ENVELOPE ME

Question Of The Week 10-14-13

HOW DO YOU OPEN A LETTER?

Ron would never open an envelope unless he was seated and had a knife or a letter opener to slit it open.  My father was the same way.  Dad cut from the top and Ron cut the envelope open at the end.  I rip the mail open as soon as I take it out of the mail box.  Those ragged edges drove my dad and Ron both crazy.

SHERLOCK ANNIE

I appears I am going to be dangerous with this new surveillance system.  

My son Tandy "quit" smoking. Plus when he "was" smoking I asked him not to throw the cigarettes in the yard because they are dangerous for the chickens.

My grandson Dillon says, " "That thing's still on fire."

My son's response, "Yea, so?"

(Thanks Judy (kenju) for my new name Sherlock Annie!) 

CAGNEY AND LACY

Not only do I name all my animals, I have a tendency to name inanimate objects as well.  My vehicles are Blue and Zippy.  My bi-pap machine is Tonto (because I am the masked stranger and the machine is my trusted companion) and my tape recorder is Zack.  Now my surveillance system is Cagney and I am Lacy and we are crime fighting partners.  (Does anyone remember Cagney and Lacy?)

It is enjoyable to hear and see what is going on outside when I am in the house.  I don't mean to belabor having this video surveillance but it serves more purposes than simply watching for criminals to invade the estate.  I can finally hear things from outside.  This house is so well insulated that Ron and I could never hear a thing and neighbors, UPS, FedEx or frozen products salesmen were at the door before I could get my wig on.  Plus now I might be able to catch the kids busting my mailbox with ball bats.  We have lost three in the eight years we've been here.  Oh and I might be able to tell what stray dogs are messing with my chickens and prove it in a court of law.

Today I thought I would add what the mounted cameras look like outside.  I hired a local fellow to put the cameras up for me and he was diligent in his efforts to hide the cords as best he could.  Basically having some way to tame the cords that have to reach AC outlets is a concern. Of course he went to Ron's shop and found all kinds of things to aid in his endeavors.

The electric cord runs down the back of this pipe and is fastened with those zip lock thingies.

We had to mount both cameras here to access the electric outlet.  I will have him put one of the new cameras on the barn pointing to our house and the other one on the back of the house pointing toward the field.  Please do not judge me by my much needed paint and repairs to eaves:)

All an intruder would have to do is unplug the cameras but first they would be captured on film.  I will probably place a decorated milk can in front of the outlet.   He used some "U" clips to hold the cord across the bottom.

BRING IT INSIDE

Because of recent robberies and home invasions in our area I decided to put up some surveillance cameras.  The cameras have audio and night vision.  I like the audio best because I can hear if I'm not watching and someone pulls in my drive. I can also keep close tabs on the wasps as you will see:)  The activity is recorded on a SD 4G in the monitor and so even if the cameras are disabled, the image will be recorded.

GIVING YOU THE FINGER

Ganglion cyst on my knuckle

By the time I stop listing all my ailments we will be ready for our medical degrees.  This lovely knot appeared overnight on my knuckle much like my Bells Palsy (which is almost gone, I might add).  One of the remedies for a ganglion cyst suggests hitting it with a large book. I think I will pass on that suggestion.  

Worse than the cyst is the bad job painting my nails.  I used "fast drying" nail polish yesterday and could not wait for it to dry so I messed it up big time.  Obviously the polish makers and I have two different thoughts on the meaning of  "fast".

Notice the wall behind my hand.  That is my office color which my daughter painted when she was here last.  I love the new look.

P.S. You have been on many weight loss ventures with me.  Most recently I tried the diet pill Qsymia which was by prescription but insurance would not pay and cost $150 per month. I gave that up and have opted for trying Nutri-systems that is also expensive but includes food so should cut my grocery bill.  I start their 7 day trial period today. The food I received looks a bit frightening.

WHATCA GONNA DO WHEN THEY COME FOR YOU?

Question Of The Week 10/7/13

Have you ever broken the law without getting caught?  What law are you tempted to break most often?

(Speeding, failure to yield, no seat belt, jaywalking, shoplifting, bank robbery, murder etc.)

A SMILE IS NOT A SMILE

LOOK AT WHAT HAPPENED TO ME!!

