Frankie and Slim

Frankie and Slim
Happy New Year

Saturday, December 31, 2005

REMEMBER

 Posted by Picasa

LASTS

Today is the last day on the 2005 calendar.

Today is the last page in the 2005 devotional book.

Today we post the last Tractor-Of-The-Day on the refrigerator.

Today we count our blessing in 2005 and they are many.

The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on rock.- Matthew 7:25 (NRSV) (Often quoted scripture of my mother's)

Regardless of our faith or religious beliefs, we need to be standing on a firm foundation of solid values, high morals, strong ethics, tolerance, love and caring.

Today we end 2005 still standing on a solid rock of hope. My mother taught me there is always hope.


Wednesday, December 28, 2005

Lookie Lookie!

The Araucanas are 7 1/2 months old and today one of them produced an egg. A pale green Easter Egg at Christmas time. Isn't it a beauty? I think the young hen was Dolly because she was acting quite proud tonight.

ROOSTER MATING TECHNIQUES

I cannot end 2005 without commenting on the Rooster's mating techniques. I will try to be delicate: Boss Hog is THE GENTLEMAN, polite in mount and dismount; Tom-Twyla is THE SLAMMER, pounding the girls into the dirt; Oreo is THE ENERGIZER BUNNY, who keeps going and going. Am I the only chicken farmer to spend time observing these fowl habits?

Posted by Picasa

Tuesday, December 27, 2005

Chelle not Hope

Can't you tell from this picture of Chelle at age three that she would grow up to be part of a Mission Impossible Team. Doesn't she look like Hope on the go? Posted by Picasa

M.I. TEAM HELPS ELDERLY

We managed to kidnap Mike on Christmas Day and bring him home with us. His parent's were not going to claim him until tomorrow, but the weather looks like it will turn bad so they came to get him today. Kit also came to claim a trailer load full of manure for his garden.

It makes our holidays when we can have at least one of our grandchildren with us. Mike is an easy guest and spent his time telling wonderful tales of school and pesky girls and he showed me this neat language site:

Poor Kit and Chelle got a lot more than they bargained for. After the manure was loaded, I simply mentioned a wish for moving some furniture and those two went to work with a vengance. They carried out the old chair an the sofa-bed couch and carried in a large sofa and love seat. We did manage to feed them, but then they were on their way back to Missouri to get the manure unloaded and spread. Not only do they work harder than most humans, they work with a smile and act like it's no trouble at all.

There is no question that Chelle and Kit are the modern day Mission Impossible Team. They nicely fill the shoes of Owen and Elizabeth as they show up to help, while Ron and I easily fit the shoes of PG and Myrtle, the elderly grandparents needing all the help they can get. Thanks Kiddos!

Sunday, December 25, 2005

NEVER A BAD CHRISTMAS

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY HOLY DAYS TO ALL!

Of course to family and friends. Also to so many persons who have fallen on hard times. And especially to the world "peacemakers" who wear the uniform of our country and spread hope, freedom, goodwill and comfort worldwide. Also to my favorite bloggers who do not even know I have adopted them as friends.

The Word of the Day for December 25

The Word of the Day for December 25 is:

welkin \WEL-kun\ noun
*1 a : the vault of the sky : firmament b : the celestial abode of God or the
gods
: heaven
2 : the upper atmosphere

Example sentence:
The pink sky at sunset brought to mind a quote from Shakespeare's _King
John_: "The sun of heaven, methought, was loath to set / But stay'd and made the
western welkin blush."

Did you know?
When it comes to "welkin," the sky's the limit. This heavenly word has been
used in English to refer to the vault of the sky since at least the 12th
century, and it derives from an earlier word from Old English that meant
"cloud." In modern English, "welkin" is still flying high, and it is often
teamed with the verb "ring" to suggest a loud noise or an exuberant expression
of emotion, as in "the welkin rang with the sound of the orchestra" or "her
hearty laugh made the welkin ring." These contemporary phrases echo an older use
-- the original words of a carol that once began "Hark, how all the welkin
ring," which we now know as "Hark! The herald angels sing."





Friday, December 23, 2005

THIS DAY

Ron picked me up at work and we went downtown to the court house. We purchased a marriage license and requested a judge. The last judge had left for the holidays, so they gave us the phone number of a chaplain who might be able to help. The minister showed up at the court house chapel, out of breath and wearing a jogging suit. He performed the ceremony with clerical witnesses. We were legally wed.

