salon getting my nails and hair done, my hairdresser commented “you should get your make up done, too” so I did. I was all “done up!”

      The entire evening was lovely. There was a cocktail hour, dinner,a live auction to raise money for the fund and then an after party. When we arrived we checked in and were given a Swarovski crystal bracelet and our table number. We were seated with other beneficiaries. Our table was right down front behind the head tables. Mayor Michael Bloomberg set directly behind me. Rusty Staub was at the Mayor’s table. FDNY Commissioner Sal Cassano was diagonally to my right. Mark Messier was one table away. There were probably many “movers and shakers” and dignitaries there but those are not the circles I travel in so I wasn’t aware. Plus my daughters say “I never know who anyone is” which is true. Before the event I was thinking that I might feel like Cinderella but to be honest I felt nothing but gratitude. I was grateful for good friends. I was grateful for such an amazing opportunity. I was grateful for a delicious meal. I was grateful for the generosity of people. I was grateful for the kindness of strangers. As we were transitioning into the after party, I made a point of thanking Mr. Staub for the invitation to attend the event as well as thanking him for the generosity of the Benefit Fund. He gave me a big hug.

      092 During the after party, they had a raffle. My friends and I each bought $20 worth of raffle tickets and proceeded to put our tickets in the containers of the items we hoped to win. There was a “Blue Bloods” gift basket with autographed DVDs, an autographed photo of the cast, baseball hat, beach towel and t-shirt. I placed two of my raffle tickets in that container and shared with my friends a story about Blue Blood DVDs. Every year my daughters ask what I want for Christmas and my yearly response is “Peace on Earth, Goodwill towards men.” Last year when they asked I said “Blue Blood DVDs”. They responded “What no peace on earth, no goodwill towards men.” I chuckled and I said “yes I want that too”. Guess what, I won the Blue Bloods gift basket. I now own two sets of Blue Blood DVDs πŸ™‚

      FYI according to their Facebook page “Since the Benefit Fund’s inception in 1985 by Daniel J. “Rusty” Staub, the Benefit Fund has distributed over $123 million to the families of New York City police and fire personnel who have been killed in the line of duty. Though the Benefit Fund was initially created to assist families of New York City Fire Fighters and Police Officers, we now include the families of Emergency Medical Services and Port Authority Officers as well. In 1987 we provided 320 families with annual financial assistance and by 2010, we made the same commitment to nearly 700 families. Our need has certainly grown, but our mission remains pure: help children and spouses who lost a loved one in the line of duty, charged with the task of keeping our families safe.”

      Thank you!!!

      Posted in Uncategorized | 0 Comments | Tagged friendship, little things, randomness, September 11
    • Travel Tuesdays S1E24 – Greenwich Village

      Posted at 8:00 am by missannsays, on October 8, 2013

      IMG_1971

      Only in Greenwich Village can you stand on the corner of Waverly Place and Waverly Place – one of the many quirky little streets that makes Greenwich Village an exciting place to explore but a little difficult to navigate. A few friends and I had a delightful time two weeks ago exploring Greenwich Village with Judith Pucci of Downtown Tours. I know Judith from the 9-11 Tribute Center where we are both docents. Judith, a longtime Greenwich Village resident, leads a wonderful, informative walking tour of her neighborhood. Judith tells the story of Greenwich Village by sharing historical facts on three events that shaped the area – the grid, yellow fever epidemic and the big cut. She has wonderful anecdotes to share. Did you know that Gay Street isn’t named for a feeling of happiness or for a sexual preference? It is named after the land owner, Mr. Gay.IMG_1984
      IMG_1980
      Also learned that NYU owns all the land around Washington Square Park but the city owns the park. It made me feel smart when Judith asked “has anyone read Washington Square by Henry James?” I was able to answer yes since the library book club read it last year. πŸ™‚

      Judith is a wealth of information, wonderful storyteller and an excellent tour guide. You won’t be disappointed if you take a tour with her. I have included a link to her website. https://sites.google.com/site/downtowntoursnyc

      Posted in books, daily life | 0 Comments | Tagged randomness, reading list, travel thoughts
    • Travel Tuesdays – S1 E23 autumn foliage

      Posted at 7:35 pm by missannsays, on September 24, 2013

      fall_peak_ne_720x486

      I love living in the northeast. The northeast enjoys four distinct seasons. Even though lately one season seems to leap-frog over another and then we go back to the “correct” season. Warm weather in April then back to rain in May and then back to whatever in June. The last few days I have been noticing that the leaves are starting to change color. When my daughters were growing up, they commuted with me to my work, their childcare then their elementary school and eventually high school. This time of year I would ask “which coloring is winning?”. Basically to keep them entertained and on occasion as a teachable moment about seasons or colors or creation. As the year’s past and my daughter’s grew too old for the color game, but every now and then one of them would randomly say “I think orange is winning”. πŸ™‚ Today as I drove that same route I smiled and thought I think green is still winning but soon it will orange or yellow or red. From the looks of the fall foliage map, you have time to plan a drive to check out “what color is winning?” Don’t forget your camera. And why not stop for some cider and donuts.

      Autumn Leaves
      The autumn leaves swirl to the ground in their millions.
      Gold, russet, ochre, burnt umber, and deep vermillion.
      Down to the ground, the dying leaves flit and flutter;
      On to the grassy bank, the pathway, and into the gutter.

      Some of the colours of the leaves are deep and so very rich.
      Whirling along the ground, some leaves tumble into the ditch.
      A thick layer of multicoloured leaves now carpets the earth,
      Leaving the trees bare, in readiness, for next spring’s rebirth.

      With changing leaf colours, many people love this time of year,
      But, that summer is well and truly over, it is now perfectly clear.
      The many colours mixed together are a magical sight to behold;
      I love the shades of yellow, crimson, sienna, and ruby red, so bold.

      Some leaves are mottled, with two glorious colours or more;
      Adding to the fabulous display, which now lies upon the floor.
      Children love nothing better, than to frolic through the fallen leaves;
      When workmen collect them up, they’re left feeling very aggrieved.

      Even though the weather is getting cold, the colours look so warm.
      Fiery reds and oranges, and golden hues, like those of ripened corn.
      Photographers find this time of year, so very evocative and inspiring;
      The spectacular displays before them, they spend much time admiring.

      As the season draws on, the once vibrant colours begin to dull and fade.
      Soon, all that is left are brown leaves, which once boasted brilliant shades.
      When leaves first change their colour, they create much admired foliage,
      But with age and weather, over the coming weeks, there is much spoilage.

      I love the dark green leaves, with their edges tinged with a brilliant red.
      But, alas, those colours will fade, now that the leaf is no longer being fed.
      The crisp, bright colours can offer cheer on even the very dullest of days,
      But in our minds, we know it won’t be long before winter comes our way.

      Angela Wybrow

      Posted in daily life, kid stuff, memories | 0 Comments | Tagged kid stuff, little things, randomness
    • this day in history

      Posted at 7:58 pm by missannsays, on September 5, 2013

      I heard on the radio that today is the day in 1972 when eleven members of the Israeli Olympic delegation and 1 police officer were killed in Munich due to a terrorist attack. I remember that event. I can still see the images of the bus being blown up on the runway. I was horrified that such a thing could happen at the Olympics. I wrote a poem about it and I actually still have that poem. What I understand now, that I never could have dreamt then would be a possibility is that I can appreciate it what it feels like to have a “personal loss in the midst of an international tragedy”.

      They had a dream
      to try for the team,
      They trained with such sweat
      and then they met,
      Teams with youthful thoughts
      in harmony they fought.

      Whether bronze, silver or gold,
      a medal they hold.
      Seven belonged to one,
      many received none.
      Teams with youthful thoughts
      in harmony they fought.

      Suddenly struck the tragic crime
      which left elven with no time,
      It is a terrible shame
      that gloom had to come to the game,
      Teams with youthful thoughts
      in harmony they fought.

      Teams with a youthful cry
      trying to understand why.

      Today is also the anniversary of Mother Teresa’s death. “Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.” ― Mother Teresa

      Read more: This Day in History: September 5 | Infoplease.com http://www.infoplease.com/dayinhistory/September-5#ixzz2e46vOa1F

      Posted in memories | 0 Comments | Tagged following Jesus, little things, randomness, September 11
    • elevators, punch lines and tweets.

      Posted at 8:02 pm by missannsays, on August 29, 2013

      Sometimes, I wonder. Today I had 3 “interesting” elevator experiences. This afternoon, I had a meeting with a Japanese reporter at the September 11 Family Association offices. I headed over there after supporting the 11 o’clock tour and leading the 1 o’clock tour at the 9/11 WTC Tribute Center. (I mention that to show that maybe I was tired). Security in NYC doesn’t allow you to just walk into most office buildings. I checked in and was allowed through the security gates and pushed the button on the panel to “call” for an elevator. The panel lets you know which elevator is “yours”. You don’t get in any elevator. A designated elevator arrives and then delivers you to that specific floor. When you get in the elevator you don’t push a button for your floor like you do in a hotel. Anyway, I wasn’t paying attention and got on the wrong elevator which I had to ride all the way to the 33rd floor and back down again to the lobby. The guy on the elevator commented “I think you are on the wrong elevator but don’t worry it goes down faster than it goes up” which was actually a worrisome idea.

      After my interview, I exited the offices and pushed the button to go down. The elevator came, I got in and waited. I thought wow, it is taking a little long to go 8 floors. Duh!?! Going down you have to push the L lobby button. And to finish my weird elevator day, when I got in the elevator at the parking garage a rabbi, a mobster and 3 steel workers got in too and I wanted to laugh out loud. Instead I tweeted “A steel worker, a rabbi & a mobster get in an elevator. Not punch line for a joke but stereotypes of who was just in the elevator with me!!” Go figure. Your average day in NYC. Hope stuff like this happens to other people or is it just me.

      Speaking of elevators, my daughter was afraid of elevators when she was young. Every now and then I would catch her playing in the bathroom with her dolls. She would be opening and closing the door and when asked what she was doing she would say “I am playing elegator.” That isn’t a typo, she called “elevators, elegators” πŸ™‚

      Posted in daily life | 0 Comments | Tagged little things, randomness
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