Happy
Martisor !
This has been sent by Cati to all the women and girls, big and small in the family!
The Romanian writing on the card says: "First Day of Spring" - which March First was according to some Roman calendar. (I am minutes from March 1st)
For those with slight Romanian roots, here is the story:
the essential prt of the Martisor is the little thread in the lower right corner of the picture. It's made of red and white silk, twisted together. It was the custom with the Romans to make this gift representing passion and purity to the women in their lives. The custom survived EXCLUSIVELY in Romania.
There is another tradition connected to this: save your Martisor thread until you see the first tree in blossom. Tie it around that branch and make a whish (Maya and I did it for a couple of years)
Friday, February 28, 2003
Birthday Party for Jack and Alex
took place today in Rehovot, Israel. From the phone where I participated, everyone seemed to have a good time. Tania and Dodo were happy to have their sons home and so were the birthday boys - ahem - men.
They both sounded good. Jacky was very pleased with the weblog, their birthday announcement ("I showed my friends that I am famous"). He only objected to the actual pics - so any time I'll get better ones, they'll be replaced.
It fell good talking to them all and hearing the two brothers close, and helping each other cope.
took place today in Rehovot, Israel. From the phone where I participated, everyone seemed to have a good time. Tania and Dodo were happy to have their sons home and so were the birthday boys - ahem - men.
They both sounded good. Jacky was very pleased with the weblog, their birthday announcement ("I showed my friends that I am famous"). He only objected to the actual pics - so any time I'll get better ones, they'll be replaced.
It fell good talking to them all and hearing the two brothers close, and helping each other cope.
Thursday, February 27, 2003
Tuesday, February 25, 2003
Saturday, February 22, 2003
Friday, February 21, 2003
Happy Birthday
Ilinca
Here pictured four years ago, after Eden's birth (newer photos welcome). Be happy Ilinca with all those you love!
Ilinca
Here pictured four years ago, after Eden's birth (newer photos welcome). Be happy Ilinca with all those you love!
Tuesday, February 18, 2003
Also, after Victor's birthday
We stil did not get to celebrate him with a dinner out, but here's his birthday... pie
We stil did not get to celebrate him with a dinner out, but here's his birthday... pie
Weather update
It snowed through the night and some today. We are all home - a snow day nicely came after the Presidents' Day yesterday, keeping Victor home (Maya is on vacation).
They went on the roof to try to build a snowman Snow was blocking the door to the roof shut so they ended building it indoors .
It snowed through the night and some today. We are all home - a snow day nicely came after the Presidents' Day yesterday, keeping Victor home (Maya is on vacation).
They went on the roof to try to build a snowman Snow was blocking the door to the roof shut so they ended building it indoors .
Monday, February 17, 2003
Sunday, February 16, 2003
In other news: Bucharest, Romania:
The Olteanus and their in-laws (Adrian's family) to be had their first official dinner together, at Zambaccian nr 1. It all went without a hitch and they are now feasting on left-overs. I do not have a picture of Adrian's family so here's one of his Group (he's the lead singer)
Bogdan's wedding is set for May 31.
The Olteanus and their in-laws (Adrian's family) to be had their first official dinner together, at Zambaccian nr 1. It all went without a hitch and they are now feasting on left-overs. I do not have a picture of Adrian's family so here's one of his Group (he's the lead singer)
Bogdan's wedding is set for May 31.
Happy Birthday Victor!
It's a freezing day in NYC today, so we are postponing our celebratory dining out for tomorrow. Maya (and I) drew daddy a picture and wrote our names (OK, Maya did the writing for both of us) and we had a birthday berries pie (healthy but good) complete with candle blowing and pictures. More celebrations - tomorrow.
It's a freezing day in NYC today, so we are postponing our celebratory dining out for tomorrow. Maya (and I) drew daddy a picture and wrote our names (OK, Maya did the writing for both of us) and we had a birthday berries pie (healthy but good) complete with candle blowing and pictures. More celebrations - tomorrow.
Saturday, February 15, 2003
"Back from the march - I stand by 1 million there!"
We started up 3rd ave - the Lower East Side walking
uptown - we stretched for blocks -
chanting and getting approval honkings from cars. By 23rd
street, another group was on
the other side of the street. A few blocks later, new feeder
marches joined with ours
and
soon, by the 40s we were occupying 3rd ave wall to wall.
