http://www.annebrandt.com/ Contemporary essays, fiction, and opinion offered regularly by author Anne Brandt. Fri, 04 Jul 2008 10:05:01 CDT Fri, 04 Jul 2008 10:05:01 CDT en-us http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-879.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-879.php Earl and I are both licensed Realtors in Michigan; and, while I dont practice real estate, Im always interested in whats happening in the profession. Especially now, for these are difficult times.So it was with great shock that I read an email sent to everyone in the Michigan Association of Realtors this afternoon Thu, 03 Jul 2008 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-880.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-880.php Im going on record as changing my mind. Ive always been a purist where book clubs are concerned. That is, if you join a book club and the assigned book for next month isnt something you want to read, you should do it anyway Thu, 03 Jul 2008 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-878.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-878.php Whenever Earl and I drive on highways, we note that most cars have one -- at the most, two -- passengers including the driver. I cant help but think that some of those single drivers are going to the same place Mon, 30 Jun 2008 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-877.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-877.php Last night, Earl and I attended the local community theater production of Cabaret. Its an ambitious musical, calling for a considerable cast and also for the audience to understand the historical context of 1930 Berlin Sun, 29 Jun 2008 0:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-876.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-876.php At last I feel vindicated! For years Ive thought the concept of multitasking was overrated and the people who bragged of their abilities to do it were mostly in love with the word itself. Now comes an article in The New Atlantis that reports on several books and research studies on the subject Wed, 25 Jun 2008 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-875.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-875.php A couple nights ago Earl and I went to a nice restaurant, the type that would be called white tablecloth even though it was trendier than that and didnt have tablecloths at all. But there were cloth napkins and pillows on the banquettes and impeccable service Mon, 23 Jun 2008 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-874.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-874.php Today is the longest day of the year, although it has twenty-four hours in it like every other day in the calendar. The issue is that today is the day on which the sun shines the longest.My Mother reveled in this, since today was also her birthday; and -- while I havent checked -- I suspect I write something about her every June 21 Sat, 21 Jun 2008 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-873.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-873.php Well-known journalist Tim Russert died a week ago today. Since then, the airwaves have been filled with acknowledgements and remembrances and eulogies; and Ive watched my fair share.Ive tried to absorb that a TV personality who is younger than I has succumbed to a heart attack Fri, 20 Jun 2008 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-872.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-872.php My favorite TV show is about to return. Its the summer replacement series, The Closer starring Kyra Sedgwick (above) as Deputy Chief Brenda Leigh Johnson of the LAPD.Sedgwick/Johnson is a study in contrasts Sun, 15 Jun 2008 0:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-871.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-871.php Now that there are two presumptive nominees for the general election in November, I see the gauntlet has already been thrown. Im not talking about Obama and McCain themselves; Im talking about the language that will be used in the coming months to characterize the election Tue, 10 Jun 2008 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-870.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-870.php Years ago I decided two things about my birthday. First, I only do things I want to do on that day; if it falls on a work day I usually arrange to take it off. Second, I always go to the beach. Yesterday was my birthday Sun, 08 Jun 2008 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-869.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-869.php We are now at the half-way point of the weight loss challenge Earl and I joined in late April. Hes lost a noticeable fifteen pounds; Im hovering at six. Both of us feel pretty good about it. Well stick it out the next six weeks; theres no harm in that Thu, 05 Jun 2008 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-868.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-868.php Its almost eight oclock where I live and the two final primaries are about to be over. Ive heard varying comments in the media all day: Hillary is going to concede; Obama cant beat McCain, the VP is up for grabs Tue, 03 Jun 2008 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-867.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-867.php I understand that Barack Obama has reluctantly quit the church hes been a member of for approximately two decades. Ive seen a couple headlines that allude to this, although I havent made the time yet to read the articles and consider their content Mon, 02 Jun 2008 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-866.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-866.php Part of having ones home on the market is accepting that your Realtor will hold open houses and that, at the first one or two, your neighbors -- particularly those you dont socialize with -- will show up to see what youve got in the way of stuff Sun, 01 Jun 2008 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-865.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-865.php It was four years ago on May 20, 2004 that I wrote my first blog. Called Gauging Voices, it was about how I listen to weather reports on the telephone. But I didnt mean the standard variety. I meant that because my sons live far away from me, much of our communication is by telephone and Im always trying to gauge how theyre faring in their respective corners of the world Mon, 26 May 2008 0:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-864.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-864.php Tomorrow is Memorial Day, although I suspect some people are not sure why we celebrate it as a national holiday. Originally know as Decoration Day, this holiday remembers the men and women who died while serving our country in the armed forces Sun, 25 May 2008 0:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-863.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-863.php Dear Hillary,It\'s the night after the Kentucky and Oregon primaries, and the debate about seating delegates from Michigan and Florida is becoming more heated. May I offer an opinion?I am a Michigan Democrat; and, yes, I voted in our states primary on January 15 Wed, 21 May 2008 0:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-862.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-862.php The very first diet I attempted was as a senior in high school where I used the Catholic concept of Lent to restrict my caloric intake. Given that I attended an all-girls Catholic high school at the time, my motivation was high Tue, 20 May 2008 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-861.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-861.php The message waited patiently in voicemail until we returned from dinner last night. I listened to it twice in disbelief and then checked the days obituaries for confirmation.George, the handyman who had helped us repair, paint, and improve our home during the first years we lived here, had passed away Sun, 18 May 2008 0:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-860.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-860.php Our house is officially on the market, and it never looked better. Even though weve always preferred a manicured look, weve outdone ourselves for the buying public. In doing so, weve made it a house rather than a home Fri, 16 May 2008 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-859.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-859.php On January 2, I began my participation in the current political world. Started paying attention to the various campaigns for president; tuned in to endless debates; stayed up late watching primaries. And, as much as I dislike talking heads, I tuned in to Bill OReilly, Anderson Cooper, Keith Olberman, and the like Thu, 15 May 2008 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-858.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-858.php Some people, when they buy a pricey item, tend to put it under lock and key. If its an emerald ring, they consign it to the lock box at the bank. If its a fur coat, they hide it away in a storage facility Tue, 13 May 2008 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-857.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-857.php A morning person is one who wakes early, feels great, and bounds out of bed ready to greet the day. A night person is one who comes alive after sunset, stays up way after the evening news, and doesnt understand morning people Mon, 12 May 2008 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-855.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-855.php Professional manicures dont hold up like they used to. But professional pedicures still do. I supposed its because ones feet are frequently covered by socks, while ones hands bear the brunt of dishwashing, keyboarding, cooking, and the like Fri, 09 May 2008 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-856.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-856.php Twas the night before Indy;And all through the stateNot a vote was discounted,Not a vote was too late.The candidates were seenWith smiles that seemed thin, In hopes that their rhetoricWould bring the votes in Mon, 05 May 2008 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-854.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-854.php It feels like hiding to me. Were putting our house on the market, the only house Ive ever felt one hundred percent safe in, even though Ive lived in over thirty places: houses, apartments, condos, you name it Sun, 04 May 2008 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-853.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-853.php Last night Earl and I attended a free dual piano concert at our local community college. It was free because it was billed as the dress rehearsal for two local pianists who are performing a week from tonight in New York City Fri, 02 May 2008 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-852.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-852.php Hillary Clinton has a new Bill in her life. No, its not revenge for Monica Lewinsky; its calculated politics in her bid for the White House. His last name is OReilly.I had heard Hillary was going to be on OReillys show and I debated long and hard whether to watch or not Thu, 01 May 2008 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-851.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-851.php Last August I wrote a blog about a website that is filled with useful information for those situations where you need to contact a company by telephone and you wish to speak with a real, live customer service representative about some issue Sun, 27 Apr 2008 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-850.