GRANNY ANNIE IN THE GLOW OF GRANDKIDS!
SISTERS!
DON'T STAND BETWEEN OWEN AND THE WIZARD OF OZ!
SNOW, SNOW, SNOW
See my post for today of Fowl and Feline Accountability
Frankie and Slim
Happy New Year
Thursday, December 31, 2009
SOME END OF THE YEAR HIGHLIGHTS
SNOW, SNOW, SNOW
See my post for today of Fowl and Feline Accountability
FOWL AND FELINE ACCOUNTABILITY
This has been the hardest year on my chickens by far. We’re not sure if the Golden Comets purchased around Easter were less intelligent than our other black and red sex-links or if the predators were simply smarter. We are ending 2009 with only three of the 30 Golden Comets.
Daryl is our only remaining rooster. We lost Caesar, Other-Brother-Daryl, and Rocky aka Fred. Caesar and Rocky were the final roosters from the lineage of Boss Hog. Caesar did not go easy. He won the first round with the coyote or dog and came home minus all tail feathers. He had grown them back and was looking very buff when he lost round two.
Our efforts to develop a flock of guinea fowl have finally done well, (knock on wood) after a huge expense and many losses. We have a sturdy flock of 12 and hopefully they will make it until spring when we can add to them or perhaps they will multiply on their own. As we can best determine there are six male and six female which should work well since guinea fowl supposedly mate for life.
Our little cat family has also dwindled and the most tragic loss was the recent loss of Soccer Ball. She has been missing since November 18th so I must concede that she was killed. She lived here when we moved in and was our only barn cat over the first few months. She was also our only bobtail cat. Gradually our cat family grew to around 16. Soccer Ball was always in charge and maintained order among the other cats. She was like a mother to our dog Slim. At last count our cat population is 7. Yes that does include the last three kittens, David, Goliath and Lil Bear.
We will have a new plan as spring approaches in 2010. That plan and crossed fingers will result in hopefully winning the competition of man against predator or at least increasing the score in our favor.
.
I wish everyone a Rockin’ New Year and while you’re out celebrating, I’ll be here rocking what is left of my livestock to sleep. Be safe!
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
OUR 10TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY
"Can't help lovin' that man of mine"Friday, December 18, 2009
WHY I WOULD BE JEWISH?
Born and raised a Christian, I was the child of a Methodist minister and I was the child of a devoted Christian mother. I had strong Christian Presbyterian as well as Methodist grandparents. All of these strong people taught me from example. I do not remember one of them preaching to me. Not even my preacher father. If I did something wrong I was corrected because I was wrong and not because Jesus wouldn't like it.
I would ask Dad a question and instead of giving me an answer that he thought was right, he would give me a list of references and I could read them and perhaps find my answer there. That was the same way he preached his sermons basically. He gave some clues and you had to solve the puzzle yourself.
My paternal grandmother would sing in her kitchen about Jesus. Her voice was a precious sound I loved. She was always busy and she was almost always doing something for someone else. And, of course, she and grandpa were always taking us to church.
Working in Tulsa,OK in my adult years lead me to a community in The Bible Belt that is a place like I have never seen. Surrounded by evangelical universities and, at the same time, harboring a very large Jewish community, I saw and met interesting people of both faiths on a daily basis.
As a Christian, it was hard for me to deal with the Christians of that area. Strangers would ask me if I was "saved" or if I was "born again". You could not disagree with them on anything because they were doing God's will. One person wanted us to cash a personal out-of-state check and I explained we would have to place a 10 day hold on the check until it cleared the bank it was drawn on. This person raged and announced it was money from God. I responded that it would have to go further and probably should even have a longer hold on it then. He did not think that was as funny as I did.
Oh but my customers and dear friends among the Jewish community. They came into the bank to deal as customers of the bank and not in search of converts to Judaism. I knew of people from this community who anonymously gave to causes throughout our part of the state and city and did not brandish their gifts as badges of greatness. I made friends in this group of people and we never discussed our religious differences but we tried to live examples of our faith.
We are all odd ducks and every religious community has its kooks but lump me with the ones who want to search their faith and not have it crammed down their throats. Let me set an example by being a good person and not believing I'm a perfect person.
I see so much more of Jesus' Jewish heritage in his teaching as he walks humbly living his faith by example. Thankfully many of us Christians have learned to follow the path without storming the gates but we can easily be lost in the crowd. My one greatest hope is that I am leaving my grandchildren a good example.
I must add this tidbit I just heard at Olive's: Maya Angelou says when people say to her, "I'm a Christian." She responds, "Already? How have you managed that?"
I would ask Dad a question and instead of giving me an answer that he thought was right, he would give me a list of references and I could read them and perhaps find my answer there. That was the same way he preached his sermons basically. He gave some clues and you had to solve the puzzle yourself.
My paternal grandmother would sing in her kitchen about Jesus. Her voice was a precious sound I loved. She was always busy and she was almost always doing something for someone else. And, of course, she and grandpa were always taking us to church.
Working in Tulsa,OK in my adult years lead me to a community in The Bible Belt that is a place like I have never seen. Surrounded by evangelical universities and, at the same time, harboring a very large Jewish community, I saw and met interesting people of both faiths on a daily basis.
As a Christian, it was hard for me to deal with the Christians of that area. Strangers would ask me if I was "saved" or if I was "born again". You could not disagree with them on anything because they were doing God's will. One person wanted us to cash a personal out-of-state check and I explained we would have to place a 10 day hold on the check until it cleared the bank it was drawn on. This person raged and announced it was money from God. I responded that it would have to go further and probably should even have a longer hold on it then. He did not think that was as funny as I did.
Oh but my customers and dear friends among the Jewish community. They came into the bank to deal as customers of the bank and not in search of converts to Judaism. I knew of people from this community who anonymously gave to causes throughout our part of the state and city and did not brandish their gifts as badges of greatness. I made friends in this group of people and we never discussed our religious differences but we tried to live examples of our faith.
We are all odd ducks and every religious community has its kooks but lump me with the ones who want to search their faith and not have it crammed down their throats. Let me set an example by being a good person and not believing I'm a perfect person.
I see so much more of Jesus' Jewish heritage in his teaching as he walks humbly living his faith by example. Thankfully many of us Christians have learned to follow the path without storming the gates but we can easily be lost in the crowd. My one greatest hope is that I am leaving my grandchildren a good example.
I must add this tidbit I just heard at Olive's: Maya Angelou says when people say to her, "I'm a Christian." She responds, "Already? How have you managed that?"
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
A BLANK SLATE
How are you inspired by a blank page? Every time I start a new writing project or an art project, I must have a blank page. If there is already a word or a single mark on the paper, that paper must be rejected. How can I influence a single page that is already tainted with some incomplete inspiration?
I am attempting to do my Christmas decorating for company that will be here on Saturday. Before I put up the decorations, my efforts are being geared toward a clean slate. I am putting away the normal room decorations and dusting and cleaning before I bring in the tinsel and lights.
This process has yielded some trash piles and some keep piles. The "keep" pile consists primarily of old pads of paper, both legal pads and sketch pads. These pads have been well used but each still contains numerous blank sheets and I cannot discard them for fear they await some masterpiece. These blank sheets seem to be taking me over and I wonder if I will run out of storage room someday.
Am I alone in my OCD over blank pages?
CONTROVERSIAL BUT FAITHFUL
We met in person a couple of times. He was nice to me and definitely had an aura of charisma as did his wife Evelyn.
It was also my joy to know a couple of his children, many of his grandchildren, two of his siblings, several of his nieces and nephews as well as grand nieces and nephews and tons of those who worked for him, for his ministry and for the University.
Today I see those faces and I know that suddenly this controversial, larger-than-life television evangelist and world-wide minister is simply dad, grandpa, uncle, friend. He was loved and will be missed. My thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathy go out to them.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
T.Os. MEMORIES
I guess you could say that my friend Riot Kitty inspired this post. It turns out we are both P.K.s (Preacher's Kids) or as I prefer, T.O.s (Theological Offspring). Learning that fact has helped me understand her frequent use of the "F" word:)
Anyway, here is a story too good not to share.
People learn where the preacher lives and you experience many unexpected knocks on the door. Strangers show up at all hours of the day or night for services, help or handouts.
This particular warm summer evening the knock at the door yielded a young couple wanting a preacher to marry them. Dad had a bit of counseling he would do before agreeing to unite the couple and, once satisfied they knew what they were doing, he would get mother to be his witness and the show would go on.
Mother must have been watching a John Wayne movie because she refused to leave the den to participate and suggested he pick one of the girls to be his witness this time.
