Saturday, July 9, 2016
Friday, July 8, 2016
Saturday, May 7, 2016
Mothers' Day
I am in the middle of reading Life Lessons From my Grandmothers by Adriana Tragiani.
Apropos to this upcoming date, it was a great reminder of how beautiful and important a legacy can be. In the end it is not goods that we crave from our loved ones who have gone before us but their wisdom and life examples.
My two grandmothers were very different from each other, just like the author's but their untiring love for us wasn't. I do think that people who emigrated from Italy and other countries a hundred years ago showed much courage and knew that they had to work hard to achieve their goals.
Both of my grandmothers, like others, worked in factories under difficult conditions. They didn't complain; they accepted that this was a means to an end. In order to survive that had to work hard and work long hours.
My mother's mother, Lucia, moved to Sea Cliff, in the 1920's away from her family who stayed in the enclave in Brooklyn, close to people who were like minded. My grandfather bought an ice business and had to live among people who were not so welcoming. They were successful because of their strong work ethic. Eventually, they bought a home and even an apartment building. We lived in the apartment building for a while and then close by. We saw our grandmother every day. She always had an apron on and was cooking or preparing to cook.
As her first grandchild. I spent time in her large, warm kitchen while she cooked. She took me to the beach and we went visiting our large extended family who lived nearby.
My father's mother, my namesake Rosina, lived through the Depression, barely. She was a smart businesswoman. With my grandfather out of work, she tried her hand at owning a grocery store and making do with food given to the family by the government. My young shoe shine father brought home nickels every week so that they could buy some sorely needed food. As his sister, my aunt put it, "Sammy saved us many weeks so we didn't starve".
When my grandmother became a widow, in the '40's, she had apartments made in her brownstone, to provide her with an income. She was an independent lady. The weekly Sunday meals that we attended were legend. Nana served homemade ravioli and other pastas, along with roasts, salads and desserts. Each week was actually an event. We would walk into her home and see a table beautifully set for our extended family. We cousins loved being able to play with each other in the postage stamp back yard and fight over the two double swing there.
When I think back at what they accomplished; I am awed. They were smart. They didn't have much of an education, but they were good at business and learning another language, without having the advantage of a formal education.
101 Glimpses of the North Fork and Islands
The Wampum Exchange
http://rosemarymckinley.com
I am in the middle of reading Life Lessons From my Grandmothers by Adriana Tragiani.
Apropos to this upcoming date, it was a great reminder of how beautiful and important a legacy can be. In the end it is not goods that we crave from our loved ones who have gone before us but their wisdom and life examples.
My two grandmothers were very different from each other, just like the author's but their untiring love for us wasn't. I do think that people who emigrated from Italy and other countries a hundred years ago showed much courage and knew that they had to work hard to achieve their goals.
Both of my grandmothers, like others, worked in factories under difficult conditions. They didn't complain; they accepted that this was a means to an end. In order to survive that had to work hard and work long hours.
My mother's mother, Lucia, moved to Sea Cliff, in the 1920's away from her family who stayed in the enclave in Brooklyn, close to people who were like minded. My grandfather bought an ice business and had to live among people who were not so welcoming. They were successful because of their strong work ethic. Eventually, they bought a home and even an apartment building. We lived in the apartment building for a while and then close by. We saw our grandmother every day. She always had an apron on and was cooking or preparing to cook.
As her first grandchild. I spent time in her large, warm kitchen while she cooked. She took me to the beach and we went visiting our large extended family who lived nearby.
My father's mother, my namesake Rosina, lived through the Depression, barely. She was a smart businesswoman. With my grandfather out of work, she tried her hand at owning a grocery store and making do with food given to the family by the government. My young shoe shine father brought home nickels every week so that they could buy some sorely needed food. As his sister, my aunt put it, "Sammy saved us many weeks so we didn't starve".
