Palm Sunday Blessings

For Palm Sunday

Lord Jesus Christ, Lord of lords and King of kings, on Palm Sunday in the long ago the multitudes at Jerusalem hailed Thee with their glad "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!" But a few days later the people shouted their angry "Crucify Him! Crucify Him!" O God, forbid that I should ever be so unfaithful to Thee, my Savior.

Abide in my heart, Lord Jesus, and rule as my Lord and King. enable me, I pray Thee, by Thy Holy Spirit to remain steadfast in my loyalty to Thee. Keep me also from presumptuous sins, lest I crucify Thee anew with unholy living. Above all the temptations of the unbelieving world, let me hear Thy gracious promise, "Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life."

Hear my prayer, Lord Jesus! Amen

From "My Prayer Book"

Concordia Publishing House

Saint Louis, Missouri - 1957

Photo Hunters - Water

The Mighty Kern River

It's very popular for white water rafting, fishing; it flows through Lake Isabella; provides water for precious farm land; it's also claimed many lives due to a very dangerous undercurrent. Beauty is deceptive!

FRIDAY FEAST TIME

FRIDAY FEAST

Appetizer: What are you proud of?

When my youngest daughter's husband died, she took over the reigns of his business, without ever working, and has managed to keep it successful.

Soup: What is the best thing you’ve ever won as a prize?

I'm having a brain freeze - I do not remember ever winning anything of value.

Salad: Name something you do that is a waste of time.

I watch too much TV.

Main Course: In what year of your life did you change the most?

I was 30 when my husband died leaving me with three children. I was completely changed forever.

Dessert: Where is a place you consider to be very tranquil?

This sounds so cheesy, but it's true: During guided imagery I created a tropical paradise with a pool, being fed by waterfalls trickling down the sides of steep craggy volcanic mountains; mists blowing gently, the scent of plumeria thick in the air; completely surrounded with palms, ferns; the soft call of exotic birds. The pond feeds into the ocean so a pair of dolphin resides within, returning to the sea on occasion. When we went to Kaua'i I found my pool minus the dolphins.

A Little Web Humor

Thirteen Things About My Life

Thirteen Things 1. My cousin is my best friend in the whole world!2. I believe global warming is a lot of hype.3. I think I just lost a whole lot of readers.4. I have a sarcastic sense of humor and tryto keep it under control so I'm not misunderstood.5. I think people who hurt children should be lockedaway permanently.6. I do not think I should have to "Press 1 for English."7. I'm fed up with politicians on both sides of the fence.8. This election cycle has begun way too far in advance.I'm sick of it already and am tuning out.9. I do not believe that Britney Spears or Anna Nicole should be the lead-in news story.10. Our nation's children do not have enough discipline, are spoiled and catered to.11. I love my husband and am so blessed to havehim in my life!12. I love my country and am not ashamed to admit it!It may not be perfect but it's the best form of governmentin the world. I'm sick of the USA bashers.13. My health may not be the best but I'm blessedthat I was not given a terminal diagnosis. I need toembrace my weaknesses and stive to turn them intomy strengths. We are not guaranteed tomorrow... Links to other Thursday Thirteens!1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!
The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Oh Boy, I've Been Tagged - AGAIN!

LIST FOUR SENTENCES YOU'VE NEVER SAID BEFORE:
1) "Wow, I just love my butt!"
2) "I just know I'm going to be successful in life!"
3) "Depression? What's that?"
4) "I can leap tall buildings in a single bound!"

LIST ANY NUMBER OF SONG TITLES THAT DESCRIBE HOW YOU'VE FELT THIS WEEK:
1) "Sacred Trust," One True Voice
2) "Get a Little Dirt on Your Hands," the Deltones
3) "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For," U2
4) "I Want to Be Sedated," the Ramones
5) "I Will Always Love You," Whitney Houston

IMAGINE YOU'RE HAVING THE IDEAL PERFECT DAY. WHAT FOUR THINGS WOULD YOU BE DOING?
1) Sleeping in, laying on new crisp, cotton sheets.
2) After breakfast, go for a walk on the beach in Princeville, HI.
3) Lomilomi, is the word used today to describe Hawaiian massage, traditionally called lomi.To rub, press, squeeze, massage; to work in and out, as the claws of a contented cat). per Wikipedia 4.) After a wonderful romantic dinner, another walk on the beach wth the moon shining in the water, holding hands with the love of my life in anticipation...