Awakened yesterday and went about my normal routine.  Did not look in the mirror until 9:00 AM to apply my lipstick.  What a shock to see this sight. My doctor's office told me to come right in.  I feared a stroke.  It is Bells Palsey.  The only medication to treat it is Prednisone and it is better to let nature run its course than to take such powerful medicine.  I believe it is already better today.  Do you know anything about Bells Palsey that will be encouraging to share?  Yikes!  At least I'm ready for Halloween:)

TLC and TLC

Everyone knows TLC stands for Tender Loving Care, but it also stands for Talking, Laughing, Crying.  Oops, I better call that second one TLCE for Talking, Laughing, Crying and.......EATING!  (I have already placed an order for Nutrisystems 7 day starter kit.)

You can easily see the pounds that I put on.  It's not just all in my face:(

My childhood friend Janet has returned to Colorado after a wonderful 9 days here.  We made many a beautiful scenic drive as the weather was in our favor almost all week.  We drove highway 10 to Tahlequah,OK which was our childhood stomping ground where we met in the fifth grade. That day we had lunch with two other childhood friends and toured the town.

Our old Junior High

Chapel at UMCH

Janet, Chris, Diane

The one day we were debating three choices of either a trip to Bentonville to the art museum or a trip back to Tahlequah for a blue grass festival or a drive to Grove for the Pelican Festival, it poured down rain and we filled that day with local flea market shopping.

Look closely toward the shore in the back and you can see some of the pelicans.

Of course we made a trip to Pittburg, Kansas to visit my sister and bil.  We were treated to a wonderful lunch at Chatters where Janet and I both ordered the Monte Cristo sandwich.  Oh No!! Oh yes:)

Nice picture of Janet on scenic route to my sister's.

We shopped in unique boutiques as well as numerous flea markets.  We ate in every favorite restaurant in this area but did not go to one casino.

I drove Janet to the airport yesterday and sent her back to Colorado but I cannot remember a time I have enjoyed a friend's visit more.  We took up just where we left off as children and did not miss a beat. She lost her precious husband Victor nine years ago and she was able to give me lots of comfort and hope.

As we entered one Mexican Restaurant we saw this artist signature on the outside mural.  I think Janet was tempted to call the number to see if she could reach Victor.

EXCUSES, EXCUSES:)

I am behind on commenting.  Why?  I have been busy getting ready for an important visitor.  My best friend from elementary school and Junior high is coming to visit today.  I pick her up at the airport in Tulsa at Noon.  I will catch up on my blog visits soon.

We hope to visit and giggle and act like kids again.  I even bought potato chips and french onion dip:)

See you all soon with stories to share:)
 

Ann and Janet, May, 2009

PLAN AHEAD

Question Of The Week 9-23-13

What would you select for that last meal if you were on death row. 

Drink

Appetizer

Salad

Entree

Bread 

Dessert 

Why would you be on death row?

NATURE CALLS and B&E

I had to pee.
Will just run out and quickly take care of chickens and cats first.
Wig-less, wearing pajamas.
Ran back in – second door inside utility room had locked behind me.
No problem, have key to den door hidden outside.
Get key.
Problem – deadbolt is locked also requiring another key that is inside (along with car keys, cell phone, and bathrooms and Slim the wonder dog.)
I have to pee worse.
I am not presentable to seek help from neighbors.
Try to pry open inside door with hoe.
Nothing.
Go to Ron's shop and locate crowbar.
Kittens are following me around tripping me every step.
Work for 30 minutes trying to pry open door while Slim sleeps inside.
Finally get in knowing what a great security door that USED TO BE:(
Two text messages and two voice mails and no one wondering where I am not even Slim.
Somehow I sense Ron laughing.

Key, Hoe, Crowbar

Result of my handiwork:(

BANDANA-BANNA-BOFANNA

Shopping at Cheapo-Depot

Celebrating his birthday.

Touring the engine room of a Navy destroyer.  Undoubtedly these engine rooms are where the bandana carrying started.

There was never a time Ron would be caught without a red bandana in his pocket.  Even in the hospital you could see him walking with his gown open in the back and a bandana tucked in the waist of his boxers.  The grandchildren were always delighted when they got to carry one of his handkerchiefs.

So I have to tell this favorite story once again:

We attended Michael's Christmas play several years back. He was in the Angel Choir. The angels wore white wings, white robes, and white halos. Grandpa and I both looked at each other at the same time when we saw Michael, as if in slow motion, sniff first, then start pulling up his robe and reaching into his back pocket and before we could warn anyone, Michael pulled out the huge splash of red bandana he had borrowed from Grandpa before the play. He slapped it in this sea of white with quite a flair and blew his nose. The audience cracked up and my daughter, directing the play, turned to glare at us.

