A Tea Bagger?

Shalom:
I just read an interesting entry on my friend Beth's blog.
Somehow this dear lady remains friends with me and I rather like her.
Yes, we have different views on many subjects. She supports Mr. Obama. I think he's the worst president since Mr. Carter. I love Sarah Palin and the very name makes Beth ill.
And yet, we can read each other's blogs, leave comments and remain friends.
That's how adults act; on the those things they agree, cool. On those things they don't, they agree to disagree.
My only suggestion is dropping the word "tea bagger." A cousin of my told me that the phrase is in England a vile slur concerning someone who is gay. Liken to the N-word or when the Romans and Nazis used Jew as the word for dog.
Not very nice.
I love you Beth, you do keep me on my toes.

A Jew With A View: Snow in Virginia

A Jew With A View: Snow in Virginia

As I stated in an earlier Blog, we got hit with a snow storm  over the weekend. So, I came home to over eight inches of snow and most of Norfolk and the surrounding cites shut down. No school for three days. So I pulled out the lamb stew I froze just before I left and slept in for a few days.
But as of today, most of the white stuff is gone the sun is once again shining.

Black History is Our History

Boker Tov:
I still remember the first time I celebrated Black History. I was in the sixth grade and it was Black History week. Up until this time I went to mostly white schools and black history wasn't taught there. It was only in the black and inner cities schools at the time.
Thankful, things have changed.
Up until then,  I didn't have a clear picture of how we as a people got here or what part we played in the building of America.
But then in sixth grade, that changed. I learned about Africa, slavery, and how we truly part of this country. I remember one teacher asking us to ask question of our families, because there is where much of the story laid.
I didn't learn a lot. It wasn't until I began researching my own family tree that I could get a better picture of the tapestry.
But I did learn that my grandfathers and uncles fought in the Spanish-American war, World Wars I and II, cousins who fought in Nam and later the Gulf war. That my great-grandfathers were farmers and that is where we get our green thumbs from.
My great-grandmother was a needleworker. A skill she passed onto my grandmother and she to her daughters. Mummie could sew, but didn't like to. But she would help me in my home ed classes. Aunt Lucille had three boys, but made my sister and my Sabbath dresses. And today, the worst sewing student in the whole school (me) is now a needleworker.
My sixth grade teacher was right: how often we look for heroes amoung the massives-Martin Luther King, George Washington Carver, etc., when they are really right there in the circle of our family.

Adjustments

A nearby park: yes, we had real snow in Virginia.
Boker Tov:

I arrived home from Montana Sunday evening after a long day of traveling. It has taken a few days to get caught up on my rest (nothing like sleeping in your own bed) and unpack. But I am still not adjusted to life back here in Norfolk.
Not don't get me wrong, I love my home, my neighorhood.
But I am use to looking out of the window and seeing mountains, not a redbrick buiding. I am use to seeing few cars on the road and not hearing traffic sounds. A night sky so crisp and clear you can touch the moon.  I miss the wolves, the dogs and chasing Maytag the cat out of my slippers.
It is an adjustment to being alone once again.
But I'll get there.

A Note From My cousin

Lialia Tov:

My cousin Carson left such a wonderful comment, I decided to make it an blog entry:

Hey to all that posted comments. This is Carson Lani's cousin. Kithiii is a wolf but she is arctic. They only get 29" at the shoulder and are more sleek and smaller than their timber relatives. The reason she is so docile is because of a strict training regime, and also lots of love.It's like any animal: it is all how the are raised and cared for.Thank you all for the comments. and the babies are called cubs! Just to let you know. :)

I Love A Man In Uniform; A Book Review

Boker Tov:
This book review is long overdue.
I Love A Man In Uniform was written by Lily Burana.
A memoir of love, war and other battles indeed.
 It was a book given to me by a friend last year. Right after Mark left for Afghanistan, I began to read it
It isn't a fluffy piece filled with mum and apple pie and how honoured you should be to let Uncle Sam take your man for months on end, just put your big girl panties on and deal with it. But a fresh, raw, honest look at what we as military wives go through. The ups and downs, the highs and lows, even the lost of friends who can't deal with your raw nerves.
 I could well relate to Lily; going up a bit of a rebel ( Lily was full blown), our relationships with our men centered around the war; she and Mike were married just before his deployment. Mark and I were seeing where we were going in our relationship. Our guys were there in Iraq at the same time, though Mark was there longer. There was an reajustment period when they came home and even a chance the relationships could end.
Lily and I have gone through similiar battles and have come out the victor. While as different as night and day, I found a kinship that helped me deal with Mark's deployment. I learned not only how to, but now can utter the words "embrace the suck." This comes from the guys who had to be in Iraq over a year, stating this sucks. And a CO is quoted as 'embrace the suck."
Yes, I am aware that a nice frum like me shouldn't use phrases like that, but frankly, sometimes those are the very phrases that are the most honest.
So, I shall say, this sticks.
I highly recommend I Love A Man in Iniform, not just for those who loved ones deployed or about to be send over. But for those who have family and friends who have one side of the bed empty, someone missing at the supper table and you quite can't understand why girlfriend is so touchy, so sensitive, maybe you can understand us just alittle better.
Love you, Lily.
And I am happy to say, after finding out she was on facebook, I was honoured that she accepted this frum as a friend. I am hoping one day when Mark takes me to Westpoint to visit, I shall get to meet Lily and her husband Mike.

