Frankie and Slim

Frankie and Slim
Happy New Year

Friday, July 31, 2009

Happy TFCD

TFCD stands for Television Format Change Day. That is about the only thing Friday is around here. Retired persons rarely know what day it is until they turn the television to prime time and America's Most Wanted is on. Only then comes the "Ah Ha -- it's Saturday". Well, it made sense to me when I started.

Our living room is painted and the new ceiling is in. The trim is all that is left to be completed. It has been a much more expensive endeavor than we planned. Who knew what hiring painters, buying paint, ceiling tiles, spackle, etc. would cost. Ron has always done this stuff himself but thanks to cell phone texting, his contractor days are over at least for now.

Yes, the young lady who hit him on April 2, had mentioned to her friends at the high school that she was texting when she hit him. That certainly explains no skid marks at the scene. Our world is in danger if some strict laws are not passed about cell phone texting while operating vehicles.

Did everyone remember to go to Dana's blog today and say Happy 60th Birthday? Click the birthday cake link on my sidebar to get there.

Tomorrow we head for my daughter's new Oklahoma home. This will be our first time to see it and I cannot wait. We will be bringing grandson Michael back with us. We always love to steal him.

If you're not sure when the weekend will end, check your TV guide:)

Thursday, July 30, 2009

"I'm Not Making Excuses"

My title line is a quote by Felicia Pearson. Do you know who she is?

Several months ago my goddaughter recommended THE WIRE. I started watching it on my Netflix and was quickly hooked on the series. One character caught my attention more than the rest. For a while I was not sure if the gangster was a male or female. I certainly knew Snoop was a brilliant actor. Steven King declared this actor "...the most terrifying villain to ever appear in a television series."

The other night I was watching
Anthony Bourdain NO RESERVATIONS Baltimore. One of the residents of Baltimore showing him the around the town was Felicia Pearson who portrayed "Snoop" on THE WIRE. It was from her talk with Bourdain that I learned her first acting job was on THE WIRE and until the moment that she was cast her life had been a life of hustling, drugs, and violence with eventually landed her in prison at the tender age of 14. She recently chronicled her life story in her new autobiography GRACE AFTER MIDNIGHT.

If you haven't watched THE WIRE, I highly recommend it. I think I'm going to go watch it again to view Felicia Pearson knowing that she is portraying her own life.

This is just an F.Y.I. post.

One scene on Youtube from THE WIRE with Pearson

Snoop Pearson from THE WIRE meets Anthony Bourdain

Now, be sure and click on the birthday cake on my sidebar before tomorrow so you can join the party.

Monday, July 27, 2009

BARGING IN

Here is poor Hope in Granny Annie's prison.


Our home was "barged" into by police in 1976. An improper address had been reported by a caller to the police and the caller said a man with a gun lived at our address was threatening to kill him. It was 1:00 AM when the police began pounding on the door to our apartment ordering me to open the door or they would break it down.

I established it was the police and allowed them in my home. Two police officers rushed into our apartment to search for the suspect. I assured them a man did not live there. My small children(ages 4 & 5) hid behind me and my son smiled as best he could and repeated over and over,"Hello Mr. Policeman. I like policemen. I'm going to be a policeman someday."

The police were satisfied that there was no clear and present danger and put their weapons away to talk with us. They explained why they had come and then they left. I tried to go back to sleep.

The next day I wrote a lengthy letter (because this is a short version of a very long story) to the Chief Of Police and the Chief wrote me back fairly quickly. I had demanded the police department apologize and he assured me there would NOT be an apology. They received a call of a man with a gun threatening a life and it was their job to respond promptly. Thankfully that was not true but had it been true those police officers were ready to defend innocents. If the situation would occur again, the police would act in the very same manner.

These years later I see the occurrence as something that turned out okay but could have had a different ending had I not cooperated quickly. I still wonder, however, if the police would have acted the same toward a private residence as opposed to our low income housing apartment.

Any opinions? Any similar stories?

MIXED MONDAY

THE MOST IMPORTANT EXERCISE

A couple of weeks ago our preacher told this story. It seems a cardiology patient was doing great in his rehab program and decided to drop out for a while. One day he ran into his trainer at the grocery story and was embarrassed about leaving the program.

The trainer said, "I only wish you hadn't left before you learned the single most important exercise."

The heart patient asked, "What is that?".

"The most important exercise is the next one you are willing to do."


TRIAL AND ERROR

We took Slim with us on our Sunday evening drive. We are thinking about taking her with us when we go to California (if Ron can be released medically). We decided to let her out down by the lake to make sure she would stay close to the vehicle and/or come when we called her. We opened the door and she was off like a shot. If we had been near the expressway she would have been run over. I called an she ignored me. Ron called and she returned immediately. We do have some work to do before we consider traveling with her.

