Frankie and Slim

Frankie and Slim
Happy New Year

Tuesday, January 31, 2006

FACES

Faces circle the room. Faces that have aged but suddenly fade to their youth and the memories of youth. Memories of swimming at the country club, of cousins always glad to see cousins, of bowling, of climbing on the Pioneer Woman, of going to picture shows, of lining up for stairstep pictures, of the guest house and buckets of water, of silly costumes and plays put on, of movies together, letters exchanged and parents and grandparents shaking their heads at our antics. Our years between of work and health and situations requiring maturity evaporate momentarily as does the memorial occasion of our gathering. We're simply loving family celebrating one life thus celebrating each life. Our hearts embrace our heritage.

Sunday, January 29, 2006

MY YEAR

Today begins the Chinese New Year. It is the year of the Red Fire Dog. I just happen to be a dog. Here is my forecast for the upcoming year.

Dog
This year belongs to you, Dogs. You will feel as though you have won the lottery and beaten the devil all at once. The time has come, Doggie dear, for you to shine. Humanity will finally begin to benefit from your intense belief in its basic good. Be careful. Don't let success go to your head. Slacking off is not possible for you, ever. But, you can allow yourself a holiday or two-go somewhere exotic where the people appreciate your kindnesses. Remember, this is the year in which you must plan the next 12-year cycle of your life. Visualize your deepest desires. Whatever you project into the future now can be yours.
-- Suzanne White,Tarot.com/Astrology

Woof, woof, howl...............

M.H. (my husband) is going to have to be a bit more cautious this year. He is a Cat/Rabbit. Here is what he has to look forward to:

Cat / Rabbit
The Cat can thrive this year without too much interference from the powers that be, if he's careful. Don't let the Dog's bleeding heart causes interfere with your conservative streak. If you remain calm and keep a low profile, your privileges and luxuries will be spared. Avoid the temptation to leap into anxiety-this is a time to believe in the future. Although Dogs eschew snobbery and deplore pedantry, they generally approve of the reserve of Rabbit people. Dogs respect you Cats for your infinite wisdom in a crisis. You, cautious Cat, are a survivor.
-- Suzanne White,Tarot.com/Astrology

He much prefers to think of himself as a Rabbit because he does not like cats. However he definitely is a cautious Cat -- a survivor.

Friday, January 27, 2006

THE TIE THAT BINDS

We are in different corners of the United States but we have been bound in a vigil of thoughts and prayers. Our aunt, Jim. Juliette and mother's oldest sister, the mother of Frank, Steve and David, was in her last days. Yesterday evening around 5:30, with her sons, hospice and OMM staff by her side, Margaret died. Today fond memories of her 91 years begin to flood us all.

Today is also Steve's 64th birthday. We can say Happy Birthday because he knows his mother is finally pain free.

"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."- Lamentations 3:22-23 (NRSV)

Tuesday, January 24, 2006

FOUR DOWN

One Twyla, one Noble Davie, two Chicken Annies -- all eaten by the Rottweiler. He was caught today with one Chicken Annie hanging out of his mouth. She was still alive when Ron made the dog drop her, but she was beyond saving. Her internal organs were all hanging outside her body. Ron had to put her to sleep.

The owners say their dog is friendly. I even attempted to believe them and tried to befriend the animal which they allow to run loose. God forbid this huge dog decides to attack a child instead of chickens.

WHERE'S THE MEDIA?

We stayed up rather late last night watching the election returns from Canada. It was difficult finding a channel that was following the returns. We got up this morning expecting to easily locate the outcome on any news network. Nope. Not a word. Bloggers are talking about the huge Conservative win but even the Canadian publications are not reporting.

If you ever doubted the bias of the media worldwide, this should clear up your doubts.

GOLF BALLS WORKING

I purchased a dozen recycled golf balls and put them in the chicken's nests. They are fooled into thinking they are eggs. They peck and peck but the golf balls won't crack and they drift away discouraged. I have gathered over twenty eggs. Hopefully the chickens will forget they ever liked to eat eggs. Cross your fingers.

