Soup Lady, "Cooking from the Heart"

Happy Birthday Dad 2011

 

Jeremy and Danielle

Jeremy and Danielle used to work with Jamie at Franklin until the fiscal chaos that left Jeremy without a job.  So, they moved to Washington to be closer with their families.  Bittersweet for Jamie.  I know he loves hanging out with Jeremy playing video games.  Jeremy would come over with his computer setup.  They would then begin hooking up wires all throughout the house.  It kind of looked like little Mexico.  Yeeeeeyaaaaaaa....

This weekend they came to stay with us for a wedding they were attending.  I can tell their bond...

Here is the image I will always remember...

Jeremy on the couch, balled up lauging histerically.  Jamie, walking over to him and toussled his hair.

 

Here is Jeremy and his lovely wife Danielle.  She is absolutely the sweetest person ever!!!

We miss you guys!!!!

 

A little potato casserole for breakfast for our guests...

 

 

 
 

Until next time....
 

Lori

Lori has been doing my hair off and on for 20-years.  Nobody does it better.  Thanks Lori!

 

Bowling Shoes

Yesterday, Jamie came into the bedroom where I was watching TV.  He was looking at me with a BIG smile on his face.

Me: What?

Him: Today at school this kid walked by him and said, "Hey, Mr. Whitney you got your bowling shoes on".  I knew immediately which shoes he was talking about.  We both started cracking up.  A big huge belly laugh.  Here is a shot of the Sperry Topsiders, alias - bowling shoes.

 

Editor-in-Chief

 
For those of you who may have noticed the blog was password protected the last few days.  There was a reason for this...

A few days ago Folly and I were discussing kids and their use of Facebook and other social media.  Since I have no creditiblity as a parent I went to Jamie for advice.

Needless to say the conversation turned to the Soup Lady blog as an example of how, and why a blog should be censored.  He then went on to point out certain items on the blog as an example.

First, the crotch shot.  He is concerned if kids from school were to see it.  I do see his point.  My point, it was directly related to the image we saw of Clinton and it was my interpretation of it.  This was my ART~

Second, the Corn Killer.  I guess when he was in Nicaragua the guys were teasing him about being the Corn Killer.  It made him realize people actually are reading the blog.

Third, photos that may not be particularly flattering to people (Jamie in particular).  I guess I don't have that perspective.  I have put some of the grossest pictures of me on the blog.  They represent me at that moment of time.  Actually, Jamie is to "blame" for my willingness to take photos - and not worry so much about the editing.  For my 50th birthday he did a surprise party for me.  Growing up my birthday was not really celebrated.  I am uncomfortable being the center of attention since when I was growing up I was mostly ignored.  I am comfortable in what I call being invisible.  It is my "super power" .  Jamie decided to do a video of my life.  In the video were some intimate photos, a comparison of how I looked young vs. old, how I looked skinny vs. fat, in one I looked like the new Chaz Bono.  I have to say at first I was mortified.  Then, I got over it.  Now, I am not afraid to photograph myself in many situations.  This is my life.

So, with that I have had to do some serious thinking about the content I put on this blog.  Jamie says I have an ethical responsiblity.  I agree.  Hence, the password protection as I thought this through.

Jamie encouraged me to open it back up.  Jason sent an e-mail questioning if I knew it was there.

My decision...

I don't want to white wash my point of view. I want to make the editorial decision on what to include and what not to include about myself.  I have watched in great interest Tara's blog and deciding what to share.  I understand the feeling she has about misrepresenting yourself somehow if you only share what won't make people uncomfortable.  But, I think the people who love you will still love you if they know everything about you.  I know this for sure because Jamie loves me and knows all my deep dark stuff.   All of it!!!

For others who I post about, I will guarantee you I will NEVER put anything intentionally malicious about you.  The people I post about on this site are the greatest loves of my life.  I want to share that love with others.

And, most importantly, I want to document my life as it is, as it unfolds. In an honest, open manner.  With no intention to harm...

It is my way to share, learn, and grow.

Thank you for understanding....

Franken Foot Update

After my first real "anxiety" attack as a result of the "claustrophobic" pink cast that was cast upon my person by some mad doctor...

I have found relief in a new boot.  Comfortable, soft, pliable, removable...what a difference!  I was actually even able to shave my Fred Flintstone legs.  You know its time to shave when the long hairs get caught in the fabric of the Franken Foot contraption.

 

Ron and Jamie's Birthday Party

 
Ron and Patty invited us to celebrate the "papas" birthdays, which are just days apart. On the menu lasagne, garlic bread, salad, pumpkin cheese cake and german chocolate pie. Yummy!!!

Pappa Ron leads us in prayer...

 

The dinner menu...

 

 

Sammie Hammie looking very intellectual...

 

The sistas...

 

Tiff...

 
The girls...

 

 

Summer...

 

Jason setting up the comedy show...

 

J & J....

 

Deb and Jason...I love this guy!!!!

 

A little Polish Rummy...

 

 

This group looks like they need a nap....

 

After lunch everyone settled into a comfy chair looked content and well fed....

 
 
 
 
 

What a beautiful birthday celebration.  Simple, honest, comfortable.  A family that comes together to celebrate.  The next morning, Monday morning, I was sitting at my computer, drinking coffee, Harely at my feet and Christian radio in the background.  This is my favorite time of the day.  Quiet, peaceful, with words of God's wisdom preparing me for the day.  What an unexpected blessing I found in my e-mail from Jason and Patty.  What a way to start the day!  What a blessing when everyone gets how special simply being together can be...the true gift of giving.  When people give of themselves.

America Remembers 9/11

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Green Bean Fritatta

 

Franken Foot

Several months ago I twisted my ankle and it has not healed. So, last Friday I got a cast. Well, I have never had a cast before, so I had a panic attack as a result! When I tried to sleep I can only define the feeling as claustrophobic, like being in a straight-jacket, held against my will. I called Jason on Saturday to ask if I was being a drama queen. He assured me I wasn't. That the feeling could be like being in a coffin - yes, he got it!!! Even if he lied to me I appreciate it. I needed confirmation I was not crazy. Also, I wanted to see if Jason has the tools to get the sucker off! But, alas, he did not have the tools.

So off to Kaiser Jamie and I went to get the damn thing OFF!!! Here we are in the waiting room...

After a while we were called into the doctor's office. In walks a "hip" doctor of Phillipine origin. Very suave I might say. He smelled good, had perfectly coiffed hair and dressed like one of the guys from Miami Vice. Actually, he could have been one of them - I'm not sure. He listened to my story and also made me feel like I was not crazy and legimized my feelings. He told me he would take it off, but did not recommend it. Just knowing I could get it off somehow helped. Then he discussed smoking pot to ease the tension. Did he give me medical marijuana? The answer no. However he prescribed an anti-anxiety drug to help me relax when I slept. Took it. Needless to say - it worked. My friend is still with me today. I have named it Franken Foot.

OMG, look at that hairy BIG hobbit toe. Here it is after a quick shave...