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-850.php The Pennsylvania primary has come and gone; now its Indianas turn. I dont have much say in the matter, but here is a list of things Id like not to be subjected to anymore, regardless of the outcomes of the remaining primaries Wed, 23 Apr 2008 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-849.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-849.php Not many people care and fewer people remember that the fictional Winnie the Poohs best friend, Christopher Robin, was fashioned after a flesh-and-blood child, the only son of the author of the famous Pooh stories Sun, 20 Apr 2008 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-848.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-848.php We have an acre of lawn and flower beds and trees to maintain, and it doesnt take long for growing things to get out of control. But we also have a man who does the lawn mowing, the planting in the flower beds, and the trimming of the trees Fri, 18 Apr 2008 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-847.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-847.php Were about to put our house on the market, the house that is my favorite of the over thirty places Ive lived. The house where I feel so safe, so protected, so at peace.Its time. For several reasons.First, we spend a fortune on upkeep and have found a condo development we like where the association fee is less that our lawn mowing service in the eight months of mowing season Thu, 17 Apr 2008 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-846.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-846.php Recently a movement to lower the drinking age from twenty-one to eighteen has begun to gain credence. In fact, seven states -- Kentucky, Wisconsin, South Carolina, South Dakota, Missouri, Vermont, and Minnesota -- are seriously considering it Wed, 16 Apr 2008 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-845.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-845.php Everyone complains about the price of gasoline these days, so Ive done a little research on how to absorb the extra cost.First, substitute bottled water for Diet Snapple, Lipton Ice Tea, Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice, or Gatorade Sun, 13 Apr 2008 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-844.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-844.php \"Try not - Do or do not, there is no try.\"I came across this quote recently, and at first I liked it a lot. It was originally said by that pointy eared sage, Yoda, in The Empire Strikes Back. I dont recall the exact situation, but I suspect Yoda was giving Luke Skywalker a pep talk in the face of some intergalactic challenge Sat, 12 Apr 2008 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-843.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-843.php Youve known someone who went through it. Youve heard their awful tales. And youve never heard a kind word about the experience. Its the dreaded audit.I went to New York City earlier this week because the great State of New York was auditing the company I work for Thu, 10 Apr 2008 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-842.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-842.php Three weeks ago today Senator Barack Obama made his speech on race. Since then Ive thought long and hard about what he said; and Ive also listened to the opinionators, spin doctors, and talking heads dissect every sentence Wed, 09 Apr 2008 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-841.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-841.php The airline industry is taking a beating these days, not only with higher fuel pricing but also with a greater awareness of safety issues that have slipped under the radar of the FAA. Its all rather unsettling for someone like me, who has to take a big dose of courage to get on a plane in the first place Tue, 08 Apr 2008 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-840.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-840.php Earl often shakes his head when we talk about cars. Hes not a super car buff, but he can tell a Lexus from a Toyota from a Saturn. Me? I can hardly tell my own car from another blue one in the supermarket parking lot Wed, 02 Apr 2008 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-839.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-839.php Happy April Fools. Since its late in the day, I promise not to make silly jokes, offer imaginary stories, or tell you theres a spider in your hair when there really isnt. Instead, I muse on my own feelings about the day Tue, 01 Apr 2008 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-838.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-838.php Almost ten days ago, the server that hosts my web site went down . . . again! This is the second time in recent memory; hopefully, it will be the last. I have switched servers and am assured that the new provider can handle things better Wed, 26 Mar 2008 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-837.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-837.php Truth is Im a slacker where St. Patricks Day is concerned. The Everymans model for celebrating the day belonged to my Mother, who was one hundred percent Irish and one thousand percent proud of it.As a child, I remember how Mother always made the day special Mon, 17 Mar 2008 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-836.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-836.php Im celebrating St. Patricks Day tomorrow in two ways. Im fixing corned beef and Im meeting with our accountant regarding our 2007 taxes. It doesnt take a rocket scientist to determine which project Im putting more into this weekend Sun, 16 Mar 2008 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-835.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-835.php Over the past few months, Ive been working on a photo organization project partly as a respite from the ever present political scene. Its been slow going since I end up stopping to reminisce over every other photo Sat, 15 Mar 2008 0:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-834.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-834.php Just when you think things cant get crazier, they do. Its only Tuesday, but already this week presidential hopefuls Clinton and Obama are feuding about second spot on the national ticket and who should have it Tue, 11 Mar 2008 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-833.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-833.php I received a disturbing email that claims to have been written by one Colonel Harry Riley, USA, retired, to the thirty-three Senators who voted against making English the official language of our country Mon, 10 Mar 2008 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-832.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-832.php I usually empty my Spam filter a couple times a day because I dont like the idea of unsolicited messages lurking in my in-box. But yesterday I decided not to delete the spam just to see what would happen Fri, 07 Mar 2008 10:00:00 CST http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-831.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-831.php Much has been made about Senator Hillary Clintons efforts to find her voice in the current campaign to be her partys presidential candidate. First, there was the sentimental Hillary who teared up in New Hampshire Wed, 05 Mar 2008 10:00:00 CST http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-830.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-830.php Today is Primary Day in Ohio, Rhode Island, Texas, and Vermont. And what Ive noticed lately is that the media has become a third party to the campaigning. I dont mean in the regular sense that reporters have been sharing information through various news channels about what is going on Tue, 04 Mar 2008 10:00:00 CST http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-829.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-829.php There is a hilarious article in the current issue (dated March 7) of The Chronicle of Higher Education. It asks readers to sketch their ideas for the forthcoming George W. Bush Presidential Library. All modern presidents have one, and evidently Bushs will be at Southern Methodist University Mon, 03 Mar 2008 10:00:00 CST http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-828.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-828.php Earl has a certain fascination with Ukrainian eggs. In fact, one such egg was among the very first gifts he gave me. We bought it together in an old ethnic neighborhood on Chicagos west side. I returned the favor one year by bringing him a Ukrainian egg from New York City Sun, 02 Mar 2008 10:00:00 CST http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-827.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-827.php I have been in bed these past four days with a bronchial infection which has left me listless and grey. To pass the time, Ive watched a lot of television, probably more than Ive watched in the past twelve months; and I notice that daytime TV runs a certain cycle Wed, 27 Feb 2008 10:00:00 CST http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-826.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-826.php Several months ago I happened upon a web site called Arts & Letter Daily, www.aldaily.com for short. It isnt so much a web site in its own right as it is a portal to other sites that offer provocative criticism and review of contemporary philosophy, literature, culture, history, music, and almost any other topic you can imagine Sat, 23 Feb 2008 10:00:00 CST http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-825.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-825.php I watched last nights debate between Democratic candidates Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, and then I watched the analysis that followed. I did like that the debate didnt really take any truly nasty turns Fri, 22 Feb 2008 10:00:00 CST http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-824.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-824.php Im a writer. So its only logical that I support the notion that words count, that they mean something. And when political candidates make statements about staying in Iraq for one hundred years or withdrawing troops in sixty days or feeling proud for the first time as an adult, I think these words should be challenged Thu, 21 Feb 2008 10:00:00 CST http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-823.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-823.php Recently, I decided to put up a bird feeder outside my office window, partly to feed the hungry birds and partly to amuse myself with their comings and goings. Now, ten days into the mission, Ive determined several rules for feeding hungry birds in winter Sun, 17 Feb 2008 10:00:00 CST http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-822.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-822.php According to Smith -- an online storytelling community that encouraged reading, writing, and sharing -- legend has it that Hemingway was once challenged to write a story in only six words. His response? For sale: baby shoes, never worn Thu, 14 Feb 2008 0:00:00 CST http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-821.