My sister and I were teenagers. Elenore was a Senior in high school and I a freshman. Of course he picked the oldest, my sister. Of course I had my usual hissy fit of "Why does she always get picked?" so he said he would have two witnesses this time.
We were doomed from the moment we entered our formal living room. The couple looked like twins. The could have been the human versions of cartoon characters Porky and Petunia Pig! Elenore and I began to softly emit muffled giggle sounds. Dad began to sense his error in bringing us both into the room but it was too late.
We had a picture in our living room that had to always remain on the mantle there because it was some church member's donation and you never moved donations. (We had some very odd furnishings in most of our parsonages.) Dad stood in front of this ugly antique portrait, the couple facing him and Elenore and I on the sofa behind them looking straight at Dad.
I swear to this day that it was Elenore's fault for whispering all the pig noises and adding little comments to the couple's vows that pertained to swine. I tried not to laugh but more than that, I watched to see if Dad was going to maintain his dignity. Suddenly I realized Dad could not hear Elenore's remarks but he could see his devilish daughters up to no good and for some reason it tickled him. He was guarding against a smirk that was forming in the corner of his mouth.
As the ceremony was coming to a close and it appeared we might all escape this without offending the loving couple, I heard "Hey Ann, you wanna go bowling?" and my friend Doug was standing on our front porch at the open door (remember I said it was a warm night) not realizing we had a solemn ceremony taking place.
I burst out laughing.
My sister burst out laughing.
My DAD burst out laughing!
Mother looked up from her movie later and ask how the wedding went. My dad only said, "It's best if we don't let the girls witness together again."
Anyway, here is a story too good not to share.
People learn where the preacher lives and you experience many unexpected knocks on the door. Strangers show up at all hours of the day or night for services, help or handouts.
This particular warm summer evening the knock at the door yielded a young couple wanting a preacher to marry them. Dad had a bit of counseling he would do before agreeing to unite the couple and, once satisfied they knew what they were doing, he would get mother to be his witness and the show would go on.
Mother must have been watching a John Wayne movie because she refused to leave the den to participate and suggested he pick one of the girls to be his witness this time.
My sister and I were teenagers. Elenore was a Senior in high school and I a freshman. Of course he picked the oldest, my sister. Of course I had my usual hissy fit of "Why does she always get picked?" so he said he would have two witnesses this time.
We were doomed from the moment we entered our formal living room. The couple looked like twins. The could have been the human versions of cartoon characters Porky and Petunia Pig! Elenore and I began to softly emit muffled giggle sounds. Dad began to sense his error in bringing us both into the room but it was too late.
We had a picture in our living room that had to always remain on the mantle there because it was some church member's donation and you never moved donations. (We had some very odd furnishings in most of our parsonages.) Dad stood in front of this ugly antique portrait, the couple facing him and Elenore and I on the sofa behind them looking straight at Dad.
I swear to this day that it was Elenore's fault for whispering all the pig noises and adding little comments to the couple's vows that pertained to swine. I tried not to laugh but more than that, I watched to see if Dad was going to maintain his dignity. Suddenly I realized Dad could not hear Elenore's remarks but he could see his devilish daughters up to no good and for some reason it tickled him. He was guarding against a smirk that was forming in the corner of his mouth.
As the ceremony was coming to a close and it appeared we might all escape this without offending the loving couple, I heard "Hey Ann, you wanna go bowling?" and my friend Doug was standing on our front porch at the open door (remember I said it was a warm night) not realizing we had a solemn ceremony taking place.
I burst out laughing.
My sister burst out laughing.
My DAD burst out laughing!
Mother looked up from her movie later and ask how the wedding went. My dad only said, "It's best if we don't let the girls witness together again."
Saturday, December 12, 2009
GRANNY ANNIE SHRUGGED
It has taken almost an entire year for me to listen to the compete, unabridged audio book of ATLAS SHRUGGED. There are 50 CDs for this exceptionally long book and finishing it became a challenge. The only reason I continued was to say that I did finish it.
The persons depicted as Liberals in this book by Ayn Rand, are the most despicable of the despicable. The persons portrayed as Conservatives are the most despicable of the despicable. The ordinary humans simply wanting to get by in the world are barely mentioned at all in the huge fray of demented politics and varying beliefs of who should triumph and why.
Supposedly Hollywood is going to make a movie of ATLAS SHRUGGED. My first inclination is how could they but then I realized something. Hollywood does have plenty of villains.
Ayn Rand's writing is like turning on the commentators on FOX, CNN or MSNBC. If we're not careful we're going to find ourselves in the dark while all the greedy of both political parties run off and leave us. Hum, maybe that would not be such a bad idea. Wow, I got something out of the book after all.
By the way this book was written in 1957 and the arguments are the same arguments we're having today.
The persons depicted as Liberals in this book by Ayn Rand, are the most despicable of the despicable. The persons portrayed as Conservatives are the most despicable of the despicable. The ordinary humans simply wanting to get by in the world are barely mentioned at all in the huge fray of demented politics and varying beliefs of who should triumph and why.
Supposedly Hollywood is going to make a movie of ATLAS SHRUGGED. My first inclination is how could they but then I realized something. Hollywood does have plenty of villains.
Ayn Rand's writing is like turning on the commentators on FOX, CNN or MSNBC. If we're not careful we're going to find ourselves in the dark while all the greedy of both political parties run off and leave us. Hum, maybe that would not be such a bad idea. Wow, I got something out of the book after all.
By the way this book was written in 1957 and the arguments are the same arguments we're having today.
Friday, December 11, 2009
DO NOT FORGET THE LITTLE ONES
One of our blog friends is dealing with a painful Christmas. Her daughter and son-in-law are considering divorce. Their one child is the light of our blogger's life and she feels the pain she knows that grandchild will endure if the marriage comes to an end.
I wrote the following poem in 1975 when my first marriage ended in divorce. My children were three and four at the time.
VISITATION
They run out the door
suitcases in hand.
Silent, I watch
from where I stand.
How can we pull
our children so?
They cannot decide
which way to go.
Such little children
having to face
a life's remnants
of which no trace
is left except
their existence.
Given no choice,
driven by our insistence.
I am here, he is there,
they are between
A life that won't
again be seen.
I wrote the following poem in 1975 when my first marriage ended in divorce. My children were three and four at the time.
VISITATION
They run out the door
suitcases in hand.
Silent, I watch
from where I stand.
How can we pull
our children so?
They cannot decide
which way to go.
Such little children
having to face
a life's remnants
of which no trace
is left except
their existence.
Given no choice,
driven by our insistence.
I am here, he is there,
they are between
A life that won't
again be seen.
©1975
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
BLOGS VS FACEBOOK
It is a time that many of us are torn between posting on our blogs or on Facebook.
Facebook requires and invitation and once you have mutually accepted, you can push open the screen door and walk in without knocking.
Blogs are like giant billboards. As you drive life’s highway one catches your eye and you check further into the subject only to become a fan. (Or not).
Facebook is perfect for keeping up with family because you catch a glimpse and know that all is well with them for that day.
A problem arises when you begin to find yourself thinking of blog readers as friends and/or family. If and when they disappear you can only imagine where they went but if you never knew their real name you simply will not hear from them again. Ouch!
This year in March, I lost a blog friend to death. I knew she died but her family first blocked who could view her past posts then deleted the blog later. So with the click of someone’s mouse the face of Beverly Finely of BEVERLY BITES was yanked away. No one close to her knew I had followed her blog and corresponded with her and that I felt the loss. I could not go back and view her posts that made me laugh or made me cry and I will never know how her sister Dolly is doing, how her sons and grandchildren are getting along, how her dear friend Bruce is and what about her big dog Cletus, the Red Hats and what is going on at the Tavern?. Well, she really wasn’t my friend or family……..was she?
The next to go this year was Linda G who also signed in as she-of-little-brain. Her posts on ONE ACRE WOOD were right up my alley and we had a grand time reading each other’s posts. On the day in May, 2009, she left blog world after she commented very nicely about me and my blogging and then, poof, she was gone. Her blogs are still there SPEAKING OUT ON FREEDOM and
Sammy of I THINK I CAN, I THINK I CAN… is a huge shocker to lose. She told us in September how busy she was and she told us she was having a difficult time juggling work and family. She said she would probably slow down posting. Instead she disappeared, blog and all. We wonder to ourselves if something happened to her or her spouse or their beautiful son and we can only offer a prayer of concern.
Then there is the paranoia that comes with the possible fact I am the only person they have excluded and perhaps that is intentional. Maybe
Maybe these are the very reasons that Facebook is less painful. You know that the people you follow are real. You know where you can find them if they stop posting. But you never get the benefit of their profound essays on life like you do on the blogs.