MAKE UP FIVE CREATIVE NAMES FOR A NEW ROCK BAND:
1) Lusty Flesh and the Four Skins
2) The Leather Poodles
3) Dragons in Bondage
4) Dead Flipper

5) Snarky Aardvarks

CONGRATULATIONS! YOU GET TO GO BACK IN TIME AND ENSURE THAT THREE SONGS WERE NEVER WRITTEN, THUS SPARING HUMANITY FROM EVER HAVING TO HEAR THEM. WHAT THREE SONGS WOULD GET THE AXE?
1) "The Lady in Red," Chris de Burgh (Hated that guy's voice)
2) "She Bangs," Ricky Martin (Stupid!)
3) "Achy Breaky Heart," Billy Ray Cyrus (Don't like songs you can sing after hearing the first stanza)

Sorry about the font size - for some reason I cannot get it all the same!!! The top part will not reduce in size so I amped it all up...

I Wuz Tagged!

I've been tagged by Ron Simpson for an interesting meme. You're to name seven of the songs you're currently listening to and then tag seven more people! I'm a music lover and a very eclectic one, at that - as you'll see. To keep from spending too much time on this, I simply picked the top seven CD's (yes, CD's - I'm a dinosaur) off the stack. Here they are:

1. Lou Rawls - I first heard him sing years ago on the Johnny Carson show. This CD is one I ordered recently. It's "Black and Blue," and "Tobacco Road." The man had one of the most pure voices with just a hint of rough-around-the-edges quality to it. I love the blues and this is like the blues with big band sound so it's not for purists. I especially like "Tobacco Road," "Stormy Weather," and "Sentimental Journey."
2. "The Best of Dire Straights and Mark Knopfler" - My hubman plays the guitar. He has a Martin acoustic, a Fender strat, a Fender "knock-off" that he made himself from maple. I have always liked hard-pounding guitar with a little "dirty" in it (distortion/fuzz). My son is a drummer, which is what I wanted to be and never understood why my dad put his foot down...It would be hard to pick a favorite on this one but I like "Calling Elvis," "Skateaway," and of course "Money for Nothing."
3. "Come Away With Me" - Norah Jones - I just like her effortless, velvety voice. The title song, "Come Away With Me," "Cold, Cold, Heart," and "Lonestar," are among my favorites. She puts me in a mood to sit back, close my eyes and float.
4. "Sacred, Los Lonely Boys" - This is a nice, edgy, crisp sound. They've got a real tight harmony in their vocals, great lead guitarist with sweet harmonic rifts. "Oye Mamacita," has the old East Whittier sound to my ear; "I Never Met a Woman," needs to be listened to with a Margarita, your special someone and a dance floor nearby; "Texican Style," makes me want to dance (and I can't so they know their stuff!)!
5. "Little Big House" - This is another one with that edgy sound to it. I don't like country but I hate rap so I've been listening to some of the C&W with a rock sound to it. LBH has the most beautiful harmony! I sang with a group for 10-12 years (A Capella) and good, tight harmony puts chills up and down my spine, so I'm very partial to groups like this. They've got a lot of the elements I love. We just about wore out their last CD, this is their first. "Pontiac," "Somewhere Far Away," and "From the Dream," are my favorites on this one...
6. "Amore" - Andrea Bocelli - Andrea makes Pavoratti sound like a braying donkey. His voice is so clear and effortless. The high notes slip out with ease and are incredibly sweet. "Les Feuilles Mortes," (Autumn Leaves) has a different meaning to it now that I'm in the early autumn of my life. I used to sing this song when I was very young and didn't understand it. This version is poignant and bittersweet. "Juarme" has a flaminco flavor, impossible not to tap your toe! "Can't Help Falling in Love," is sung live from Las Vegas. This is my very favorite song that Elvis ever sang and Andrea does it justice in his own style.
7. "City of Angels" - This is the soundtrack of a movie with Nicholas Cage and Meg Ryan. I loved the movie and the songs were wonderful. U2 is one of my all time favorite groups. Alanis Morissette's "Uninvited" absolutely takes me to another place every time I hear it. The passion in this song almost turns me into a head-banger! It is so "other-worldly." Then you've got Jimi Hendrix' "Red House," Paula Cole with "Feelin' Love is another favorite. It's got what I call a "traveling bass;" and John Lee Hooker - one of the all time best blues players; Sara McLachlan's "Angel, the reason I think I have every one of her CD's! And then there's the "Goo Good Dolls, "Iris." Who doesn't love Peter Gabriel? "I Grieve" is powerful! Another ethereal mix of anguish; followed by Jude's, "I Know." Eric Clapton plays "Further on Up the Road," which is a classic! You have to go some to beat Clapton! I was around for "Cream!" Gabriel Yared finishes out this set with four more, including the title song. Highly recommend this CD!