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-821.php Last night some friends, Earl, and I went to see the touring production of Jesus Christ Superstar, a rock musical from the 1970s that revolves around the last few days of Christs life. We all know how the story ends, but that isnt the real reason I came away dissatisfied Wed, 13 Feb 2008 10:00:00 CST http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-820.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-820.php No this isnt about politics. Its about one of radios most well-known commentators.Today, February 8, Paul Harvey started one of his radio segments by saying it \"isn\'t funny, but it is memorable.\" He then proceeded to tell of a Realtor in England who was showing a home, and the prospective buyer asked if there was ample closet space Fri, 08 Feb 2008 10:00:00 CST http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-819.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-819.php Mitt Romney has quit the race; in doing so, he changes the entire game. Now the Republicans will begin getting in line behind their presumed presidential nominee, Senator John McCain of Arizona, while the Democrats continue to jockey for delegates Thu, 07 Feb 2008 10:00:00 CST http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-818.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-818.php I normally dont let the outside world into my bedroom early in the morning, but today was an exception. I didnt stay up last night to see every states results in the massive primary event, and I was interested in the final tally Wed, 06 Feb 2008 0:00:00 CST http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-817.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-817.php Super Tuesday is moving in, and my world will become political again. But for now, Im basking in little things. Like studying snowflakes and savoring the taste of vodka and truly hearing the sound of silence (Not the song, the actual sound of the lack of sound) Fri, 01 Feb 2008 10:00:00 CST http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-816.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-816.php In the past couple days, Republican Rudy Giuliani and Democrat John Edwards have dropped from the race for president. Giuliani now endorses John McCain, while -- as of this writing -- Edwards has not declared his preference between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama Thu, 31 Jan 2008 10:00:00 CST http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-815.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-815.php This has been a challenging couple weeks in terms of my web site, our homes security system, our sump pumps, and snow. The old adage about when it rains it pours can be more succinctly put as: When one thing goes wrong, theres a snowball effect Wed, 30 Jan 2008 10:00:00 CST http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-814.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-814.php Todays is Nevadas turn in the caucus spotlight. Its three in the afternoon, and I cant take it any more. Ive watched Fox and CNN for the past hour, and most of what Im hearing falls into two categories Sat, 19 Jan 2008 10:00:00 CST http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-813.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-813.php The next primaries arent until this Saturday, January 19, so Ive entertained myself with watching the premier of the new season of American Idol. A couple moments even brought soft tears to my eyes, which is more than I can say for the political rhetoric Thu, 17 Jan 2008 10:00:00 CST http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-812.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-812.php Today is the Michigan State Primary, but from what I can see its a non-event. The Democratic National Committee put the state committee on notice that it will not recognize any Democratic delegates from Michigan at the summer convention in Denver because the state committee pushed its primary ahead of other states and scheduled it for today Tue, 15 Jan 2008 10:00:00 CST http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-811.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-811.php Our road is still pretty much under water; in fact, the local authorities have put a sign up that the road is closed except for local traffic.But that hasnt stopped the gawkers from driving by. I know theyre gawkers because Im familiar with most of the families who live on our road and I recognize most of their automobiles Fri, 11 Jan 2008 10:00:00 CST http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-810.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-810.php We live on the St. Joe River. Usually its a benign presence about thirty feet from our back door. But in the last couple days its become a threat, if not to life as we know it then at least to everything we have stored in our lower level Thu, 10 Jan 2008 0:00:00 CST http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-809.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-809.php The second state to weigh in held its primary yesterday. Judging from the results, its going to be a long spring. Anybody who is interested has probably already learned the results, so I have other observations to ponder Wed, 09 Jan 2008 0:00:00 CST http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-808.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-808.php Earl was cleaning out some boxes recently and came across three postcards Id sent him a decade ago. Id gone to France to visit some long-time friends and kept him apprised of our activities from time to time Mon, 07 Jan 2008 10:00:00 CST http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-807.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-807.php A lengthy article in todays local newspaper used the term conservative Christian several times. One interviewee, for example, said, If conservative Christians get excited about a candidate and come out and vote Sun, 06 Jan 2008 10:00:00 CST http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-806.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-806.php The presidential candidates are on to New Hampshire for a blitz between now and Tuesday evenings voting. In honor of that state, Ive decided to clean out our two freezers over the next few days. These two things might seem unrelated; but its a symbolic gesture Sat, 05 Jan 2008 10:00:00 CST http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-805.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-805.php Barack Obama and Mike Huckabee won in Iowa last night, although I cant say theirs were decisive victories. I know they want to think that, and maybe the media promotes it; but lets put the Democratic and Republican caucuses in perspective Fri, 04 Jan 2008 10:00:00 CST http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-804.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-804.php Nobody can call me politically astute; in fact, Ive spent most of 2007 trying to avoid any discussions, debates, or debacles that reek of politics. But, with the Iowa caucus being held tomorrow, its time to become an educated voter Wed, 02 Jan 2008 10:00:00 CST http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-803.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-803.php This is my first blog for 2008. Earl and I spent New Years Eve with old friends. (Im talking how long Ive know them here; not their ages.) Weve ushered in the New Year with them before, so there was reminiscing not only about what we did this past year, but also what we did in years past Tue, 01 Jan 2008 10:00:00 CST http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-802.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-802.php I visited my local jeweler today because the stone in the ring hed created recently seemed loose. He agreed that it was. In addition, he offered to clean all the rings Id worn into his shop, a service he does each time I visit him Thu, 20 Dec 2007 10:00:00 CST http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-801.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-801.php Three years ago (October 27, 2004) I wrote an essay titled Life, According to Sweatshirts which reviewed some of the sayings that can be found on sweatshirts and proposed the idea that we can learn something about life in general by studying them, as well as learn something about the convictions of the people wearing those shirts Wed, 19 Dec 2007 10:00:00 CST http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-800.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-800.php Earl and I arrived home Saturday night, having experienced eighty-five degree weather at 8 AM that morning and a blizzard at 8 PM that night. But that wasnt the only adjustment we made this past weekend Mon, 17 Dec 2007 10:00:00 CST http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-799.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-799.php I recently read an essay by Cristina Nehring about how the American essay as a writing form has declined in recent years. She argues that essays used to be vibrant, showing the true opinion of the author Wed, 05 Dec 2007 10:00:00 CST http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-798.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-798.php I do most of my holiday shopping via catalog and the telephone; and it seems to work well. Theres just one thing I find annoying about the process, and thats getting an email confirmation of my order Mon, 03 Dec 2007 10:00:00 CST http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-797.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-797.php Today I spent the better part of the afternoon trimming our Christmas tree, and it always makes me sentimental. Some of my ornaments are ages old and come from my former lives; putting them on the tree provides for recollections Sat, 01 Dec 2007 10:00:00 CST http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-796.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-796.php Although I resisted for years, I have become a convert. I now embrace the benefits of starting the Christmas season early. Prior to this conversion, I waited until the last possible moment and then ran around crazed, hoping some unscheduled happening (like the flu) didnt force me to press on when I felt puny Wed, 28 Nov 2007 10:00:00 CST http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-795.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-795.php Its the last day of the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, and Im somewhat surly. Its not because I didnt get my fill of turkey or because I didnt have a wonderful time on my annual visit to see close relatives in Denver, Colorado Sun, 25 Nov 2007 10:00:00 CST http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-794.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-794.php Some of the things Im thankful for this year are (in random train-of-thought order): Bush cannot be re-elected. My aunt and uncle are doing well and continue to invite us to share the holiday with them Thu, 22 Nov 2007 10:00:00 CST http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-793.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-793.php Whenever I tell someone were going to Colorado for Thanksgiving, its assumed were going to ski. That must be a testament to all the dollars the various resorts in the Rockies pour into advertising. Theres Vail and Aspen and Keystone; theres Steamboat and Snowmass and Breckenridge Wed, 21 Nov 2007 10:00:00 CST http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-792.