GOOD OLD FASHIONED FOOD

Yesterday I cooked a pot roast for my spouse and my son. They enjoyed it a great deal and the strawberry pie that I fixed too. It just seemed that they deserved some reward for all the hard work they had been putting in. My son managed to split the backhoe in half after working weeks and getting no advice from the Case dealership. He and Ron both were celebrating this major victory.

AND THE MURDERER IS?

The last of the 12 guinea fowl keets died this weekend. One by one these babies have either disappeared completely or were found dead in the hen house (3). Have they been murdered by black snakes or have they been eliminated by the chickens? Perhaps the jealous guinea fowl have murdered them because I hatched them under a hen. Regardless of my efforts to save them, they are now all gone. The hatched baby chicks are alive and well.



Friday, July 24, 2009

NOW I'VE SEEN IT ALL

Go to Bonnie's BORN IN A ZOO for your treat of the day. My old fashioned values had to be set aside by the delight on faces and the joy in participation.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

ROAR NO MORE

My poor children were raised by a single working feminist mom. My son, especially, is pleased now that I am retired, married and a lot less of an outward feminist. (Once a feminist, always a feminist) But I will guarantee you that I never want to be "woman watch me roar" again.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

correction

This post is an addendum to my previous post.

My sister reminded me that the bags of water hanging in the windows also need a penny or two in the bag.

Here is another answer found on Yahoo:

"You don't need the penny the water alone will do the job..flies have many eyes and the way the sun reflects through the baggie and water is a prismatic effect on the fly confusing it directly with it's directional values of the sun..which is the way thier gps works..they tend to stay away from it...and yes..it does work..have used this method for years.."

IS THE POT MELTING? etc.

Application

If faced with a newly designed application for employment of U.S. Citizens, which box below would you check?

_______European

_______African

_______Native American

_______Asian

_______Mixed


(I am Mixed)

Out of curiosity, have you ever heard of Ziplock bags half filled with water held up by cloths pins hanging over windows to keep flies away? We saw this recently in a restaurant and it seemed to be working well.

Odd Story:

Ron was in California and I was in Oklahoma so I asked him to send me one of his unwashed shirts. I slept in that shirt every night until we were together as a permanent couple. If you think that I am freaky, read about this weirdo at Scarlet’s blog..


"Blessed are the cracked, for they let in the light!"

Friday, July 17, 2009

I'M NOT WORTHY


This week my sister came to visit for the day. First Ron took us to lunch. Then we came back to the house and Sis and I watched a Netflix movie while we sipped white wine with pineapple ice cream and she gave me a pedicure. Yes, I said pedicure.

We always do whatever my sister directs. When I was a kid, she would cut my hair, select my clothes, teach me to shave my legs, teach me to drive, follow me on my dates, give me advice, etc. There never has been any stopping her missions once they are set in her head.

It was a quiet and peaceful day with only a few intermittent screams of pain from me as Sis began sawing, hammering and filing on my farmer feet (or should I say hooves?)

Sis went home and I went outside to feed the chickens. I was startled to see a pair of strange feet in the hen house. Then I realized those strange feet were my very own, beautiful, newly remodeled transports.

Can you even imagine someone coming to your home to give you a pedicure with foot massage? I can say “thanks” which I did, but I have to add, “I’m not worthy” of such a generous and loving gift.
Be sure and view my other INW (I'm Not Worthy) prize received this week. It is posted on my sidebar from Pheromone Girl. I was delighted to win her contest.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

HANGING ON

(click on picture to enlarge)
This is a photo my grandson took when their family returned to Tulsa after a visit at our place. It seems they had a hitchhiker. Look at the little guy hanging on for dear life as my son sped down the turnpike at 75mph. As soon as our grandson snapped the picture he managed to reach out and grab the frog. They put it in a cup until they got home and then turned it loose.

As we deal with another round of medical concerns for Ron, I can’t help but relate to this little frog. Things are going very well now but we looked like this frog at first. Now it appears “this too shall pass” as we get a grip on another medical crisis.
Thanks everyone for your concern.
Forgive me if I don't post very often. I am keeping my blog reading caught up and will try to comment when I can. Your blogs are the best reads on the planet!
Posted by Picasa

Thursday, July 09, 2009

MEDICAL-GO-ROUND

Bye-bye for now. We're back on the Medical-Go-Round.

To update you on the pup before I go, we have a very loud horn and sounding it sends the little guy running back home as soon as we see him headed this way.

At least that's one problem down.

Wednesday, July 08, 2009

Seriously -- NO!!!!!!

A dog looking a lot like this pup has moved into our barn. We know where it belongs and have contacted the owners to come and get it. They did not until last night. Their granddaughter came with a leash but the dog did not want to go with her. Finally the grandfather came and got the pup, but I have a strong feeling it will be back very soon.