P.S. If you are planning to stop blogging, email me first would you or post a final entry that says “I’m outta here but I’m okay.”
Saturday, December 05, 2009
DO NOT DECORATE ME
Addendum for my Living Will:
I do not want a crown on my head or flowers pinned to my robe. Do not sprinkle me with glitter to cover up the food I spilled on myself. Do not string lights on my wheelchair. If I cannot pick up something pretty and choose to attach it to myself, then don't assume I want that crap stuck all over me. My life has been spent as a fairly dignified person, so don't take that away when I cannot speak for myself. I know my sister will not be able to resist the urge to put lipstick on me, so that gets a pass because she can't help herself where cosmetics are involved.
Friday, December 04, 2009
JUST SAY MERRY CHRISTMAS
My title "Just Say Merry Christmas" was directed at those who may feel PC'd to death on what is proper and acceptable. I am NOT saying everyone should say "Merry Christmas". I am only saying if you feel like a big ole exuberant MERRY CHRISTMAS then go for it and don't worry about political correctness. I love the sights and sounds and beautiful tradition of Christmas and hope it is merry for all who celebrate. I hope you view and appreciate my personal adaptation of the heading above for the season. Of course the clip art is borrowed but the photo shopping of my own artistic rendering of Christ is original.
Monday, November 30, 2009
VENGEANCE IS MINE SAYETH JOHN WAYNE
This is the most spectacular and moving picture of all time. I watched it yesterday in celebration and remembrance of my Mom. Her 94th birthday would have been on Thanksgiving Day this year, November 26th. Watching this movie puts my mother right there in the room with me.John Wayne was her hero and thus our hero. THE COWBOYS was the single greatest movie of all John Wayne ever made.
Children have to be forced to watch this old movie but they do not regret being forced once they see it. The granddaughters have loved it but our grandsons have all loved it especially.
If you have seen it, watch it again. If you have never seen it, you must do so immediately.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
SOMETHING WISHBONEY THIS WAY COMES
(See added bulletin at the end of this post.*)
The competitive event on Thanksgiving! What is your family tradition surrounding the pulling of the turkey wishbone and making a wish? Who gets to pull it? Do you wait a week for it to dry or pull it on Thanksgiving day? It is always the one with the larger portion of the wishbone that wins. How should you grasp the wishbone? Some only use their pinkies to hold it, while others grasp it in a fist (cheaters!) or some will simply hold the ends tightly with two fingers. Are you as rude as my (39 year old) son when you win by laughing hysterically and dancing around with the big half of the wishbone chanting "I won! I won!".
Our
I thought the following scientific explanation was interesting.
That happens because the wishbone is not uniform in strength and size. Once the strength of the wishbone is exceeded in one spot, it will break there. Any stresses due to bending will be relieved throughout the rest of the bone once it is in two pieces (it is no longer being bent once it breaks).
If you are asking how you get an advantage to get the big piece of the wishbone, I suppose the most reliable way is to examine the wishbone before trying to break it. Stick with whichever side appears to be thickest/strongest.
*BULLETIN: I may have lost the wishbone pull but look at my sidebar to see the prize I won in Katherine Plummer's art giveaway. I was thrilled!
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
This is my blog post until after the holidays. This turkey coloring page would be nice for you to print and put in front of the guests to color. Adults would probably enjoy coloring it as much as the children.A few of you will drop by my blog before your festivities begin and some will be here Thanksgiving Day or after. Regardless of when you arrive, take a minute to tell us what you plan to do or what you have already done. It would be nice for you to share your Thanksgiving Day menu as well as tell us what you usually do with leftover turkey.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
A COUPLE OF CONTESTS
Nona's Christmas Giveaway -- Hurry you need to be in my November 29th.
another art giveaway -- Enter by November 28th offered from They Call Me The Chicken Lady
another art giveaway -- Enter by November 28th offered from They Call Me The Chicken Lady
Monday, November 23, 2009
HONESTY, DIGNITY, INTEGRITY AND SELF WORTH
Politics should never divide friends and family. Sometimes we confuse political choices as either good or bad while political choices are only means to the same ends desired by good people and exploited by bad people. I have always heard that 90% of us are honest. That means we are allowing 10% of the world's population to drive us to ruin.
Friday, November 20, 2009
THE JOCKS ARE LOOSE
You can tell around here when high school football has ended. They turn the poor football stars out without any direction and you can count on them following the annual tradition of driving country roads and busting mailboxes with ball bats. Isn't that cute?
Instead of this being treated as the Federal offense it is, all the natives just say, "boys will be boys" and they build big concrete and/or brick padding around their mailboxes. Those of us who cannot afford that kind of security have to settle for replacing the expensive box periodically. Our lovely receptacle took a hit last night. At least it wasn't totally demolished like the last one was.
Instead of this being treated as the Federal offense it is, all the natives just say, "boys will be boys" and they build big concrete and/or brick padding around their mailboxes. Those of us who cannot afford that kind of security have to settle for replacing the expensive box periodically. Our lovely receptacle took a hit last night. At least it wasn't totally demolished like the last one was.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
THIS SUCKER REALLY SUCKS!
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ME! Yesterday I received my Hoover WindTunnel Turbo Anniversary Edition vacuum cleaner. This little jewel that I have named R2-D2 has changed my life. It was recommended by Consumer Reports and don't confuse it with the regular Hoover WindTunnel vacuum. You want the bag less "Anniversary Edition".
I have searched and searched and tried other models and had about decided I must have a Dyson that starts over $450. Whew, thank God for Consumer Reports. This month they recommended a couple of vacuums but the ultimate winner of best overall was my R2-D2.
Consumer Reports showed the bag less Anniversary Edition Hoover starting at $160.00. I began looking and found it everywhere starting at $169.00. Today most of the places have it at $188. But I kept looking and the found the bargain of a lifetime at Frys.com which is a California appliance company that sold me this baby for $119. Even with shipping and handling, it was less than the recommended price of $160.
If you need a vacuum and are about ready to get one, I would suggest you act quickly because this one is already going up in price. Mine is a dream as it glides over bare floors and all levels of carpeting and does a magnificent job. Did I mention that I am delighted?
This is my second post for today. I could not wait to tell how well my vacuum works. Meanwhile don't just read this and miss my other post for today: BEWARE THE ANSWER MAN.
I have searched and searched and tried other models and had about decided I must have a Dyson that starts over $450. Whew, thank God for Consumer Reports. This month they recommended a couple of vacuums but the ultimate winner of best overall was my R2-D2.
Consumer Reports showed the bag less Anniversary Edition Hoover starting at $160.00. I began looking and found it everywhere starting at $169.00. Today most of the places have it at $188. But I kept looking and the found the bargain of a lifetime at Frys.com which is a California appliance company that sold me this baby for $119. Even with shipping and handling, it was less than the recommended price of $160.
If you need a vacuum and are about ready to get one, I would suggest you act quickly because this one is already going up in price. Mine is a dream as it glides over bare floors and all levels of carpeting and does a magnificent job. Did I mention that I am delighted?
This is my second post for today. I could not wait to tell how well my vacuum works. Meanwhile don't just read this and miss my other post for today: BEWARE THE ANSWER MAN.
BEWARE THE ANSWER MAN
THE ANSWER MAN is my most recently viewed Netflix movie. It stars Jeff Daniels and is a very good story. I especially enjoyed it because it turned out "the answer man" didn't have all the answers.
Ron and I once found an Answer Book that went with a very old Bible Study put together by James and Tammy Faye Baker. The question portions of the set were missing but who would need those? Here were the answers in clear and fine print. We presented this book of answers to my brother the minister and told him he could quit all the difficult research he put into his sermons because now he had this easy book of answers.
My faith is not grounded in achieving all the answers in this lifetime but in always searching and in being cautious of anyone who claims to have ALL the answers. My parents taught me to constantly search for answers in new theory and new discoveries as well as inspirations from the past.
The character in the movie played by Daniels is named Arlen Faber. He had written a bestselling book GOD AND ME then had gone into seclusion. People greatly admired Faber's book and wanted to meet this man who seemed to have face-to-face meetings with God. This man was a genius at having right answers for every concern people might encounter so why was Arlen Faber's own life such a wreck?
In the end he has to acknowledge that he never had these question and answer sessions with the Creator. Then people wanted to know how he wrote such a good book and how he had such great insight. He did not know.
Have you met people who seem to have all the answers in life, only to later learn their lives are tainted in some way. If they have all the answers how can their own lives be such a mess? Does that change the good answers and make them bad or simply give you caution whether to believe it all or not? Have you ever gone back to read things you wrote years ago and suddenly wonder where it came from? It is like it was channeled through you by someone else -- someone smarter than you could possible be?