We passed 49 str, then 50th,
51 and the streets east were blocked - the cops wouldn't let
us get to 1st ave (where
the rally was). Upon asking, tthey said that maybe 24 blocks
later at 64str we can join
the rally - but they may close that too (the permit only went
up to 68 str) I realized
that
we'll never make it so we squeezed out through the
barricades, on Second ave, then to
First: we got right in front of the stage. We heard/saw
Kuchinich, Sheila Jackson Lee,
heard Pete Seeger. The cops said we need to move (only
the caged in the middle could
stay). So, we made our way back, advising journalists that
Third ave is wall to wall
people (which is why I am doubling the 1/2 million estimate I
heard on Link. They did
their best to keep us separated and fragmented so our
numbers wouldn't show. But it
was great!
[edit]
We started up 3rd ave - the Lower East Side walking
uptown - we stretched for blocks -
chanting and getting approval honkings from cars. By 23rd
street, another group was on
the other side of the street. A few blocks later, new feeder
marches joined with ours
and
soon, by the 40s we were occupying 3rd ave wall to wall.
We passed 49 str, then 50th,
51 and the streets east were blocked - the cops wouldn't let
us get to 1st ave (where
the rally was). Upon asking, tthey said that maybe 24 blocks
later at 64str we can join
the rally - but they may close that too (the permit only went
up to 68 str) I realized
that
we'll never make it so we squeezed out through the
barricades, on Second ave, then to
First: we got right in front of the stage. We heard/saw
Kuchinich, Sheila Jackson Lee,
heard Pete Seeger. The cops said we need to move (only
the caged in the middle could
stay). So, we made our way back, advising journalists that
Third ave is wall to wall
people (which is why I am doubling the 1/2 million estimate I
heard on Link. They did
their best to keep us separated and fragmented so our
numbers wouldn't show. But it
was great!
[edit]
Friday, February 14, 2003
Advice needed on etiquette and beyond - by the end of the weekend
Here's my dilemma: there is a pair of twins in Maya's class that any sane parents would have separated - they are tearing each other apart. Like their parents, the boy is pleasant and liked by all while the girl - if the looks could kill she'd spread death around. As birthday parties were being talked about, the other day, Carina came to Maya - IN MY PRESENCE - and said: "Do not come to my birthday" "How lovely" I said as Maya asked: "What?" "Do you want me to say it again?" she asked. "No, try to keep your venom inside" I said and went straight to the party store to buy invitations for Maya's party next month. As I discusses guests later with Maya, I told her to say nothing to the kids who are not coming. "Like Carina did"? "Yeah, that's mean" We agree we don't invite her(them) but Maya said: but I still want to give her a valentine (we made for all the kids). I praised her for it. Yesterday, as instructed by their parents, the twins gave invitations to all the kids - including Maya. Incapable to hold a grudge, Maya wants them invited and wants to go. So far I said: that brat is not coming in my house, and you do not go. This morning though, Darrow (the brother) came to me and gave me a big hug: "Happy Valentine's day" and lated did the same to Maya. So now I feel lousy about him. Please tell me.
One more thing: one reason we don't want them here is: at another birthday party, the mother dropped them and picked them - not on time (when we left, Darrow was crying for mommy)
I have to make a decision (RSVP or not to their invitation) by this weekend.So, let me know.
Here's my dilemma: there is a pair of twins in Maya's class that any sane parents would have separated - they are tearing each other apart. Like their parents, the boy is pleasant and liked by all while the girl - if the looks could kill she'd spread death around. As birthday parties were being talked about, the other day, Carina came to Maya - IN MY PRESENCE - and said: "Do not come to my birthday" "How lovely" I said as Maya asked: "What?" "Do you want me to say it again?" she asked. "No, try to keep your venom inside" I said and went straight to the party store to buy invitations for Maya's party next month. As I discusses guests later with Maya, I told her to say nothing to the kids who are not coming. "Like Carina did"? "Yeah, that's mean" We agree we don't invite her(them) but Maya said: but I still want to give her a valentine (we made for all the kids). I praised her for it. Yesterday, as instructed by their parents, the twins gave invitations to all the kids - including Maya. Incapable to hold a grudge, Maya wants them invited and wants to go. So far I said: that brat is not coming in my house, and you do not go. This morning though, Darrow (the brother) came to me and gave me a big hug: "Happy Valentine's day" and lated did the same to Maya. So now I feel lousy about him. Please tell me.
One more thing: one reason we don't want them here is: at another birthday party, the mother dropped them and picked them - not on time (when we left, Darrow was crying for mommy)
I have to make a decision (RSVP or not to their invitation) by this weekend.So, let me know.