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-792.php I consider myself a pretty good traveler. I bring only carry-on luggage regardless of the length of the trip. I can find my way around in strange cities. And Im not deterred if I dont speak the native language when I get there Tue, 20 Nov 2007 10:00:00 CST http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-791.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-791.php I couldnt resist. A couple days ago I took some photographs of our back yard as autumn waned and the chill of winter arrived. The chill always precedes the actuality.This shot, taken in early morning mist, reminds me why I live here Mon, 19 Nov 2007 0:00:00 CST http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-790.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-790.php As the Fighting Irish played the Duke Blue Devils, a constant drizzle of rain made for a long afternoon at the University of Notre Dame yesterday. It didnt soak approximately eighty thousand spectators to the bone as much as it seeped into their collective mood Sun, 18 Nov 2007 10:00:00 CST http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-789.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-789.php Earl and I are off to the University of Notre Dame to watch the Fighting Irish take on Dukes Blue Devils. I had vowed I wouldnt go to another ND game this year, but circumstances changed my mind. Two of my Chicago friends are going to be there; so Im willing to suffer four hours in the cold stadium to have dinner with them in a warm restaurant afterwards Sat, 17 Nov 2007 10:00:00 CST http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-788.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-788.php Years ago -- about twenty-five, I believe -- I embarked on the study of Yoga. It was a time in my life fraught with children of all ages, and I needed something relaxing for myself two nights a week. So off I went to the local high school and spent a wonderful hour each time with Mrs Fri, 16 Nov 2007 10:00:00 CST http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-787.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-787.php Today is the official start of firearm deer hunting season in the State of Michigan. Having lived in big cities most of my life, I wasnt aware of this propitious event until we moved to St. Joseph. However, we learned quickly that life as we know it on a day-to-day basis stops temporarily on November 15 Thu, 15 Nov 2007 10:00:00 CST http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-786.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-786.php If ever you want to see your own community through fresh eyes, invite a couple friends who dont live there to spend the day. Youll come away with a renewed appreciation of what your locale offers. Thats what happened to Earl and me today Mon, 12 Nov 2007 10:00:00 CST http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-785.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-785.php A couple blogs ago I quoted English poet John Keats who said, A thing of beauty is a joy forever. Let me add, it can also be a profound irritant.Case in point: For Earls seventieth birthday I commissioned a woodworker to build a beautiful clock, one that would hang on our wall and chime every fifteen minutes as well as on the hour Sun, 11 Nov 2007 10:00:00 CST http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-784.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-784.php Im always tearing interesting things from newspapers and magazines as I read them, and here is a sampling of what last nights foraging found.A small magazine that reviews new books had an even smaller ad on page seventeen for Fresh Yarn: The online salon for personal essays Sat, 10 Nov 2007 10:00:00 CST http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-783.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-783.php I took this photo a couple weeks ago as summer waned and autumn arrived. The geraniums still bloomed but with less zest than in the heat of the high season. The leaves on the trees were losing their ability to product chlorophyll, which keeps them green in summer Fri, 09 Nov 2007 0:00:00 CST http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-782.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-782.php I think Bill OReilly is one of the most arrogant men on television today, and this saddens me. I saw him in person a year or two ago at a local Economics Club function and was impressed with his humility and knowledge Tue, 06 Nov 2007 10:00:00 CST http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-781.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-781.php Ive taken piano five and a half years now, and every day theres a revelation. Sometimes it comes in the form of listening to a piece of music and realizing I can decipher the rhythm pattern. Sometimes it comes because my fingers know what to do, and my brain isnt working so hard telling them Fri, 02 Nov 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-780.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-780.php Had you asked me a year ago if I would be willing to pay about twelve dollars a month to listen to my car radio without commercial interruptions, I probably would have said no. Its not that I like commercials, but at the time I only listened to one station whenever I was driving Thu, 01 Nov 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-779.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-779.php As Halloweens go, this one was a bust. I just turned off our porch lights, as the official time for Trick or Treating in our community is over. We had a grand total of three children come by.Its true we dont live in a neighborhood where there are a lot of children, and we also dont live where parents from other neighborhoods take their offspring because of rumors of generous candy-givers Wed, 31 Oct 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-778.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-778.php The local golf club offers ten dollar entrees on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday; which means the dining room is crowded and you need a reservation, unless you get there before five fifteen. We rarely do Tue, 30 Oct 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-777.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-777.php On my return yesterday from visiting my friend Carol in Bloomington, Indiana, I detoured to attend the service and funeral of my next-door-neighbors granddaughter in Indianapolis. It wasnt really out of my way -- just off one of the main highways that I traversed -- so I would have felt badly not to have made the effort Sun, 28 Oct 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-776.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-776.php About ten years ago, I wrote an essay about my childhood friend Carol, whom Ive known since sixth grade. She was eleven and I was ten when we met. I just spent the last three days with her and feel an update is in order Sat, 27 Oct 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-774.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-774.php Halloween is about a week away, and I cant wait for it to be over. It makes me gain weight.We dont have a lot of Trick or Treaters in our neighborhood, so I bought only a couple bags of individually wrapped candies to pass out Wed, 24 Oct 2007 0:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-775.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-775.php Last Friday, I visited La Belle Chique, a local spa, with the intention of obtaining information about skin care. My skin, especially on my face, approximates that of an alligators that I then cover with make-up Tue, 23 Oct 2007 0:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-773.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-773.php Here is my new car, a Toyota Scion, which was originally created to appeal to the youth market. Well, maybe the creators should reconsider and appeal to the boomer market that still thinks its the youth market Mon, 22 Oct 2007 0:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-772.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-772.php I am old dog, but I learned a couple new tricks this past week, some of them unexpectedly.The most memorable experience happened a couple days ago when I attempted to cook spaghetti squash in my microwave Sun, 21 Oct 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-771.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-771.php Earl and I just returned from a church supper, the kind where the ladies of the congregation do all the cooking and everyone else does all the eating. We were guests of someone who works with Earl, and it was a novel experience for us Wed, 17 Oct 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-770.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-770.php Last weekend we spent some time in a Fairfield Inn, a motel chain which seems to be owned by Marriott Corporation. Now Im not picking on Marriott; its just that our recent experience reminded me of my attitude toward hotel/motel chains in general Tue, 16 Oct 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-769.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-769.php This past weekend Earl and I visited Springfield, Illinois. Most Midwesterners probably know that Springfield is the state capital and that it is home to a collection of historic sites related to Abraham Lincoln who lived there for twenty-five years prior to becoming President of the United States Mon, 15 Oct 2007 0:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-768.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-768.php Ive been home from New York for forty-eight hours. My bag is unpacked, my mail is read, Im back in my own groove; but the memories of the fun I had linger. Keith, Chris and I managed to squeeze a trip to the MOMA, a stroll down Park Avenue, drinks at Grand Central Station, a Broadway show, and three excellent dinners into our time together Wed, 10 Oct 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-767.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-767.php I head for New York City tomorrow morning, early. Ive been heading for NYC early the past ten years, mostly to work. But this time its all about play. Im visiting my son, Keith, and his partner, Chris; and fredflare Thu, 04 Oct 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-766.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-766.php Accidentally -- I hope -- I received an email from AOL about re-gifting, the act of giving a gift to someone that youve received as a gift from someone else. Ive also seen a television program about this subject recently, and Im not sure what the hoopla is all about Wed, 03 Oct 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-765.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-765.php I have never been a devotee of the microwave, even though I took cooking lessons when I purchased my first one years ago. I went to this free class and watched the presenter prepare an entire meal from scratch Mon, 01 Oct 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-764.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-764.php In our family and beyond, Earl is known for his funeral potatoes, a dish guaranteed to hasten a heart attack but also guaranteed to be the first to disappear. Who can resist cheddar cheese, diced potatoes, sour cream, and cream of chicken soup all baked together until golden?But now Earl has a new dish Sun, 30 Sep 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-763.