CEREAL WITH WATER

Several years ago when John Tesh was on ET he grossed everyone out by stating that he liked cereal with cold water on it. A few days later I found myself hungry with only cereal in the house and no milk, so I tried it. He emphasized that the water needed to be very cold, and I followed his advice. I liked it very much, but family and friends ridiculed me until I gave it up.

My heart attack opened the fad to my life once more. "No dairy" the doctor said. A perfect excuse for returning to cereal with water. Yum! I kid you not.

Sunday, January 22, 2006

EBAY ITCH

It is getting to that time of year. I am starting to feel the pull of eBay. We have quite a few "commodities" set aside for listing and now it is time to start taking photos and preparing the listings. Why I continue to do this is beyond me. It is somewhat lucrative, it is often fun, it is a social outlet for our secluded life, it is challenging AND it is totally a pain in the butt! Does that mean I am a masochist?

Maybe I can do better with eBay than I'm doing with my chickens right now. Needless to say, the eggs loaded with hot pepper and tobasco did not work. The egg-eating chickens actually like them. I think they must be part goat. I did manage to make enough trips to the hen house yesterday to rescue 15 eggs before they could be devoured. I can't imagine what we will do next, but I will keep reading.

Besides watching chickens, I am enjoying other bird watching. We have a large stock tank outside our front door and catch rain water. (Needless to say it has been a while since any was added -- oh boy, do we need rain!) Anyway, it has turned into a bird oasis and I can look out the door window to see a wide varity of birds seeking respite. At times it can be frightening when I recall scenes from Hitchcock's THE BIRDS.

I am killing time as I await word from my children telling about my daughter's birthday celebration. She and three of her girlfriends celebrated in Tulsa. All left their children with the dads. They kidnapped my son as their designated driver and designated dancer. I appointed myself the designated worrier. Are they really all in their 30's? It seems like they are still mama's babies.

Saturday, January 21, 2006

2006 Birthdays Begin

No more limericks! I have my old journals and will attempt to come across old poetry written for everyone to post on each birthday.

Happy 34th Birthday Chelle. Here is a poem for you when you were seven
.

A DAUGHTER IS A PRIZE AT SEVEN

Quietly she came into my life.
Quietly she has grown.
Now Chelle is telling me she's here
In a way I've never known.

"I'll help you mother.
I want to make you proud.
Do you see the story I've written?
May I read it aloud?
I even cleaned my room today
And drew this picture too.
Do you see I'm growing up?
Do you know that I love you?"

("Yes my dear, and oh h0w
I love you too!")

Recalling 34 years ago today, I wonder what I was thinking when you were seven to say you came into my life quietly. There was lots of noise surrounding your birth but I believe it was me making all that noise, not you. LOL Plus, you weren't so quiet on your eighth birthday -- remember! Happy Birthday -- Have fun!

Friday, January 20, 2006

Wish Me Luck

The chicken eggs are disappearing. It should not be snakes eating them this time of year. The weather has been unseasonably warm, but we still do not see any sign of snakes in the hen house. It can only be the chickens themselves eating their own eggs or the roosters eating the eggs. Reading material on chickens only suggests identifying the egg eating chickens and killing them. I Don't Think So!

This morning I found the greatest suggestion. Blow out a few eggs and fill them with a paste filled with tobasco, red pepper, black pepper, etc. Place those refilled eggs in the nest and once tasted by the egg eating chickens, it should end their desire for eggs. I've got the eggs loaded are ready to take to the hen house. I will be reporting back.

Meanwhile, I found a couple of neat sites with chicken stories.
Take a look when you have time.