Wednesday, February 12, 2003
From Israel, an
opinion shared by Dorina
For those with remote roots from Romania - it's a drink made of prunes, called there tsuica (or palinka) and is best taken with bacon and onions.
Dorina is also emphatizing with Maya's mayonnaise habits. It reminded her of her own mis of mystard, salt and pepper savored in the closet under the stairs as her parents were asleep.
I was sneaking my bowls of home made mayo in my room and savoring them with a good book. I was always eating it with the wooden spoon I had used for mixing. ...Mmmm...Mayonnaise!
opinion shared by Dorina
For those with remote roots from Romania - it's a drink made of prunes, called there tsuica (or palinka) and is best taken with bacon and onions.
Dorina is also emphatizing with Maya's mayonnaise habits. It reminded her of her own mis of mystard, salt and pepper savored in the closet under the stairs as her parents were asleep.
I was sneaking my bowls of home made mayo in my room and savoring them with a good book. I was always eating it with the wooden spoon I had used for mixing. ...Mmmm...Mayonnaise!
Monday, February 10, 2003
It's snowing in New York.
Big, nice looking, wet snow flakes covering one's glasses in a second...
Maya said that today, before singing the snack song, Marquis and Kirby were playing with her apple. She told them to please stop playing but they did not, so they dropped it. So she had to ask to go in Velda's room [next door class] to wash it.
Yesterday we all went to the peace rally headquarters - got us buttons, stickers and leaflets - we are getting ready! They look
like this
Big, nice looking, wet snow flakes covering one's glasses in a second...
Maya said that today, before singing the snack song, Marquis and Kirby were playing with her apple. She told them to please stop playing but they did not, so they dropped it. So she had to ask to go in Velda's room [next door class] to wash it.
Yesterday we all went to the peace rally headquarters - got us buttons, stickers and leaflets - we are getting ready! They look
like this
Sunday, February 09, 2003
Like Mother like Daughter
After disappearing in the kitchen and suspicious silence, I found
Maya in the bathroom with her whole hand in the mayonnaise jar - half of the content on her face: "I couldn't find anything else [to eat]"she said from behind the wall of mayonnaise. I burst out laughing so my lecture did not come out very convincing. Which is why she then asked me not to tell daddy. (She's dying to tell herself but resisting)
For those of you wondering about the title, in my early teen years I used to mix myself bowls of mayo and eat it with the spoon (no pre-mixed mayo existed then)
Update: Before going to sleep she did confess to Daddy: "I ate mayonnaise in the bathroom"
After disappearing in the kitchen and suspicious silence, I found
Maya in the bathroom with her whole hand in the mayonnaise jar - half of the content on her face: "I couldn't find anything else [to eat]"she said from behind the wall of mayonnaise. I burst out laughing so my lecture did not come out very convincing. Which is why she then asked me not to tell daddy. (She's dying to tell herself but resisting)
For those of you wondering about the title, in my early teen years I used to mix myself bowls of mayo and eat it with the spoon (no pre-mixed mayo existed then)
Update: Before going to sleep she did confess to Daddy: "I ate mayonnaise in the bathroom"
Saturday, February 08, 2003
Jacky and Alex Nowadays
Courtesy of Sandra who kindly sent me more recent pictures (Thanks!)
and a clearer
Alex from Tania.
Courtesy of Sandra who kindly sent me more recent pictures (Thanks!)
and a clearer
Alex from Tania.
Friday, February 07, 2003
A Send Off Party in Israel
As I write this, my cousin Tania and the rest of the mishpuha there are throwing a party for
Alex who is leaving for the army in a few days. He is the one on the left in the picture taken in Bucharest, Romania with Jacky and Cati in 1991 in front of Zammbaccian 1 (yes, I need fresher pictures). His twin brother Jacky is already in the army for some months now. So let's all drink to them all - may them be safe and sound - may there be peace!
Update
I just spoke to Tania, Alex and Jacky. They all sound good and Jacky will have an easier regime soon. Once again guys, to your health!
As I write this, my cousin Tania and the rest of the mishpuha there are throwing a party for
Alex who is leaving for the army in a few days. He is the one on the left in the picture taken in Bucharest, Romania with Jacky and Cati in 1991 in front of Zammbaccian 1 (yes, I need fresher pictures). His twin brother Jacky is already in the army for some months now. So let's all drink to them all - may them be safe and sound - may there be peace!
Update
I just spoke to Tania, Alex and Jacky. They all sound good and Jacky will have an easier regime soon. Once again guys, to your health!
New York Weather Report: It's Snowing in New York!