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-763.php I recently heard a commercial that encouraged senior citizens to log onto to a website and take a test that would determine their driving skills for their age. I think it is a good idea, although Im not sure how many seniors today are computer-literate and can reach the website Sat, 29 Sep 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-762.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-762.php This is how the entrance to our home looks in the bright sun of early September. I took this photo, because I plan to take a companion shot when autumn is in full regalia. The colors are breathtaking Thu, 27 Sep 2007 0:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-761.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-761.php Its an annual ritual. Every autumn I comment on the number of catalogs that clog our mailbox. I know its due to the upcoming holidays and retailers wanting to claim whatever we plan to spend on gifts Wed, 26 Sep 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-760.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-760.php Fifty years ago today nine black students entered Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, for the first time -- in defiance of then Governor Orval Faubus but with the support of the U.S. Army and the national government Tue, 25 Sep 2007 0:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-759.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-759.php Earl informed me this morning that there are only three months left until Christmas Eve. I wasnt even out of bed when he made this observation, but I felt exhausted. Theres a lot of work to Christmas Mon, 24 Sep 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-758.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-758.php I went to my appointment at the local car dealers armed with facts, figures, tactics, and trepidation. Earl had provided me with copious information from the Internet; and, after studying all of it, I felt certain buying a new car was akin to being flogged by pirates Sat, 22 Sep 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-757.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-757.php Due to pressing engagements -- working out, piano lesson, appointment at Starbucks to purchase a latte, cocktails with a friend -- I moved my test driving of a possible new car to tomorrow. In the meantime, Ive decided I will never pay more for a car than I did for my piano Thu, 20 Sep 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-756.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-756.php Tomorrow Im test driving three cars, all five speeds, to see which one handles the best under my hand. Theyre all Toyotas, so its not a competition among brands. Rather its among models.Ive been online searching for insurance quotes on my potential new car, searching for what my current car gets in the open market, and also searching for the safety rating of the three models Im considering Wed, 19 Sep 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-755.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-755.php Every now and then I hear a snippet of Bill OReillys radio show, and today was one of those snippety times. I admit I am not an OReilly fan, and I try to take my bias into consideration when criticizing him Tue, 18 Sep 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-754.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-754.php This was the weekend I usually only dream about. After visiting Blake at the local car dealership to consider whether I want to buy a new car or hang on to my current one, Earl and I returned home; he watched both college and professional football while I read and played piano and read and played piano without a commitment in sight Sun, 16 Sep 2007 0:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-753.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-753.php Im thinking maybe Ill buy a new car. Not that theres anything wrong with my current car, a stick-shift no-frills Dodge Neon that Ive kept in pristine condition. I suppose purists would point out that its almost six years old, probably depreciated considerably, and hardly in the running anymore for Car of the Year Sat, 15 Sep 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-752.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-752.php It all started when I programmed my new Sirius to specific stations ranging from fifties rock n roll to classical to talk. Now I am not a devotee of talk radio at all, but I am getting ready to become more informed about the presidential candidates Thu, 13 Sep 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-751.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-751.php Ive been blogging since May of 2004. Back then, I thought Id never run out of material. Today, I wonder. Because in the ensuing three years, Ive pretty much said what Ive had to say about the changing of the seasons, various human quirks, even our president Wed, 12 Sep 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-750.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-750.php Six years ago today, the twin towers of the World Trade Center crashed and burned. As a nation, we are still trying to recover; and I have deep sympathy for us all.However, this national tragedy isnt what I remember most on this day Tue, 11 Sep 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-749.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-749.php Okay, so it wasnt a good weekend for the University of Notre Dames football team. It wasnt a good weekend for the second weekend in a row either. And next weekend doesnt look too promising.But lets remember that the Fighting Irish are not the Cubs Mon, 10 Sep 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-748.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-748.php I once lived in the same house for nine years, a real milestone for me. Usually my staying power disappears after two or three years. Then Im off to find some other place, whether it is across town or across the country Sun, 09 Sep 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-747.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-747.php I subscribe to a service that emails me the Word of the Day. Oh, I know others wait for their joke of the day or their milestone of the day, but Im into words. And even when I already am familiar with the word of a particular day, I always learn something about it that I didnt know Sat, 08 Sep 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-746.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-746.php I have an aversion to cellphones; and maybe its hereditary because both my sons seem to have the same affliction. We prefer to sit and concentrate when were talking on the phone. We prefer not to ruin a stroll in the park with a technological interruption Thu, 06 Sep 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-745.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-745.php Monday was Labor Day. In a way, its an oxymoron that one should simply relax on Labor Day, but Im willing to let grammatical issues slide to go with the flow. What strikes me most, however, is that Labor Day is the real end of summer, even though it actually extends to September 21 Wed, 05 Sep 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-744.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-744.php This past weekend Earl and I were in attendance when Georgia Tech trounced the University of Notre Dames football team. The Yellow Jackets showed little remorse as they stung and stung again, while the ND quarterback -- regardless of which one of the three possible successors to Brady Quinn was on the field -- simply couldnt do anything but swat at air Tue, 04 Sep 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-743.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-743.php Earl and I visited a natural history museum on a recent vacation. We paid our admission and entered the first gallery, which contained a diorama of stampeding bison being chased by Indians to set the mood for what else we would see in the gallery Mon, 03 Sep 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-742.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-742.php Ive gone back on my word not to visit Starbucks. Id kissed the coffee chain good-bye a while back when I stood in line over fifteen minutes to get my specially made latte and wondered if any coffee was worth that waste of time Fri, 31 Aug 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-741.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-741.php One week ago today I began my quest for The Grand Slam by donning six layers of clothing that made me look like a pudgy polar bear in rain gear and waddle like a penguin. I climbed aboard one of those float planes for a ride to a remote wilderness destination where Blackee, our guide for the week, assured Earl and me we would find two of the four species of fish that comprise The Grand Slam Thu, 30 Aug 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-740.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-740.php Writers and fisher people really have a lot in common. If you love to write or you love to fish, you need to make time from the daily grind to do so, as neither is an integral part of a usual routine Wed, 29 Aug 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-739.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-739.php NOTE: I\'m starting a new column here called \"Curmudgeon Monday.\" It\'s my one chance each week to gripe about something that bugs me.Have you seen my ex lately? writer Lisa Best asked as the lead sentence to an article about Canadian bodybuilder Todd Payette Mon, 27 Aug 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-737.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-737.php Back August 27, 2007. Fri, 17 Aug 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-736.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-736.php Paul English is my new hero. He is the software engineer who founded www.gethuman.com, which has now been trademarked as the gethuman movement. Originally, English created his site to publicize how to reach a human on the telephone at many of the countrys largest businesses Wed, 15 Aug 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-735.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-735.php Ive always tried to avoid the aquacisers, that group of older people who do their aerobic and strength training in the swimming pool five days a week at the health club. In fact, I usually time my own workout to be entering the womens locker room as they are leaving, all showered and squeaky clean Tue, 14 Aug 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-734.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-734.php With this summers drought, weeds havent been a big problem. But since southwestern Michigan has received several inches of rain in the past week or so, theyve begun to rear their ugly, unwanted leaves Sun, 12 Aug 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-733.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-733.php I pulled into the South Shore Health and Racquet Club this morning, intent on getting my daily dose of exercise out of the way as quickly as possible. As I climbed from my car, a cheery voice said, Hi Sat, 11 Aug 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-732.