They would like for us to accept the responsibility for this pet. I have the best dog ever in our girl Slim. I do not want or need another dog. But what is a person to do? I can't call animal control because I know where the dog lives. The granddaughter said she thought it would be nice if we feed the dog because they can't afford the food for it. I suggested that they find a nice home for the dog where people can afford the food. She suggested our barn was a good place for the dog and she can visit.

Slim usually does a good job running off stray dogs. Slim will run off this pup's sibling without a problem but she cannot bring herself to run off this pup. Yes it is cute and yes it seems to like our home but No, no, no, seriously NO, I do not want this dog. And, I do want to maintain good relations with our neighbors.

Let's hear some suggestions for dealing with this unusual situation.

Sunday, July 05, 2009

EVENTS

Thursday evening my brother and sil arrived. We went to excellent new restaurant for dinner and came home to my freshly baked buttermilk pie and my peach yogurt pie. We looked at my dad's ruby ring that was they were taking to our grandnephew Owen the next day. It was emotional to remember always seeing dad wearing that ring but it was right to know that his namesake would have it in his future. Brother and sil left Friday morning on their way to a bigger adventure for the Independence weekend.

It was fun to entertain company with my new couch and love seat that Chelle and Kit gave us. Their new house doesn't have a den, so they gave us their den furniture and it is plush and lovely and comfortable!

My son arrived Friday morning with no work plans, just rest and relaxation for the holiday weekend. His three kiddos were in Houston visiting the OGs (Other Grandparents) He gave me a new DVD player as a belated birthday present and it is so nice to watch movies now without them sticking. I made sloppy joes and potato salad for dinner and we still had pie left over for dessert.

Fourth of July morning I got up early enough to imagine the wedding taking place in Germany. Travis and Christiane should have been walking down the aisle at 6:30 AM our time which was 1:30 PM their time. I cannot wait to for pictures to know if it was all I imagined it to be. I especially would have liked to see them take the floor for the first dance.

Ron, Tandy and I loaded in the Van and headed for my sister's. She had her whole crew gathered around for the first time in ages. All her children, children-in-law, and grandchildren were running rampant through her home as guest like us popped in to gaze at the wonder of it all. Little Owen's parents were still in shock after receiving dad's ring the day before from our brother. It was obviously and emotional moment.

As tradition would have it, a treasure hunt was in the making by Christy. Clues would have to be drawn pictures because none of my sister's grandchildren can read. They had a blast running through the house to finally uncover the ultimate prize of candy and bubbles.

Ron left for a short while to go find a mule. He came back without one which is good because we don't know how we would have gotten it home.

Back at NOL-NOC Estates we three fell fast asleep and I was filled with guilt that I could nap and had left my sister sitting in the middle of her livingroom floor with the sound of "GaMa, GaMa" ringing in her ears.

This Sunday morning is quiet. Ron is still in bed and Tandy has gone fishing. I am going to think about cooking breakfast and getting my house ready for grandchildren Michael and Hope who will visit us again on Tuesday and stay for three days.


And so we sing:
"
Will it go round in circles
Will it fly high like a bird up in the sky
Will it go round in circles
Will it fly high like a bird up in the sky...............


Click on the words above to join the party and the hairdos! LOL

Saturday, July 04, 2009

MORE THAN JUST A GREETING


Preamble
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

As long as we all support the Constitution of the United States, our political differences are insignificant. Take some time to read and review our Constitution as you celebrate a safe, happy and pride filled INDEPENDENCE DAY!

Thursday, July 02, 2009

TONIGHT WON'T BE JUST ANY NIGHT -- FOR SURE

The TONIGHT SHOW is no more. I loved Johnny Carson and did not stay up often to see his show, but caught it when I could. Leno did an excellent job of stepping in and I have watched him for many years for his monologue and skits. Usually I did not stay up for the guests or musical entertainment. We did enjoy Kevin and the band. David Letterman has never been an option for me. I tried to give him a chance because he was Carson's pick but I never could understand that. Plus I hated his band leader.

Conan
O'Brien is not my cup of tea. The first night was horrible but who would hold that against a person? I went back twice. Nope, not for me. I hope NBC is drawing the younger audience it wanted but it does frighten me that Conan represents the future of late night television.

We are eager for Leno to return at an earlier hour in September. There is no reason we won't watch him every evening because there certainly won't be any regular TV shows up against his hour.

Meanwhile I have found the funniest show on ABC. Right after
NIGHTLINE you can watch JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE. His first 15 minutes of his program are very funny and his sidekicks are very unusual which makes the go over well with the audience. If they moved him up 30 minutes, I would watch a lot more.

Thank goodness I have found something to send me to bed laughing until Leno returns and then I can even get to bed earlier:) What is your bedtime and doesn any television show send you to lullabye land?