SOME STORIES ABOUT CHICKENS

THE SAGA OF HENRIETTA HEN

Wednesday, January 18, 2006

AM I THE LAST TO KNOW PURSE SAFETY

We are in Tulsa. Tonight we went to Wal-Mart. Yes, even when we leave Kansas, we still have to go to Wal-Mart. Anyway, I may be the last woman to learn this, but Ron saw a lady pull this neat trick. She put her purse in the child seat of the grocery cart and latched her purse handle through the child safety strap. If a purse snatcher grabbed her bag and tried to run with it, the thief would end up pulling the whole cart. I latched my bag and didn't worry as much, in case I glanced away from it for a moment. A good tip just f.y.i.

Fools Rush In

Tuesday, January 17, 2006

IS IT MEMOREX?

Who does the Quaker Oats guy remind you of? Would you say Elenore? Someone did. You'll just have to ask her. Posted by Picasa

Sunday, January 15, 2006

FOR THE CHICKEN FARMER IN YOU

If you wish you were a chicken farmer, take a look at this site

See, everyone can have fresh eggs!

Thursday, January 12, 2006

Snow White And The 31 Chickens

The snow is melting, but the ground remains about 80% snow covered. This morning when I stepped out of the house to take the chickens their food I felt like I had stepped into a Disney cartoon.

Birds, squirrels, rabbits were everywhere. They we flying, leaping, running and singing. I glided merrily among them on the way to the chicken house. If I had been wearing a long dress I believe the birds would have lifted my skirt to keep it out of the snow.

Who says my imagination runs wild?

Tuesday, January 10, 2006

Good Choice

Sunday was a perfect day to have visitors. Pat and Rhonda came to get their stove and see NOL-NOC Estates for the first time. We had a joyous visit with them!

Yesterday was a perfect day for our trip to Monkey Island to see a potential cabin purchase. It has a beautiful lake view and lake access. We'll go back next week and talk more.

Today is a perfect day to stay home. Picture shows what is happening here. Beans are soaking, Ron will be cooking cornbread, heater is warming us, let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!
 Posted by Picasa

Saturday, January 07, 2006

BEHEMOTH BAND QUEEN

Last night I dreamed I attended a high school band function and was elected the band queen. All the band students were school age, but I was the age and size that I am now. On top of being a rather large band queen, I insisted on wearing my Navy Blue pin stripe suit under my strapless, floor length, formal gown. That old suit has pretty big shoulder pads and I was really huge.

The band queen attendants were very beautiful, young, school girls. They were furious that I had been elected the queen. Only six people attended the coronation and I explained to the girls that it would be their turn to win next and maybe by then more people would show up.

Yes, I am still reading my old journals and yes, I did read last night about Jessi being crowned Band Queen, Dec. 13, 1994.

Friday, January 06, 2006

ADOPT A PET

I'm not sure if this is legitimate pet adoption, but I am adopting the neighbor's dog. Our neighbors have a Rottweiler that roams free. I have been intimidated by this dog for quite some time. Our small, rural town does not have a leash law.

My chickens free-range in the evenings and I have to stand guard to make sure the dog does not chase them. It wears me out trying to protect the chickens and protect myself.

Evening observation has led me to gain confidence in the friendly nature of this young dog. It is a young dog and is home alone all day and seems very lonely and eager for attention. We purchased some nice dog biscuits the other day and I have been speaking nicely to this dog and throwing a few biscuits to him. Tonight I sat on the tailgate of the pickup and lured Mr. Rottweiler to me until he finally took a biscuit out of my hand and let me pat him.

This might be the best way to have a pet. Let him visit, give him an occasional treat, play with him and pet him, then send him home. If he is with me when the chickens are out of the pen, then I don't have to worry about him chasing them.

PACK RAT TOO

I have found an East Coast counterpart. This blogger is also an eBayer and she finds the neatest vintage items and writes the most interesting blog entries.

Check this out

Then

look at her current eBay listings

I DON'T THINK SO

We brought some more stuff back from Tulsa this last trip. I have decided to go through my journals and saved memorabilia and burn as much of it as I can. So far I haven't selected anything for the burn pile. Journaling since I was ten, my memories include every person and every event that crossed my path. Probably I will include some funny stuff, like the following, as I go through piles of paper.