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-732.php Rummaging in our office supplies closet yesterday, I came across a simple white mug with the outline of a woman cradling a baby drawn on one side and the inscription Liga de la Lactancia Materna de Honduras on the other Fri, 10 Aug 2007 0:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-731.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-731.php Theres a daily column in the local newspaper called Today in History, which lists things that happened on todays date in other years. For instance, on August 4, 1944, Anne Frank and her family were discovered, after hiding in a garret for over two years Wed, 08 Aug 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-730.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-730.php \"The Simpsons\" is one of the summer\'s hot movies, not only from a ticket sales perspective but also from all the collateral marketing in fast food restaurants, on web sites, and in toy stores. My knowledge of the phenomenon, however, is minimal Mon, 06 Aug 2007 0:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-727.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-727.php On July 11, I wrote harsh words about commercial free Sirius radio and determined to return my equipment and cancel my subscription for a service that never worked. I ranted and raved not only on line but also in private Sun, 05 Aug 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-726.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-726.php Earl received a check from our bank today for $9.25. It looked legit, but I decided to read the literature that came with it. Here is what I learned.It is indeed an honest-to-goodness check, no doubt about it Fri, 03 Aug 2007 0:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-725.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-725.php I never listen to Tracy Chapman without thinking of Rachel, my stepdaughter in another life. It was she who introduced me to Tracy when we were all young. I hadnt thought of Tracy in years actually, but I found an old CD of hers and transferred it to my iPod, the better to become reacquainted Wed, 01 Aug 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-724.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-724.php Ive written about Earls penchant for gadgets before; how our kitchen is stocked with almost every imaginable tool to help in meal preparation. The thing is, however, that gadget companies are always coming up with new ideas Thu, 26 Jul 2007 0:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-723.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-723.php My friend Judi and I try to read a book a month together and then discuss it. By default, were currently plowing through the 500+ pages of Charlotte Brontes Jane Eyre, first published in 1847, a mere 160 years ago Wed, 25 Jul 2007 0:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-722.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-722.php Last night Earl and I saw Senator John McCain speak at the local college. He was clearly running for president.Weeks ago, I made up my mind that I will not become involved in the jockeying for presidential position that is currently sweeping both major parties Tue, 24 Jul 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-721.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-721.php My son Kevin left for his home in Fargo today, but not before we had our usual conversation about the decline in the use of the English language. It was great. But if you hated diagramming sentences in grade school -- or if you never diagrammed in the first place -- the rest of this essay will be boring Sat, 21 Jul 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-720.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-720.php Today I return to piano lessons. Ive taken a five week hiatus, the first ever since I started with teacher Julia Oberheu going-on six years ago. Its been strange.I took the break because I could see that there would be no time to practice during the five weeks in question Thu, 19 Jul 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-719.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-719.php This afternoon I spent a couple hours ironing and reacquainting myself with Tom Paxton, a folk singer from the sixties. Ive ironed a gazillion times since then, but only listened to Paxton occasionally Wed, 18 Jul 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-718.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-718.php When my sons visited two weeks ago I served Pepperidge Farms Chocolate Decadence for dessert. Its a rich chocolate layer cake with equally rich chocolate frosting between the layers and gobs of shaved chocolate on top Tue, 17 Jul 2007 0:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-717.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-717.php My nails grow like grass, needing to be cut each week. Or last least filed and shaped. It makes me wonder if other peoples nails are the same way. It also makes me wonder if nails and hair are related, since my hair seems to grow inordinately fast too Mon, 16 Jul 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-716.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-716.php Its an old family habit I learned at my Mothers knee. Whenever we went out for breakfast, she would always, always ask for buttered toast. It was the criterion on which a restaurant was judged.One time years ago we went to Mammys Pancake House on Rush Street in Chicago Sun, 15 Jul 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-715.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-715.php Ive had it! Up to here! (Picture me raising my right hand to my neck in a slashing motion.) I am tired of technology that doesnt work followed by personal service that doesnt work either.Last Christmas Earl bought me a Sirius radio Plug and Play for my car so that I could listen to music without commercial interruption Wed, 11 Jul 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-714.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-714.php Aging begins at the moment of birth, but it doesnt really take solid hold for another fifty or sixty years. By then, one has experienced childhood, the teen years, young adulthood, and middle age. These phases erode the sense of invincibility that young people have and replace it with a certain fatalism Tue, 10 Jul 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-713.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-713.php My sons -- Kevin, Chris, and Keith -- have spent the previous week with us, and weve partyied hardy. Beer, cookouts, more beer, bonfires, more beer, trips around town, yes -- more beer, communing with Earls side of the family Mon, 09 Jul 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-712.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-712.php My office is the only room in our house that doesnt have a view of the St. Joe River. When we moved in I had intended that this room would be Earls office, while I would have one where I could watch the river flow by Sun, 08 Jul 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-711.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-711.php When I was a child, I often visited my Aunt Alice and my Uncle Dick during the summer. One thing I remember from those golden days is that Uncle Dick worked long hours, leaving in the morning before I rose and returning in the evening just in time for dinner Thu, 05 Jul 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-710.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-710.php Its a tricky thing, being a gardener or a farmer in southwestern Michigan. On the plus side, the soil is right for the crops that are grown here; on the minus side, the weather is unpredictable. Which means that you can plant on time and weed as required; but if the rain doesnt come and the sun doesnt shine in certain proportions, all you are assured of is a crop of disappointment Fri, 29 Jun 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-709.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-709.php Id seen the advertisements on posters and the sides of busses all over New York. Nathans famous hotdogs were described as all beef and bigger-than-the-bun. I began to want one, although I wasnt sure when Id find time to track down a Nathans concession Thu, 28 Jun 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-708.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-708.php I had thought Id write about Nathans Hotdogs tonight as my parting memory from my recent visit to New York City. But just as I was sitting down to blog, Earl noted that there was a special on PBS acknowledging Paul Simons contribution to American music Wed, 27 Jun 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-706.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-706.php I just arrived at my home-away-from-home for the next week, The Maritime Hotel in the Chelsea district of Manhattan. Ive done this trip many times before, so I came prepared. The city that bills itself as the Big Apple greets singles with wide open arms and outstretched hands Tue, 19 Jun 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-705.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-705.php Ive never been a devotee of exercise. In fact, Ive been known to brag that I went through sixteen years of schooling without ever attending a gym class. But Im reconsidering my position.When Earl and I gutted our bathrooms about a year and a half ago, we needed a place to shower so that we could maintain our position in local society Mon, 18 Jun 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-704.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-704.php My ex-husband, Jeff, died two days ago and is being buried tomorrow. We would have been divorced fifteen years this coming August; and, truthfully, I havent spent much of the intervening time thinking about him Sun, 17 Jun 2007 0:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-703.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-703.php Youll never have to iron them, the salesperson on the other end of the phone told Earl when he ordered some dress shirts recently. Theyre a special fabric, Earl reported back to me. But I was skeptical Sat, 16 Jun 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-702.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-702.php Ten years ago I moved into an industrial loft in Chicago\'s Fulton Market District. My unit faced north, and I spent many evenings on my balcony admiring the sunset to my west. That area was an industrial corridor unobstructed by high rises; so the sun fell onto railroad tracks and warehouses and falling-down buildings, bathing them in gold in its wake Thu, 14 Jun 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-701.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-701.php Today I let my administrative assistant go, and it was more difficult that Donald Trump makes it look. But then, maybe I\'m less callous than he.I liked her, I liked her a lot. But the bottom line was that her skill set and what I needed didn\'t match well; and I spent more time than I wanted trying to explain things, simplifying them, and generally not adding too much to her workload as she acclimated to the job Wed, 13 Jun 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-700.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-700.php As a child, I often heard older people say how time flies. Yet, as I waited for school to be out on Friday afternoon, it seemed as if time passed incredibly slowly. Monday creeped into Tuesday, while Tuesday crawled into Wednesday and on to the end of the week Tue, 12 Jun 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-699.