Frankie and Slim

Frankie and Slim
Happy New Year

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

BACK FROM HURRICANE COUNTRY

Which is more difficult -- packing or unpacking? We're home and I hope to catch up on my blog reading then will tell about our trip. It was GREAT!

Meanwhile, my condolences to Lucy and others who experienced Hurricane Ike. Many of our friends at the reunion were from the Houston area and all had tales of woe and tales of terror but most were as blessed as Lucy and their main trauma was being without power. Needless to say, no one from Galveston was there. Whew, they have a lot ahead of them. We also heard from survivors of the aftermath of Ike who live in Arkansas, Tennessee and Kentucky.

Yes, these military families had a few political discussions too but I'll not share those. Use your imaginations:-)

Did you miss me? I missed all of my blog mates and realized how addicted I am to blogging when I found myself quoting many of you on our trip. LOL

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Saturday, September 20, 2008

THE STAR SPANGLED BANNER

The Star Spangled Banner
Composed by Francis Scott Key, "In Defense of Fort McHenry", September 20, 1814.
Congress proclaimed it the U.S. National Anthem in 1931.Midi by Lesley Nelson

Oh, say, can you see, by the dawn's early light,
What so proudly we hail'd at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, thro' the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watch'd, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof thro' the night that our flag was still there.
O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

On the shore dimly seen thro' the mists of the deep,
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected, now shines on the stream:'
Tis the star-spangled banner: O, long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion
A home and a country should leave us no more?
Their blood has wash'd out their foul footsteps' pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave:
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

O, thus be it ever when freemen shall stand,
Between their lov'd homes and the war's desolation;
Blest with vict'ry and peace, may the heav'n-rescued land
Praise the Pow'r that hath made and preserv'd us a nation!
Then conquer we must, when our cause is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust"
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

Friday, September 19, 2008

I WONDER WHY


My friend Rhonda emailed me this cartoon. I hope my hens don't see it! LOL
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THE EMPRESSES NEW CLOTHES

Last week my sister and I went on my annual shopping trip. I am ready for Ron's ship reunion next week in Corpus Christi. It is all I can do to keep from changing clothes every five minutes as I plan on what to wear to each event.

Last year I went to the reunion in old clothes. It was just a couple of months after my mom's death and my sister and I did not have the energy or will to go shopping. It was a good feeling this year to be back on track and we felt mom laughing at her silly girls acting like teenagers again.

Even with my injured rotor cuff, I managed to try on everything my sister brought to me. We're a great team and if she did not shop with me, I wouldn't get anything because I'm a terrible shopper.

For a week Chicken Annie will disappear and The Empress of NOL-NOC Estates will hob-nob with the Navy:-)

Thursday, September 18, 2008

EDUCATED FACT

Monica of Changes In The Wind had an interesting post today. Well, all her posts are interesting, but this one she called and educated guess while really it was an educated fact because she checked it for truth before posting it.

CHARLOTTE AND FRIENDS

I have yet to see "Some Pig" in one of my spider webs but I have no doubt that Charlotte and her friends are busy around my place.

You would think a person would learn when day after day they have to walk through another. Usually I have my walking stick to break the webs before I pass through a portal but some mornings, like this morning, I am in a foggy mental haze and, sure enough, find myself awakened by a Charlotte artistic rendering in my face, and eyes and sometimes my mouth. "Phew, phew, spit, spit, yuk!"

We can count on a new web each morning to the right of our front door, so at least I am conditioned to never turn right. Usually Charlotte herself makes a debut in the middle of that masterpiece and our grandchildren can count on seeing her. They do not know that as soon as they are not looking, Granny Annie, The Terminator, knocks the web down and quietly counsels Charlotte to find a new location. No matter, the web is back in all it's glory the very next morning.

One thing I hope is that I never have to confront Charlotte's friends. I know they are humongous because they run single strands across the barn doors that feel like they are made of dental floss. Some morning I hit one and actually bounce back, leaving the strand in tact. I kid you not!

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

YOU'VE BEEN MOONED


I went outside last night to take a picture of the beautiful full moon. Is this cool or what?
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TOO EARLY TO STAND IN LINE FOR PECANS


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TREES

We are in the process of planting seven pecan trees. It is exciting. I say "we" very loosely. Ron is the actual worker, digging with backhoe and moving dirt with tractors, etc. I did hold one tree in place yesterday while he scooped in the dirt.

It is not an easy thing to buy pecan trees. First you have to find someone to sell them, then you have to find someone who will sell them for less than an arm and a leg.