SINNING WITH THE PREACHER AND MOONSHINE

I took our new pastor to lunch at Montana Mike's yesterday.  We not only ate chicken fried steak with mashed potatoes and gravy but we shared this huge brownie and ice cream dessert.   I believe the sin is gluttony.

At the end of the day when I put the chickens to bed, I also indulged in some moon shine:)

Forgive the horrible pictures but I only had my cell phone camera to use.

CONVERSATIONS WITH CHICKENS

Question Of The Week 9/16/13

If you were able to have your own TV show, what would it be about?

Granny Annie's Reality TV Show:)

 

CAR STAR

Happy, happy, joy, joy:)

The story unfolds.
Beth has $1,000 to buy a car. 
Her Houston grandparents gave her the same amount they gave her brothers when they were looking for cars.  Beth anticipated finding an old reliable but well used car much like her brothers found with their $1,000.

Granny Annie is having lunch at the Senior Center.  Her table mate Jane is talking about a car for sale.  She does not want to sell it to boys in their town because she does not want to see them driving it around and popping wheelies, etc.  This car is Jane's baby and she is the original owner of this loaded 1999 Chevrolet that only has 74,000 miles on it. She really likes it when Granny Annie says her granddaughter is looking for a car.  Jane would like to sell it to a girl and really would like to sell it to someone out of town so she doesn't have to see it all the time.  The little car is loaded and listed blue book for $3800.  Jane says she will sell it to Beth for $1,000.  Granny Annie tries not to faint and fall in the floor.

Yesterday after the test drive and after having a mechanic check out the vehicle the money was paid and the car was transferred to Beth's ownership. 

Reasons Jane says she gave us such a good deal.
1. It would be driven by a girl.
2. Jane was in the Navy for 30 years.
3. Jane noticed Ron's "Senior Chief" emblem on my truck. 

"The Senior Chief always has eyes on everything" Jane said.

FINDERS KEEPERS

Question Of The Week 9-9-13

How about some Ben Franklins or his pals?

WHAT IS THE BEST THING/s YOU HAVE EVER FOUND AND DID YOU RETURN IT OR GET TO KEEP IT?

NOT YOUR IMAGINATION

Yes there was another post here yesterday.  It was both religious and political.  I deleted it even though it was a good post and several friends commented.  Once in a while I get on a soap box. Plus it took me away from my personal vow not to take my blog in that direction anymore. There were doubts lingering after I posted it and my daddy always said, "When in doubt, don't". 

Now I feel bad about it because my friends who commented made some really great statements.  Perhaps I am just in a funk. 

Have you ever deleted one of your posts after others have commented?


At least can leave the responses.  Thanks friends.

Cliff has left a new comment on your post

Oxymorons come in many shapes and sizes. (and definitions)

♥ Sonny ♥ has left a new comment on the post 


LOVE is all there Is.

Love you Bunches ad Bushels and Barrels plum full Annie.

 

Kerry has left a new comment on the post :

It's crazy isn't it? Makes me hum Lennon's "Imagine" in my head.

Brighid has left a new comment on the post

 

 Tis to weep... that the divides among us are becoming huge chasms...

Olga has left a new comment on the post 

And then there are all the other religions and their factions. Yikes!

AIN'T GONNA DO IT

Question Of The Week 9-02-13

What job/career/profession causes you to say: I am so happy I do NOT have that job?

Bean counters unite:)

HAPPY LABOR DAY!!!

RECONSIDER THE SIGNS

We took this photograph at the cemetery in Iola, Kansas several years ago.

FARM ETIQUETTE

It did not seem like a ridiculous question to me. I went out to mow the back field and the neighbor was mowing his field. 

If you are bowling you wait for the lane next to you to finish bowling their lane before you bowl yours and I wondered if the same applied to running the tractors. Should I have waited until the neighbor was finished before I mowed? My son laughed at me when I called him to ask.

Someone accused me of being blonde. (Apologies to blondes everywhere.) My response, "I do not yet know farm etiquette".  Another comment, "Two words never heard together before "farm" and "etiquette".

Perhaps I can become the Emily Post of farming.  Rule #1: Wearing earrings while mowing is optional.
Rule #2:  You should always wear a flowery dress while driving a tractor, along with rubber boots. 

etc., etc., etc.... 

Had to add this image to go with my response to Cliff's comment.