Some Thoughts on Aprons

This is my favorite "discertation" on aprons.  It was on my blog but not as a post so I don't think everyone got to read it and truly appreciate the multitude of uses for that old-fashioned apron.  ENJOY!!  And leave a comment... it makes me smile.  :0)

I don't think our kids know what an apron is. The principal use of Grandma's apron was to protect the dress underneath because she only had a few! It was easier to wash aprons than dresses and they used a lot less material; but along with that, it served as a potholder for removing hot pans from the oven. It was wonderful for drying children's tears and on occasion was even used for cleaning dirty ears. From the chicken coop, the apron was used for carrying eggs, fussy chicks, and sometimes... half-hatched eggs to be finished in the warming oven.

When company came, those aprons were ideal hiding places for shy children. When the weather was cold, grandma wrapped it around her arms. Those big old aprons wiped many a perspiring brow bent over the hot wood stove. Chips and kindling wood were brought into the kitchen in that apron. From the garden, it carried all sorts of vegetables. After the peas had been shelled, it carried out the hulls. In the fall, the apron was used to bring in apples that had fallen from trees. When unexpected company drove up the road, it was surprising how much furniture that old apron could dust in a matter of seconds. When dinner was ready, Grandma walked out on to the porch, waved her apron, and the men knew it was time to come in from the fields for dinner.

Grandma used to set her hot baked apple pies on the window sill to cool. Her granddaughters set theirs on the window sill to thaw. They would go crazy now trying to figure out how many germs were on that apron. I don't think I ever caught anything from an apron. It will be a long time before someone invents something that will replace that old-time apron that served so many purposes!!!

JAZZERCISING FOR 35 YEARS!!

I wish it was me but it's not.  It's my Jazzercise Instructor, Claudia Acri, who could easily have danced in "A Chorus Line."  A year ago my daughter Andja got me to go to one of her classes and I've been hooked ever since.  Yes... it is the original "Aerobics" and may I say... because Claudia is "born to dance" she makes the classes so much fun.  The amazing thing is that many of her students have been taking her class for over 30 years.

Last Saturday we celebrated her 35th year of teaching.  For this class Claudia went back and resurrected old routines and music that she taught when she first started at age 19 when she was dancing barefoot and using a "record player".  After class her managers threw a big party to celebrate.  

Music ranges over a period of 50 years and we even do an occasional line dance like "Slapping Leather".  I quickly felt like I was back in my "dancing days" although I don't quite move like I used to.  Her students range in age from early twenties to early eighties and they all can "boogie" like the best of them but some slightly less energetic!  So, I wanted to share one of my joys in life with you who are reading my little blog. 

Above are a couple of videos I added for your enjoyment.  Okay, I don't take the best of videos but I was trying to move while filming.  The group on the little stage are some of her class managers.  Claudia is on the ground with the microphone.  The other video starts sideways but don't worry it eventually turns right side up.  No academy awards for me in cinematography but that's okay.  This tribute is to a wonderful person who brings joy to so many people while she helps keep them healthy through exercise.  If you are in the neighborhood and interested in trying out one of her classes please call me 626 355-3232 or e-mail me Catpistoni@aol.com and I'll get the info to you.  She teaches day classes from 9 to 10 and evening classes from 6:30 to 7:30.  Not only will you have fun but you'll make some new friends too.

My Sewing Room

This is where I create my aprons... everything I need is in this room.  I bought my daughter this machine for Christmas when she was in 9th grade.  It does everything including threading the needle, cutting the thread and embroidery.  It also serves up a great LATTE.  Just kidding... now that she is in college I get it all to myself!  :0)

One of the BEST DAYS OF HIS LIFE

On February 1st, Nick signed his "letter of intent" to attend Stanford.  These are his two high school coaches.  Throw coach on the left, Matt Pentecost and Track and Field coach, Coach Porterfield.  A couple of great guys!  

CAN'T BE TAMED!

My dear daughter, Andja... in her college years... has a saying she loves (see photo).  I think she is talking about her costume designing... what do you think?

It's Coming Along... I think

Have changed a lot of colors trying to find the right "mix"!  I can't wait to start showing you (whomever may be reading) my fabrics, aprons and other assorted sewing treasures.  Hugs again to Kim for all of her help.  :0)

Working with Kim... and having tea!

Having fun today designing my blog

Getting Started - January 24th, 2012

Hi... I'm not sure how to do this... but it will improve!  Catherine