When my grandmother became a widow, in the '40's, she had apartments made in her brownstone, to provide her with an income. She was an independent lady. The weekly Sunday meals that we attended were legend. Nana served homemade ravioli and other pastas, along with roasts, salads and desserts. Each week was actually an event. We would walk into her home and see a table beautifully set for our extended family. We cousins loved being able to play with each other in the postage stamp back yard and fight over the two double swing there.
When I think back at what they accomplished; I am awed. They were smart. They didn't have much of an education, but they were good at business and learning another language, without having the advantage of a formal education.
101 Glimpses of the North Fork and Islands
The Wampum Exchange
http://rosemarymckinley.com
Sunday, March 13, 2016
You have to be a boomer to enjoy this!!
I call it the open car door/rear end in the air syndrome.
While I was chauffeuring my granddaughters for four days, I kept seeing car doors open and fannies in the air. I couldn't figure out why at first---a phenomenon! Then I realized that I was doing the same thing every time I had to remove the three-year-old out of the car seat and harness. The adult has to physically stand in the back seat and lock and/or unlock the harness from the child while bending over. It takes time and for me it actually hurts my arthritic hands to do this. I saw open card doors with fannies up in the air all four days to and from school at at various places like stores, dance and religion class. It was amazing. No wonder people tend to leave children in the car if they can!
There is some good news here. The older children can actually get in and out of the seats themselves. Thank goodness. A few times I had to sit in between two seats and try and find the catch for the seat belt to fit into because the child couldn't do it! At least I was sitting down.
This past fall I happened to be sightseeing in Sicily, Italy and I noticed there were no car seats in sight nor did the young children sit in the back seat of these small cars. Very different approach.
So next time you are in a parking lot or school, take notice and be thankful that we are boomers and didn't have to do this. I do think that safety is important for our children but I am glad to say that I like getting in and out of my car fairly quickly and easily.
101 Glimpses of the North Fork and Islands
The Wampum Exchange
I call it the open car door/rear end in the air syndrome.
While I was chauffeuring my granddaughters for four days, I kept seeing car doors open and fannies in the air. I couldn't figure out why at first---a phenomenon! Then I realized that I was doing the same thing every time I had to remove the three-year-old out of the car seat and harness. The adult has to physically stand in the back seat and lock and/or unlock the harness from the child while bending over. It takes time and for me it actually hurts my arthritic hands to do this. I saw open card doors with fannies up in the air all four days to and from school at at various places like stores, dance and religion class. It was amazing. No wonder people tend to leave children in the car if they can!
There is some good news here. The older children can actually get in and out of the seats themselves. Thank goodness. A few times I had to sit in between two seats and try and find the catch for the seat belt to fit into because the child couldn't do it! At least I was sitting down.
This past fall I happened to be sightseeing in Sicily, Italy and I noticed there were no car seats in sight nor did the young children sit in the back seat of these small cars. Very different approach.
So next time you are in a parking lot or school, take notice and be thankful that we are boomers and didn't have to do this. I do think that safety is important for our children but I am glad to say that I like getting in and out of my car fairly quickly and easily.
101 Glimpses of the North Fork and Islands
The Wampum Exchange
Thursday, February 25, 2016
2016 A Campaign to Remember
2016 A Campaign to Remember
Whatever your political inclinations, this is one unusual campaign. So many debates---too many if you ask me. Not much substance but a lot of drama on both sides.
A complete outsider on the Republican side is winning delegates like crazy. Is he a republican? Is it a true protest against the Washington establishment? On the other side we have another Clinton and an avowed socialist. Wow. I don't have the answers but I have seen the pundits on both sides shake their heads and come up for a loss for words. What a shock!
I don't have a crystal ball nor do I know who will have my vote but it is not boring. I suppose we just have to wait and see how it plays out. It should be interesting. I am always interested in politics but this race is riveting on many levels.
The United States needs a strong, responsible leader to deal with all of the complicated issues facing us as a nation: the economy, security, foreign policy, the military, upgrading our infrastructure, education, race relations to just name a few. It is not an easy job, nor is it easily handled by one person. We certainly need someone who can work with others in a collaborative way for the benefit of all of us. May the best person win for the sake of all Americans.