Black History Month

Boker Tov:
Today is the second day of Black History month.
Frankly, as strange as this may sound, I wish we didn't have BHM, but it is needful. For when a people forget who they are, they are not longer a people.
The African American is a huge part of this nation's history. We helped to build this nation, we are americans.
And yet there are people who would sill deny our place in history, in this country. Who would frankly prefer us back in chains, riding the back of the bus and cleaning the Oval office instead of filling its chair.
We have come a long way baby, but we still have a long way to go.
I am not one to blame 'the white man' for everything that is wrong in our community. As Mr.Cosby himself has said, "Come On, People!" Mr. Cosby has spoken truths we have not wished to face, but needed to be said.
My mother, who will be 76 years old in a few weeks always told my sister and I when we were younger:
"there will always be people out there who hate you because you are a child of colour, because of your faith, because you are a girl, bceause of all three. There will be those who think you aren't as smart, clever or skilled. You will have to work twice as hard to be just as good. No, that isn't fair, life isn't fair. But G-d is good and in the end, goodness wins out all the time. Don't allow their hate to keep you down or harden your heart. Don't hate them, pity them. For they know not G-d's love.
"At the same time, do not allow yourself to be used or abused. You are not a doormat. If someone doesn't wish to be your friend, shake the dust off your feet and move on."
Black History Month isn't just for African Americans, but for all Amercicans, for it is our history.

Laini and The Wolf

Boker Tov;

As promised, today I am adding pictures. And no Marty, I didn't have a Red Riding Hood :)

This is one of the wolves, Kiltiii, with my uncle. Beautiful isn't she? She's expecting cubs and likes having her tummy rubbed.

"Look up, Laini." Yes this is me with the wolf. She's waiting for a piece of cheese..

We have to have a talk about modesty. Kiltiii has none what so ever.

Down From the Mountain.

Boker Tov;
It has been a busy few days.
Friday, Jaylene needed to go to the dentist, so Angela and I (she's married to Jaylene' brother Carson) hung out together. Uncle Jim loan me his massger the other evening when I had a muscle cramp and told me where I could get it (Walmart of course)
So that is where we headed, as well as picking up a few things for Aunt Michael. Then we picked up supper and Jaylene.
Afterwards, I got to meet Mark's Aunt Jane and family. Aunt Michael, Aunt Jane and Dad Reel are what is left of the Reel siblings.
Aunt Jane is the youngest and the most like dad Reel. Cousin Kim and Mark grew up together so it was a joy to meet her and her family as well.
I love being part of this family. Not perfect to be sure, a very loving, caring family.
It is hard to find ones own space in this group: I had to take a walk in the snow. But really, I do love being part of this wonderful family I married to. While we were gone, my mum called the house and spoke to Aunt Michael. She called to warn me I was leaving snow and flying into snow.
Oh goody.

Saturday was a day of mixed feelings. It was nice and quiet since the guys had fire fighting training and we girls got to sleep in late. But it was also my last day with the fmaily.
I called Dad Reel to let him know that there was a change in my itinerary a few days ago and learned they had recieved eight inches of snow and it was still falling.
Which meant I had to take a cab home.

So, early Sunday morning we were off to Helena for the Airport. I confess, I hated leaving. The love, support and frankly peace I found here was exactly what my soul needed. I needed to be able to openly speak out my fears, to get hugs when I was low and Uncle Jim making me laugh when I started to slide into a depression. To play with the wolves and even walk through a tiny town in the snow.