I didn't intend to make this such a long post but it's music! You just can't cut corners, especially when you're sitting here listening to Eric Clapton! This has made my day brighter...Thanks, Ron!

To be diverse, I'm gonna tag Desert Songbird because she's our songbird and I know she's a rocker, too, and sings in church; Morgen, because I don't have a clue what kind of music he likes, and would like to know; Loving Annie, she is our softer side, I'm just curious to see what's on her list; Sarge Charlie, because he's from the 60's...let's see if he likes Hendrix or Welk \(;^>) - Empress Bee, see if she and Sarge Charlie dance to the same tune; and Skittles, let's see if her tunes are mellow, rowdy, or a combo; Heart of Rachel, to get a different national perspective.

"During the war, The Springs Cotton Mills was called upon to develop a crease-proof cotton fabric. It was used with great success as a backing for maps, photographs, and other valuable assets. This fabric has been further perfected and made available to the ham hamper and lung lug trade.
Whether you are on Capitol Hill for business or pleasure bent, you need not eat off the mantel if you have your foundation covered with SPRINGMAID POKER, woven of combed yards 37" wide, 152x68 count, in tearose, white, nude, and black, light and medium gauge.
If you bruise easily, you can face the future confidently with the SPRINGMAID trademark."
***********************************************
I travelled through so many photos of springs - industrial-type springs, Palm Springs, hot springs, springs all over the states and the world. I looked through poems (Mo, I'm so anal about these things!!!), but I thought this photo was unique and I liked the accompanying story. Some of the language is archaic: what is a "ham hamper" or a "lung lug trade?"
Anyway, as we all know, during wartime a lot of things are discovered or improved upon. Consider plastic surgery and the treatment of burn patients. Those things came about due to horrendous injuries our troops suffered but they have benefited all of mankind, everywhere!
********************
I have to add a quote because a snippet of it is in my header:
"Hope springs eternal in the human breast: Man never is, but always To be Blest. "
---Alexander Pope

Cat With an Attitude (or ???)

I came in the house to grab a quick bite to eat during our "plantathon," and was sitting in the den with the two dogs asleep on the floor at my feet. A movement over by the "doggie" door caught my eye - it was a cat staring right at me! Now, there isn't a square inch in the backyard where the girls haven't "peed," and I can't imagine any self-respecting cat even coming into the backyard, let alone peek in through the doggie door!

I figure this kitty has a humongous attitude or maybe his elevator doesn't quite go all the way to the top! We're still staring at each other and Katie wakes up and sees him looking in in the house through "HER" door, and bingo - she's up and after that kitty! Of course, that got Zoe going and poor kitty is making a beeline for the fence! Up and over!

The girls would never hurt a kitty...they're used to my daughter's cats because they go visiting with us. But I must confess, I've never seen a cat quite that bold (or dense!). Kinda reminded me of "Get Fuzzy," one of my favorite comic strips. I love that bad cat, Bucky, with an attitude!

Please Buy Me!

We have a new realtor and our first open house is tomorrow - uh, make that today. This photo was taken in November, before the fountain grass died back and before the freeze damaged my Queen Palms (they'll live but they lost a lot of fronds!). We spent the day planting yellow African daisies and deep purple petunias; a variety of impatiens and ferns in the atrium entry; brighter yellow marguerite daisies, cox comb, and some other annuals for needed color spots in the back.
It was close to 80 but breezy and the sky was as blue as it was when the photo was taken.
Tomorrow a.m., it's up early and some window washing. Whooopee! Maybe someone will want to buy my house...
I may not be around until Mo's "Springing" Monday!

Photo Hunters - Empty

MY EMPTY SUITCASE

Alas, it's true, it's empty. I'd love to pack and

fill it up with stuff to take to Hawai'i!

Time for Friday Feastin'!

Friday, March 23, 2007
Feast #136

APPETIZER

Who is your favorite news anchor/reporter and why?

I'm a Fox News girl and I am a news junkie. I would probably say Shep Smith, because he's a bit of a smart-azz and has a lot of passion when he reports.