Too many answers and sometimes even fleeting profound thought can lead us astray. Beware the answer man even when it is you.
Ron and I once found an Answer Book that went with a very old Bible Study put together by James and Tammy Faye Baker. The question portions of the set were missing but who would need those? Here were the answers in clear and fine print. We presented this book of answers to my brother the minister and told him he could quit all the difficult research he put into his sermons because now he had this easy book of answers.
My faith is not grounded in achieving all the answers in this lifetime but in always searching and in being cautious of anyone who claims to have ALL the answers. My parents taught me to constantly search for answers in new theory and new discoveries as well as inspirations from the past.
The character in the movie played by Daniels is named Arlen Faber. He had written a bestselling book GOD AND ME then had gone into seclusion. People greatly admired Faber's book and wanted to meet this man who seemed to have face-to-face meetings with God. This man was a genius at having right answers for every concern people might encounter so why was Arlen Faber's own life such a wreck?
In the end he has to acknowledge that he never had these question and answer sessions with the Creator. Then people wanted to know how he wrote such a good book and how he had such great insight. He did not know.
Have you met people who seem to have all the answers in life, only to later learn their lives are tainted in some way. If they have all the answers how can their own lives be such a mess? Does that change the good answers and make them bad or simply give you caution whether to believe it all or not? Have you ever gone back to read things you wrote years ago and suddenly wonder where it came from? It is like it was channeled through you by someone else -- someone smarter than you could possible be?
Too many answers and sometimes even fleeting profound thought can lead us astray. Beware the answer man even when it is you.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
WINTER WALK AROUND
IT'S TOO LATE FOR THIS PROJECT. THE CHAIR WILL HAVE TO WAIT ANOTHER YEAR FOR SANDING AND NEW PAINT.
A TURKEY VULTURE CIRCLES LOOKING FOR HIS NEXT MEAL. HE TOOK A SUDDEN DIVE THAT MADE ME THINK IT MIGHT BE ME!
THE CATS SHOW THE MEANING OF GETTING BUNDLED UP FOR THE WINTER. RIDER, DAVID, GOLIATH AND LIL' BEAR SNUGGLE TOGETHER. (It is funny how David is now twice as big as Goliath)
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
BEES, SPIDERS AND NUNS OH MY!
Recently Kenju of IMAGINE began filling us in our her spider now named Stella. Prior to that she also gave us a tremendous amount of information on their experience with bees. The best way to find all that is to type in "bees" at the top of her blog and hit search.
Today Sister Mary Martha writes about their bee disaster and about more than just transferring the bees. She writes about the unusual and unexplained transferring of Sister St. Aloysius.
UPDATE FROM YESTERDAY'S POST: URBAN COWBOY Nancy guessed it. Click to watch YouTube Urban Cowboy -- Looking For Love
Today Sister Mary Martha writes about their bee disaster and about more than just transferring the bees. She writes about the unusual and unexplained transferring of Sister St. Aloysius.
UPDATE FROM YESTERDAY'S POST: URBAN COWBOY Nancy guessed it. Click to watch YouTube Urban Cowboy -- Looking For Love
Monday, November 16, 2009
I STILL CRY IN THE END
First my daughter and I watched the movie together years ago with her friends then my god daughter joined us watching it. Now when we get together we watch it out of nostalgia and we clap and hoot and holler and repeat the lines before they are spoken.
Yesterday clicking past channels the move was on so I watched it by myself. It appears a little different that way. I am a mature 63 year old woman and can see the absolute hysterical value of the film when the uncle dies in a tragic work related accident but his nephew still must go on and ride the rodeo the night of the uncle's funeral. And it's not quite a rodeo. It's a mechanical bull riding contest in a big local tavern.
Yet, as corny as the movie really is, when the couple jumps in the pickup at the end and he pops open the glove box, get's her license place and puts it in the back window on her side of the truck as they drive away, I still cry.
Do you know of what movie I speak? Do you have movies that affect you this way? I don't think I'll watch this one alone anymore because it's more fun with the girls. We just enjoy it corn and all.
Yesterday clicking past channels the move was on so I watched it by myself. It appears a little different that way. I am a mature 63 year old woman and can see the absolute hysterical value of the film when the uncle dies in a tragic work related accident but his nephew still must go on and ride the rodeo the night of the uncle's funeral. And it's not quite a rodeo. It's a mechanical bull riding contest in a big local tavern.
Yet, as corny as the movie really is, when the couple jumps in the pickup at the end and he pops open the glove box, get's her license place and puts it in the back window on her side of the truck as they drive away, I still cry.
Do you know of what movie I speak? Do you have movies that affect you this way? I don't think I'll watch this one alone anymore because it's more fun with the girls. We just enjoy it corn and all.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
PRIDE COMPETITION OUTCOME
It has been an exhausting five days for my grandsons and my son (one of the chaperons). They traveled to Indianapolis for their high school band The Broken Arrow Pride to participate in the Grand National championships. After winning first place in regional in St. Louis and State in Edmond, OK, they prayed to make the finals in Indianapolis as they competed among 90 other best in the Nation bands.
My grandson Dillon's comments on his facebook tell the story best.
DJH "Finals here we come!!"
DJH "oh yes finals wes epic"
DJH "Top 6 three years in a row!!!"
DJH "is tired"
DJH "couldn't have asked for a better day"
BAND OF AMERICA GRAND NATIONALS 2009 RESULTS
FINALS
96.60 Avon H.S., IN (Visual-TIE, General Effect-TIE)
95.25 L.D. Bell H.S., TX (General Effect-TIE)
95.25 Marian Catholic H.S., IL (Visual-TIE)*
94.50 Marcus H.S., TX (Music)
94.45 Carmel H.S., IN
92.75 Broken Arrow Sr. H.S., OK
92.50 The Woodlands H.S., TX
92.15 Lawrence Central H.S., IN
90.40 Center Grove H.S., IN
89.65 James Bowie H.S., TX
89.15 Wando H.S., SC
88.80 Centerville H.S., OH
Fan Favorite - Broken Arrow H.S., OK
Esprit de Corps Award - American Fork H.S., UT
My grandson Dillon's comments on his facebook tell the story best.
DJH "Finals here we come!!"
DJH "oh yes finals wes epic"
DJH "Top 6 three years in a row!!!"
DJH "is tired"
DJH "couldn't have asked for a better day"
BAND OF AMERICA GRAND NATIONALS 2009 RESULTS
FINALS
96.60 Avon H.S., IN (Visual-TIE, General Effect-TIE)
95.25 L.D. Bell H.S., TX (General Effect-TIE)
95.25 Marian Catholic H.S., IL (Visual-TIE)*
94.50 Marcus H.S., TX (Music)
94.45 Carmel H.S., IN
92.75 Broken Arrow Sr. H.S., OK
92.50 The Woodlands H.S., TX
92.15 Lawrence Central H.S., IN
90.40 Center Grove H.S., IN
89.65 James Bowie H.S., TX
89.15 Wando H.S., SC
88.80 Centerville H.S., OH
Fan Favorite - Broken Arrow H.S., OK
Esprit de Corps Award - American Fork H.S., UT
Saturday, November 14, 2009
HUNGRY FOR A GOOD SERMON?
My pastor has been my pastor for 30 years. That is almost half my life. Prior to that, my dad was my pastor for 20 years and other dynamic Methodist ministers fell between. My own brother is a wonderful Methodist minister but he has never been my pastor. But my pastor feels like a member of my family. He has brought my children into the church, baptized two of my grandchildren, preached to me with my parents by my side, buried my father, served us hundreds of communions and transferred Ron's membership into our church. All his sermons are excellent's but this past Sunday was exceptional. Click this link to listen to The Reverend Doctor Mouzon Biggs, Jr in a 29 minute sermon from November 8, 2009. He is a highly educated theologian. I do not post this for the purpose of proselytising but for sharing a dynamic person's ideas with you.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
SO IT BEGINS
Today I had my blood work done for my cholesterol. The lab said I first had to pay $11.35. I assured them that my insurance paid 100% on lab work but when there was a fee it was $12.00 co-pay. It did not matter to them. They are now collecting 10% of the total lab fee up front on everyone regardless of insurance because of the Health Care Bill passing the House. My insurance carrier is going to be out added expense refunding the fees that are not part of my insurance plan.
President Obama looked our active and retired military and veteran's in the eye and said our benefits would not be affected one bit. So it begins.............(Nope, not really. It began last January. "It" being the freaking lies!"