Already friends and family members are stating that they will NOT help pick up the pecans. They don't know I'm going to remember that when we have bundles picked and shelled and ready to eat:-)

Saturday, September 13, 2008

CHANGED FOREVER



JeanMac at Welcome To Our World has changed my life as I know it forever. She published a recipe for DANGEROUS CHOCOLATE CAKE-IN-A-MUG. I immediately made this cake and here it is. I could not get a picture to turn out of it in the microwave all puffed up above the cup, but it does that and don't let that alarm you -- it is okay. Imagine this serve hot with vanilla ice cream! It says adding chocolate chips is optional but I think it is mandatory.
Note in the comments a friend has told us this contains 948 calories!!! Ouch.
Recipe
DANGEROUS CHOCOLATE CAKE-IN-A-MUG
1 coffee mug
4 Tbsp. flour (plain, not self-rising)
4 Tbsp. sugar
2 Tbsp. cocoa
1 egg
3 Tbsp. milk
3 Tbsp. oil

Small splash of vanilla
3 Tbsp. chocolate chips, optional

Add dry ingredients to mug, mix well with a fork. Add egg, mix thoroughly. Pour in milk and oil and vanilla, mix well. Add chips, if using. Put mug in microwave, and cook for three minutes on 1000 watts. Cake will rise over top of mug--do not be alarmed! Allow to cool a little; tip onto a plate if desired. Eat!
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Friday, September 12, 2008

I AM JUST ASKING WOMEN

This is a question for women. Have you ever tried to show your intelligence and abilities in any way to a man who already has made up his mind that you are stupid? I mean men like Charlie Gibson.

I missed Gibson's interview with Sarah Palin yesterday so I managed to watch it online today. As I watched I recalled many men I worked with in my over 30 year career who acted like Charlie.

His attitude was condescending as he peered at Sarah Palin over the top of his glasses. She gave, what I thought, was a very clear answer to one of his questions and he asked her to repeat her answer saying, "I was lost in a blizzard of words". How totally rude!

Whether you like Governor Palin or not, you've got to admit that Mr. Gibson would not have treated a man so badly. If you've ever studied body language you know exactly what I'm saying.

Mrs. Palin, however, used open, confident body language and did not blink.

ALASKA'S NEW LICENSE PLATE

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NEW KID ON THE BLOCK


We had an unexpected guest at breakfast this morning. The other cats did not welcome this intruder. This is a pretty, healthy looking, young cat with an injured foot. I have a strong feeling that she was dumped. The other cats hiss at her but she doesn't seem to care. She crowded in for vittles anyway.
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TURNIP PATCH


Here is our turnip patch. I'm showing this picture for my sister. When we were children, the neighbor gave Sis an armload of turnips. She brought them home proudly and mother, who did not like turnips, ask Sis, "Do you like turnips?". Sis had no idea, so mother instructed her that she should not accept a gift that could go to waste so we were going to have to eat all these. Mother cooked a small bowl of turnips for us that night. The next day the neighbor called a bit upset. It seems someone had thrown the turnips back over the fence into his yard. LOL

Actually this turnip patch is planted for the deer. We want to lure them in so I can shoot them -- with my camera:-)
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IT'S A TRAP

Three times I have stepped into three different blogger's traps. They are the kind that ask your opinion on a subject and you, goofus that you are, give your opinion. Suddenly you are attacked the the blog author as well as the followers of that blog. Your opinion was not really wanted unless is was in agreement with theirs. Perhaps some of you might remember my telling of an early experience I had in college titled Life Lessons. You think I would have learned my lesson then?

AND THE WINNER IS...

Bonnie, you may post this logo on your blog because you are the................







Okay Bonnie, you are the winner of "Color Me.......Who?". Monica (picture above) of Black Olives On My Fingertips was my subject for the coloring page. CONGRATULATIONS!

Your prize is a choice of either two double nylon net scrubbies crocheted by me or one coloring page caricature of yourself. Email me what you would like.
Thank you Monica for allowing me to use this coloring page of you. You are a good sport always!

Scarlet, maybe next time:-) Thanks for trying.








Wednesday, September 10, 2008

COLOR ME.......WHO?


This is a coloring page caricature of one of my favorite bloggers. I have posted this (with her permission) to see if anyone can guess who this is.

It might take a little work on your part. Go to my side bar under Blogger Buddies and search a few on my list to see if you can identify the mystery lady. The first one to guess correct will win a prize:-)

THE ANSWER IS "YES"!

At long last, my friends, this picture definitively answers the question we've all been hearing and asking about for many years! The answer is .....'Yes!'








Thanks Bonnie for the "I Love Your Blog" button! I am honored.


Acupuncture Experiences

Inquiry: What do you think of Acupuncture?

We have a local wellness clinic and the acupuncturist (a friend of ours) came to our home on Thursday. She heard about my shoulder and wanted to give me a free laser treatment. I let her give me the one and she said I should have at least two more. The one did not seem to help.

Any of you ever had such treatments? If two more would help, I'm about ready to try anything.

Monday, September 08, 2008

CHAOS WITHOUT HAZARD

We have been without a home telephone land line, thus we have been without our computer (since we have dialup) for over 72 hours. This lengthy outage was not caused by tornado, hurricane or earthquake. It seems a wire was cut and the search for this breakage took many, many hours. The best part was continuing to call AT&T to determine progress on the repairs only to be told over and over via recording to check for updates through the internet. It was like having salt rubbed in the wound.

Thanks for the comments and encouragement on our grand nephew Owen. He is home with his parents and all looks good over the horizon. He will have to be monitored closely for a while, but what newborn arriving home is not monitored closely? We are all so very thankful for this great outcome.