Next we drove to OMM to break the news to Mother. She was shocked, but handled it well and gave us her blessings. After all, Ron had ask Mother on the 15th if he could marry me before he took me to the jeweler to select my engagement ring.

Ron took me back to the bank and before I started to work, we announced that we had gotten married on my lunch break. We had planned to get married in February, so this took everyone by surprise. One young man inquired if I was pregnant. I laughed since I was already long past menopause but didn't bother to explain to him the positive income tax aspect of our wedding date. Young people don't understand that older people make practical decisions but are no less romantic.

That evening Ron took me to S&J Oyster Bar for our wedding dinner. He found a tiny pearl in his oyster. Of course I still have it.

I had gotten Ron a wedding band and I was married with my grandmother's wedding band. Later that evening Ron learned on computer that my grandmother's parents had been married on this same date in 1887.

I met this man seven years ago and married him six years ago today. He promised me a life of laughter and abject poverty. He is keeping his promises and I have never been happier. I love you Ron! Happy Anniversary.

Thursday, December 22, 2005

SO FAR SO GOOD TRY THIS

Ron and I are taking a sabbatical from news and politics throughout this Christmas season. We are only turning the television to one of the many satellite or local channels that are playing music or showing entertainment as long a it does not involve political satire. We are avoiding newspapers, other than to look for upcoming auctions. If we see a headline on computer that interests us, we might read the article, but usually the headline tells us all we need to know. We are certain that genuine breaking news of utmost importance will cut into satellite programming if there is a true emergency. This is only the second day, but our heads are already clearing and smiles are returning to our faces.

We recommend this for everyone to try as a gift to themselves. Happy, Happy Holy Days!

Wednesday, December 21, 2005

PEACEMAKERS

I listen to their stories, see their passion, observe as they comfort and nurture families, watch and they cry for lost comrades and see that our soldiers are the true peacemakers.

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God."


Quote To Cling To

"I'm not a control freak. I'm just the ONLY ONE who knows what's best ALL THE TIME."

Grace From Grace Under Fire TV episode

Monday, December 19, 2005

Headline We Won't See

I have looked at various network headlines this morning and have yet to see what I thought I should see after hearing the President's speech last night. This was what I expected: (well, not really)

BUSH EMBRACES THE WORLD, ACCEPTS THE RESPONSIBILITY THAT COMES WITH BEING PRESIDENT, ACCEPTS WHATEVER BLAME IS HEAPED UPON HIM, COMFORTS THOSE WHO HAVE SUFFERED LOSS, COMMITS HIMSELF TO MY SAFETY AND VOWS TO HONOR THE PATH TO FREEDOM AND PEACE.

I am such a little girl to actually believe this Christmas Season could be filled with goodwill.

Sunday, December 18, 2005

Holiday according to Webster

Main Entry: 1hol·i·day
Pronunciation: 'hä-l&-"dA, British usually 'hä-l&-dE
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English hAligdæg, from hAlig holy + dæg day
1 : HOLY DAY
So, Happy Holidays to one and all!

BLESSINGS

Tandy secured a new job yesterday. He will begin tomorrow. Hip Hip Hooray! Maybe he'll write on his blog again :-)

The prayer in today's devotional is: "God of great news, as I go about my activities this Advent season, make me receptive to your message in whatever form it might take. Amen."

Saturday, December 17, 2005

Holiday Spirit

Here's a nice photo of Jessi and Joe getting in the holiday spirit. I had the nicest chat with Jessi online today and all is well in her part of the world. Hope I get to see them when they travel to Mid USA at Christmas. Posted by Picasa

Friday, December 16, 2005

BACK TO CHICKENS

You can commercially raise chickens, gather eggs, wring the chickens necks and put them on a freezer tray in the store. OR, you can nurture chickens, thank them when you gather their eggs, study the chickens, listen to the chickens, talk to the chickens and learn from them.

You know they are more than nourishment when you name each chicken according to appearance and personality.

You can learn about men when you observe roosters. You can learn about women when you study the hens. Chickens can teach you a lot about sibling rivalry.

