Monthly Archives: December 2013

Zen java

Posted on December 31, 2013 by jyourist

We had brunch today with IB and AI. IB made coffee for us using his new Japanese pour over equipment, called the Nel drip. It is not so surprising that the japanese have perfected this slow, methodical, precise method of … Continue reading →

Posted in coffee, family, Japan | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Through Phyllis Diller glasses

Posted on December 30, 2013 by jyourist

I had lunch with Mom today at her retirement home. We sat with Yvonne and Inez and ate chicken tenders and french fries. Inez shared a couple stories about growing up on a farm and the pet crow she had … Continue reading →

Posted in aging, family, Holidays | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Two paintings were saved…

Posted on December 29, 2013 by jyourist

…from Taco Diablo, Evanston IL, where my son had a job as a bartender until today, about 2:30am this morning. ————————————————————————————————— (edited) from Taco Diablo December 31, 2013 We are in a state of shock, it’s very surreal and has left us … Continue reading →

Posted in family, transition | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

“Do Everything”

Posted on December 28, 2013 by jyourist

Today we toured the F.E.W. distillery in Evanston. Though the name refers to crafting small batches of whiskey, rye, and gin, the name is also the initials of Frances Elizabeth Willard, president of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union from 1879-1898, … Continue reading →

Posted in activism, chicago, social justice | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

“Disappearing”

Posted on December 26, 2013 by jyourist

At the Field Museum, in the Colombian World’s Fair exhibit, a sign speaks of the disappearance of the carrier pigeon. To commemorate its demise, I stare at a stuffed version of itself displayed in 1893. Yesterday I sat in a … Continue reading →

Posted in Altzheimers, memory, poetry | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

I-94 Ice Show

Posted on December 25, 2013 by jyourist

…12/24/13, iPhone 5,  2:34:17, 2:34:48, 2:37:14 pm.

Posted in photography, winter | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

It’s a Wonderful Life—finale

Posted on December 24, 2013 by jyourist
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Like sands through a 57 minute glass…

Posted on December 22, 2013 by jyourist

At this time of year, teachers are feted with chocolate and varieties of teas and mugs and coffees. Occasionally there are home-baked cookies and perhaps a book or two. But this year, I received the best gift ever—an hourglass. Yes. … Continue reading →

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Michelangelo’s Shopping List…

Posted on December 21, 2013 by jyourist

…for his cook who was illiterate.

Posted in artist, cooking | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Bradbury Slam

Posted on December 20, 2013 by jyourist

Yes, once again, it was the Bradbury Slam to end the winter quarter. All the 8th grade students have just finished reading Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451 and they were asked to write a short story in the style of Bradbury. … Continue reading →

Posted in books, school, Teaching, writing | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments