Laeh Bensman McHenry

GROUND HOG DAY

2012-01-30T08:21:00.003-06:00

Since February 2 is nearly here, I must ask:

How does one celebrate Groundhog Day?

There are no songs, no dances, no traditional foods, no ... anything, really.
Standing around waiting for a land-beaver to emerge from its burrow seems like a waste of a perfectly good event. Let's make a pact to at least indulge in some sort of decadent hot chocolate after the animal does its prediction thing.

Beware of rodents casting shadows and have a great week!

Gift of center piece

2012-01-24T10:06:00.003-06:00

I was gifted this lovely center that was used at our annual
Docent Winter Coffee.
Being involved with the Milwaukee Art Museum is so very rewarding!

winter - bloom

2012-01-18T08:03:00.002-06:00

It is wonderful to sit at the kitchen table and each morning
observe this bloom from a bulb, and look out as winter snows beautifies my yard.
It feels "normal" to finally have snow falls, though first was just a day ago.
And wonderful to have friends that gift me with such wonders of nature.
I shall nurture this just as they, as friends, nurture me.

My holiday gift has grown and now a bloom of major proportion!
It is wond

Lake walk

2012-01-16T06:54:00.002-06:00

The weather g-ds finally dumped some snow on us this winter and, though I dislike the cold, the scenery is lovely. Everything looks fresh and white, like a big piece of paper or a prepared canvas. There aren't art supplies big enough,
but wouldn't it be fun to color an actual field?

Here's hoping your week is filled with exciting possibilities.
Be well!

Gang gathering!

2012-01-08T08:17:00.005-06:00

Love the "gang" gatherings!
Great conversation, and great food.
The photo's tell it all!
D's cake was irresistible...
J's appetizer of cheese, corned beef and sauerkraut beyond yummy.
"J" is a great host!

Thanks "L" for always journaling our fun!

Bowling with the "gang"

2012-01-07T07:54:00.003-06:00

The bowling alley is newly remodeled and is a great place for our large group to gather.
We all bring something to share, this month it was SALAD BAR...

HA HA...
of course salad, but we also had two home made soups, and also desserts that went along with the humongous amount of add-in's one can put in/on a salad.

Note...the photo's I only blogged the socializing and eating !
That is the best part of a
Monthly BOWLING PARTY!

a new beginning...off to a great start

2011-12-31T22:17:00.003-06:00

All my friends, THANK YOU SO MUCH for your friendship and being an integral part of my life!

IF IT'S NOT FUN, I'M NOT DOING IT!

2011 was a GREAT ride and I'm closing it out with fun and friends.

LOOK OUT 2012 - I'm runnin' towards you at full speed and divin' right in.......ROCK ON!

I wish you all the best of all in this New Year.
I am blessed to have friends to celebrate the coming of this new year.
I am looking forward to what life has in store for me.
I have had more fun and learned more than I had ever imagined.
May we continue being so blessed and grateful for present and future
health, happiness, good fortune!
Remember...
“Birth is a beginning, death a destination;
& life is a journey.
Do not rush to make it to our final destination.
Enjoy the detours of life and learn from them."

Christmas vs. Chanukah

2011-12-14T18:13:00.003-06:00

Christmas vs. Chanukah

· Jews love Dec. 25th. It's another paid day off work.

· We go to movies and out for Chinese food.
Chanukah is eight days.

· It starts the evening of the 24th
of Kislev, whenever that falls.

· No one is ever sure.

· Jews never know until a non Jewish friend asks when Chanukah
starts, forcing us to consult a calendar

· so we don't look like idiots.

* Christmas is a major holiday.
* Chanukah is a minor holiday with the same theme as most
Jewish holidays:

They tried to kill us, we survived, let's eat!!!
* Christians get wonderful presents such as jewelry,
perfume, stereos...
* Jews get practical presents such as underwear, socks, or
a the collected works which looks impressive on the bookshelf.
* There is only one way to spell Christmas.
* No one can decide how to spell Chanuka, Chanukah, Chanukka,
Channukah, Hanukah, Hannuka.
* Christmas is a time to expect special gifts.
* Jewish men are relieved of that burden.

No one expects a diamond ring on Chanukah.
* Christmas brings enormous electric bills.
* Candles are used for Chanukah.

Not only are we spared enormous electric bills, but we get to feel good about
not contributing to the energy crisis.
* Christmas carols are beautiful.

Silent Night, Come o Ye Faithful.....
* Chanukah songs are about dreidels made from clay or about
having a party and dancing the Hora.

Of course, we secretly pleased that many of the beautiful carols were
composed and written by our tribal brethren.

And don't Barbara Streisand and Neil Diamond sing them beautifully?
* A home preparing for Christmas smells wonderful. The
sweet smell of cookies and cakes baking. Happy people
are gathered around in festive moods.

* A home preparing for Chanukah smells of oil, potatoes and onions.

The home, as always, is full of loud people all talking at once.
* Christian women have fun baking Christmas cookies.
* Jewish women burn their eyes and cut their hands grating
potatoes and onions for latkes on Chanukah.

Another reminder of our suffering through the ages. .
* The players in the Christmas story have easy to pronounce
names such as Mary, Joseph and Jesus.
* The players in the Chanukah story are Antiochus, Judah,
Maccabee, and Matta-whatever. No one can spell it or
pronounce it. On the plus side, we can tell our friends
anything and they believe we are wonderfully

versed in our history.
* Many Christians believe in the virgin birth.
* Jews think, "Joseph, bubela. Snap out of it. Your woman
is pregnant, you didn't sleep with her, and now you want
to blame God. Here's the number of my shrink."
* In recent years, Christmas has become more and more commercialized.
* The same holds true for Chanukah, even though it is a
minor holiday. It makes sense. How could we market a
major holiday such as Yom Kippur? Forget about
celebrating. Think observing. Come to synagogue, starve
yourself for 27 hours, become one with your dehydrated
soul, beat your chest, confess your sins, a guaranteed
good time for you and your family.

Tickets a mere $200 per person.

Latest leather art pin creations

2011-12-13T17:29:00.006-06:00

Here is my latest PIN design: using wool felting, fabric and a gem.

I now am now combining the leather with wool felting materials,

even lace, buttons and jewels.

Here is a small pin on my winter vest.
It is an example of the many textures and many colors of leather that I was gifted.

above are the all leather pins/ luggage tags.

Milwaukee Art Museum Winter Luncheon for Docents

2011-12-08T15:53:00.007-06:00

Cathy and me
Me and the centerpiece I won
Ken and me

Again a wonderful time was had by all the staff and docent-volunteers
( a docent gives tours to those who visit the Milwaukee Art Museum)
who attended the
WINTER DOCENT LUNCHEON
at the
Woman's Club of Wisconsin.
The setting is elegant, the music lovely, the food and wine marvelous!
Being a docent is a privilege, as I learn so much from others,
who become friends. Each is so informed, kind, witty, selfless.
For the second year in a row I won one of the centerpieces.
I do think I shall add some decorations
like a few six-pointed stars and thus have my first
"Chanukah Tree-Branch"-
as you see the center pieces were very cleaver:
A gift box with winter decoration, a branch and postcards from the french impressionist exhibit now showing at MAM,to be specific!

PHOTOS:
1. One of my table mates was Cathy,
who has been a friend for years from the time we both taught for MPS, art
and now a docent also.
2. Here I am with my with the centerpieces.
I won it in a game similar to music chairs, as when the band stopped playing,
it was in my possession.
3. Also next to me was Ken,
who inspires me with his friendship and wisdom,
and the generous years he has gives to MAM docenting.
! Happy Holiday's and Peace and Good Will !

my newest art media"leather

2011-11-22T19:06:00.004-06:00

As you see i have just begun to learn to use leather.

I was gifted lots of leather pelts and now am in a very mood to make some of the ideas I have been thinking of since getting them all.
The pelts are in all neutrals which I love, and one small scape of green.
The object i have chosen are either sewn or glued,
are luggage tags and "flower" pins.
I hope to go on to bigger projects.
I shall post my production.

Earliest snow i rememember

2011-11-10T08:18:00.004-06:00

i woke to snow that is continuing to fall and cover all.
meteorologists with the National Weather Service in Sullivan released a forecast that predicts 2 to 4 inches of snow
in much of the area and 6 inches in some spots near the Wisconsin-Illinois border.
i do believe it will reach 6 inches if it continues at the rate i am observing that is continuing to snow.
most snows seem to come at thanksgiving.

i am surprised to still observe heavy continuous snow.

i woke to the

Celebrating withDREAM TEAM: Rabbi Brinkman's birthday

2011-11-04T16:05:00.007-05:00

our DREAM TEAM had a grand time celebrating our teacher/rabbi's
birthday at our JUNGIAN Psych class.
cupcakes helped us understand Jung's aim, that is to find wholeness through the integration of unconscious forces and motivations underlying human behavior.
The unconscious mind can be the source of healing and development in an individual.
I am enjoying this class,not because we do discuss dreams and
bring their meaning into our consciousness...
but because of the stimulating discussions.
I draw during the class and enjoy how it sparks my spirituality's and creativity, from drawing those in the class, to drawing the dreams and feelings my classmates express.
BUT, really loved the cupcakes!

Laeh Bensman McHenry: Reunion Committee Reunion Recap:food and friendship

2011-10-20T07:53:00.000-05:00

Laeh Bensman McHenry: Reunion Committee Reunion Recap:food and friendship

Reunion Committee Reunion Recap:food and friendship

2011-10-20T07:35:00.003-05:00

My Reunion Committee /North High School-Sheboygan,
class mates meet to recap our recent class reunion.
We so enjoy sharing a friendships and food!
This time we shared pizza at
Mary Jo's (Gartman)restaurant.
Osteria Nonna Maria http://www.osterianonnamaria.com/
We plan to meet again in about six months...
the future "friends and food" will be informed of the date, time and place through the convenience of emails.
I look forward to having a huge group of classmates gathering together more than just for our more formal reunions.
Getting older has it's definite advantages of more time for our families and friends,
especially since many are retired, but so very healthy and active!

YAAAAAAA!!

Bowling with the "gang"

2011-10-15T09:29:00.006-05:00

What can be better ?
I had a most wonderful day which included
*good food,
*time earlier with favorite friend
*then share more food, laughs, and
*got over "100" game score bowling!

a special thank you to all those who share themselves with me,
making each day a blessing.

More fun field trips:...lots of fun "art" experiences near me

2011-10-15T08:24:00.003-05:00

GLASS BLOWING DEMO:
I have included the photo of the large mobile unit that was set up at the museum last weekend.
BELOW IS
some of the members art that was on display at the Wilson Art Center.
It is a nice space both for displays and for classes!
A nice place to vist!

I love the spontaneity of this drawing done by Rosenblatt!

Sunday all day and night- Go for Art, Brewers, Packers and my Almamater

2011-10-10T20:26:00.005-05:00

i wore my Ryan Braun HEBREW HAMMER shirt to the Bergstrom
art museum in Neenah,WI Sunday during the day...
and then was with friends to watch the packer game!

the second pictures was taken after gorging on half time free pizza
because i thought we may not win!

this is taken when i knew we would win!
and below:

is the logo on my new purchase:
a t-shirt with a logo similar to this on a black shirt!..
with WINsconsin on the back!

what a wonderful time for sports fans
or for those of us who like
to be with friends and eat free food!

Time away..fun and friends

2011-10-05T16:23:00.005-05:00

I again enjoyed my visit to the Rahr Museum in Manitowoc.
They were putting up a show “The Art Of Table settings” will be opening on Sunday, October 9th, but got to walk thru while the artists were setting it up.
Below is just one such theme"settings":

This photo was taken as I stopped then continued going up stairs to view not only the mansion architecturally-structurally, the view from its windows,
and the collections on display preserved and displayed throughout.

I also enjoyed seeing how my birthplace=
TWO RIVERS and the area near have changed.
My first home is still there and the porch that so many photo's were take of my brother Marv and I would poses on is the same, though it is 6 decades later.
..but after three day, it is nice to be home!

october and more wonderful celebations

2011-10-03T09:31:00.006-05:00

What wonderful continuations of celebrations:
I am blessed to have spent the holy days with my immediate family,
then the weekend continued with more celebrating with more family and then friends:
Here is my # grand enjoying holy day meal at family visit and gathering for
Rosh HaShana
Thank goodness there are always artists in front of the canvas
and behind the lens to record what really goes down.

In this case... below are a few of the photo's I took at Mike and Heidi's wedding!
The attendants are the child of Heidi and Mikes! Mike is not only my first cousin but also my "g-d son".

below is my Uncle and Aunt, the grooms father!
In the foreground are cousins, Mike's mom's (in blessed memory) niece and nephews !

..and being with my beloved friend(s) will go on well into this week.
ya!!!!!!

Wonderful time celebrating the scott and laura wedding!

2011-09-25T07:22:00.004-05:00

I loved getting all dressed up and going to be with my best friends as we celebrated the marriage of their son.
laura and scott are such a great people
and thus the celebration was an exact expression of the care, fun, creativity they share!

I had the best time at this wedding all day and well into the evening this saturday..today i am going to the family brunch to continue the celebration. it rained but never at the times it would have influenced the wedding!

all year, since scott included me and his mom in his going engagement ring shopping, i have anticipated this day..hight-lights continued as and fun as i was shopping with lisa and helped her pick her dress and shoes for this day. lisa and i had a ball working in my studio on the making the party book mark favors. no words for how much enjoyment i have spending time with all the davis' various times beyond the sharing this happy life cycle event.

i am blessed to have such great friends! and blessing i know will be theirs- now and forever.

and yes...i did year the outfit that i only have worn once..at the other wonderful life cycle event in my life...my son stephen's wonderful wedding to my most beloved daughter-in-law christina!
i hope to wear this at many more important events!

September Equinox

2011-09-19T06:56:00.003-05:00

Can you believe we're already at the September Equinox?
In practical terms, this means I only have a bit over 90 days
to finally start writing the date as "2011" without pausing to think.
Perhaps it would be best to start working on "2012" immediately ...

Hope your week is free of discombobulation!

Hornet Nests Annilated by me! EEEEEKKK

2011-09-10T09:53:00.004-05:00

I have been out trying rid hornets that have attached their nests to my second floor soffit in a few place. The surprise was when I opened a little used book from my living room to the backyard and found a nest between the inner door and the storm door!

As you see i took action and will retreat the nests a few nights before removing with hope of finally ridding those and prevent other nests being made!

wow: i am in the Milwaukee Jewish Chronicle!

2011-09-06T14:43:00.004-05:00

I was surprised when people came up to me and told me they say this article!

RSS" src="http://www.jewishchronicle.org/_ui/images/ico_rss.png">RSS Feed Milwaukee Jewish Chronicle

Tuesday
September 6th, 2011
7 Elul 5771

Chai Lights: Teachers learn

A group of about 50 teachers visited the Jewish Museum Milwaukee on Aug. 11 to see the exhibit on Mildred Fish Harnack, the Wisconsin woman executed in Germany for anti-Nazi resistance. Laeh Bensman McHenry (right) was one of the presenters. Photo by Barbara Budish.

A Summer Day in Bay View on Aug 27, 2011

2011-08-27T19:48:00.004-05:00

The market was filled with wonderful people and stands of wonderful seasonal things.
I got the green and yellow beans, a portabella mushroom,
but mostly I visited with the friends I came to join there.

This was one of those picture perfect Wisconsin weather days
that we have been having many of:
not too hot or humid, sunny and
lovely.

darn-discovery of moss and mold on home shingles

2011-08-24T16:16:00.004-05:00

Darn: i have moss and some mold on my asphalt shingles!

I have treated the moss and mold and hope see results .

Have any of you had this??
I sprayed it with diluted bleach and then did a little brushing?
I have been balancing out of a window or leaning "waaaaaay"
over from a second story back bedroom porch to get at this.
I am thrilled to say I am fit to do this.
Wish i had longer arms or
the courage to climb out on the roof
to be sure to spray more directly and saturate all fully.

i will continue to reapply and check with great hope
that i killed this nasty stuff before it kills my roof shingles!

my visit to the harley davidson museum

2011-08-16T08:58:00.002-05:00

need i say more:

My Workshop in honor of Mildred Fish Harnack

2011-08-11T17:05:00.007-05:00

Mildred Fish Harnack: The Story of a Wisconsin Women's Resistance
Teacher Open House
Thursday, August 11, 9:00 am to Noon

This free event was open to Educators to learn about this exhibit. There wee two amazing presenters that spoke. and then I did a hands-on workshop talk and demonstration.

family gathering!

2011-08-08T07:05:00.005-05:00

uncle mort aunt estelle me lisa david adam

It was wonderful to have #1 and #3 son visiting!

David came in with Lisa for many happy celebrations in the state and thus could also visit here with me! Adam has had many away weekends so it was also great he back to join us. As you see, my uncle and aunt are marvelous, and an inspiration as to how great being in one's 80's can be!...and yes i have hung in doors one of the many skulls I cleaned and display outside also.

Something ate my unharvested cabbage

2011-08-05T11:18:00.004-05:00

oh my..every day i go out and tend my beloved barrel garden, waiting patiently to harvest what i care take.

yesterday all was well with the tomatoes, peppers, pattie squash, and my cabbage, as i dusted with bug-killer.
to my surprise, today i see something enjoyed a huge chunk from the cabbage that i was about to harvest.

well, i have it safely in the house and hope to enjoy what is left.
..and did the insect repellent per chance make my greedy-eater sick or dye?

:-) hope so!

The Jewish Museum exhibit about Mildred Fish Harnack

2011-08-04T07:41:00.002-05:00

This August, The Jewish Museum is launching an exhibit about

Mildred Fish Harnack

—the only American woman killed on direct order of Adolph Hitler.

She was born in Milwaukee and went to University of Wisconsin Madison.

She was involved in the German Resistance group, The Red Orchestra.

This exhibit was designed by German artist Franz Rudolph Knuebel and relies on rubbings of the floor of the prison where Mildred was held and executed, and more.

I am facilitating a Teacher Workshop on the morning of August 11

to promote the exhibit and show teachers ways of using the exhibit and its materials with their classes. I will give them the opportunity to do art n this workshop,

utilizing the same rubbing technique that Knuebel employed.

To learn more about visiting this exhibit contact:

Ellie Gettinger

Educator

Jewish Museum Milwaukee

1360 N. Prospect Avenue

Milwaukee, WI 53202-3094

Phone: (414) 390-5742

Fax: (414) 390-5755

ellieg@milwaukeejewish.org

My visit to 8 Seasons Grille in Madison: an amazing culinary meal yet very inexpensive !

2011-07-31T16:57:00.009-05:00

8 Seasons Grille: a foodie fabulous experience

Essential Information so you can go and enjoy this fabulous menu and atmosphere!

45 S. Bassett St.
Madison, WI 53703

608-819-1082

Made-from-scratch fare using local ingredients. For breakfast, try their chilaquiles (tortilla chips topped with salsa verde, sour cream and onions, and two eggs prepared your way). For lunch, taste their twist on the BLT made with bacon, spinach, Roma tomatoes, and garlic aioli on a french baguette.

Below was one of the many in home-made desserts made daily! Sham tort, ice cream strawberries, drizzled with dark chocolate.

Chicken Marsala

Crimini mushrooms and spinach sautéed with a lightly breaded chicken breast and deglazed with a marsala wine.
$15

Iron Chef is the best idea..a must do!

Each month we invite two local chefs to compete in an Iron Chef contest, complete with a secret ingredient. The next competition will take place on Tuesday, July 19 with challengers Justin and Jimmy Sandlin. Visit our Facebook page to see videos and photos of previous competitions.

Tickets for this event cost $30 each and can be purchased anytime. The secret ingredient will be revealed at 5:30 p.m. the night of the event.

Watch Executive Chef Nick Baertschy demonstrate his Iron Chef abilities:

Reviews..

cost...CHEAP considering the outstanding quality.

Here’s what people are saying about 8 Seasons Grille:

77 Square: “The staff is as warm as the ambiance, and everything on the menu is made from scratch with, when possible, local ingredients. Prices range from decent to downright low, so this cafe seems a perfect fit for the historic Fourth Ward.”

The Isthmus: “What’s great for the diner about such a rotating menu is it becomes very difficult to get bored with the place … Prices here are remarkably affordable, even for a student budget.”

Eating Madison A to Z: “From the moment we walked in we thought it hit the sweet spot between coffees hop and bistro … Eight Seasons uses quality ingredients to make great versions of comfort food.”

Living Gluten Free in Madison: “The inside of the restaurant has a comfortable neighborhood feel to it … and it seemed like a good place to stop in after work for a drink. The outdoor dining area where we sat is a good location for people watching.”

http://www.8seasonsgrille.com/

Hot summer of 2011

2011-07-18T10:09:00.003-05:00

Yes, still sweltering here.
In fact, I am writing to you on the fly, ahead of an ugly orange and red radar mass approaching from the west. When you live in the suburbs, you just never know when the power may decide to play hide and seek during a thunderstorm.

Stay cool!
(I mean that literally, rather than figuratively à la the 1970s.
In case you were around then.)

as you see, my granddaughter has the best idea:
dress light
drink lots of water
stay out of the sun when ever possible
have fun!

have a safe summer 2011

2011-07-11T07:46:00.002-05:00

The most cliche summer saying ever shot, unbidden, out of my mouth the other day: "Hey, how about that heat?" Though it's doubtful my brain has actually begun to fry, I would be a bad friend not to point out that hot weather has its drawbacks. Be sure to be safe this summer by knowing these top summer health risks. A little bit of prevention can keep your summer safe.
1. Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer. Over one million people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year. If caught early, skin cancer is usually treated easily. Skin cancer is more common in people who:
have spent lots of time in the sun or have been sunburned.
have fair skin, hair and eyes.
have a family member who has had skin cancer.
are over the age 50.
2. Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is a serious medical condition that can be life threatening. In heat stroke, the body's core temperature rises. Much like a fever, extremely high body temperatures can lead to permanent damage. Some signs of heat stroke include:
confusion
short, rapid breathing
stopping sweating
a fast pulse
If someone has these signs, call 911 immediately.
3. Food Poisoning
The CDC estimates that 76 million people suffer from food poisoning. Summer time is full of picnics, and picnics bring food out into the open where it can stay warm too long. Avoid an outbreak of food poisoning this summer by following simple guidelines about food safety and food handling. Common sense will prevent you and your friends and families from coming down with a food-borne illness.
4. Eye Damage
UV rays in sunlight can damage your eyes. If you are out in the sunlight in the summertime, be sure to wear sunglasses that filter out UV light. Otherwise, your sunglasses are opening up your pupils by making things darker, which actually lets in more UV rays, not less. Be sure your sunglasses filter out 100 percent of UV light and be sure to wear them, especially around water, which can reflect a tremendous about of light to your eyes.
5. Driving Accidents (driver fatigue, defensive driving, etc.)
Driving accidents are the number one killer for young people. Avoid summer car accidents by:
never drinking and driving
keeping summer road trips to a reasonable length
never driving after midnight
6. Drowning
Each over 3,000 people drown in pool-related accidents. More than 650 drown in boating accidents. For each child under 14 that drowns, another five suffer from near drowning. Prevent these summer tragedies through supervision, proper pool safety and enforcing rules around the water.
7. Dehydration
Dehydration can happen quickly in the summer heat. Be sure that you have water handy whenever you will be in the heat for a long time. Don't forget about children too - they may not ask for water. Be sure to take frequent water breaks during the kids' summer activities.
8. Bug Bites
Bug bites can be annoying and itchy. They can also be serious if they bring an infectious disease like West Nile or Lyme disease. Prevent bug bites and infection this summer by avoiding buggy situations, using a good bug repellent and wearing long pants and sleeves when in buggy areas.
9. Unsafe Sex
Summer brings thoughts of romance and new love interests. While the spontaneity of a summer romance is exhilarating, the risks of a sexually transmitted infection, including HIV, are very real. Before engaging in any summer fling, know how you will protect yourself.
10. Fireworks Injury
Each year, almost 10,000 people are injured by fireworks so severely that they must go to the emergency room. Avoid these serious injuries by leaving fireworks to the professionals. If you insist on doing fireworks in your own backyard, use common sense safety, understand what each firework does and keep children at a safe distance.

2011-07-05T20:34:00.002-05:00

hello all of you....aren't i just the best MS. LIBERTY THERE IS!!

SAYS WHO?
MY BUBBE LAEH!

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY 2011

2011-06-27T06:51:00.002-05:00

I just realized that a lot of you aren't going to touch a computer with a 10-foot pole next Monday, so please allow me to wish my fellow U.S. citizens a happy Independence Day in advance.
I wish you the company of good people, great food, and a stirring Sousa march or two (or 20). Most of all, I wish you a safe and relaxing weekend.
Be well.

Strawberry festival 2011

2011-06-26T09:16:00.004-05:00

Finally weather that we can call summer!
Spent the day with friends at the festival then house party.

Rain,rain go away for now..ENOUGH ALREADY

2011-06-11T08:54:00.004-05:00

Rain rain go away:

I remain inside, watching from afar as my barrel garden grows. Thoughts of mildew race thru my head. Can I stay true to being minimally chemical free? My “mower-cycle” and I remain elusive partners because I refuse to make mud grooves along with grassy patterns by going prematurely going out to mow. I listen to Mother mosquito’s fulfilling their purpose, and also listen to the grass (euphemism for nature ground cover+ weeds) and create angst as I wait so patiently to get out of doors to enjoy these few months of not snow.

…solution…reading a great book on Rembrandt I got as a recent gift, while hugging and kissing Bella and Shayna…and off with friends to nice season events!

….but hoping soon the rain will be gone, and a the sun will dry the land, and I get out side into nature and have air in my hair, flying around the yard on my beloved “mower-cycle”.

I AM GRATEFUL I DON’T HAVE TO WATER!!! Thank you, HP.

pst: the decoration on the cages and the owl are to amuse the deer....hoping they will be laughing to hard to eat my tender garden plants!

Sign up now!

2011-06-10T22:20:00.003-05:00

summer school is about a week away and i am bursting with ideas. hope you signed up as a few of the class are already filled or near maximum.

if you are not the ages designated, contact the school, and i can be the person to have you accepted. age is just suggested, as adults fit well in all my classes because it is a large, lovely, full equipped, air conditioned studio, is a great work space!

The wonders of ichat!!

2011-06-07T19:04:00.004-05:00

I just finished my weekly ichat with #2 son and family! mostly i have "face" time with my granddaughter and she "talks" to me while now is crawling for things....
every day an adventure and delight.
this photo was then sent showing her with neighbors new puppies!
She was amazing with Shayna and Bella while visiting here with me over the memorial weekend.

hope you have as much fun online with family visits as i do...

End of 2011 term and on to summer school

2011-06-06T08:05:00.006-05:00

Congratulations to all of you students, teachers and parents who saw another school year successfully completed. All three of these jobs require tremendous amounts of hard work, dedication and sacrifice, attributes for which you should be congratulated on a daily basis. Thank you all for keeping knowledge alive. I look forward being with you on your visits to the Milwaukee Art Museum and facilitating the programs you participate in.

Have a great week!
Looking forward to my summer art classes starting at University School of Milwaukee.
Hope you sign up as I have some great ideas, great art space and materials for us!
check out my course offerings and the many other amazing summer classes to have fun while growing and learning!
http://www.usmk12.org/podium/default.aspx?t=129199

I was awarded the MAM luncheon centerpiece

2011-06-02T14:07:00.004-05:00

The annual MAM docent appreciation luncheon was today.
The theme was in honor of the China Art exhibit now thru the summer,
and thus the docents each received a
red book marker with a different Chinese word
( in english and calligraphy ) word on it .
I got HAPPINESS
which then meant that I was the recipient of this lovely
centerpiece to take home, and which now adorns on my kitchen table.

Memorial Day 2011

2011-05-30T08:21:00.002-05:00

Greetings,

If it were up to me, there would never be wars, armed conflicts, or even cross words, but we can't collectively seem to figure out how to avoid intraspecies aggression. This is why we owe a tremendous debt to those brave men and women who fight
(and have fought, and have far-too-often died doing so) for us.
Please make time to thank a service person or military family member you know.
It means a lot, on Memorial Day or any time.

Peace.

2011 BARREL GARDEN SEASON

2011-05-23T23:24:00.004-05:00

BARREL GARDENING SEASON
i planted some of my barrels. i am doing two tomato plants,
cauliflower, green pepper so far.

i do think i will do a zucchini plant so i can do some baking of zucchini bread which i can freeze for use thru fall. i also like picking them small for use in stir fry.

i also planted my wheel barrel with marigolds and an english lavender plant.

Rhubard pie baking season

2011-05-17T20:13:00.004-05:00

i was truly surprised that i had over 7 cups of rhubarb from my garden area
to make a pie!
m-m-m-m-m-m-m

look back and ahead

2011-05-16T08:01:00.005-05:00

I had a grand time visiting my Florida family!
So----Let's not talk about the Mississippi River floods because that would make the ... what? ... however many weeks in a row of Bad News.
I know we're all already thinking good thoughts and helping where and when we can. So instead of destruction, let's talk about those precious microcosms of ours that preserve our cultural history, and the earth's natural history: museums.
Plan on going to see:
The Emperor’s Private Paradise: Treasures from the Forbidden City
June 11, 2011–September 11, 2011

The Emperor’s Private Paradise: Treasures from the Forbidden City ushers in the Summer of CHINA,
so named because the Museum will feature five exhibitions on Chinese art,
offering a rare opportunity to view objects spanning
three thousand years of China’s history.
If you want a personal tour by me, just ask!

Mother's Day and more about us!

2011-05-09T06:34:00.002-05:00

some of the is not my words but am sharing wish they were:

Why aren't there more women artists represented on these walls?"

This is a good question. This is, in fact, the same question women of my generation - and my mother's - and hers - have asked.

Mind you, I'm no expert on gender studies,

but I do have a few thoughts gleaned through decades of being an artist,

art teacher and a lifetime of being female.

If you'll permit me to reprint information I have gathered,

the reasons there aren't more female artists in art museums are threefold:

It's a reputation thing.
We're not taken seriously enough.
We tend to multitask. A lot. Too much.

About reputation.

To be fair, "artist" wasn't exactly a respectable profession for anybody (male or female) until the Italian Renaissance made it cool. Even then, most parents would've chosen anything but "artist" as a great job for Junior. (Artists are a puzzlement to people who do not realize that art is hard, noble work.)

Still, long after "artist" was an acceptable career choice for men, it remained outside the sphere of Nice Girls. I don't know if it was the occasional nudity (as in figure studies) or the occasional partying, but art was considered an unsuitable pursuit for women. The end result was that males got a huge head start on becoming famous artists.

Now, in regards to women artists being taken seriously.

Forgive me, but there's an axe to be ground here. For too many centuries, women who've endeavored to make art have been seen as "odd" or (that irritating patronizing word) "eccentric."

Being taken seriously as an artist often meant that whomever-She-was could not be taken seriously as a woman. The sort of woman who did the so-called right thing: managed a pleasant hearth and home for her man and procreated like crazy. It was all right if a gal wanted to keep herself busy doing needlework or even painting some flowers. Those things made the house look better. And it's no accident that some of the first female artists we know by name illustrated children's books. Women + Children = Acceptable.

But, as far as Serious Art went, that was the exclusive domain of men. Women - and everybody knew this - were not capable of artistic genius. This is both wrong and wickedly unfair, but that's the way it went down.

Then there is multitasking.

This is the crux of the matter, in my book. Art is fabulous; one of the most rewarding endeavors a human being can pursue. But (and this is huge), you burn with it. Art consumes the artist deliciously, but it is a harsh discipline in terms of time and concentration. To create it spectacularly a person needs to eat, sleep and breathe art - which means a lot of other things must be neglected (temporarily or totally) by default.

Facts are, Ladies, it's us who bear the live young, and usually us who keep them alive. Raising children, in case you're wondering, takes a phenomenal amount of physical labor and attention. Parenting is important, rewarding work in its own right, but it doesn't leave a ton of free time, let alone free time during which the brain is bursting with creativity.

Wait! There's more! Women are so good at this nurturing thing, it often extends to our partners. Name me one famous male artist who was successful in his lifetime, and I'm going to point you toward either his wife or some trusted assistant as the person who made it possible for him to concentrate on art.

Michelangelo had somebody to cook his food. Rubens' wives darned his stockings so he looked good getting all those commissions. Gauguin had females taking care of him in two hemispheres. Rosa Bonheur? No children, no husband, and one companion who ran the house. Mary Cassatt: no children, no husband, and an independent source of income with which to hire servants. Georgia O'Keeffe didn't have children, and her husband actively promoted her career. Lee Krasner's career took off after Jackson Pollock self-destructed.

See where I'm going with this? It's a matter of choices. A female artist can concentrate on art or take care of other people, but it's nearly impossible to do both at the same time. Please trust me here, and never again wonder why Grandma Moses came so late to art.

So how can we rectify this?

We can't do anything about the past. My advice to you, today, is:

Create art.
Support women artists. Women who are alive and struggling, not the long-gone ones we hold up as examples.
Help each other. Strength in numbers, Ladies.
Make the right choices for you. If you burn to create art, it's OK not to raise a family. If you want to raise a family and make art, marry wisely, learn how to be really patient and surround yourselves with like-minded friends who'll co-op with you occasionally.

As I tell my own young, talented students, I see great things for women artists if your generation scrutinizes this issue with a level-headed gaze. And remember to work together!

Together, you can make up a lot of lost ground.

With fond wishes for your futures,"

An Elder Sister

my favoirte link about mother's

2011-05-09T06:23:00.002-05:00

Art loves us mothers. We've been depicted countless times in every culture. Sometimes we are as goddesses, sometimes we're seen enjoying a tender moment - a sweet memory, really - from when our all-too-quickly-grown children were very young, and sometimes it's clear that motherhood is grueling, if rewarding, work. In my modest, but heartfelt, attempt to salute fellow mothers everywhere, these following favorites are offered in reverse order.

10. William-Adolphe Bouguereau, Temptation (1880).

What a lovely scene. The temperature is nice and warm, the grass has been mown, apparently we're not worried about potty training just yet, and mother and child are free to simply enjoy each other's company. I'll admit it: I like the Academics, and Bouguereau in particular.

9. Pablo Picasso, Motherhood (1965)

In my humble opinion, the single least latently hostile portrayal of the opposite sex that Picasso ever executed. Who knew he had such a tender side?

8. Vincent van Gogh, Portrait of the Artist's Mother (1888)

Painted by Vincent from a photograph, Mrs. van Gogh appears to be gamely giving her son a small smile. He has given her eyes and brow a somewhat troubled look, however. When the picture was taken, was she worried about, and thinking of, that troubled boy of hers? Mothers do tend to worry, after all.

7. Diego Rivera, Sleeping Family (1932)

Social Realism is a genre that often reminds me I have much for which to be thankful. The mother in Rivera's lithograph can only offer her child the shelter of her arms and the use of her lap as a pillow. These things aren't the same as food or having a roof overhead, but she has given all that she can, and it was good enough to lull a small child into the comfort of sleep.

6. Frederic, Lord Leighton, Mother and Child (With Cherries) (1865)

Leighton has painted us a gorgeously detailed look at a Victorian interior. Isn't it marvelous that these two can while away the hours eating cherries? Obviously, there are servants lurking somewhere in the background. No sane mother - without her own laundress - would sit around dressed completely in white, with a child dressed similarly, eating a fruit known to leave such nasty stains.

5. Paula Modersohn-Becker, New Mother (1907)

Paula was very optimistic about having a baby, even though she was stuck in an unhappy marriage when she got pregnant. She painted this shortly before giving birth to the child she didn't survive by more than three weeks. It's a testament to mothers everywhere that we give birth not just to humans, but to hope for a brighter future and the betterment of humankind.

4. Mary Cassatt, The Child's Bath (1893)

We can't discuss "mothers and children in art" without mentioning Miss Cassatt, can we? I never cease to marvel at the way she caught tenderness and concern in the mothers she painted, and love the serenity in this scene of an everyday occurrence.

3. Pieter de Hooch, Interior with Mother Delousing her Child's Hair (A Mother's Duty) (c. 1658-60)

Oh dear. The things we mothers are called upon to rectify. Isn't it a blessing that Mr. de Hooch never witnessed the millions of mothers who have tried to catch kid vomit in their bare hands? No amount of muted interior lighting could make that into an attractive painting.

2. Dorothea Lange, Migrant Mother with Three Children (1936)

The woman in this picture was 32 years old at the time it was taken. She and her seven children were living off gleaned vegetable seconds (the fields having already been harvested) and birds the children were able to kill. She had just sold the car's tires to get food money. I am told she and the children survived this grim period in their lives. In the present era of "prosperity" she still has a shameful number of sisters in spirit - women who spend every waking hour trying to keep body and soul together.

1. Clement Hurd, illustrations from The Runaway Bunny (1942)

Though I have read this book approximately 84,000 times (to children who weren't nearly as sleepy as I was), it still makes my eyes well up with tears. Hurd helped the Mother Bunny morph into a fisher bunny, rock, gardener, tree, circus performer and the wind - all in the name of a mother's steadfast, unconditional love. Maybe these illustrations will never rate as "fine" art, or hang in museums, but they will always occupy a special place in my heart.

Happy Mother's Day, all, and have a carrot on me.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY 2011

2011-05-09T05:50:00.003-05:00

Yes, I know it's Monday and Mother's Day is behind us, in the US at least.
-- we are all entitled to one per year, don't you think?
I took the day off to watch DVR-ed programs, loving contact from my kids who live far but make time to communicate through skype, texting, calls and emails ,
and count my blessings!
Though long gone, I thank my Mom and Grandmother
for the wonderful memories and
role models.
Each and everyday what they taught me I use and it has made me the best I can be.
Some days it feels like MOTHER'S DAY for me!

Proud Bubbie

2011-05-06T09:46:00.000-05:00

No need to write anything!

Visiting my family in Weston Florida

2011-05-04T18:35:00.006-05:00

it was a wonderful time together while also celebrating berret's bar mitzvah:
we had much time together:
baby rebccca
siko bensman-niece-in-law
david bensman-nephew
marv..my bro
uncle mort
aunt etsie
harriet-marv's wife, my sister-in-law
berret-great nephew
raven-great-niece
lauren -berret's and raven's mom, my niece

You asked me: what do I believe

2011-04-21T06:57:00.005-05:00

I believe we must always remember our choices have consequence
beyond what we want for ourselves,
.... so CHOOSE WISELY!

YOU ASK ME: WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE, LAEH, AND I ANSWER:

I have learned thru my study of Reform Judaism,

to glorify the choices people make,

As long as those choices are made with

respect for oneself and for others.

I do not declare that a person is a good by the rituals they may or may not practice.

The Prophets encouraged us to:

“reason together”,

“to do justly,

to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God”,

“let none of you devise evil in your hearts against his neighbor”,

offer “peace to those who are near, and to those who are far..”.

These words spoken by our Prophets underscore what I believe is the

essence of my belief system: Judaism.

I respect both the integrity of all faiths, and those people with whom I interact,

with ever abiding hope that they to make better choices that respect themselves and others!

Donations for Junior League rummage sale

2011-04-13T11:11:00.002-05:00

I am happy to donation all five large items that are in working order that others can benefit. Downsizing is a great thing!

My docenting experiences:

2011-04-07T22:45:00.005-05:00

the tours that i lead at the art museum are going well.

i did a "symphony" tour which means kids where to hear a concert. the PAC closed because of a problem.

i had recorded the music from internet and thus could play a few bars and have kids relate it to the art

we stood in front in front of each piece.

it was SO MUCH FUN!

LOVE TECHNOLOGY!

MODEL PASSOVER SEDER 2011

2011-04-05T08:43:00.003-05:00

MODEL PASSOVER SEDER ON
April 4 at Congregation Shalom .

Rabbi Shapiro along with the Social Action Committee
(that I am a volunteer),
facilitated this over 60 at an educational
MODEL SEDER for
FUTURE MILWAUKEE students from Marquette University
(a unique opportunity for participants to improve leadership skills
and become more involved in the community),
and members of the
Catholic/Jewish Conference
(The Catholic-Jewish Conference is a program of the Ecumenical and Interfaith Office of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, the Jewish Community Relations Council of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation, and the Wisconsin Council of Rabbis).

Each year that I have participated has been a moving experience.
we share our traditions and get to have conversations with a vary broad and diverse group who come away with a more informed view of Judaism.
Table discussions are lively and enlightening we all have left saying, as new connections are made.

April 3rd and it hailed

2011-04-03T12:09:00.004-05:00

Today: Windy with rain and thunderstorms.
A few storms rolled through and were severe.
High about 46F., with winds SE at 25 to 35 mph.
and.... HAIL!
The yard was covered in water and then medium sized marbles of ice...
and then there was light! what a visual wonder.

latest BABY ROOM ART order done

2011-03-28T08:24:00.003-05:00

finish this, and ready for mailing and then framing by recipient .
i prefer floating frame so the "wall is the matt".
i do each piece as am described so it will take into account the decor of the room where it will hang.
the font is by the request of the person wanting the art,
are patterns and etc.

oops on # for the ARTS

2011-03-28T05:49:00.002-05:00

Last week I inadvertently demonstrated to you that fairly intelligent people (meaning me) sometimes do stupid things. I had done my math wrong in the blurb about how much we each pay to fund the National Gallery of Art. I said "slightly under $2." That would be true if one were to divide 310 million people by 162.8 million dollars ... instead of the correct method of dividing dollars by people. So! Revised conversational tidbit: we each pay 53 cents (0.52516129, rounded up) to fund the National Gallery of Art for one fiscal year.

Remember to exercise both hemispheres of your brain, don't do math at 3 a.m. unless you can literally do it in your sleep, and have a great week!

Vote for the ARTS!!!

2011-03-21T07:38:00.003-05:00

Now that the burning question of whether to bar NPR from receiving any more federal funds has been answered in an emergency US House vote, our elected officials must turn their attention towards job creation.

Or defunding more public programs. Toward the second probability:
it has been suggested that NPR, the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities are, and I quote, "frivolous.
" Perhaps they are. After all, we will pay $172.4 billion for proposed total Iraq & Afghanistan war spending for FY2011 and money doesn't grow on trees.
It may seem reasonable to slash a proposed $43 million from the NEA if arts education no longer has a place in our society. As much as the thought of that possibility makes me despair, I cannot speak for you.
So please weigh in and vote, and leave your thoughts in the comments if you desire.

(P.S.: If your desires take you a bit further, you can also contact your Representative.)

St Patrick's Day

2011-03-17T18:43:00.001-05:00

This tells it all!
!!Sure and Begora!!

Harriet ichat with Bubbe and her dad

2011-03-16T20:50:00.003-05:00

i am thrilled to have #2 son here for a visit.
this is her dad's first time being away from her so
we did an ichat!

:-)
who is more happy to be ichatting?

me or her dad or
my granddaughter with us?

don't you just love technology!!!!!

HAPPY home made CORNED BEEF SEASON: mc-kosher style

2011-03-12T14:18:00.006-06:00

HAPPY HOLIDAY
IT'S CORNED BEEF SEASON

I am in the process of boiling/cooking
9# of corned beef for my family.

I add extra spices, garlic and bay leaf, cook until tender.
I then let it cool in the brinn, refrigerate overnight
and the next day I slice deli style-thin with my electric meat slicer.

m-m-m-m-m
We eat it cold or hot in sandwiches, as main dish with potatoes and veggies
or skillet fry with eggs!
If any is left, I hide(oops!), put in individual serving sizes and freeze,
as it freezes and thaws well for future uses.

SUMMER SCHOOL ART CLASSES FOR YOU BY ME

2011-03-09T10:15:00.002-06:00

USM 2011 SUMMER SCHOOL ART CLASSES,

TO REGISTER FOR THE SUMMER SCHOOL CLASS BELOW:

http://www.usmk12.org/podium/default.aspx?t=129199

Abstract Painting: A Fearless Approach Grades 7-10 AND ADULTS

Explore your inner voice and learn to express your feelings, experiences, and personal vision through abstract (non-representational) art.

$126 ($136) Session: A 9:00 - 10:25 Laeh McHenry

Shades of Realism: Drawing & Painting Techniques I & II I: Grades 4-6; II: Grades 7-1010 AND ADULTS

With a variety of media, practice contour art techniques for drawing real life objects.

II $123 ($133) Session: A 10:30 - 12:00 Laeh McHenry

Clay Creations Grades 4-6

Create chimes, mirror frames, wall pockets, people pots, bowls, and more. Learn techniques to add variety and pizzazz to your creations.

$116 ($126) Session: B 9:00 - 10:25 Laeh McHenry

Shades of Realism: Drawing & Painting Techniques I & II I: Grades 4-6; II: Grades 7-1010 AND ADULTS

With a variety of media, practice contour art techniques for drawing real life objects.

I $114 ($124) Session: B 12:30 - 1:55 Laeh McHenry

Go Figure: Human Figure Drawing Grades 7-10

Learn to draw the human figure. Create pictures of people with pencil, markers, craypas, chalk, and paint and develop your techniques. Learn helpful strategies to make your figures come alive.

$114 ($124) Session: B 2:00 - 3:30 Laeh McHenry

Drawing Basics: Beyond Stick People Grades 4-710 AND ADULTS

Using charcoal, pencil, and pastels, learn the basics of perspective, layout, shading, and more. Enter the world of 2-D art.

$124 ($134) Session: C 9:00 - 10:25 Laeh McHenry

Let’s Face It: Portraiture Grades 7-1010 AND ADULTS

Expand your repertoire of portrait-making techniques using different media. Let’s face it, portrait drawing is a challenging art form, and one you can accomplish!

$126 ($136) Session: C 10:30 - 12:00 Laeh McHenry

Brush Art - Watercolors, Tempera, Acrylics Grades 4-710 AND ADULTS

Experiment with multiple media and discover how you can make lovely paintings that sweep across the paper. Brush-up on your painting techniques and develop your skills.

$126 ($136) Session: C 12:30 - 1:55 Laeh McHenry

Super-Real Drawing: Tricks That Work! Grades 7-1010 AND ADULTS

Practice tricks of lighting, shadows, and styles used to create realistic qualities in drawing and painting.

$126 ($136) Session: C 2:00 - 3:30 Laeh McHenry

MARCH MADDNESS

2011-03-08T15:30:00.005-06:00

Bella

Misleading subject line; there is no madness here
(unless you are in my home, witnessing my behavior
after Shayna does come when called, but Bella doesn't come in when called).
What should be the last "dog-potty-break" of the day
so we can go "to bed" in the evenings,
is turning into ME going out and sweet talking loud enough to entertain any neighbors or animals in the vicinity.
Honestly, I just thought,
"Who is going to my blog about stubborn pets and a freezing half asleep owner?
Nobody, that's who!"

Blooming Winter

2011-03-02T08:05:00.008-06:00

I nurtured my house plant to bloom in mid-winter and now enjoy a
little summer here at home.
This was a thoughtful gift from a cherished friend and thus
it means a great deal as it contintues to give me joy.

Remember now and forever!

2011-02-27T10:48:00.006-06:00

I again light a candle in honor of the blessed memory - of my Mother,
Rose Swerdlow Bensman - Rochel bas Zalman and Mirka,
4/3/1913 to 3/2/1975.

Each day her nishoma (“beautiful soul”),
continues to inspire, enrich, teach, and guide me.

Public focus to narrow on Walker bill

2011-02-25T07:14:00.002-06:00

The public has focused, with good reason, on collective bargaining restrictions in Gov. Scott Walker's budget-repair bill. But other items deserve more scrutiny, and to get it, they should be stripped from the bill and debated separately.

A few examples:

• Under the bill, the administration could rewrite the rules governing the state's Medicaid program on eligibility, benefits and cost-sharing, reviewed only by the Legislature's budget committee - co-chaired by members of Walker's Republican Party.

Those enrolled in the state's BadgerCare Plus and Core plans, FamilyCare and SeniorCare and Medicaid for those with disabilities and the elderly could be affected.

There is a shortfall in the state's health care efforts of $214 million this year and $1.8 billion over the next two years. But maintenance of care for the least vulnerable among us has to be a priority. Undue cuts to the Core program, in particular, would be disturbing.

The state persuaded Milwaukee County to give up its program to aid childless adults, taking on the responsibility itself. Walker, the former Milwaukee County executive, likely knows this. Even if the poverty level standards have changed, this is called bait and switch.

And the Department of Health Services, in any case, should not be able to make sweeping changes without more legislative, public and stakeholder input. True, there are federal constraints, but Walker proposes seeking a waiver from those constraints.

Our fear is that people - irrespective of need - will be bumped off the health care rolls, only to have them show up in emergency rooms for care. Hospitals will pass on costs to those with insurance.

• Another measure would allow Wisconsin to sell or contract out state-owned heating, cooling and power plants "with or without solicitation of bids."

There are concerns that this is payback for a major Walker campaign contributor, Koch Industries Inc., which says it isn't interested in the plants. If such sales do go to this company, we would share these worries. But "with or without solicitation of bids"? This reeks of sweetheart deals not in the best interests of taxpayers. Bad idea.

• Walker's collective bargaining proposal could jeopardize federal transit funding for mid-size Wisconsin cities because the feds require that these transit employees be able to bargain collectively.

We support some aspects of Walker's collective bargaining proposals, but even there, believe the governor has overreached. As for these other ideas? Strip them from the bill and have a legitimate debate.

Winter's heavy snow fall

2011-02-20T16:03:00.004-06:00

The trees and bushes in my yard are bent and breaking from what is now about
six inches of very heavy snow, and more falling.

Bella and Shayna are staying close to the house but still are very happy to have a
bathroom break and romp out of doors.

It is a most awesome sight,
but one that I know I will not find so glorious
when I go out , shovel in hand, clearing paths and walkways.
I am blessed to live long enough each year to say how I enjoy all the seasonal changes, and am especially blessed to have the help of the
lawn/plow service.

Sunday Fun

2011-02-13T22:58:00.002-06:00

Today i went to a very well attended local author visit. author of EAT PRAY AND LOVE, elizabeth gilbert read from her newest book! wow....i highly recommend it. her new book, COMMITTED, attempts to "turn on all the lights" when it comes to matrimony, frankly examining questions of compatibility, infatuation, fidelity, family tradition, social expectations, divorce risks and humbling responsibilities. Gilbert's memoir is ultimately a clear-eyed celebration of love with all the complexity and consequence that real love, in the real world, actually entails. She has an amazing phrasology, intellect, and humor. those in attendance go a signed paper back copy!

GO PACKERS: PACKER WON THE SUPER BOWL

2011-02-07T07:15:00.003-06:00

Mchenry's are totally PACKER FANS!
GO PACK!!!

Snowy-snowy day activity

2011-02-05T15:44:00.002-06:00

Ah, cooking and organizing-that is what snow days are for!

PACKERS GOING TO THE SUPER BOWL

2011-02-03T19:31:00.002-06:00

Ha Ha...
I am only kidding...I am very excited about the Packers playing this Sunday at the SUPER BOWL,
especially because I will be cheering the team on with my relatives!
Have snacks to share, dressed in my best packer gear and beads,
cheese hat donned!
Ya hoo!
Go Pack!

Blizzard

2011-02-01T17:06:00.002-06:00

Due to the Blizzard moving in our area,
much has closed early and I got home from the museum
in time to keep the snow under control.
I go out often now to clear around my home!
The winds have pushed lots of the snow near the house and into areas that
Shayna and Bella like to romp when they need to "go"out.
I am actually happy for the snow as it replenishes the water table!
Tomorrow is a snow emergency day and so will be home and will
enjoy doing in-home projects, read the book based on the movie
"SOCIAL NETWORK", and get to do some sewing and studio stuff.

:-)

Harriet ichat with Bubbe

2011-01-31T19:57:00.005-06:00

Ya Hoo..i-chatting with my G-daughter!
Even though there are many the miles between us,
I feel blessed to have time with Harriet.
I have learned to snap photo's during these sessions and hope you can
do the same if your loved ones live far away.

Happy To help My Boomeranging Son

2011-01-30T16:24:00.007-06:00

I am always happy to be of help others and especially my sons. Adam is in transition. I have room for his belongs while he moves from being the custodian of David's home to his own abode, very soon. It is truly wonderful that David's home sold since with he and Lisa have made career moves and no long live here.

GO PACKERS: PACKERS GOING TO THE SUPER BOWL

2011-01-26T19:53:00.004-06:00

I am ready to celebrate the
GREEN BAY PACKERS playing the Steelers!

PACKERS GOING TO THE SUPER BOWL

2011-01-23T17:22:00.004-06:00

HOW EXCITING IS THIS?

Even six month old-daughter Harriet is excited..as are my
Packer Backer Buddies...Marlene, Judy and I!!

Great defense! Aaron Rogers is amazing as were every one today.
Playing at the Bears home was really hard. Adam is at the game and I and thrilled for him to have seem the game in person!

GO PACKERS!!!!

Packer vs Bears!

2011-01-23T08:13:00.002-06:00

The two clubs have won a combined 21 NFL championships (including 4 Super Bowls) and have 48 members in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Here's some interesting history for you. The 1941 season—seven days after the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor—was the last time the Bears and Packers met in the playoffs.

The rivalry began in 1921^[1] and is the league's longest rivalry, with 181 regular-season and post-season games. Because both clubs are in the same division—the NFC North—they play each other twice every regular season.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2011

2011-01-01T09:01:00.003-06:00

Happiness and health to all...

Do you remember

another New Year's eve that was in the 50's like 2010 was?

I wake up on 1/1/2011

with no snow in sight! It is very cold and windy...

but NO SNOW in site!

The "green grass" is an prediction of the year to come!

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2011

2010-12-30T21:58:00.002-06:00

I am looking forward to a New Year that is nothing short of
peacefilled, healthfilled, funfilled, friendfilled, artfilled!

There are two great days in a person's life -
the day we are born and the day we discover why.
Let's do it together!

do you see a resemblance! prince willy and adam

2010-11-17T08:29:00.004-06:00

i have always thought Adam resembled the prince....
hard to find photo that makes the comparison nor obvious
.... same smile....

history of bensman revisited

2010-11-15T10:31:00.003-06:00

i am looking into letting my family know the history of my family THE BENSMAN'S:
It was confirmation , when the assistant to the Slavic Bibliographer at the University of Wisconsin-Madison wrote that the name Bensman is specific to the towns of Lepel' and Rechitsa according to the book by Alexander Beider (A Dictionary of Jewish Surnames from the Russian Empire, Teaneck, NJ, Avotaynu, 1993, p. 128-129). It is a Cohen name deriving from the Yiddish word "benchn" or "to bless" and meaning "one who blesses." Other forms of the name are Benchman and the Russified Bentsman.
in a more general sense, Bensman was also inspired by many relatives life stories, which like so many Jews, involved migration from one civilization to another, under harsh circumstances.
find more about my family at :

http://web.mac.com/allenbsaxe/Bensman_Family_History/The_Abe_Bensman_Family.html

Join me on Face Book!

2010-11-07T17:24:00.002-06:00

Join me on face book:

http://www.facebook.com/laeh.mchenry

my traditional turkey treat making for 2010

2010-11-06T08:37:00.004-05:00

i invited my friend to come over and share making my traditional turkey treats. she and i made a total of about 40...i love to have these as eatable table decoration on each persons plate and gift some as well.

i am still trilled that RACHAEL RAY put them on her website! read about how this mchenry tradition came to be and see more treats!

http://www.rachaelray.com/heirloom.php?heirloom_id=16

Warm and fuzzy Packer Fan

2010-10-31T10:39:00.005-05:00

I hope you are smiling
as you view and imagine me in my new Packer Fan Hat!!
Maybe #1,2,or#3 son's will want me to pass it on to one them
since yellow is not my color!
I shall wear my hat as part of my Halloween apparel for the day.

Fall Harvest

2010-10-29T07:11:00.006-05:00

Saved hanging plants and herbs, housed for now on our enclosed porch.
Herbs I have harvested and dried.
As is our tradition the week of Halloween, we ready the house and yard for the coming of winter. Temperature have dropped and we have experiences frost. That means many chores have been done early, with the usual to do this weekend.

This year I am adding HARVESTING HERBS to my "do it" list as well as saving plants .
In the past I have grown herbs and veggies only to consume them on the spot or that week. Flower plants in hanging pots were always emptied.
---New is that I have put the hanging and herb pot on the enclosed porch before the frosh killed them. I have been collecting thyme, sweet basil and chocolate mint, and will continue to harvest and dry them if I can.

They smell marvelous! Ah, planning to cook or make potpourri in the coming months with them. Hmmm?!! Would these would be great "gifts"????

CANADA

2010-10-27T09:23:00.005-05:00

STOP IN MINNEAPOLIS, A LOVING BREAK FROM OUR LONG DRIVE ... :-)
CROSSING INTO CANADA
BOBBIE WITH HER AUNT MARLA, WHO EXHIBITED STRENGTH FOR ALL
THE FRENCH'S WAKING AT PREDAWN TO SERVE US A GOOD BY BREAKFAST
OUR WONDERFUL TOW GUY...SO WE COULD GET HOME FOR COMMITMENTS

My friend Bobbie had a very difficult few months as she attended funerals for her beloved Mom. Dad, and now her Uncle, as well as the death of her cousin. They all live in Canada. I went along with Bobbie as this time her husband could not take off of work after going with her on these many recent trips to Canada.

So off we went, driving to Winnipeg, with a few need bathroom and meal stops.

Bobbie, in her usual kind ways suggested I tell Stephen and Christina we were traveling thru Minneapolis but could make a quickie stop. WOW…that was the most fun stop unless I consider the duty free store stop to shop!

Adam was in MN. visiting, as were a few friends. We arrived and I spent an hour mostly loving-up lovely three and on half month old Harriet !

Off we continued with sunny weather as a companion. We arrived a the French’s, our wonderful hosts, settled in to our rooms, then off to Bobbie’s aunt’s home where friends and family filled the home before and they would do after the funeral,and as they did the Ukrainian basilica for the funeral. It was a magnificent church filled to over capacity to support Bobbie and her family and honor Uncle John for all his professions,personal, and community service.

I was welcomed as family.After the funeral a huge luncheon, we had a late night visit and goodbye’s at Aunt Marla's family and friend filled home.

We woke pre-dawn the next day to a lovely breakfast good bye at the French’s our gracious host family.

Heading home in rain a high winds on roads under construction we ended up wheel deep in mud off the road. After two hours we finally did get a tow and headed home.

Let’s see that was 7:10 leaving and home about 12 midnight= 17 hours of driving with a duty-free shop stop at the border and two McDonald’s bathroom/meal breaks!

I thinking returning home is underrated as I loved doggy and Tom’s kisses of glee that I was home safely!

THANKS BOBBIE, I am so happy to have been able to make this trip with you. I hope I was a helpful co-pilot on such a long journey, as well as a support to you and your family and friends as you said good-bye to your amazingly accomplished and generous Uncle John.

And now I better get on to my schedule of errands, doing tours at the museum and more on my calendar for today.

i love ichat

2010-10-21T20:58:00.001-05:00

i love ichatting....if i can not hold and kiss her....this will do!

Happy three month birthday!!

2010-10-12T08:02:00.003-05:00

Happy three month birthday!!!

Harriet ichat with Bubbe

2010-10-05T20:35:00.004-05:00

love our mac book...tonight had a three way chat with stephen holding harriet, and adam!

such fun! only miss not kissing her lovely cheeks!

good night...sleep tight harriet...♪♫•*¨*♥.¸.♥*¨*•♫~•we love you yes we do harriet minnette ♪♫•*¨*♥.¸.♥*¨*•♫~•

Reunion Meeting

2010-10-04T20:15:00.002-05:00

what a grand time meeting at my home for supper and business meeting. we got the reminder ready to mail about our 50th reunion which will be Sept. 17th.

Reunion Meeting

2010-10-04T20:10:00.003-05:00

what a grand time meeting at my home for supper and business meeting. we got the reminder ready to mail about our 50th reunion which will be Sept. 17th.

Jim and Celia Bensman visting! HURRAY!!!

2010-10-01T20:18:00.005-05:00

I am thrilled that my cousins Jim and Celia are here visitng! Jim and I grew up in Sheboygan a block apart, and were in the same grade and so we shared much. As you see we are sharing family the photo's we have saved on our computers.

We will be together again for our 50th high school reunion next year also!

Hosting Israeli Guests

2010-09-28T08:29:00.004-05:00

I was out and about Monday with my friend Suzanne because we hosted two visiting Israeli (middle/high school) principals. One photo's are of our lunching together after a morning of activities together and at lunch, and the other at the school they had events.

Suzanne is on the far right. Mira, with longer hair, is the principal of the middle school.
Chani, short hair, is the principal of Beit Yerach HS.
Both from the area of Tiberius, Israel.

They are here visiting schools,speaking to classes and working with staff.

Chani hosted me at her campus last year on my visit to Israel. Our exchanged visits are part of a partnership program with a northern area of Israel and the Milwaukee Federation.

Suzanne was my roommate at UW-Madison and now retired from teaching french and Hebrew at Nicole high school. We also are carpooling and taking a UW-Milwaukee class together.

I am so grateful to be part of this partnership and being able to share it with such amazing people!

Harriet Minnette open house

2010-09-21T20:44:00.005-05:00

ah, the pleasure of holding my charming little granddaughter at our open house. how fabulous it was to have all our friends and family get to visit with her mom and dad, Stephen and Christina, and meet her.

Thank you to you all for sharing my joy. G-d willing: Let us share many events in the future as we have in the past!!

The best celebration: 5771!

2010-09-19T22:23:00.006-05:00

pictured from left to right TOM, LAEH, RABBI SHAPIRO, STEPHEN,CHRISTINA WITH HARRIET MINNETTE aka Chava Laeh, and ADAM.

The Holy Days are a time I love because we sharing time those we care about. I am so happy to have an opportunity to have my friends and family as guests in our home to celebrate the NEW YEAR: 5771 and visit with Tom and I, our son's Adam and Stephen, our daughter-in-law Christina, meet our little Harriet Minnette.

It was especially meaningful this year as our beloved friend and rabbi, Rabbi Ronald Shapiro along with Stephen and Christina gave our first grandchild a Hebrew name in front of the arch at synagogue.

Some history of this tradition:
The Torah tells us that Abraham was blessed with "everything" (Genesis 24:1). The Talmud says this refers to Abraham having a baby girl (Baba Batra 16b). when it says that God gave Abraham this big blessing, it was a baby girl. The daughter was singled out for this great praise.

Why is a baby girl considered "everything?"

With the blessing of a baby daughter comes a realization of the fullness of life. The song says: "thank heaven for little girls." The Jewish people have always 'thanked heaven' for Jewish women, because our survival as a nation has been primarily because of Jewish women. From the birth of our nation, as our Matriarchs guided us through familial challenges, to the slavery in Egypt when the women kept their faith, and the heroines of Esther in Purim and Yael in Chanukah. At every crucial juncture in our history, Jewish women have come to the forefront, steering the Jewish people in the right direction.

The naming of a baby girl is a statement of her character, her specialness, and her path in life. For at the beginning of life we give a name, and at the end of life the Torah teaches us that a "Good Name" is what we take with us. (see Talmud - Brachot 7b, and the Arizal - Sha'ar HaGilgulim 24b)

Naming a Jewish baby is not only a statement of what we hope she will be, but also where she comes from. The Ashkenazi tradition is to name a new baby after a relative that has passed away. In this way, we acknowledge the strong roots that have produced the tree of the Jewish people, and of our own family's character. The Sephardic tradition is similar in philosophy, however the custom is to name after living relatives.

Our granddaughters shares both traditions: Ashkenazi and Sephardic:

She is named for our beloved Aunt Eva Swerdlow (of blessed memory) CHAVA
and me LAEH.

2010-09-13T09:29:00.004-05:00

My Yom Kippur Pre-Fast Meal Recipes

Recipes for the Yom Kippur Pre-Fast meal, called Seudah Mafseket, should be low in salt, high in carbohydrates, and without any caffeine.

Here is my tentative menu:

Challah,and apple slices dipped in honey

Chicken Soup with carrots,celery, parsley ( with rice or matzah balls)

Chicken baked with carrots/onion/ red potatoes

Green seasonal vegetable to be decided

Fresh fruit platter

THIS IS A CROKE!

2010-09-12T18:58:00.003-05:00

I AM CONFESSING:

I woke today with great anticipation to use the crock pot/slow cooker I just bought. BUT my first meal was HORRIBLE.
Even the wine I used did not save the tasteless coq au vin that I served! We choked down some with a resolve to never use the recipe I did.

Do send any FOOL-proof recipes!
Maybe that is why it is called a CROCK POT.

Looking to the FUTURE

2010-09-06T12:57:00.002-05:00

In this new year,5711, we have the ability to sort through the past year and to forget that which diminished us personally or spiritually. We may have missed the mark or forgotten the Rock who birthed us, but we are using these Days of Awe to return and to remember.

great time with "Happy" harriett minnette mchenry

2010-09-03T22:01:00.003-05:00

what can i say....I enjoy all the blogs and postings of photo's and stories of my friends and family little ones. They are a blessing and our future!
I am grateful for my family! We just returned from visiting family and can not wait to spend time with my granddaughter....she is just living too far away....for me!

Laeh Bensman McHenry

GROUND HOG DAY

Gift of center piece

winter - bloom

Lake walk

Gang gathering!

Bowling with the "gang"

a new beginning...off to a great start

All my friends, THANK YOU SO MUCH for your friendship and being an integral part of my life!

IF IT'S NOT FUN, I'M NOT DOING IT!

2011 was a GREAT ride and I'm closing it out with fun and friends.

LOOK OUT 2012 - I'm runnin' towards you at full speed and divin' right in.......ROCK ON!

Christmas vs. Chanukah

Latest leather art pin creations

Milwaukee Art Museum Winter Luncheon for Docents

my newest art media"leather

Earliest snow i rememember

Celebrating withDREAM TEAM: Rabbi Brinkman's birthday

Laeh Bensman McHenry: Reunion Committee Reunion Recap:food and friendship

Reunion Committee Reunion Recap:food and friendship

Bowling with the "gang"

More fun field trips:...lots of fun "art" experiences near me

Sunday all day and night- Go for Art, Brewers, Packers and my Almamater

Time away..fun and friends

october and more wonderful celebations

Wonderful time celebrating the scott and laura wedding!

September Equinox

Hornet Nests Annilated by me! EEEEEKKK

wow: i am in the Milwaukee Jewish Chronicle!

Chai Lights: Teachers learn

A Summer Day in Bay View on Aug 27, 2011

darn-discovery of moss and mold on home shingles

my visit to the harley davidson museum

My Workshop in honor of Mildred Fish Harnack

family gathering!

Something ate my unharvested cabbage

The Jewish Museum exhibit about Mildred Fish Harnack

My visit to 8 Seasons Grille in Madison: an amazing culinary meal yet very inexpensive !

Essential Information so you can go and enjoy this fabulous menu and atmosphere!

Chicken Marsala

Crimini mushrooms and spinach sautéed with a lightly breaded chicken breast and deglazed with a marsala wine.$15

Iron Chef is the best idea..a must do!

Reviews..

Hot summer of 2011

have a safe summer 2011

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY 2011

Strawberry festival 2011

Rain,rain go away for now..ENOUGH ALREADY

Sign up now!

The wonders of ichat!!

End of 2011 term and on to summer school

I was awarded the MAM luncheon centerpiece

Memorial Day 2011

2011 BARREL GARDEN SEASON

Rhubard pie baking season

look back and ahead

Mother's Day and more about us!

my favoirte link about mother's

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY 2011

Proud Bubbie

Visiting my family in Weston Florida

You asked me: what do I believe

Donations for Junior League rummage sale

My docenting experiences:

MODEL PASSOVER SEDER 2011

April 3rd and it hailed

latest BABY ROOM ART order done

oops on # for the ARTS

Vote for the ARTS!!!

St Patrick's Day

Harriet ichat with Bubbe and her dad

HAPPY home made CORNED BEEF SEASON: mc-kosher style

SUMMER SCHOOL ART CLASSES FOR YOU BY ME

MARCH MADDNESS

Blooming Winter

Remember now and forever!

Public focus to narrow on Walker bill

Winter's heavy snow fall

Sunday Fun

GO PACKERS: PACKER WON THE SUPER BOWL

Crimini mushrooms and spinach sautéed with a lightly breaded chicken breast and deglazed with a marsala wine.
$15