The groundhog wasn't kidding: "There'll be two winters in the year" (although it feels like 3-4 already, with the first snow in November). Still, everything is white and nice and Maya had to stop every minute to
pick snow with her mittens. We rehearsed this song - indispensable for urban life:
"Watch out where those huskies go
"And don't eat the yellow snow"
Thailand Weather - Clear skies, warm and beautifull all over
And how's the weather in your neck of the woods? (Desperately searching for contributions)
The groundhog wasn't kidding: "There'll be two winters in the year" (although it feels like 3-4 already, with the first snow in November). Still, everything is white and nice and Maya had to stop every minute to
pick snow with her mittens. We rehearsed this song - indispensable for urban life:
"Watch out where those huskies go
"And don't eat the yellow snow"
Thailand Weather - Clear skies, warm and beautifull all over
And how's the weather in your neck of the woods? (Desperately searching for contributions)
We Have Pictures!
From Moeciu, Romania, here are
Sandra and Adrian in the beautiful place they picked for their wedding!
From Moeciu, Romania, here are
Sandra and Adrian in the beautiful place they picked for their wedding!
Thursday, February 06, 2003
In Other International News:
In Romania, my sister Cati and her daughter Sandra are happily wedding ring shopping. Also, unlike me, Cati can now be reached on the phone when on the internet since she got a second line.
In Israel,my cousin Dorina is having the time of her life with her granddaughter Eden while waiting for Costel to return from the skiing vacation in Romania. We want more news from the rest of the mishpuha there.
In New York, Maya is working on her number "2" letter "N" and question mark (writing them) as we are working on trying to save her school from anihilation. When not trying to het our mayor to refrain from destroying public education, we try to get him to respect free speach by approving the demonstration permits for February 15 (Harry Belafonte and Pete Seeger will be there!). Also, trying to achieve world peace - modest little us.
In Canada - we are still waiting for our correspondents in the field to introduce us to everyone in the
Big Family picture we posted (again).
In Paris...well, no one is in Paris but it's a nice place and I just wanted to mention it. Back to our studios in 14 Street...
In Romania, my sister Cati and her daughter Sandra are happily wedding ring shopping. Also, unlike me, Cati can now be reached on the phone when on the internet since she got a second line.
In Israel,my cousin Dorina is having the time of her life with her granddaughter Eden while waiting for Costel to return from the skiing vacation in Romania. We want more news from the rest of the mishpuha there.
In New York, Maya is working on her number "2" letter "N" and question mark (writing them) as we are working on trying to save her school from anihilation. When not trying to het our mayor to refrain from destroying public education, we try to get him to respect free speach by approving the demonstration permits for February 15 (Harry Belafonte and Pete Seeger will be there!). Also, trying to achieve world peace - modest little us.
In Canada - we are still waiting for our correspondents in the field to introduce us to everyone in the
Big Family picture we posted (again).
In Paris...well, no one is in Paris but it's a nice place and I just wanted to mention it. Back to our studios in 14 Street...
Monday, February 03, 2003
We got pictures!
From Thailand (via Israel) Dorina sends us a
picture of Adina and Itai who seem to be having a great time in Thailand.
From Thailand (via Israel) Dorina sends us a
picture of Adina and Itai who seem to be having a great time in Thailand.
Sunday, February 02, 2003
The rest of the good news:Bogdan and Cristina are also getting married this May!
Congratulations to Bogdan and Cristina and to Cati for getting to be double mother-in-law this year!
Congratulations to Bogdan and Cristina and to Cati for getting to be double mother-in-law this year!
Groundhog Day official prediction :
There'll be six weeks of more winter. Booo!
Phil Says Six More Weeks of Winter!
Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Hear Ye!
On Gobbler's Knob, Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania at 7:27 a.m. this Groundhog Day, February
2nd, 2003, Punxsutawney Phil, King of Groundhogs, Seer of Seers, imitated but never
equaled, responded to the summons of Groundhog President Bill Cooper. Bill Deeley, his
friend and Handler greeted him affectionately and placed him atop his domicile, the old oak
stump. From this lofty seat he addressed the large enthusiastic throng of faithful followers,
wishing them a "Happy Groundhog Day." Phil may be as cute as a Beanie Baby but when he
predicts in his Groundhogese there is no maybe. He directed president Bill to the appropriate
scroll which reads:
Governor Rendell joins this joyful throng
of several thousand strong
and he like everyone will thrill
at seeing the magic on this hill
as I make my prognostication
and give my justification:
I see my shadow beside me
and that is that magic you see.
It causes this midwinter revelry,
six more weeks of winter there will be.
There'll be six weeks of more winter. Booo!
Phil Says Six More Weeks of Winter!
Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Hear Ye!
On Gobbler's Knob, Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania at 7:27 a.m. this Groundhog Day, February
2nd, 2003, Punxsutawney Phil, King of Groundhogs, Seer of Seers, imitated but never
equaled, responded to the summons of Groundhog President Bill Cooper. Bill Deeley, his
friend and Handler greeted him affectionately and placed him atop his domicile, the old oak
stump. From this lofty seat he addressed the large enthusiastic throng of faithful followers,
wishing them a "Happy Groundhog Day." Phil may be as cute as a Beanie Baby but when he
predicts in his Groundhogese there is no maybe. He directed president Bill to the appropriate
scroll which reads:
Governor Rendell joins this joyful throng
of several thousand strong
and he like everyone will thrill
at seeing the magic on this hill
as I make my prognostication
and give my justification:
I see my shadow beside me
and that is that magic you see.
It causes this midwinter revelry,
six more weeks of winter there will be.
From Canada, I received this picture of a big family I can tell you that Sophie, Fima and Ala are to the left. Please introduce us to the rest.
Groundhog Day
For those of you not living in the US - this is a weather-related celebration.
The groundhog is supposed to come out of his hole and check for his shadow. If he sees it, 6 more weeks of winter will follow. If he doesn't, the winter is over.
The legend of Groundhog Day is based on an old Scottish couplet: "If
Candlemas Day is bright and clear, there'll be two winters in the year."
During Candlemas, clergy would bless and distribute candles to their parishioners' homes. The
candles would be lighted and placed in the window. If the sun came out that day, it meant six
more weeks of wintry weather. If the day was cloudy or rainy it marked moderate weather
until the first day of Spring.
The Germans that settled around Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania in the 1700's brought the
Candelmas tradition with them. At that time the Delaware Indians were also living in that
area. The groundhog represented the Wojak, or "grandfather," to the Delawares. Their legend
said that Wojak was once an animal before it became the first man of the earth. The settlers
took the legend of Wojak and combined it with the Candelmas tradition, and Groundhog Day
began.
. The forecast tomorrow is sunny AND clouds, so it would depend on when and where the groundhog is invited out. I'll let you know.
Yesterday, the Chinese New Year started - the year of the Goat.
Update
The weather guy on ABC News just said that it's likely that Chuck from Staten Island will see his shadow today, it being very sunny.
There are several famous groundhogs. The original one Punxsutowney Phil - for some reason the tradition originated in that little town in Pensilvania.
He's even featured in the movie Groundhog Day - try to see it. (Because it's great!)
I have yet to find out the Brooklyn groundhog's name.
However, we, New Yorkers think better of Staten Island
Chuck
For those of you not living in the US - this is a weather-related celebration.
The groundhog is supposed to come out of his hole and check for his shadow. If he sees it, 6 more weeks of winter will follow. If he doesn't, the winter is over.
The legend of Groundhog Day is based on an old Scottish couplet: "If
Candlemas Day is bright and clear, there'll be two winters in the year."
During Candlemas, clergy would bless and distribute candles to their parishioners' homes. The
candles would be lighted and placed in the window. If the sun came out that day, it meant six
more weeks of wintry weather. If the day was cloudy or rainy it marked moderate weather
until the first day of Spring.
The Germans that settled around Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania in the 1700's brought the
Candelmas tradition with them. At that time the Delaware Indians were also living in that
area. The groundhog represented the Wojak, or "grandfather," to the Delawares. Their legend
said that Wojak was once an animal before it became the first man of the earth. The settlers
took the legend of Wojak and combined it with the Candelmas tradition, and Groundhog Day
began.
. The forecast tomorrow is sunny AND clouds, so it would depend on when and where the groundhog is invited out. I'll let you know.
Yesterday, the Chinese New Year started - the year of the Goat.
Update
The weather guy on ABC News just said that it's likely that Chuck from Staten Island will see his shadow today, it being very sunny.
There are several famous groundhogs. The original one Punxsutowney Phil - for some reason the tradition originated in that little town in Pensilvania.
He's even featured in the movie Groundhog Day - try to see it. (Because it's great!)
I have yet to find out the Brooklyn groundhog's name.
However, we, New Yorkers think better of Staten Island
Chuck
Saturday, February 01, 2003
Congratulations Sandra and Adrian! May you be happy always! We are waiting for updates!
P.S. we are still waiting to hear from the protagonists of the other good news!
P.S. we are still waiting to hear from the protagonists of the other good news!