We need an outstanding leader especially in these times.
Our nation has been mired in difficult times before, during wars, the question of slavery, to name a few, and we were headed by strong leaders who showed strength, fortitude and courage. That's what we need now.
101 Glimpses of the North Fork and Islands
The Wampum Exchange
http://wwwrosemarymckinley.com
Whatever your political inclinations, this is one unusual campaign. So many debates---too many if you ask me. Not much substance but a lot of drama on both sides.
A complete outsider on the Republican side is winning delegates like crazy. Is he a republican? Is it a true protest against the Washington establishment? On the other side we have another Clinton and an avowed socialist. Wow. I don't have the answers but I have seen the pundits on both sides shake their heads and come up for a loss for words. What a shock!
I don't have a crystal ball nor do I know who will have my vote but it is not boring. I suppose we just have to wait and see how it plays out. It should be interesting. I am always interested in politics but this race is riveting on many levels.
The United States needs a strong, responsible leader to deal with all of the complicated issues facing us as a nation: the economy, security, foreign policy, the military, upgrading our infrastructure, education, race relations to just name a few. It is not an easy job, nor is it easily handled by one person. We certainly need someone who can work with others in a collaborative way for the benefit of all of us. May the best person win for the sake of all Americans.
We need an outstanding leader especially in these times.
Our nation has been mired in difficult times before, during wars, the question of slavery, to name a few, and we were headed by strong leaders who showed strength, fortitude and courage. That's what we need now.
101 Glimpses of the North Fork and Islands
The Wampum Exchange
http://wwwrosemarymckinley.com
Friday, January 1, 2016
Bringing in the New----2016
Last year was a tough year in our family. One of our babies was diagnosed with cancer at under a month old. The family went through agonizing weeks and months of bad news on treatment and prognosis. An army of people from all over the country and beyond continued to pray for this child. Their local church stepped up to help and support them. It was amazing to see.
My 100 year old mother-in-law became very sick with pneumonia and was hospitalized in February and then rallied enough to celebrate her 100th birthday in March.She never forgot anyone's birthday or anniversary! It was a beautiful celebration with a tribute given by her oldest son. She joined that army of people praying every day for the baby, Redden. The family came from far to be with her on that dayMom succumbed to cancer the last day of May. She had her family around her once again and she did not suffer.
Summer usually brings our family together for boating and barbecues for a week at our home near water. This year the little ones were swimming off the boat and squealing while being pulled in a large round tube. It gets a little hectic but is lots of fun. We even had a Hawaiian party, complete with grass skirts, coconut drinks, music and leis to celebrate my daughter's birthday.
I was lucky to vacation in Sicily with my friends for twelve days in October, so many Greek ruins and delicious food including: rice balls cannolis and fish. The tour people were jovial and friendly so it was a learning experience as well as a good time.
Last but not least, we had some fantastic news in December about our ill baby. After months of reading sad updates on a blog written by my niece, I learned some outstanding news on his first birthday. Redden's tumor is shrinking! Our prayers have been answered! He still may have to have surgery but not for a while. The best birthday and Christmas present ever!
So my hope is that this year will be better for everyone in our family and others.
A Healthy New Year to all.
pavillionof dreams-rosemarymckinley@facebook.com
101 Glimpses of the North Fork and Islands
The Wampum Exchange
http://rosemarymckinley.com
Last year was a tough year in our family. One of our babies was diagnosed with cancer at under a month old. The family went through agonizing weeks and months of bad news on treatment and prognosis. An army of people from all over the country and beyond continued to pray for this child. Their local church stepped up to help and support them. It was amazing to see.
My 100 year old mother-in-law became very sick with pneumonia and was hospitalized in February and then rallied enough to celebrate her 100th birthday in March.She never forgot anyone's birthday or anniversary! It was a beautiful celebration with a tribute given by her oldest son. She joined that army of people praying every day for the baby, Redden. The family came from far to be with her on that dayMom succumbed to cancer the last day of May. She had her family around her once again and she did not suffer.