What, you ask, is the big deal about $11.35? It is not yet the 15Th of the month. Think of the person who will be charged $11.35 and that might be the last money they have to make it until payday. I remember having times that I would have had to forgo the lab work until after payday with gasoline and food taking precedence.
President Obama looked our active and retired military and veteran's in the eye and said our benefits would not be affected one bit. So it begins.............(Nope, not really. It began last January. "It" being the freaking lies!"
What, you ask, is the big deal about $11.35? It is not yet the 15Th of the month. Think of the person who will be charged $11.35 and that might be the last money they have to make it until payday. I remember having times that I would have had to forgo the lab work until after payday with gasoline and food taking precedence.
NOT SO SUPER SUPER 8
We carry a Super 8 Motel book when we travel. Overall our experiences with Super 8 have been good. The prices are reasonable, the rooms attractive and spacious, they offer Wi-Fi internet free, continental breakfast, etc. That is why this Texas Amarillo East Super 8 surprised us. Our room was in a basement, the outlets and wires were exposed, there were two peep holes in the door. One was at about 3ft from the floor and the other about 5ft. The light switches were all located about 3ft from the floor. The safety latch on the door was broken. (That wasn't very comforting). Also the toilet tank was set up wrong and appeared to be ready to topple over any second. Did we protest? Nope, we got our much needed rest and left at 4:30 the next morning. Obviously the room was designed for "little people" and I had to feel sorry for them because they obviously get less than royal treatment at this Super 8.Wednesday, November 11, 2009
O-K-L-A-H-O-M-A OKLAHOMA OK!
We arrived back home around 3:00 yesterday afternoon after picking up Slim from the kennel. Our trip to the West coast was fifteen days of fantastic but "be it ever so humble" home feels the best.
Daughter Terri and grand kids, Joey, Ian and Jasmine in San Diego, saw to it that Ron's 70Th birthday was one to remember.
We got in on only a brief part of his USS Mahan ship reunion in Tucson, AZ but it was enough to celebrate with old friends and check in until next year.
Our first stop on our trip was at daughter Chelle's where they offered relaxation and comfort before the heavy traveling began.
Our travels took us near the homes of four of Ron's shipmates from other ships and we got to meet up with a woman who was our neighbor when we lived in Kansas. She had returned to California a couple of years before we sold our place and moved back to Oklahoma, plus we found some old friends who had moved from California to Tennessee and back to California.
Our final stop before home was the highlight when we stopped to see my brother and Sil. It was good to share coffee and donuts and hug their necks. My Sil will begin her chemo on Thursday. She is a champ but what else would we expect?
Needless to say, Ron is much better and we were both delighted to get a medical reprieve for him so we could fly the coop for a while.
Five chickens were missing from our flock when we returned. It seems a fox got them (or foxes) the day before we got home.
The dog Cookie that we planned to adopt if still here was gone, so that decision is over. Hopefully someone else took her in.
I was awake at 4:00 this morning because we failed to change our clocks at home. That is so funny because we were changing time zones and were fixing clocks and watches the whole trip it seemed. Usually we don't have to change our clocks at home but usually we're not gone when daylight savings time kicks in. Anyway I looked at the clock and thought it's 5:00 so I might as well get up. I believe we will suffer jet (rather van) lag for a while.
Friday, November 06, 2009
I KNOW IT WAS MY FAULT BUT GEE
We had a lovely dinner at the Hilton East Tucson last week. Several of Ron's shipmates were with us at the table but each couple picked up their own check. Our bill was for $50 and I did not even question it because my pasta dish alone was $17 and Ron had steak plus we both had extra cost on drinks. I used my credit card to pay the check, add the tip and send off with the waitress.
The wife of one of our friends at the end of the table reminded her spouse to include a tip. He told here the tip had already been included because we were a party of 6 or more. My brain screamed "WHAT?". After all we were over 6 but we were actually two.
Discreetly I left the table and ran the waitress down. (Just how discreet is screaming stop thief stop thief!) "Was the gratuity already added to our total?" "Yes it was" she replied, "21%." "May I please have our ticket back?" and I marked through the tip I had added and changed the total. For some reason I wasn't even embarrassed, I was just mad because I had not seen the tip was added and because I had not considered we were a group of six or more. Wouldn't you think they would tell us or do a lot of people leave 41% tips? The other couples except the one had all done the same.
Yep, we're still in San Diego with family and having a good time but I'm starting to miss Slim, the cats and all my fowl friends. We will begin our trek home on Sunday.
The wife of one of our friends at the end of the table reminded her spouse to include a tip. He told here the tip had already been included because we were a party of 6 or more. My brain screamed "WHAT?". After all we were over 6 but we were actually two.
Discreetly I left the table and ran the waitress down. (Just how discreet is screaming stop thief stop thief!) "Was the gratuity already added to our total?" "Yes it was" she replied, "21%." "May I please have our ticket back?" and I marked through the tip I had added and changed the total. For some reason I wasn't even embarrassed, I was just mad because I had not seen the tip was added and because I had not considered we were a group of six or more. Wouldn't you think they would tell us or do a lot of people leave 41% tips? The other couples except the one had all done the same.
Yep, we're still in San Diego with family and having a good time but I'm starting to miss Slim, the cats and all my fowl friends. We will begin our trek home on Sunday.
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
CONDOLENCES
Ron and I are still traveling but I'm trying to catch up on your blogs when I can find a computer connection. This morning I was saddened to read Dana's LIFE IS GOOD. Their dear Lucky was a long time companion and they have had to say goodbye. Dana's writing was a deep and stirring description of what it means to lose such a friend.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
TID BITS OF INFORMATION
1.) Do you ever have a problem getting updates of posts from certain bloggers? Darlene was one I could not receive. I ask her to do the following and when she so kindly did, suddenly I was getting emails of her posts as she entered them. Try it for any you cannot set in your reader or for family members who won't take the time to read your blog but would if the posts were emailed to them.
"Go to "settings" then click on "email & mobile" you will see a box with the title BlogSend Address. Your own email address is probably already there if you have a copy of each post sent to you. You can then add a comma and type in my email address and it will automatically send me a copy of each of your posts."
2.) How are you on current events in government? Here is a way to find out.
Click here:
Pew Political IQ - Pew Research Center
Give it a try.
Only 2% get all 12 correct.
My son and my husband got all 12 correct. I missed one but I didn't really miss it, I read the question wrong. Honest!
3.) News of our week that I failed to mention.
Ron stopped me in the middle of my work Wednesday and said "I'm feeling lucky so it's a good time to go to the casino". We got ready and went there and he popped in $30 and won $500. I popped in $20 and lost $20. Anyway it was fun and we had a nice dinner in the restaurant. Ron celebrated with the All-You-Can-Eat frog legs. (Frog legs make me want to put little pants on them.)
"Go to "settings" then click on "email & mobile" you will see a box with the title BlogSend Address. Your own email address is probably already there if you have a copy of each post sent to you. You can then add a comma and type in my email address and it will automatically send me a copy of each of your posts."
2.) How are you on current events in government? Here is a way to find out.
Click here:
Pew Political IQ - Pew Research Center
Give it a try.
Only 2% get all 12 correct.
My son and my husband got all 12 correct. I missed one but I didn't really miss it, I read the question wrong. Honest!
3.) News of our week that I failed to mention.
Ron stopped me in the middle of my work Wednesday and said "I'm feeling lucky so it's a good time to go to the casino". We got ready and went there and he popped in $30 and won $500. I popped in $20 and lost $20. Anyway it was fun and we had a nice dinner in the restaurant. Ron celebrated with the All-You-Can-Eat frog legs. (Frog legs make me want to put little pants on them.)
4.) Funny grandkid story I forgot to tell.
Seven year old Hope visited and talked a bit about school. She mentioned that her best friend is Arianna. I told her that sounded like a nice name. "Why do you like Arianna?" I inquired. Hope grinned and said "Because she is evil..........." then she paused, grinned even wider and whispered, "...and I'm evil too."
Saturday, October 24, 2009
ENJOY THE CHALLENGE
Thank you Joey for the award and the meme. I've done the best I can and am honored that you thought of me.
So here's what I have to do: Answer the survey below…you can only use one word answers!
So here's what I have to do: Answer the survey below…you can only use one word answers!
We are supposed to pick six bloggers but I am passing this along to anyone who would like to do it.
Where is your cell phone? purse
Your hair? gone
Your mother? Impatient
Your father? Late
(both are deceased and sorely missed!)
Your father? Late
(both are deceased and sorely missed!)