I better get busy because I've got a lot of blog reading to catch up on:-)

Thursday, September 04, 2008

THE MAMAS AND THE PAPAS


Mom cradles her spectacular son. Hard to imagine this fellow has any health problems.


"Mike hasn't been this happy since he got his first aluminum baseball bat." to quote his dad (The grandpa). Mike is a proud papa. Baby Owen is improving rapidly.
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LOST AND FOUND

This morning I got an email from our neighbor. She wanted to know if we would be willing to give them some of our green tomatoes. Ron went right outside and picked a nice amount and headed over to their house. His visits there are always lengthy because the two guys have lots to discuss i.e. fish stories.

My morning was filled with some baking, a little computer time, and then it was time for me to go gather eggs. I went outside, checked the mail and headed to the chicken house. Suddenly I realized both of our vans were in the barn. Hum, I wondered if Ron had taken his pickup? Nope, the pickup was parked. All the tractors were parked. I decided to check inside the vehicles in case he had passed out or something. No Ron.

I looked inside his shop and then visually scanned our property as far as my eyes could see. No sign of Ron. I went back in the house to see if he had returned without my knowing. He was not in the house.

Then my imagination took over. He had been kidnapped! I rushed back inside to call our neighbors and see if he had ever shown up there. My next plan was to contact the police. As I entered the house, there sat Ron in his favorite chair.

We both demanded simultaneously, "Where have you been?"

He had come home and gone straight into the bathroom without a word. I had not heard him and had gone outside for my chores. As I began my search outside, he was searching for me inside. As I checked back inside, he was checking outside.....well, you get the picture.

Now I've got him, what do I do with him? LOL

Wednesday, September 03, 2008

ALL HAIL THE REFORMERS

I am totally won over by the Reformer Republicans! Sarah Palin is a winning choice and proof of McCain's good sense.

Now that I am sure of my political choice for President and VP, I'm off the bandwagon and can relax. I'm not going to try to pick your candidates for you and I wish you well in your search for the same satisfaction.

MEDICAL INFORMATION PLEASE

We have our new baby. My nephew is the proud father of an 8 lb 5 oz boy. They named him after my dad, Owen. If you follow my blog, you know about Owen so just that name should give him a good start.

The baby is in trouble. He has SVT. He heart rate was 300 bpms. The medicine has reduced the heart rate but they have moved him to a children's medical center as a precautionary measure, leaving mommy alone. My nephew went with the baby. These kids are scared to death for their precious new child.

Have you heard of SVT in newborns? Do you know good stories? If so, please share them. Also, your thoughts, wishes and prayers will be greatly appreciated.

The story of Little Owen at the Elder Storytelling Place

Tuesday, September 02, 2008

WE'VE GOTTA STOP THIS TABLOID BS

Let she who was without raging hormones and poor decisions as a teenager cast the first stone at the Palin's daughter. Here we are with another non-issue for politics that is grabbing the headlines. Shame, shame, SHAME on us.

THE SAME MANIPULATION

Politics and religion work the same. You can research them both and find reasons to support or reasons to decline any particular beliefs. Is the glass half full or half empty? The answer will always be what you want it to be.

Why do we argue and why do we sling mud? In the profound and deeply insightful words of Rodney King, "Why can't we all just get along?" Oh wait, give me a minute and I can tell you why.........

Monday, September 01, 2008

A CHILD'S VIEW OF THUNDERSTORMS

A little girl walked to and from school daily.

Though the weather that morning was questionable and clouds were forming, she made her daily trek to the elementary school.

As the afternoon progressed, the winds whipped up, along with lightning. The mother of the little girl felt concerned that her daughter would be frightened as she walked home from school and she feared the electrical storm might harm her child.

Full of concern, the mother quickly got into her car and drove along the route to her child's school.

As she did, she saw her little girl walking along. At each flash of lightning, the child would stop, look up , and smile.

Another and another flash of lighting followed quickly and with each, the little girl would look at the streak of light and smile.

When the mother's car drew up beside the child, she lowered the window and called to her
'What are you doing?'



The child answered, 'I am tryingto look pretty because God keeps taking my picture.'



HAPPY 38TH BIRTHDAY KAREN! THIS LITTLE STORY MAKES ME REMEMBER WHEN YOU WERE A LITTLE GIRL. JUST THINK, TOMORROW YOU WILL BE AN AUNTIE AGAIN. HUZZAH!

WE ARE OUR OWN WORST ENEMIES

I am woman, hear me roar.


It is open season. Please do not shoot me again!


I may only demand equality as long as I am a liberal. Otherwise, I am total cannon fodder.


Fairness, honesty and dignity cannot prevail as long as women remain women's own worst enemies.


Calm down my dear friends.

OFF WITH THE WHITE

Today is Labor Day. Do we say "Happy Labor Day"?

It is a day off work and it is the day everyone MUST stop wearing white shoes.

For retired persons such as ourselves every day is a Labor Day holiday from labor. Well except for today which is a day we shall labor.

When I'm not in so much pain, I'll tell you more about my injured rotator cuff. Meanwhile, that's the reason my blog entries are so bleak.