My sister wrote this October 12, 1978. I cannot remember a time she was ever fat, but this was her composition:

"Beauty is as beauty does."
That's what mother taught us.
But, as my scales go up each day,
this quote gives little solace.

It is sad to think of my epitaph
upon that old gray slab --
"She lived her life a big fat slob,
but she didn't act half bad.

ER 10-12-78

Wednesday, January 04, 2006

MY GRANDPA

My grandpa and most of his brothers were coal miners in their youth. My grandpa took his eight year old son, my dad, into the depth of a mine and told him, "This is the first, last and only time you will ever be in a coal mine".

I remember hearing my grandpa talk to one of his brothers about their times in the coal mines and I was always on the edge of my seat when they talked about the time Uncle Claude was in a mine explosion. That was when he lost three fingers. My grandma said she would always remember waiting for word if my uncle would be saved. It was a miracle he survived. Can you even begin to imagine going to work in a coal mine day after day after day?

We need coal. There are people willing to mine it for us. We need to salute their efforts and morn the ones we all lost this week in West Virginia.

The Word of the Day for January 4

I subscribe to Merriam-Webster Word of The Day and occasionally I like to share a word of special significance. Click to see how you can get Word-Of-The-Day

The Word of the Day for January 4 is:
orthography \or-THAH-gruh-fee\ noun

1 *a : the art of writing words with the proper letters according to standard usage b : the representation of the sounds of a language by written or printed symbols 2 : a part of language study that deals with letters and spelling

Example sentence:
English orthography was not yet regularized in medieval times, so words often had many different spellings.

Did you know?
"It's a damn poor mind that can only think of one way to spell a word!" That quote, ascribed to Andrew Jackson, might have been the motto of early English spelling. The concept of orthography (a term that derives from the Greek words "orthos," meaning "right or true," and "graphein," meaning "to write") was not something that really concerned people until the introduction of the printing press in England in the second half of the 15th century. From then on, English spelling became progressively more uniform and has remained fairly stable since the 1755 publication of Samuel Johnson's _Dictionary of the English Language_ (with the notable exception of certain spelling reforms, such as changing "musick" to "music," that were championed by Noah Webster).

Tuesday, January 03, 2006

SKY ROCKETS IN FLIGHT

Today we went to Wal-Mart. We spend a lot of time at Wal-Mart. It is the social center of this rural community and we have to drive 16 miles to go there. We enjoy people-watching and think people probably watch us too.

Today we observed an elderly couple (meaning they were MUCH older than we). They entered Wal-Mart with big grins on their faces. They tottered behind their grocery cart and I happened to glance up just as they were passing the Deli. At the Deli, the cooks were just placing some chicken in the deep fryer. The loud sizzle, pop and puff of smoke caught the attention of the elderly woman who happily squealed something, slapped the old man on the shoulder and pointed to the rising steam. They both laughed and clapped -- I kid you not, they clapped -- in delight over the frying chicken.

A whole new meaning to an old song, Afternoon Delight.

Monday, January 02, 2006

2006 -- The Year Of Letting Go

January 1, 2006, I opened the door the let the chickens out of the pen and the three chicks stirred from their sleep on the lowest level of the roost. Their mother was near the top of the roost, back with her peers. I had noticed the day before that their mother ran out alone when it was free-range time. She abandoned them in the pen. They were looking at each other to find some direction. One decided to go out the gate and the other two followed. Last night when it was time to close the chickens in the hen house, they were all in except for the three chicks. I could not herd them into the pen. If I managed to get one going the right direction, the other two would run in two different directions. I stood back thinking surely they would notice they were the only chickens outside and go looking for the rest. They did not. They continued to eat and play and go their own way which was no where near the pen. Finally I got them inside. I remembered scouring the apartment complex when Tandy and Chelle were little and allowed to play outside with their friends. They knew it was time to come in -- but the magnetic universe has a tremendous pull.