Your favorite food? Cheese
Your dream last night? Frightening
Your favorite drink? Scotch
Your dream/goal? Now
Your dream last night? Frightening
Your favorite drink? Scotch
Your dream/goal? Now
What room are you in? Office
Your hobby? Poetry
Your Fear? Loss
Your Fear? Loss
Where do you want to be in 6 years? Gathering
(Our new pecan trees should be yielding by then.)
(Our new pecan trees should be yielding by then.)
Where were you last night? bed
Something that you aren’t? Skinny
Muffins? Blueberry
Wish list item? Now
Wish list item? Now
Where did you grow up? Oklahoma!
(Where the wind comes sweeping down the plains!)
Last thing you did? Cook
What are you wearing? Casual
Your TV? Flexible
Your pets? multitude
Your TV? Flexible
Your pets? multitude
Friends? Family
Your life? Easy
Your mood? Skitso
Missing someone? grandkids
Your mood? Skitso
Missing someone? grandkids
Vehicle? Van
Something you’re not wearing? wig
Your favorite store? Cato
Your favorite color? Red
Your favorite color? Red
When was the last time you laughed? Now
Last time you cried? Yesterday
Your best friend? RON!
Last time you cried? Yesterday
Your best friend? RON!
One place that I go to over and over? bed
One person who emails me regularly? Elenore
Favorite place to eat? Casino
Favorite place to eat? Casino
Let us know in the comment section if you will take the challenge so we can read your answers. This takes a lot of thought to come up with only one word.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
FAMILY BIBLE GRAVE YARD
We attended an estate auction this weekend. We did not know the deceased but many people there knew him and talked about what a good man he was. Many things we purchased were small and we loaded them in the truck to bring home. One pile of stuff required us to go home and get a trailer and come back later. Yesterday we returned to the estate auction grounds with truck and trailer to bring home the large stuff. As we were getting ready to leave Ron passed the trash bins and lifted out this man's Family Bible. We both stood there looking at it. We had not seen it come up for auction but could not believe no one bought it, even for a dollar.
We have this Holy Bible now and have no idea what to do with it. The family had filled in almost all of the information and there were many, many grandchildren. It is hard to believe some family member was not still living to take this heirloom. Whether they are religious or not, the family history should have meant something to them.
We all know that elephants make their way to their own burial grounds. Where do these huge Family Bible's go when they reach the end of their family ties? Is there a place to send them besides the trash can? I believe the words in the Bible are powerful but not the book itself. Still it disturbs me to see it discarded in such a way.
Do you have a Family Bible? Have you ever gotten rid of a Family Bible? Does this concern you at all or do you think I'm a crazy ole coot?
Saturday, October 17, 2009
BREAKING BARRIERS
Someone dumped the stray dog in our area. It seems like a friendly old dog and has a collar but no tags. We run it off every time is shows up to sleep in Ron's shop or our barn somewhere. We feel sorry for the old dog but don't need another dog. This week Hope discovered this wayfaring stranger and the next thing we know, it is on the porch waiting for her. Hope has named it Cookie. (Probably because she's been sneaking it cookies to eat!) Any bets on whether we have a new dog or not?
Thursday, October 15, 2009
ARE YOU SITTING DOWN?
Most of you know that Ron has been walking on eggshells since diagnosed with massive blood clot in a major vein to the heart. Well, he had his second CT Scan and now he is off the coumadin and the entire blood clot is gone. No, it didn't disappear because of the medication, it seems it WAS NOT EVER THERE! The Radiologist interpreted a large pool of blood at a point where the veins intersect as a clot. Actually they are now quite sure it was never a clot. Once we got over the shock of cancelled and delayed plans and fear of what to do if the clot moved, we were able to be elated, excited, happy and overjoyed! We are going to try to get reservations for a ship reunion the end of this month in Tuscon, Arizona and then we're heading to San Diego to see the grandchildren there.
We drove to Oklahoma City area yesterday and picked up Michael and Hope. They are on their Fall break and will be with us until Sunday. The perfect picker-upper -- grandkids!
Here is a picture finally of the Allis G tractor we went to get last week near Chicago. Ron and Allis, such a cute couple. And to think we almost didn't go due to health that was perfectly healthy health after all.
We drove to Oklahoma City area yesterday and picked up Michael and Hope. They are on their Fall break and will be with us until Sunday. The perfect picker-upper -- grandkids!
Here is a picture finally of the Allis G tractor we went to get last week near Chicago. Ron and Allis, such a cute couple. And to think we almost didn't go due to health that was perfectly healthy health after all.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
CHILDREN FOR BREAKFAST
"Ah, the patter of little feet around the house. There's nothing like having a midget for a butler."
W. C. Fields
"Anyone who hates children and animals can't be all bad."
W. C. Fields
"Children should neither be seen or heard from - ever again."
W. C. Fields
"I like children - fried."
W. C. Fields
Saturday morning Ron and I went to the cafe for breakfast. We were still recovering from our exhausting trip home from Illinois the day before in rain storms. For some reason it seemed to be Children's day at Mom's Cafe. Three toddlers graced our leisurely morning repast.
Toddler No. 1 was climbing out of the high chair. The devoted father was reading the newspaper and had his hand on the child but did not seem to sense that the movement taking place was an escape effort. He awakened from his trance in time to catch her as she almost plummeted head first out of the chair. If he had not caught the child, I was poised to spring to the rescue.
Toddler No. 2 was a screamer. A large family group was gathered and this kid was in Attention Heaven as all attempted to entertain this noisy child. The grandmother came up with a perfect solution. She gave the child a child-proof prescription bottle and a table knife and told him to try to open it. I kid you not! Well, it worked as the child spent the rest of the time quietly working to open the bottle. I'm pretty sure he'll be able to master any prescription bottle after this.
Toddler No.3 was a fairly pleasant child but one who refused to stay in his seat. The family allowed him to roam the restaurant and entertain the rest of us who did not appreciate it. The parents laughed with delight at what a cute child this was.
Our next stop was the grocery store and I realized we were not through with growing children yet. A mom was pushing a cart with an infant in the basket and had her toddler walking along with her. This was a hateful child and spent his time begging and asking for things then, upon hearing "no" would go into a rage and begin spanking his mother and calling her terrible names. Her response was, "O please dear don't do that. That's not nice."
As a child, my parents made it clear to me and my siblings that such behavior would not be tolerated. As a parent myself, my children knew the swift consequences that would take place if they misbehaved. We have always been able to take our grandchildren out in public and know that they would be polite and cordial to others and if they did not obey their parents, they were quickly removed from the opportunity to be a public nuisance.
Why did we encounter four toddlers from four different families and see there are no longer consequences for rude actions? If W.C. Fields did not like children in the 40's can you imagine what he would think of them today?
W. C. Fields
"Anyone who hates children and animals can't be all bad."
W. C. Fields
"Children should neither be seen or heard from - ever again."
W. C. Fields
"I like children - fried."
W. C. Fields
Saturday morning Ron and I went to the cafe for breakfast. We were still recovering from our exhausting trip home from Illinois the day before in rain storms. For some reason it seemed to be Children's day at Mom's Cafe. Three toddlers graced our leisurely morning repast.
Toddler No. 1 was climbing out of the high chair. The devoted father was reading the newspaper and had his hand on the child but did not seem to sense that the movement taking place was an escape effort. He awakened from his trance in time to catch her as she almost plummeted head first out of the chair. If he had not caught the child, I was poised to spring to the rescue.
Toddler No. 2 was a screamer. A large family group was gathered and this kid was in Attention Heaven as all attempted to entertain this noisy child. The grandmother came up with a perfect solution. She gave the child a child-proof prescription bottle and a table knife and told him to try to open it. I kid you not! Well, it worked as the child spent the rest of the time quietly working to open the bottle. I'm pretty sure he'll be able to master any prescription bottle after this.
Toddler No.3 was a fairly pleasant child but one who refused to stay in his seat. The family allowed him to roam the restaurant and entertain the rest of us who did not appreciate it. The parents laughed with delight at what a cute child this was.
Our next stop was the grocery store and I realized we were not through with growing children yet. A mom was pushing a cart with an infant in the basket and had her toddler walking along with her. This was a hateful child and spent his time begging and asking for things then, upon hearing "no" would go into a rage and begin spanking his mother and calling her terrible names. Her response was, "O please dear don't do that. That's not nice."
As a child, my parents made it clear to me and my siblings that such behavior would not be tolerated. As a parent myself, my children knew the swift consequences that would take place if they misbehaved. We have always been able to take our grandchildren out in public and know that they would be polite and cordial to others and if they did not obey their parents, they were quickly removed from the opportunity to be a public nuisance.
Why did we encounter four toddlers from four different families and see there are no longer consequences for rude actions? If W.C. Fields did not like children in the 40's can you imagine what he would think of them today?