I arrived in Norfolk about 7pm last night. But what took so long was waiting for the luggage and waiting for a cab. The airport had about 30 cabs running and it was a matter of just waiting your turn. What made me (and others) angry was there was a group of soldiers arriving for a brief stop before heading off to Fort Bragg, including gear. There was a van cab that pulled up and the Secuity Guard offered the cab to the soldiers. No one had a problem with that. But the cab driver refused to take them. Her excuse: they weren't first in line. She tried to side step the Guard and get other folks into her cab, but to everyone's credit, they refused. No one else had a problem with the soldiers going first and it wasn't them insisting for special favortie, but the Guard who wanted to keep the group together.
 The police had to be called in and finally she took three of the soldiers and their gear and the other three followed in another cab.
After two hours, I finally made it home to my nice, very warm apartment. After letting everyone know I was home and safe, I made a cup of tea and headed off to my own bed.
Next my entry, pictures.

Boxing

Lailia Tov:
Bonnie's shop is being remodeled, so a visit to Sticks and Stones is out for this trip. So I am going to work some on Mark's quilt before I box it up and made it home.
Aunt Michael made a beautiful red, white and blue sweater that she gave me and I shall wear it with pride. In a few hours, I will finish the boxing I'm mailing to Virginia and Afghanistan.
I went on Facebook this morning to see what my friends were up to and of course it was full of the State of the Union speech.
I didn't stay on long.
I have made no secret that I am not a Mr. Obama supporter and his first year in office has done nothing to change my opinion.
Frankly, I am tired of hearing Mr.Obama whining about the past eight years; it's time to man up and do the job he was voted into office for.
I am sick and tired of the fighting on both sides. Both the Dems and the GOP need to stop the school yard fighting and get to work righting our nation. It took more than eight years to create this mess and it is going to take all hands on deck to right this ship (my step-dad was in the Navy)
That is why the TeaParty exist; because many of us are sick of what our leaders, ALL OF THEM are doing to this nation.
And yes, I do support the TeaParty.

It's Snowing in Afghanistan

The house from the street. It's builded into the side of Pole Mountain.

I spoke to Mark last night.
He was so excited; it is snowing in Afghanistan. Yesterday they had six to eight inches. Since it was about 7 am when I spoke to Mark, his day was just beginning. He said that the sky was steel gray, which met they could get even more snow.
And why is snow so important?
It is a huge water supply in the Spring when it melts and slows down the activity of the Talian.
Mark continues to enjoy his work and says he is getting a lot done. He also likes the people he works with.
Afterwards,  I spend the evening watching CSI with the family and working on Mark's quilt.
Today we are calling Miss Bonnie so I can visit the wonderful gift shop I'd heard so much about. Doing some quilting and then finishing Mark's box.
I also plan to mail some of my things home. This will lighten my luggae somewhat.
I go home in a few days.
As much as I miss my home, I shall be very sad to leave.

A Jew With A View: Basin, Montana

Boka Tov:
Yesterday it was a balmy 38, so I headed off for the local gift shop. It closed due to remodeling. But the owner will open it up for me today.
So I decided to do alittle exploring.
Basin is a small, quaint town and I am enjoying my stay. Since Mark and I plan to visit later in the year, I will be able to get picutre of the green carpit that covers the mountains, and see the cattle, sheep, lamas, goats and other anmials feeding in the fields. You can read more about Basin in my blog:
A Jew With A View: Basin, Montana

Did I Mention It is Cold?

Lailia Tov;
Well, it is another cold day here in Montana.
But then again, this is Montana.
So, today we are doing laudry,enjoying coffee, and watch tv.
Believe it or not I have neve seen The Nanny.
Now I am hooked. But I have to admit; the sexual tension between Fran Fine and Maxwell Sheffield was driving me nuts. I knew they married and had twins, but it was the reaching of  its inevitable fairy-tale ending that was having me pulling at my braids. So I went on YouTube and watched  the last two seasons, including the wedding and the birth of the twins. Honestly, I liked the last two seasons better; seeing Fran and Maxwell get together, seeing these two create a life togther and even Nile and C.C. get married and start their own family.
But then, I am an romantic.
Plus it gave me the laugh I needed.
Uncle Jim downloaded the Tanach onto my laptop this afternoon, both in Hebrew and english. Pretty cool. It shall make my study to Torah and Hebrew easier.
This evening I will work on Mark's carepackage.
I can almost see his face when he sees that it is from Montana.
How I wish I could see his face now.

Yeah, it's Cold

It is has been a busy day. I made it to the post office to get the boxes I needed.
It is still bitter cold and that is with no wind.
Sadly, I left my cameria home.
On the way back from Butte, we spotted a doe and then several miles later, Lamas.
Hopefully, when I am out later, I will be able to see these lovely animals again.
I have been told that these rolling fields, hills and mountain ranges are covered with horses, lamas, sheep and cattle in the spring and summer.
It would be so cool to share this with my beloved.