Summer usually brings our family together for boating and barbecues for a week at our home near water. This year the little ones were swimming off the boat and squealing while being pulled in a large round tube. It gets a little hectic but is lots of fun. We even had a Hawaiian party, complete with grass skirts, coconut drinks, music and leis to celebrate my daughter's birthday.
I was lucky to vacation in Sicily with my friends for twelve days in October, so many Greek ruins and delicious food including: rice balls cannolis and fish. The tour people were jovial and friendly so it was a learning experience as well as a good time.
Last but not least, we had some fantastic news in December about our ill baby. After months of reading sad updates on a blog written by my niece, I learned some outstanding news on his first birthday. Redden's tumor is shrinking! Our prayers have been answered! He still may have to have surgery but not for a while. The best birthday and Christmas present ever!
So my hope is that this year will be better for everyone in our family and others.
A Healthy New Year to all.
pavillionof dreams-rosemarymckinley@facebook.com
101 Glimpses of the North Fork and Islands
The Wampum Exchange
http://rosemarymckinley.com
Tuesday, November 3, 2015
Sicilians are not Italian
I just returned from the Southern tour of Italy, a truly beautiful, sunny region. We saw palm trees of all kinds as well as groves of olive trees, lemons and prickly pears. The rolling hills of tilled,lined land on the mountainsides were empty of the wheat that will be growing in the spring. The miles of farmland were so picturesque and green.
Sicily is very different from the rest of Italy. Palermo is a much larger city than I had expected with its three to four story apartment buildings and lack of parking spots. Also it has many hilly streets and very narrow ones, as well. All of this makes travel either exciting or annoying depending on how you look at it. We saw so many cars parked on corners or double parked so as to impede moving traffic. It all caused a lot of loud discussions, hand gestures and accidents. We heard and saw sirens and ambulances quite often during the short time we were there.
I now understand why they had a lot of pedestrian areas for dining and shopping. You cannot cross a street very easily, even with a traffic light available. The scooters and cars tried to get as close as possible without actually hitting people. A pedestrian had to walk very fast in this city.
We were on a Perillo tour and all of the people were in good spirits regardless of the fact that four had their luggage lost by the airlines. All were found within a few days. No one was ever late and we looked out for each other.
On our first morning tour of the city we saw a magnificent church, the great Norman Cathedral of Monreale, that had gold on glass on the ceiling and walls.There were Roman, Norman and Arabic elements to this magnificent building. The tour guide said,"We are not really Italian, as you can see by the influences in the area, we have been conquered by many cultures and they have left a lasting effect. The Greeks came here first, along with the Phoenicians and the Carthaginians, all by way of the Mediterranean Sea. Then the Romans and when the empire fell, the Normans invaded and built this magnificent palace and Church. After them, came the Bourbon kings from France and then the Spanish kings."
We walked up 79 steps to visit the beautiful gardens of the Park of La Favorita created by the Spanish King of Naples in 1799.
The next day we stopped at the Selinunte archeological site. This city was built by Carthage in 628 B.C. and was one of the richest and and most powerful in the world. We saw how the common people lived and saw the remnants of their temples. We even saw a bathtub made pf stone that had three steps, in order to allow the dirty water to go to the bottom. Very clever.
The next stop was a UNESCO World Heritage site that boasts the largest area of Greek Temples in the world. The columns were so tall and many in ruins but the majesty of the buildings came through loud and clear.
The next stop on the way to Taormina was one of my favorite places--the Villa Romana del Casale in Piazza Amerina.This villa was as large as a palace and was so well preserved, it was amazing. The intricate mosaics artistically depicted life back then in ancient times. One floor was 140 feet long! All mosaics and in true colors of the time. We also saw the private baths area of this wealthy landowner that included the caldarium, tepidarium and frigidarium. They knew how to live, those wealthy Romans.
Then off to Taormina one of the prettiest places on earth, called the Jewel of Italy. It is nestled on a mountain area with the sights of the Mediterranean below. How could anyone not like the views? Mt Etna's fertile soil provides extensive orchards and vineyards. All so green and lush.
Rosemary McKinley 101 Glimpses of the North Fork and Islands The Wampum Exchange
Sicily is very different from the rest of Italy. Palermo is a much larger city than I had expected with its three to four story apartment buildings and lack of parking spots. Also it has many hilly streets and very narrow ones, as well. All of this makes travel either exciting or annoying depending on how you look at it. We saw so many cars parked on corners or double parked so as to impede moving traffic. It all caused a lot of loud discussions, hand gestures and accidents. We heard and saw sirens and ambulances quite often during the short time we were there.
I now understand why they had a lot of pedestrian areas for dining and shopping. You cannot cross a street very easily, even with a traffic light available. The scooters and cars tried to get as close as possible without actually hitting people. A pedestrian had to walk very fast in this city.
We were on a Perillo tour and all of the people were in good spirits regardless of the fact that four had their luggage lost by the airlines. All were found within a few days. No one was ever late and we looked out for each other.
On our first morning tour of the city we saw a magnificent church, the great Norman Cathedral of Monreale, that had gold on glass on the ceiling and walls.There were Roman, Norman and Arabic elements to this magnificent building. The tour guide said,"We are not really Italian, as you can see by the influences in the area, we have been conquered by many cultures and they have left a lasting effect. The Greeks came here first, along with the Phoenicians and the Carthaginians, all by way of the Mediterranean Sea. Then the Romans and when the empire fell, the Normans invaded and built this magnificent palace and Church. After them, came the Bourbon kings from France and then the Spanish kings."
We walked up 79 steps to visit the beautiful gardens of the Park of La Favorita created by the Spanish King of Naples in 1799.
The next day we stopped at the Selinunte archeological site. This city was built by Carthage in 628 B.C. and was one of the richest and and most powerful in the world. We saw how the common people lived and saw the remnants of their temples. We even saw a bathtub made pf stone that had three steps, in order to allow the dirty water to go to the bottom. Very clever.
The next stop was a UNESCO World Heritage site that boasts the largest area of Greek Temples in the world. The columns were so tall and many in ruins but the majesty of the buildings came through loud and clear.
The next stop on the way to Taormina was one of my favorite places--the Villa Romana del Casale in Piazza Amerina.This villa was as large as a palace and was so well preserved, it was amazing. The intricate mosaics artistically depicted life back then in ancient times. One floor was 140 feet long! All mosaics and in true colors of the time. We also saw the private baths area of this wealthy landowner that included the caldarium, tepidarium and frigidarium. They knew how to live, those wealthy Romans.
Then off to Taormina one of the prettiest places on earth, called the Jewel of Italy. It is nestled on a mountain area with the sights of the Mediterranean below. How could anyone not like the views? Mt Etna's fertile soil provides extensive orchards and vineyards. All so green and lush.
Rosemary McKinley 101 Glimpses of the North Fork and Islands The Wampum Exchange
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I was privileged to be in Max’s Taproot classes @ Syosset Library for a few years. He was the best writing teacher I ever had. He never criticized, rather, he would say read this line over again. Do you need this word? What do you think?
I learned so much about writing poetry and writing in general. I loved listening to him read his poetry, as well He certainly had a gift and he loved sharing it with others who were open to it.
I loved the story he told us about the first Halloween he told the children who came to the door that they had to listen to his poem first. They were taken aback. He said the next year the same children were asking for the poems!
Max was one of a kind and he will be missed. His words will be with us for a long time.
He inspired my confidence in becoming an author and I will be forever grateful.
He was a newspaperman who became a poet in his later years. "Everyone has a story", was his favorite line. He was the first unofficial poet laureat of Nassau County.
Max passed away recently and he will be sorely missed.
101 Glimpses of the North Fork and Islands
The Wampum Exchange