Friday, October 09, 2009
PARTIAL DEBUT
Ron and his brother arrive in East Peoria with the Allis G tractor. We had a good trip to East Peoria then the guys had a good trip to Chicago area to pick up tractor while Sil and I awaited their return. Our trip home with this prize was another story. You understand if you saw the severe weather corridor yesterday stretching across Illinois, Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma. The "Chief" did a great job charting us a path home that skirted most of the storms.
Ron's brother and sil admire Allis G in her trailer cage. We are still having severe weather with flooding and our newest tractor will have to sit on the trailer for a while. Hopefully we'll unload her soon and I can show some proper pictures. It was a good trip. We enjoyed the travel up and we have never been so happy to see our home. Thanks to all of you for your encouraging words and support for us on this short trip.
Friday, October 02, 2009
A TRACTOR A TRACTOR MY KINGDOM FOR A TRACTOR
I was quietly watching television last night while Ron was on the computer. He entered the den with a look of surprise on his face and mentioned that he just bought a tractor. "Do we have to pick it up?" I casually inquire. He responds, "Yes." and when I want to know where we have to go to get this prize he responds, "Chicago -- next week."
Now may I remind everyone that we are grounded to our home place because of this blood clot Ron has in his Inferior Vena Cava. We have cancelled ship reunions and family visits because we're not supposed to be traveling. Now, suddenly, we're going to hitch our son-in-law's trailer to our 1997 Ford 150 and head for Illinois. Two old people heading to pick up a tractor because my husband made an offer he was sure would be refused. Instead it was accepted!
Ron and I met eleven years ago. For the first couple of months we maintained a long distance relationship. We corresponded via email and snail mail. We exchanged family pictures. The very first picture Ron sent me was NOT of his beautiful daughter or his grandchildren but of his 1947 Farmall Cub. I think there was a song out then about "She thinks my tractor's sexy" and I didn't then but I have learned.
I cannot even list the various tractors that have come and gone from our lives since we have been together. Plus we currently have a Case backhoe, John Deere, Ferguson, the Cub, and our Kubota. This latest prize is an Allis G. He has been looking and bidding and missing acquiring one of these forever. Now he has this sh*t eating grin on his face since he got over the shock of winning the bid. Look at Ron and you will believe Christmas is tomorrow.
While he is in utopia I get to figure out how to get the next CT scan scheduled quickly and make arrangements for the dog, cats and chickens, and find out if his brother and Sil in East Peoria will be able to put up with us next week, etc., etc. He does not worry. That is my job alone. He calls me his Executive Secretary. Oh well, we've needed to get out of here, so we shall soon be on our way. Besides who can resist such happiness on the face of their beloved?
Now may I remind everyone that we are grounded to our home place because of this blood clot Ron has in his Inferior Vena Cava. We have cancelled ship reunions and family visits because we're not supposed to be traveling. Now, suddenly, we're going to hitch our son-in-law's trailer to our 1997 Ford 150 and head for Illinois. Two old people heading to pick up a tractor because my husband made an offer he was sure would be refused. Instead it was accepted!
Ron and I met eleven years ago. For the first couple of months we maintained a long distance relationship. We corresponded via email and snail mail. We exchanged family pictures. The very first picture Ron sent me was NOT of his beautiful daughter or his grandchildren but of his 1947 Farmall Cub. I think there was a song out then about "She thinks my tractor's sexy" and I didn't then but I have learned.
I cannot even list the various tractors that have come and gone from our lives since we have been together. Plus we currently have a Case backhoe, John Deere, Ferguson, the Cub, and our Kubota. This latest prize is an Allis G. He has been looking and bidding and missing acquiring one of these forever. Now he has this sh*t eating grin on his face since he got over the shock of winning the bid. Look at Ron and you will believe Christmas is tomorrow.
While he is in utopia I get to figure out how to get the next CT scan scheduled quickly and make arrangements for the dog, cats and chickens, and find out if his brother and Sil in East Peoria will be able to put up with us next week, etc., etc. He does not worry. That is my job alone. He calls me his Executive Secretary. Oh well, we've needed to get out of here, so we shall soon be on our way. Besides who can resist such happiness on the face of their beloved?
Thursday, October 01, 2009
SEASON PREMIERS
The commercials for the Fall television line up is always enticing. I am happy to be able to watch the ones I miss by going to Hulu.com.
FLASH FORWARD -- Two thumbs down (They go home at the end of the day as if nothing happened. The entire world passed out for 2 min. 17 seconds and catastrophes occur everywhere yet the FBI workers all had their homes when the clocked out for the day. duh!)
MODERN FAMILY-- One thumb up for good comedy. This is promising another thumb.
THE GOOD WIFE -- Two thumbs up. Perhaps just a chick flick but I really liked it.
TRAUMA -- Enjoyed the first episode but am reserving judgement.
THE JAY LENO SHOW -- It did get off to a shaky start, but he is on a roll now. Something great is going to have to show up opposite at 9:00 to get me to skip Leno. (The Good Wife might be the one.)
We always watch NCIS and it is going well with the new season, but we're not too sure about the new NCIS LOS ANGELES. Ron didn't like them saying they were going up to Pendelton from Los Angeles. He does tend to sweat the small stuff.
TWO AND A HALF MEN is going to have to lose the dummy (the ventriloquist dummy) if I'm going to keep watching it. Now that Jake is so grown up and not in as many episodes, it's getting dull.
Meanwhile I found a great little HBO series called THE NO. 1 LADIES DETECTIVE AGENCY and am renting it on Netflix. Talk about an unexpected detective show.
Have you uncovered any diamonds in the new TV shows or do you have some movies to recommend?
Be sure and click on Jamie Dawn's photo on my sidebar for a rousing political comentary.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
ALL OF THE BEST
photo of Lil Bear
I am sitting here on the couch in front of my laptop. Slim, the best dog in the world, is curled up next to me. She just scooted over a little closer to remind me she is here and I paused to scratch her ears.
We have fed the cats this morning. I never know if we will have five show up or twelve show up. I recognize the ones that were born in our barn, but often we have complete strangers appear for the one feeding of the day. We must be on some cat map for good rest on a long journey.
Soccer Ball had two new kittens. One was paralyzed and died. It was very sad. The other is perfect. A perfectly round and fluffy gray kitten with only slight white markings. It has the biggest blue eyes and is not afraid of me. I have named this kitten Lil Bear.
Also, for those interested in David and Goliath, the are doing very well. It is amazing how suddenly David took a growth surge and is now twice the size of Goliath.
Elenore Hen has hatched a second batch of chicks. Sadly Mr. Gibson and Rachel from her first batch were killed. A coyote got Mr. Gibson. The female guinea fowl killed Rachel. Chicklet still stays close to Elenore Hen and is helping her care for the new three. Since they once again are two blacks and one yellow, I have named them Mr.Gibson II, Rachel II and Chicklet II.
One of my grown black hens is in our chicken infirmary. She is egg bound and that is very dangerous. I gathered her up and soaked her bottom in a pan of warm water. It was easy to sense the relief as she settled down immediately at the comfort the water gave her. Next she went into the nursery box with her own feed and water and a warming light. I added some extra oyster shell to her feed because I read that lack of calcium sometimes causes them to become egg bound. She seems to be improving. Maybe she will make it.
The Autumn weather is so lovely and it is nice to go out first thing in the morning to see our glistening estate. I carry my walking stick even just to go to the barn because I need it to clear the spider webs out of my path before I end up with a spider web hair net.
Such is life on the farm this cool Wednesday morning.
Don't miss Jamie Dawn's most recent post.
Be sure to get in on Soccer Mom's captioning contest.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
MORNING DEVOTIONALS
My earliest memories include morning family devotionals at the breakfast table.
Our family started out using the monthly Upper Room Devotional booklet with a special devotional written for each day. There was a scripture, followed by a Thought For The Day, followed by a story written by a different person each day, then a prayer. After the prayer we would sing together. Usually we sang the Doxology.
Every person was assigned a special part of this small, family worship service. I actually remember being eager to learn to read so I could read the scripture aloud someday or better yet, read the story.
I remember grumbling as a teenager that we shared this time as a family every morning regardless of sometime pressing need to get out of the house and go to school or activities or even church. Whoever heard of a devotional on Sunday? After all we're going to be worshiping practically all day anyway? I believe I actually said that out loud ONCE.
We shared this time even when we had company. Oh dear, my friends that spent the night were subjected to this embarrassing tradition. Even friends visiting from college were expected to participate in the morning devotional.