Brrrrrr

Boka Tov:
This morning it is cold. Waiting for the fireplace to kick in. I was going to take a picture of the sunrise, but it is bitter cold out there.
But then this is Montana and it is winter time. So hot coffee and blogging.
Last night, Uncle Jim made Venison streaks. He blended the spices in such a way that each bite had a different, but awesome taste. We had streamed mixed veggies to go with them.
Today Jaylene and i are going into Butte. While there, I will pick up a few boxes. One is to mail Mark's quilt and a few things home. The second, I am mailing a Carepackage from here. This way the family can add letters and cards to the box for him.
Mark would love that.

Mark is loving his new duty station. Twice the work and already he sees the good he is doing. But it long hours. He now calls just before his day starts and I'm preparing for bed. Which is good.
Because I can go to sleep with his voice still in my ears.

Venison For Supper

Tonight, Uncle Jim is preparing supper.
Venison.
I don't know how, but I know it shall be good.
I watched Uncle Jim on the snowplow and couldn't help but smile. I could see Mark and Uncle Jim taking turns on it, having a grand time.
It is times like these that I miss my Mark.
He would have me outside, making a snowman or getting into a snow ball fight. And of course he would win.
Afterwards we would get warm with cups of hot coco or tea.
Mark loves snow. And snow makes me think of Mark.
So does venison.
I hope he calls tonight.

Bread Making

Lailia Tov:
As I stated Tuesday, Jaylene and I made bread. It was half whole wheat-half white.
Because we were making bread for six, the recipe was doubled.

This is the first rising.

With the cover off. The dough is overflowing.

We set the bowl to soak in cold water. And note: the dough is still rising!

This is the second rising.

From that mushroon size dough came these four loaves. There are still rising.

These are the first two loaves fresh from the over.
We are still enjoying homemade bread.

A Weekend of Snow

Pole Mountain

Lailia Tov:

Since Friday afternoon, it has been snowing.
I had forgotten how beautiful a snow fall could be.
And yes Virginia, there is a difference.
As I look out the window, I don't see cars, trucks and buses going back and forth, turning the snow that dirty grey.
But it is a quiet fall. It remains pure white for hours, the silence only broken by the howeling of the wolves when a stray dog wanders onto the land.
I made lamb stew for Ere Shabbat, enough to barely made it through Shabbat itself. But the snow made Shabbat wonderful. I read and then took a long nap.
Last night we ordered burgers (I had chicken strips and fries) from Gators. The chicken strips were nice and crispy, fries, the burgers looked (and smelled) nice. It was a nice way to end the evening.
Since Friday afternoon, we have recieved between four to six inches of snow.
And it is still snowing.
So, today, I am working on my blogs, updating and downloading pictures.
Mark was right to send me out here: I am surrounded by people who know and love us both. I have family to talk to and yet if I need to be alone, I am given that space. I am getting a lot of work on Mark's quilt done. And enjoy getting to know the wolves better.
Yet, there are those moments, when I look out the window and see the wolves play, when I look at Pole mountain, which surrounds us, I cannot help but wish Mark was here to share it with me.

Snow in the Morning: Sun in The Afternoon

Shalom:
This morning we awoke to a grey morning, looking like snow.
A few hours later, as I was speaking to Mark, Aunt Michael called out that it was indeed snowing.
This is one of the pictures I took this morning.
It was such a peaceful scene. The wolves had theirs faces up at the falling white stuff.

Today, Jay and I are going to make wheat bread. It's good weather for homemade bread and will go great with the chicken soup I made last night.

Mark has arrived @ his new duty station. He's been there for a few days. He sounded so tired, but ready to dig into his new assignment. He's been sick for a few days; he says he is just run down and a good night's sleep will do him good.
His timing was perfect, for I am beginning to have the Deployment Blues. It is that depression that hits mid-way through the spouse's tour. And being here with family helps greatly. Aunt Michael and Uncle Jim keep me both busy and laughing. But they also encouge me to talk about me feelings and even encurage me to cry: a woman's tears are prayers G-d both understands and answers.
I cried this morning; and my beloved called.
His first words; Hey Beloved, how's my heart?"
How can you not love a guy like this?

No Red Hoods

My bud Marty is concerned about the wolves.
The wolves are members of the family. Two of them are comfortable around me. The others, well it will take some time. The family has raised the wolves since they were three weeks old. If left on their own, the babies would become prey.
Yes, I am careful with them. But that is true of any animal. While the dog Blackie rmembers me, MayTag the cat and I are becoming fast friends. Though a first she was upset I was sitting in her favorite chair.
The only thing that would make this trip perfect; if Mark was here.