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-699.php Last year Earl and wandered into Zeke\'s, a tavern/restaurant in Dowagiac, a town about twenty or so miles further down the road. We had been exploring backroads and wanted something to drink. Zeke\'s, which has two hundred beers on tap and in bottles, fit the bill; and we spent an enjoyable hour at the bar Sun, 03 Jun 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-698.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-698.php Maybe you\'ve seen the Staples office supply store\'s commercials about how easy it is when you use that company for your office supply needs. Maybe you\'ve even visited the official Staples web site to order things and learned how easy it was Thu, 31 May 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-697.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-697.php We\'re thinking of moving once again. It\'s as if we\'re rolling stones and the moss is beginning to accumulate and we need to shake it loose. This time, we\'ve purchased a condo; and, even though it\'s slated to be ready for occupancy almost a year from now, I find myself spending imaginary shopping sprees in search of furniture, paint, and window coverings Wed, 30 May 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-696.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-696.php My next door neighbor says she doesn\'t think her house is clean unless her windows sparkle. Me? I settle for lower standards. I think my house is clean when everything is in its proper place and the bed is made Mon, 21 May 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-695.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-695.php Earl and I attended an outdoors show at a local arena a few weeks back. It\'s one of those shows where boats and fishing are the featured attractions, but other vendors with peripheral interests to the outdoors set up booths Sun, 20 May 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-694.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-694.php My oldest friend, meaning the friend I\'ve known the longest and not necessarily the most aged, just spent two days here. We wined and dined and even shopped a little. But what we did most was talk. We have over five decades of friendship to recall; in fact, next year we will celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of our graduation from eighth grade Fri, 18 May 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-693.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-693.php We have a variety of bird feeders that hang from tree limbs and dot the perimeter of our home, and we are in constant warfare with the squirrels who think we set this food out for them. For the record, we do not Tue, 15 May 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-692.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-692.php I\'m often the first to complain about AT&T and its customer service. I whine that it takes forever to wend one\'s way through the automated telephone system, when a telephone company is supposed to be all about communication Sun, 13 May 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-691.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-691.php My life is becoming dominated with user names and passwords, security questions and secret clues. It\'s making me grumpy.Just in the past two days I\'ve redeemed airline miles, signed up for commercial-free radio, and bought some items online Fri, 11 May 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-690.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-690.php Today I heard a commercial on the radio for a restaurant that billed itself as \"casually elegant.\" It struck a wrong note.I mean, either you are a casual restaurant or an elegant restaurant; but I do not believe you can be a casually elegant restaurant Thu, 10 May 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-689.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-689.php Early yesterday morning Earl and a couple buddies went fishing in Lake Michigan. He arrived home mid-afternoon with three fish as the result of his efforts, so of course we had one for dinner.It reminded me of the time a couple years ago that we ordered fresh lobsters from Maine Wed, 09 May 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-688.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-688.php I have never enjoyed photography, either the taking of pictures or the posing for them. But Earl received a fancy-dancy digital camera as a birthday gift, and I have been trying to learn how to use it Fri, 04 May 2007 0:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-687.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-687.php Today I\'m spreading mulch, twelve cubic yards of deep red mulch, around the base of the trees on our property. That\'s the equivalent of two truck loads. It\'s an annual spring ritual for which some of my friends have declared me crazy behind my back Thu, 03 May 2007 0:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-686.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-686.php Earl has the same eating habits as Elvis Presley had: a penchant for anything laden with sauce or butter. This includes Southern-style food like ribs, comfort food like macaroni and cheese, and soul food like greens cooked in bacon grease Wed, 02 May 2007 0:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-685.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-685.php When I returned to blogging this past January I started with an essay titled \"Maybe I\'m Back.\" It was meant to provide wiggle room in case I found blogging wasn\'t interesting any more. But with the technical difficulties that have haunted my web site the past three weeks, I\'ve changed my tune Tue, 01 May 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-683.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-683.php Starting May 1, I will be back to blogging on a regular basis. The technical difficulties are fixed and life is good. Until then, you can scroll to the bottom and see what were my favorite blogs of 2006 Sun, 29 Apr 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-680.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-680.php Every Friday Earl and I go out to dinner. Sometimes it\'s a casual place like Pauly\'s in Benton Harbor; other times it\'s more upscale like the Bistro at the Boulevard or Tosi\'s. But wherever we land, we have a grand time Fri, 13 Apr 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-679.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-679.php In March 2006, three members of the Duke University lacrosse team were arrested and accused of kidnapping and raping an exotic dancer. The three -- Reade Seligman, Collin Finerty, and David Evans -- steadfastly maintained their innocence through a storm of public media scrutiny, university chastisement, and community isolation Thu, 12 Apr 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-678.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-678.php Anna Nicole Smith and Don Imus have both had their fifteen minutes of fame, maybe even more. They haven\'t done much except lead trashy lives or believe than anyone else is fair game for insulting comments Wed, 11 Apr 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-677.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-677.php I started writing a blog to keep my mind and my fingers nimble, to maintain a facility with words I\'d gained as a freelance writer of long standing. That was almost three years ago, when I quit the freelance world but still wanted to hold on to my skills Mon, 09 Apr 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-676.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-676.php Neither my ex-husband Jack nor my good friend Libby has a device to answer their home phones when they\'re out. It\'s not that I have great occasion to call my ex, but I do like to check in with Libby every now and then Sun, 08 Apr 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-675.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-675.php Two months from today is my birthday. I\'m quirky about that. I notice every month how far it is in days to the next birthday or how far it was from the last. Maybe it\'s because birthdays are special in my life Sat, 07 Apr 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-674.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-674.php Today is Good Friday. In another time and place I would be spending the evening in church. That was when I attended St. Louis Cathedral Catholic School in St. Louis, Missouri, about fifty years ago.Back then, I went to a Catholic grade school and religious participation was a cornerstone of my education Fri, 06 Apr 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-673.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-673.php I\'m home in my own Michigan world; but fond memories of last weekend\'s visit to Fargo, ND, persist. One night, Kevin and I saw Eric Clapton live at the Fargodome, a venue better suited to basketball games but still adequate for the aging guitarist whose nickname is \"Slowhand Wed, 04 Apr 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-672.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-672.php Kevin and I eat at Sarello\'s every time I visit Fargo. It\'s a four star restaurant in a two star town. Two star trying to grow into something more stellar. I can\'t remember the number of times we\'ve been to Sarello\'s, but they have been enough that the owner, Tony, welcomes me with true open arms and wants to make sure I\'m well served Sat, 31 Mar 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-671.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-671.php I\'m sitting in my son Kevin\'s living room in Fargo, North Dakota, waiting for the sun to come out, even though it\'s hopeless. The sun doesn\'t come out in Fargo very often this time of year. Rather, the days stretch gloomy and endless, each one running into the other, separated only by shades of grey to black Fri, 30 Mar 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-670.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-670.php Today is the first day this year I\'ve been outside without a coat or a jacket or a sweatshirt. It\'s almost eighty degrees, both outside and in the house. I took advantage of the weather to wash my car and walk around my yard looking for any early blooming flowers Mon, 26 Mar 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-669.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-669.php You can\'t take anything for granted in music; that\'s what I\'ve really learned after five years of piano lessons.Case in point: I started working on a new piece today, a simple piece that takes only one page in my lesson book Fri, 23 Mar 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-668.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-668.php We\'re one day into Official Spring, and I\'m struck with how isolated I\'ve been all winter. I\'ve hardly read a newspaper or listened to a broadcast. I know we\'re still in Iraq, that some Democrats and Republicans are already running for the presidency, and that American Idol is back Thu, 22 Mar 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-667.