It does not take a village to raise chickens. It takes a watchful rooster and an intent mother hen who will risk her life for the eggs first then the chicks as long as they are young enough to need her. Then, when they are old enough, she boots them out, into the flock and will even appear to forget they are her children. (We know she doesn't really forget them, she's just letting go and letting God.)

I guess credit must be given to the willing humans who will carry food and water for the chickens and open and close their house morning and night in all kinds of weather and literally reach inside the mouth of a black snake to retrieve an egg. Humans keep the pen and house in good repair and tenderly dispose of the fragile fowl who sometime succumb to a predator.

I truly enjoy the chickens, in case you could not tell. You should see the three baby chicks now. They are trying to roost at night but still end up seeking warmth under their mother. They sit a minute on the roost and dance around as if to say, "Look at us. Look at us." Then they run to the safety of their mother. Pretty soon she will be encouraging them to roost along side the rest.

The Party Group

Here is a photo of everyone who attended Mother's 90th. Posted by Picasa

Mother and Elaine

Here is a very special photo of Mother and Elaine. Posted by Picasa

Mother And Her Chicks

This is another photo from Mother's 90th Birthday Party with Ann, Print and Elenore. Posted by Picasa

Some More Pictures

Here is a nice picture of Chelle's family taken at Mother's birthday party. Posted by Picasa

Thursday, December 15, 2005

Blame The Finger People

Our latest evening conversation led Ron to recall his first day of school. He returned home after his first day vowing to never return. All they did at school was play. If you know Ron you know he takes studies seriously.

This conversation caused me to recall my niece Karen’s first day at school. She left for school excited only to return home angry because she had not learned to read that day.

Chelle and I were discussing these stories on the phone and Chelle laughed about Hope. She said Hope, age 3, only wants to go to school to ride the bus. She sees her big brother Mike get on the bus every morning and return home in the evening on the bus. During the day when Hope is out with her mother and they see a school bus, Hope waves to Mike, believing he is on it. Chelle’s guess is that Hope believes school is riding the bus all day.

Hope does not live in the same fantasy world the rest of us did. She does not respond to made up characters, talking dolls or puppets. Hope has finger people for imaginary friends. Chelle said they had to inform Hope that her finger people were no longer invited to the dinner table. They run around the rim of Hope’s plate and dive into the milk, etc.

Yesterday Hope was caught sneaking sticks of butter to eat. You have to wonder what exactly is in butter by what happened next. Hope tore into all the Christmas presents under the tree. I’m pretty sure it wasn’t Hope’s fault. It had to be the finger people
.

BIRTHDAY BOY

Here is a current photo of the birthday boy at his Granny GG's recent birthday party. So, it is a birthday picture. Posted by Picasa

T. RYAN IS THIRTEEN

Happy Birthday new teenager Ryan!
Do you kiss the girls and leave them cryin'?
Is it true you're quite tall?
Do you talk most of all?
Hey, keep watch for that loose mountain lion.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TANDY RYAN.
WE LOVE YOU!

Monday, December 12, 2005

Lasting Tradition


The snowman picture is of one of my favorite Christmas decorations. I mentioned to mother several years ago how much I had loved her cotton snowman. She would put it out each year and fluff it up until it finally disappeared. A week or so after I had mentioned this to mother, the children and I returned home from a long day at work and school. There on the table was a brand new snowman made by my mother's loving hands. Mother smiled with satisfaction of holiday preparation. Posted by Picasa

PREPARATION

I am missing Christmas. I miss the home video presentation that we prepared the last minute each year. I no longer have the equipment to make a video or the help expertise of my children to guide me.

Yesterday Elenore ran over with a video for mother. It was the fireplace video that mother loves so much. Ron and I will deliver it for them today. But I saw the exhausted pride in Elenore’s eyes of a job well done. She and David figured out how to copy that part of the video for mother (with lots of telephone help from Mike) and get it to her just because mother ask for it.

Print called last night and he was trying to send up photos online from mother’s birthday party. He had to leave for a meeting and his first attempts to send did not go well. But he is determined to get it right and will send up pictures online. He will wear himself out getting it done, but once the task is complete, he will have the satisfaction of a job well done.

Elaine outdid herself in preparation for Mother’s birthday. She will be able to feel that satisfaction of a job-well-done all through the holidays.

The efforts of my siblings have reminded me of that feeling of satisfaction. I want a project that will honor our family and leave us with a sense of pride in a job well done. Christmas is about preparation and rejoicing.

Sunday, December 11, 2005

Talk Show Confusion

Our recent medical checkups have left us both feeling in good shape. Our stress tests went well, our cholesterol ratio is at low risk levels. All reports were positive. I know I was feeling confident and believe Ron (other than his spider bite) is feeling confident as well.

This morning I listened to a talk show Chiropractor and he has listed most of the drugs we take as silent killers. Soon we both will lose our muscle control and suffer severe memory loss. What's a person to do????

Saturday, December 10, 2005

SNOW DAYS

All of the chickens were alive last night. The baby chicks were a concern for me and they are doing better than any of the others. The big chickens seem to simply be surviving and looking out of the house at me as if to inquire, “What the hell is all this cold about?” But the chicks are running around cheeping and eating and driving the others crazy. They seem to like the cold because they can get under mama an nestle in her warm feathers anytime they want. It’s like staying home with children on a school snow day. The big chickens have all my sympathy now.

Friday, December 09, 2005

NEXT WEEK

Yesterday I posted Joey's birthday limerick. Next Wednesday I will post Ryan's and then I will have fulfilled the challenge I gave myself to write a limerick for each immediate family member's birthday in 2005. (You have to go to my old blog to see Chelle's and Jessi's). Anyway, that's not anything I will do again.

Don't let it snow, don't let it snow, don't let it snow. We have all we need and Chelle and Kit definitely have all they need with having received 10 inches. Our journey from Oklahoma to Kansas revealed about the same amount of snow. We had to run to Tulsa to get Ron treated for his brown recluse spider bite! Yes, he was bitten over 15 days ago and has been trying to doctor it himself. Long story. Anyway, he's getting treatment and is finally feeling better. Yes, now we are going to call exterminator to rid ourselves of the spiders.

We left Tandy smiling and hopeful. He is still not employed but he keeps a positive attitude and had some good prospects. We are ever prayerful.

We only caught a brief glimpse of Ryan, Dillon and Beth but they looked great and Beth had a new haircut and looked gorgeous!

Thankfully the chickens survived the cold in our absence. I haven't been down yet this morning but am hopeful they are still alive. The babies were the ones I worried most about and they seemed the healthiest. Poor little Lily looked awful and somehow had gotten trapped outside in the snow. She and three others were afraid to move and I had to encourage them back in the house. Oh, I dread going down there today but I will think positively!

Thursday, December 08, 2005

JOEY'S BIRTHDAY TURN

Today is the 16th Birthday of Joey.
He is our oldest San Diego Boy.
Lots of girls want to claim him.
Football best entertains him.
We simply want Joey to enjoy.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOSEF RYAN.
WE LOVE YOU!

Monday, December 05, 2005

DECEMBER 5, 1914

Today is a very special Monday as we remember Dad's Birthday and celebrate his memory. He would be 91 years old today. We all miss him so much.

Sunday, December 04, 2005

HOLLYWOOD MONEY FOR TOOKIE

Celebrities are gathering to support the stay of execution for Tookie Williams. What if they, and the other supporters, were to put their money where their mouths are? Would the State of California release Tookie Williams to a self-supported prison maintained by the funds of rich celebrities? Could his sentence be reduced to life in prison if he was moved to a private prison with the personal liability falling on the supporters to maintain a personal and financial pledge to keep him behind bars? Or better yet, perhaps he could just move right in with Snoop Dog and his family Any escape would result in a total loss of personal assets of the individual supporters. Who thinks any of them would put their money where their mouths are?

When you have been a victim of violent crime, when you have experienced threats and violence of gang members, when you have known families of victims of violent crime, it is difficult to get behind this particular cause.

Wednesday, November 30, 2005

She Got It!

For those who know how worried I've been about the picture, it arrived safely in LA today and Jessi has let me know it arrived in one piece. Yea!

Monday, November 28, 2005

Party Preparations

Mother wanted this picture taken to prove to Elenore that we followed her instructions. Posted by Picasa

PARTY REPORT

We have all just celebrated Mother's 90th Birthday. Her family guest list included: PRINT, ELAINE, Martin, Donna, Brandi, Alisha, Cody, Melissa, Mark, Calin, Jacob, Hunter, Melinda, Paul, Jared, ELENORE, DAVID, Christy, Ethan, Karen, Scott, Nora, Mike, ANN, RON, Tandy, Ryan, Dillon, Beth, Chelle, Kit, Mike, Hope.

Elaine's friend Lynn was there also as our photographer.

Print and Elaine headed the party committee. Elaine absolutely outdid herself with every special touch. She gathered and organized THE BOX with words and special memories we all shared and fixed the picture table.

Print worked closely with Mike Davis of the Manor Food Service to plan the wonderful meal and the beautiful cake and ice cream. Mr. Davis gave every aspect of your party his personal attention.

Elenore and I were the decorating committee. Elaine saved us on that deal too.

We know Mother was exhausted by the end of the day, but we all rejoiced in the opportunity to be together and celebrate her 90 years.

I was happy to be Elenore's ambassador in charge of Mom's hair and lipstick. Ron and I both were glad to share her birthday devotional that morning.

We all give thanks for the safety of travelers with everyone arriving home safely. Shortly after I arrived home, Ron and I had to go to the cellar as a tornado warning was issued. It went right over us but did not touch down. I was worried about the chickens because Ron said I could not bring them in the cellar!

We all thank mother for allowing all of her "chicks" to celebrate for her and with her. We love her so much and value every memory of her impact on our lives.

Now we will leave her alone for while so she can recuperate.

Saturday, November 26, 2005

ELIZABETH'S 90TH

Today is the birthday of Mother.
She stands far above any other.
She has never been flighty.
Today she celebrates 90.
Just staying home is her favorite druther.

Happy Birthday.
We love you Mama
!

Thursday, November 24, 2005

THANKSGIVING

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!

We are on our way to Tulsa to share this day with Mother and Tandy. We are thinking of all that we have to be thankful for -- mainly ALL Of YOU!

Monday, November 21, 2005

JASMINE

Jasmine is Princess-Of-The-Day
She should have everything her way.
She is clever we know
Her beauty is always a'glow
We miss her more than we can say!

Happy, Happy 12th Birthday Jasmine --
We love you!

Friday, November 18, 2005

Hereeeeeeeeeeeeeee's Jessi

 Posted by Picasa

NOT SO HALE AND HEARTY

I am afraid that my efforts to raise chicks hatched by the mother hen have not been very good. We finally had a total of six chicks and three have died. The three survivors seem hale and hearty but this is not a good time of year to hatch chicks and as hard as the mother tries to keep them warm, they still might not make it.

Supposedly the best was to raise baby chicks is to let the mother care for them. I no longer believe that and will stay with our method of raising day old chicks on the porch for several weeks in the spring.

We are very excited about next week. Ron, Tandy and I will have Thanksgiving with mother at the manor. Then we will all be there for Mother's 90th birthday celebration on Saturday the 26th. Elaine has put together the neatest gift for mother that we have all participated with input.

Speaking of birthday bashes -- Elenore had the nicest little party for Ron this week. We went over to her house and she fixed a nice lunch and gave Ron the neatest presents including the best card he has ever received. I will have to figure some way to post it on my blog.

This week was successful in one venture for Tandy, now we just need to receive that phone call that says he is employed and all will be well. Keep those prayers a coming.

Also add some prayers for Kit. He's got some kind of ailment that causes his muscles to be sore and the doctor is running several blood tests. We're sure all will be well, but extra prayers can never hurt.

Jessi has finally checked in on her blog and she and Joe are thrilled with their new apartment. I mailed her picture to her yesterday that has a place reserved over their couch. It was hard to let go of this picture I was allowed to babysit for several years. I took a picture of it before I let it go and will post that on my blog. I sure hope it arrives in Los Angeles safe and sound.

Thursday, November 17, 2005

CHICKEN ANNIE'S MAGNUM OPUS

I told Ryan these chicks looked like little penguins. He suggested the name Opus for one. I decided to call the group Magnum Opus because they are such good work for this broody hen, one of the Chicken Annies. Posted by Picasa

Sunday, November 13, 2005

BAD BOY BOSS

I told Kass to watch out for Boss Hog. She was alert the first day and was able to thwart his attempts to attack her. She fed him marshmallows and seemed to win his confidence. The second day she let down her guard and WHAM, out of no where he flogged her. His big old spurs went into her ankle and we had to get out all the medicine to begin medical assistance. Perhaps he was such a bad boy because he's a new father and was protecting the additions to his family. I think I'm going to have to put out BEWARE THE ROOSTER signs.

I cannot report on the baby chicks because the broody hen is guarding them with her life. Hopefully we have more than two today but I have read that it is best to leave her alone. Maybe I'll be able to count them later today or tomorrow.

Roger and Kass have returned home, but we felt confident that Kass would heal from her wounds satisfactorily. How terrible is it to have company and send them off wounded from your chickens? Oh woe. At least it wasn't Roger. He's headed for enough pain with upcoming knee replacement surgery on the 25th. We'll be holding him in our thoughts and prayers.

Saturday, November 12, 2005

NEWS FLASH!!!!!

It has begun. Chicks are hatching. This morning I checked to find two already here and peeping away. We named one Kass and the other Roger since they are here for the debut. Ron thinks we might end up with eight chicks even though she is sitting on 13 eggs. This is so very exciting! Stay tuned.

Thursday, November 10, 2005

MURDERING TIME

It is that time of year again. The cold weather brings out the hungry, wild predators and they stalk my chickens. Last night I went down to close the chickens in their house, only to find the remains of the day. The living chickens were packed tightly in the house and I could not get an accurate count, but it appeared that two chickens were missing, though only one chicken body was on the ground. It is a sad event for me to find a murdered chicken. I have been so proud about my cautious care and attention to the 30 chickens, only to learn that the predators will prevail if determined enough.

This morning in the light of day Inspector Ron will join me in the pen to investigate and see if any tracks were left that will identify the assailant. I guess my only job will be to make the chalk outline of the deceased chicken, try to identify the body and count the survivors. I make light only because it truly pains me so.

On a happier note, we are expecting a blessed event as any day now the broody hen should begin hatching her chicken children. The cycle proceeds as new birth follows death.

Monday, November 07, 2005

JOY BOY FROM ILLINOIS

Ron is my hero man born in Illinois
His family said he will never deploy.
Then the doctor showed up
Said he’s alive - pick him up
Til the day he can say Ship Ahoy.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RON.
I love you so much my dear!

$1.99

We had a wonderful trip to Archie yesterday. Chelle fed us a delicious lasagna while Ron watched Kit repair his trailer and Mike and Hope entertained us all. It was a good start on Ron's birthday celebrating.

On the way home we stopped in Nevada, MO for gas and paid $1.99 per gal. for unleaded. Yipee.

Sunday, November 06, 2005

My Friend Boss Hog

Last night I walked with my chickens. I had learned at one of the reunions we attended that chickens like marshmallows. I remembered to try some out on my chickens. We walked and I threw down bits of marsmalllow. They all liked them, but Boss Hog loved them! He stayed right with me after the others wandered off and he was quite the gentleman and he smiled and enticed me to throw him more. We have overcome a hurdle.

Saturday, November 05, 2005

Back In Time

This week while visiting with mother, she went back in time. She talked about the first parsonage they lived in. We were talking about our "commodities" and she mentioned the parsonages furnished with the cast-off pieces of furniture from church members. Mother hated that. I never knew. She said she always wanted brand new. She said her father was proud of her that she managed to accept her lifestyle graciously and had mentioned that her older sister would never have been able to live that way.

Mother also told me about their chickens. The received 100 baby chicks. She kept them on the porch until they were big enough to move to the garage. She said dad was never interested in the chickens until they were big enough to become food. He would kill them and mother would clean and cook them. She said they sure ate a lot of fried chicken.

OF COURSE

Greetings Ann --

Here is your horoscope for Saturday, November 5:

Don't worry about trusting the person you love. They may seem erratic, but if
they say they'll keep their word, no matter what, you won't have to worry about
it. They'll do exactly what they've promised.

Wednesday, November 02, 2005

POLITICALLY HOMELESS

My sister and I talked on the phone yesterday. We expressed our frustration and disgust with all of the current political upheaval. Probably we are both moderates. We have things that appeal to us from both parties and things that disgust up about both parties. We are women concerned with our families and those things that impact us day-to-day. Suddenly our concentration is broken by the leaders of our country taking our time and spending our money on whatever new scandal they can dig up to be the headline of the day. My sister said, "I feel homeless". I knew just what she meant. We can do nothing but bow to the opinions of lifetime politicians who have no interest in anything but their own squabbles and agendas and the American people might as well bend over and kiss their asses goodbye. If you feel politically homeless, please feel free to comment.

Tuesday, October 25, 2005

Gemini Ann

Greetings Gemini Ann --

Here is your horoscope for Tuesday, October 25:

A sibling who's always been entertaining has taken their love of the theatrical
to a whole new level, and like it or not, you're involved in this particular
escapade. You're not tickled, but you will feel the need to see it through to
the end.

So, is this Print or Elenore? Let me know asap :-)

Monday, October 24, 2005

BON-JOE

Chelle, Kit, Mike and Hope visited us yesterday. They brought us two lovely couches for our new house. It was a wonderful day and we all went to the cafe for lunch. Hope was wearing a cute poncho that she calls a bon-joe.

It looks like we will be expecting a blessed event around November 13th or 14th. We have a broody hen and she is sitting on about five eggs. She won't leave the nest, so we're going to let her sit and see if we get some chicks. Isn't this exciting!


We are enjoying our evening rides and saw another 10 or 15 deer last night.

Happy birthdays today to Melissa, Rhonda and One "L" Michele :-) Three beautiful women!

Saturday, October 22, 2005

Deer Hunting

Finally success! We usually spot numerous deer on our evening drives. This year has been totally uneventful until now. Tonight we were about to give up and go home when Ron spotted one in a field. Upon closer examination, we saw a couple of fawns nearby. Further down the road we saw two more. We then turned into a field and shined the lights and saw one walking across the edge of the woods. Happy to know we still had deer around, we drove home. As we entered the city limits, a good sized buck crossed the road in front of us. There is just something exciting about spotting deer. I don't take my camera anymore, because we have better luck if I don't have the camera with me.

I Am Sally?

Thanks for the quiz Jessi. Sally
You are Sally!


Which Peanuts Character are You?
brought to you by Quizilla

Friday, October 21, 2005

First Cold

It was cool this morning. Actually it was probably our first really cold morning. The older chickens ran out of the hen house. The teenagers and the babies remained huddled in a corner inside the house. I did not think they were going to venture out. Finally they did. I realized this was the first cold day of their lives.

I am suffering the Big Blackie Blues. She is a rebel chicken and will not stay on our property when I let the chickens out in the evening. I open the pen and all the chickens run toward the front of the house. I take a shortcut behind the house and get to the front first and shoo them back toward our property. They all turn except for Big Blackie. She has even taken to tricking me in order to get into the neighbor's yard. The other evening she mingled with the Australorps and as they neared the property line, Big Blackie made a sudden break for the forbidden land. What's the problem with this? The neighbor's rotweiller is the problem. Now all the chickens have to stay in the pen until we figure out a cure for BB.

Plus, we have a new dilemma with our neighbors. They have moved a boarder in with them. It turns out to be a young man who stole some items from us a few years ago and created all kinds of disturbances in the community. He stands in the middle of the street with the rotweiller and glares at us. Not a good feeling.

Wednesday, October 19, 2005

35 Thirty-Five Three Five 35

Happy 35th Birthday to Tandy today.
His family protector in every way.
He brought light through the fog.
Today he shows up on my blog
Praying that wishes could somehow draw pay.

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TANDY.
WE LOVE YOU!

Tuesday, October 18, 2005

TUESDAY ANNIVERSARY

Report on a nice Tuesday Anniversary.

Elenore came for a visit and brought broasted chicken.

I talked to Hope on the phone and heard about the
Reindeer she talkd to at Wal-Mart.

Tonight we transferred our chuch membership back
to BA Tulsa.

I talked to Tandy and wished him an early Happy
Birthday. (Watch for his limerick tomorrow.)

Tonight Ron and I laughed enjoying Boston Legal together.

It was a very good day.

Monday, October 17, 2005

WONDERFUL FOUR DAYS

I have returned from a wonderful four day trip to Tulsa. It was wonderful visiting with mother each day and having lunch with her on Thursday.

It was wonderful being with Tandy and the children and hearing about their latest ecapades. Beth was quick to report that she had all A's and one B on her report cards. Tandy remains in good spirits despite his concern over employment. We all have to believe that everything will turn out for the good. I reminded Tandy that he is the one who always tells us that our family is blessed.