My parents changed to the yearly Upper Room Discipline for their daily devotionals and they would order each of us our own books for our families for the new year. Before they gave us our copy, mother would write all the family birthdays at the top of their birth date page. These persons always got an honorable mention in that morning's prayer. Names were also added to the prayer each morning of persons who were hurting or sick and in need of prayer. They would stay on mom and dad's prayer list until the various situations improved.
I give the Upper Room Discipline to my children each year and write in the family birth dates before sending them on. My book contains the names of persons needing special prayer as well at the birthdays.
When the daily devotional reading is done and the prayer has been said, I automatically hear my father's booming voice lead out with the Doxology:
"Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost."
(My precious papa passed away ten years ago this month. Both of my parents are gone but I still sense their daily prayer.)
Our family started out using the monthly Upper Room Devotional booklet with a special devotional written for each day. There was a scripture, followed by a Thought For The Day, followed by a story written by a different person each day, then a prayer. After the prayer we would sing together. Usually we sang the Doxology.
Every person was assigned a special part of this small, family worship service. I actually remember being eager to learn to read so I could read the scripture aloud someday or better yet, read the story.
I remember grumbling as a teenager that we shared this time as a family every morning regardless of sometime pressing need to get out of the house and go to school or activities or even church. Whoever heard of a devotional on Sunday? After all we're going to be worshiping practically all day anyway? I believe I actually said that out loud ONCE.
We shared this time even when we had company. Oh dear, my friends that spent the night were subjected to this embarrassing tradition. Even friends visiting from college were expected to participate in the morning devotional.
My parents changed to the yearly Upper Room Discipline for their daily devotionals and they would order each of us our own books for our families for the new year. Before they gave us our copy, mother would write all the family birthdays at the top of their birth date page. These persons always got an honorable mention in that morning's prayer. Names were also added to the prayer each morning of persons who were hurting or sick and in need of prayer. They would stay on mom and dad's prayer list until the various situations improved.
I give the Upper Room Discipline to my children each year and write in the family birth dates before sending them on. My book contains the names of persons needing special prayer as well at the birthdays.
When the daily devotional reading is done and the prayer has been said, I automatically hear my father's booming voice lead out with the Doxology:
"Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost."
(My precious papa passed away ten years ago this month. Both of my parents are gone but I still sense their daily prayer.)
Saturday, September 26, 2009
ouch, Ouch, OUCH!
I am a political moderate. My leanings are more conservative than liberal and I am a registered Republican. I differ on political views with friends, blog friends, and some family members that are both liberal and conservative. I don't often use my blog for a political rant, but this will be my one exception for this year.
We can agree to disagree because when it all boils down, our loyalty to each other and love for each other that is far more important than our political differences. Those I cherish all share my primary beliefs in preserving freedoms of the United States and in the Constitution and ALL human rights.
Lately I keep stumbling across vicious and vile words used by one party to describe the other. The supposedly cute phrases these blogger spew are not considered helpful or necessary to me. We seem to be getting points from the extreme left and extreme right if we come up with the most hurtful names to call each other. Well, I don't go for that. I might defend my beliefs against yours but I'm not going to resort to childish playground tactics.
If it satisfies your agenda you might be pleased to learn it seems words can hurt me.
We can agree to disagree because when it all boils down, our loyalty to each other and love for each other that is far more important than our political differences. Those I cherish all share my primary beliefs in preserving freedoms of the United States and in the Constitution and ALL human rights.
Lately I keep stumbling across vicious and vile words used by one party to describe the other. The supposedly cute phrases these blogger spew are not considered helpful or necessary to me. We seem to be getting points from the extreme left and extreme right if we come up with the most hurtful names to call each other. Well, I don't go for that. I might defend my beliefs against yours but I'm not going to resort to childish playground tactics.
If it satisfies your agenda you might be pleased to learn it seems words can hurt me.
Friday, September 25, 2009
THE DISOBEDIENT SISTER
My sister was almost three when I was born. She had learned life's lessons by that time from our five year old brother. She was completely ready for me.
Elenore, my sister, finds the greatest cards that depict our childhood. The message inside this one says: "I'd like to think I helped you grow into the person you are today." Believe me when I say she has.
Her first born grandchild, Nora, has just started school. The first progress report from the teacher suggests Nora should concentrate on herself and shouldn't try to be in charge of the classroom. Hum? I wonder who she takes after?
We only live 45 minutes from my sister and bil. The rule is supposed to be when they come to our house we feed them and when we go to their house they feed us. Today we are going there and they are feeding us. However the last time Elenore came here, she brought lunch. She had a good excuse -- she always does. It seems that she is always breaking the rules. I really cannot complain because it almost always makes my life easier.
Elenore taught me (whether or not I wanted to learn) how to dance, how to dress, what to eat, how to fix my hair, how to act on a date, (usually following me and my date at a distance).
I may be 63 years old, but to my sister I am still a work in progress. It is great to have a disobedient sister who only breaks the rules to benefit others
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
GIVE ME FIVE
Have you seen the meme where another blogger gives you five random words to write about? Mary at Mary's Writing Nook offered to send anyone five words if they wanted to write about them. I ask for five. Here goes:
Life -- With so many warnings on products these days and with laws being passed for our safety, it has been my opinion that the best way to cover everything is to slap a permanent warning stamp on each new baby's bottom that reads,"Caution, Life can be hazardous to your health".
Military -- I could not join and do the job required, but I shall ever and forever be grateful for the men and women willing to enlist in our military and volunteer to stand between me and the enemy.
Movies -- I have loved movies my entire life. The dime shows on Saturday afternoons probably thrilled me as much or more than some of the multi-million dollar productions of today. My spouse sees them all as Hollywood propaganda and he is probably right, but he doesn't watch and God love him, he doesn't give me too much flack because I do.
Grandchildren -- It appears that Joey (19) is going through a terrible breakup with the love of his life. Ian (17) was just here visiting so we got to catch up on all his happenings and learn about his garage band. Ryan (17) is getting his driver's license and is busy with The Pride band and his girlfriend. Jasmine (16) is bouncing from teenage pillar to post and has her driver's permit. Dillon (15) is becoming known as a heart breaker, a politician, is busy with The Pride band and keeping up with all major sports. Michael (15) is adjusting to his new Oklahoma home and just made the rifle team in ROTC and has joined FFA at his school. Beth (13) is testing those terrible teenage waters but seems happy most of the time. Hope (7) is filling the princess role very well and she does have quite a mind of her own. There you have run down on our grandchildren -- The Great Eight!
Childhood -- I was blessed with a wonderful childhood. Small towns afforded me the opportunity to run free and go home at dusk covered in various accumulations of my day's activities. We had tons of kids on our streets and I had two older siblings to look up to. I had perfect parents. My childhood was spent in wide-eyed imagination. (Come to think of it, my adulthood is too!)
Thanks Mary. This was neat. If anyone wants five words, let me know and I'll send you five.
Life -- With so many warnings on products these days and with laws being passed for our safety, it has been my opinion that the best way to cover everything is to slap a permanent warning stamp on each new baby's bottom that reads,"Caution, Life can be hazardous to your health".
Military -- I could not join and do the job required, but I shall ever and forever be grateful for the men and women willing to enlist in our military and volunteer to stand between me and the enemy.
Movies -- I have loved movies my entire life. The dime shows on Saturday afternoons probably thrilled me as much or more than some of the multi-million dollar productions of today. My spouse sees them all as Hollywood propaganda and he is probably right, but he doesn't watch and God love him, he doesn't give me too much flack because I do.
Grandchildren -- It appears that Joey (19) is going through a terrible breakup with the love of his life. Ian (17) was just here visiting so we got to catch up on all his happenings and learn about his garage band. Ryan (17) is getting his driver's license and is busy with The Pride band and his girlfriend. Jasmine (16) is bouncing from teenage pillar to post and has her driver's permit. Dillon (15) is becoming known as a heart breaker, a politician, is busy with The Pride band and keeping up with all major sports. Michael (15) is adjusting to his new Oklahoma home and just made the rifle team in ROTC and has joined FFA at his school. Beth (13) is testing those terrible teenage waters but seems happy most of the time. Hope (7) is filling the princess role very well and she does have quite a mind of her own. There you have run down on our grandchildren -- The Great Eight!
Childhood -- I was blessed with a wonderful childhood. Small towns afforded me the opportunity to run free and go home at dusk covered in various accumulations of my day's activities. We had tons of kids on our streets and I had two older siblings to look up to. I had perfect parents. My childhood was spent in wide-eyed imagination. (Come to think of it, my adulthood is too!)
Thanks Mary. This was neat. If anyone wants five words, let me know and I'll send you five.
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