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-667.php It\'s that time of year when I chastise myself for keeping incomplete records, because it\'s also that time of year when I need to give my accountant complete records. Because of my laxity, I\'m spending the week catching up on ledgering and preparing for my meeting with our accountant on Friday Tue, 20 Mar 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-666.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-666.php What better way to celebrate St. Patrick\'s Day than to attend the sixty-second annual ULTIMATE Sport and RV Show? Well, there probably are better ways; but this is how Earl and I spent the day.It was clear and crisp when we pulled out of our driveway at 8 AM this morning to drive the eighty some-odd miles to DeVos Place, the exhibition center in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where the Ultimate was being held Sat, 17 Mar 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-665.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-665.php For Christmas, I received \"The Out of Office Countdown 2007 Calendar.\" It\'s not only a calendar but also a compendium of unintentionally witty statements our president has made during his years in office Fri, 16 Mar 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-664.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-664.php Country music artists have a lock on hilarious lyrics sung with straight faces. Collectively, they also hold the record for the greatest number of songs about unrequited love that involve a church and a wedding Mon, 12 Mar 2007 10:00:00 CDT http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-663.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-663.php Last night Earl and I went to one of our favorite local restaurants, The Millennium Steak House in Niles, Michigan. I\'d had a hunger for the rack of lamb, and we hadn\'t been there in a long time.Too long it seems, for in our absence the owners made some noticeable changes not only to the menu but to the one characteristic that set The Millennium apart from other dining establishments around here Sat, 10 Mar 2007 10:00:00 CST http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-662.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-662.php I recently ran across a website that publishes words used in general conversation but which have not attained dictionary status yet. It\'s a great example of the fluidity of our language. I offer some of the more appealing words here in the hope of encouraging others to pay attention to how language is expanded through splicing and dicing, through trial and error, and through new connections Wed, 07 Mar 2007 10:00:00 CST http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-661.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-661.php Shortly after Earl and I moved into our house in Michigan my friend Judi came to visit. She brought her camera and went around the house taking pictures, even though we were hardly settled in. A while later, a beautiful album arrived at our home Tue, 06 Mar 2007 10:00:00 CST http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-660.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-660.php I\'m not sure of all the details. What I do know is that the ACE Hardware store down the road about three miles from our house closed shop last year and built a new facility much farther away. The former building remained empty until True Value decided to open a store there Mon, 05 Mar 2007 10:00:00 CST http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-659.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-659.php This past week Earl and I, along with his daughter and son-in-law, went to the Saugatuck Brewing Company -- about an hour from our house -- to redeem Earl\'s birthday gift certificate. Now maybe you\'re thinking we went to drink beer, but the reality is we went to make our own microbrew Sun, 04 Mar 2007 10:00:00 CST http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-658.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-658.php I\'ve been visiting hair salons for years, but I still don\'t communicate well with the person who cuts my hair. It doesn\'t matter if he or she is called a hairdresser, a stylist, or just a plain old barber Thu, 01 Mar 2007 10:00:00 CST http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-657.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-657.php Earl reminded me this morning that Christmas is just ten months away. Not that I needed or wanted reminding, but he enjoys the holiday so much that the countdown for next year always begins on December 26 Sun, 25 Feb 2007 10:00:00 CST http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-656.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-656.php I am clear that talk shows have great appeal, but I am equally unclear regarding their intellectual value. I\'m not sure what is gained by hours and hours of opinion thrown at the public in the guise of informed conversation Wed, 21 Feb 2007 10:00:00 CST http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-655.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-655.php Last week the junior senator from Illinois, Barack Obama, became the latest candidate to announce he\'s running for president. It drove me crazy. Not because he\'s unqualified. That remains to be seen Tue, 20 Feb 2007 10:00:00 CST http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-654.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-654.php Remember the hue and cry over New Year\'s Eve 1999, when government and corporations went to great lengths to make sure their computers could make the switch from 1999 to 2000 without crashing and burning? People everywhere spent hours and dollars backing up their systems in case of the Great Berserk-ness Sat, 17 Feb 2007 0:00:00 CST http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-653.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-653.php The man was heavy in the middle, with a girth I couldn\'t possibly have put my arms around. Not that I intended to. Earl and I were waiting by the hostess desk for our table at Papa Vino\'s earlier this evening when the man, who had a neatly tied ponytail, strode from the restaurant through the doors to the outside Fri, 16 Feb 2007 10:00:00 CST http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-652.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-652.php And I ate a taxicab too. For Christmas, I received a wonderful box of Eleni\'s cookies. Eleni\'s bakery is located in Chelsea Market, NYC, and whenever I go to town I try to get there and admire the artistry of the various theme cookies Thu, 15 Feb 2007 10:00:00 CST http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-651.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-651.php There\'s a commercial that features Abraham Lincoln in his familiar stovepipe hat waiting in the kitchen with some sort of furry rodent-like animal. It might be a beaver or a groundhog -- it doesn\'t really matter Tue, 13 Feb 2007 10:00:00 CST http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-650.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-650.php Molly Ivins, the syndicated liberal columnist who heralded from the same state as our current President, died about ten days ago after a lengthy battle with breast cancer. She was my age, sixty-two.It was a surprise, not only because of the age similarity but also because the photo that usually accompanied her column in the local newspaper revealed a smiling woman with curly hair who seemed to be in the prime of her life Mon, 12 Feb 2007 10:00:00 CST http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-649.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-649.php A week ago today the Chicago Bears lost the Super Bowl to the Indianapolis Colts. There was great angst in the losing city and great euphoria in the winning one. Yesterday, the Pro Bowl -- which I think is like other sports\' all-star games -- was played in Hawaii Sun, 11 Feb 2007 10:00:00 CST http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-648.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-648.php I\'m busying watching the Super Bowl, so will offer only a brief thought for today:The quickest renewable energy source is a smile. Sun, 04 Feb 2007 10:00:00 CST http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-647.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-647.php This is the eve of Super Bowl XLI. For those of you who don\'t remember Roman numerals, that\'s Super Bowl 41. Roman numerals are often used when one -- in this instance, probably football professionals -- wants to add status and drama to an event Sat, 03 Feb 2007 10:00:00 CST http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-646.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-646.php In case you haven\'t heard, we\'re due for an early spring. I write this as I dig out from over two feet of snow that has stranded me in my own home.Nevertheless, it\'s true. Today is Ground Hog Day; and the one and only official groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, came out of his burrow early this morning Fri, 02 Feb 2007 0:00:00 CST http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-645.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-645.php I\'m back to cooking, although most of my meals are relatively simple in nature. I prefer to serve healthy food at home, since we eat out regularly and indulge ourselves on those occasions. Tonight, for instance, I prepared baked salmon, steamed broccoli, and Spanish rice Wed, 31 Jan 2007 10:00:00 CST http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-644.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-644.php It started two days ago as snow began falling in the early morning hours. Radio reports said to expect a foot or more. Weather forecasters are usually less than one hundred percent accurate, but they were deadly precise in this case Tue, 30 Jan 2007 10:00:00 CST http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-643.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-643.php Years ago television ads promoted the taking of pictures to preserve memories. As the Kodak Company made its pitch, singer Paul Anka provided the musical background by crooning that the photos captured \"the times of our lives Thu, 25 Jan 2007 10:00:00 CST http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-642.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-642.php Four weeks ago yesterday we celebrated Christmas with the usual family festivities: lots of food, lots of gifts, and lots of merriment. Then Earl and I left on our annual January vacation, which consists of finding warmer weather for a couple weeks so that Earl can endure the balance of our local weather regardless of whether the groundhog sees its shadow Tue, 23 Jan 2007 10:00:00 CST http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-641.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-641.php One of my New Year\'s resolutions is to read more, since I hardly read half a dozen books in 2006. Oh, I salved my conscience with magazines and newspapers and catalogs, but that is hardly what I\'d call quality reading Sat, 20 Jan 2007 0:00:00 CST http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-640.php http://www.annebrandt.com/newssingle-640.php We have been home about 36 hours from our recent vacation, but I am still in low gear. I\'ve slept in, read various magazines, and finally gotten around to emptying my suitcase of Tahiti\'s sand. I only did this because Earl was eager to do laundry, and I never want to discourage someone else\'s productivity Thu, 18 Jan 2007 10:00:00 CST</