Sunday morning I attended Boston Avenue Church. As I drove down 18th street toward Boston Avenue I yelled out loud, "I see the church", something that Tandy, Chelle and I did each Sunday as we peered through the trees to see who would be first to spot the church tower.

Thursday evening we drove to Broken Arrow and attended Beth's school play. My pictures did not turn out very well, but you can make out a little for the ones I posted. It is rare that we get to see their school activities, so this was an extra special treat for me.

Here is the proud papa and her brothers as they prepare to attend Beth's play. Posted by Picasa

This was as close as we could get to a picture of Beth. Can you tell how intent she is on her part? Can you tell how beautiful she is? Posted by Picasa

Here is Beth in her school play. The white arrow points to Beth. Posted by Picasa

Wednesday, October 12, 2005

Unexpected Praise

I had given up on Oprah. Her show was so self serving and her guests were celebrities invited as experts on subjects they only performed roles about and not areas of their true abilities. However, now she has hit the nail on the head. Oprah can truly help track down most wanted sex offenders, as has already been proven. Hopefully she will stay on track going after these predators who stalk, molest and murder our innocent children. And to think this time she is putting her money where her mouth is by offering $100,000 reward per capture. Hooray Oprah -- Thank you from all parents and grandparents of the children you choose to protect!

THANK YOU KANSAS OKLAHOMA AMERICAN LEGION RIDERS

Protest Fails at Soldier's Funeral
CHELSEA, Okla. (AP) - An effort by members of a Kansas church to protest at the funeral of an Oklahoma soldier today was drowned out by motorcycles. About 70 members of the American Legion Riders group from Oklahoma and Kansas revved their engines in Chelsea as five protesters held inflammatory signs near the church where the funeral of Staff Sergeant John Doles was to be held.

Tuesday, October 11, 2005


Home Sweet Home Posted by Picasa

Party animals :-) Posted by Picasa

A gift for the guys from the Hotel. Posted by Picasa

Andy Williams house in Branson Posted by Picasa

Campus photo across from Mill Posted by Picasa

Phantom on Showboat Posted by Picasa

Risky Business on Branson Belle Posted by Picasa

BRANSON ROCKS!

We are back from our ship reunion. Boo Hoo -- yes, I'm sad that it is over.

All thirty chickens are present and accounted for. Hip, Hip Hooray!

Our trip to Branson was absolutely wonderful. I think that I went around like a real country mouse with my eyes wide open, my jaw slack, tears in my eyes most of the time, emitting lots of squeals and squeaks of joy and lots of hand clapping. Either it was truly a fantastic place to be or I just spend way too much time in Kansas and everything outside our door delights me!

Was it the man I was with? Was it the particular group of sailors we met with? Was it the fact that the reunion was in Branson? Was it the fact that there is entertainment in every corner of Branson? Was it the fact that Veterans are welcomed, treated, toasted, thanked and honored at every corner of Branson. Or, was it simply that the last reunion we attended was so awful, this one had to be good?

It was all of the above and I cried when we left. Yes, we had a good time and I was proud to be with my husband and every one of his shipmates and their spouses. If laughter is the best medicine, we’re set for at least a year of good health.

Without writing a book about everything we saw, here are links to some of the entertainment:

Veterans Memorial Museum

Grand Plaza Hotel

Hardwork U The College of the Ozarks

A favorite performer Todd Oliver

Hotel entertainer Kenny Parrott

We saw Lost In The 50's Show at the Starlite Theatre

Wine tasting at the Stone Hill Winery (Ron and I both passed but enjoyed watching the others.

Charlie's Steak House entertainer was Rebecca Dawn

Best country and best musicians were at Lit'l Nashville Show

Their favored entertainer was Wally Barbee

And, of course, The Showboat Branson Belle

Tuesday, October 04, 2005

A Sailor's Life

We leave tomorrow for the USS Mahan Reunion in Branson. Mo. Meanwhile, I just found this wonderful blog of A Sailor's Life written by a young man currently serving on the new Mahan. It is a fastinating telling of a tale that everyone should enjoy.

We'll be checking back in on the 9th.

This is Chicken Little. The lower left insert is a full grown Araucana with whispy feathered chin. (Not one of mine, just a photo of one). See the little tufts starting on Chicken Little. I wonder if I'll need grooming tools for the Araucanas lovely feather beards? Posted by Picasa