SOUP

Name 3 foods that are currently in your freezer.
Trader Joe's Chipotle French Fries and T.J.'s Chicken Buffalo Wings;

also some english muffins.

SALAD

If you were to have the opportunity to name a new town or city, what would you call it?
Ignoramusville - it would be for people who insist on sharing their cell phone conversations with you.


MAIN COURSE
What will most likely be the next book you read?
I did a Thursday 13 not too long ago and I still have that same stack of books waiting, but I think I'll start "Running With Scissors" next - it wasn't even on the list!

DESERT
What's the first thing you notice about the opposite gender?
Eyes, eyes, eyes (including the one in the middle of the forehead). And then the forearms...

Thursday Thirteen

THIRTEEN CRITTERS THAT HAVE LIVED IN MY HEART ....

1. My first dog, was Sam, an Irish Setter. My dad found him alone and cold, in the rain.

2. Then we got an Afghan Hound, Sherdie...

3. Johnny was my very first cat. He was an orange tabby cat.




4. Somewhere around Jr. H.S., my folks got an Airdale Terrier. My dad called her "Lizzie," in honor of the Queen of England, since the breed originated in England!

5. My grandmother gave me a beautiful white budgie, whom I promptly named "Whitey." I was not big on originality!

6. Whitey was lonely, so Georgie came home with us...

7. I had a beautiful tortoise, Tommy. He stayed with us a couple of years until my dad returned him to live with his own kind.

8. Kizzy was the neatest cat - she thought she was a dog. She loved to go for walks with us.

9. My hen, Nancy, was a white Leghorn setting hen. She showed up one day and never left. She used to go into the garage to moult. My dad would always fix her a spot so she wouldn't be cold. When she wanted me to pick her up, she'd squat and lift out her wings.

10. Spanky is my parrot, a Nanday Conure. He's the one who loves to take chunks out of my face and ears. This is not Spanky because he won't hold still long enough to get a photo this clear to show off the beautiful colors of his feathers. So, no, that isn't my hairy arm, either...

11. You've seen photos of my Shih Tzu, Katie, and our cockatiel, Spike, before. They actually snooze together. Spike will whistle and "talk" to Katie, but she hasn't learned to talk back.

12. Zoe is our faithful Mini-Schnauzer. She retrieves toys for Katie, goes with me to get the mail and newspaper, looks after the birds and has to know where we are every minute!

13. I've had all sorts of pets and have loved them all! There's one critter I'd love to have and that's a pony. Maybe some day...

Thirteen Things about Gracie1…. Start your list here! Links to other Thursday Thirteens!1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

One Kind Act Wednesday

Loving Annie has deservedly won an award from Sarge Charlie - "The Thinking Blogger"award." She has a very distinctive blog, one in which she gives herself permission to love Annie, and in doing so, she gives herself permission to pass that love along to everyone she meets. Her site is full of graciousness and kindness and you come away feeling peaceful and blessed after visiting. And it's very esthetically pleasing!
"One Kind Act" is to help all of us think about doing something for others during the week and then reporting about it here. I find this difficult to do because I feel as if I'm "tooting my own horn." I know that's not what's intended - so I will relay that my hubman came home one night from work, again upset at one of his young co-workers. The young man is always late, talks on the phone constantly, and is a general "goof-off." Hubman would never dream of doing or saying anything about him and the best thing I can do is assure him that he is taking the high road. I encourage him and remind him that in three years (good Lord willin' and the creek don't rise!), he can walk away from the place and not look back. Hubman is my helpmate and I love lifting him up! He carries me so much of the time.

It's Wordless Wednesday

Oh My! Thank You!!!

It's Tuesday evening, 11:58 p.m. I just read the comment section at "For the Kitty People," and learned that I received the "Blogger of the Day" award! I'm speechless, flabbergasted, stunned, and surprised - to say the least!!!

Today was very hectic. I had a call from the realtor that they had someone that wanted to see the house at 5:30 p.m., so I spent most of the afternoon doing what I could in the way of cleaning, picking up, and all that fun stuff. We also got a little over a quarter inch of much-needed rain, so I opened up the doors and windows to let the fresh air get out the "musties." I love the smell of fresh rain.

I've been playing around with a migraine for about three days and managed to rev it up again. I slept through NCIS and most of the Unit, reviving in time for CSI, which I hadn't seen yet. Afterwards, not being sleepy, I decided to see what my blogger buddies had done today, and Wow! I'm still in shock!

Thank you to Skittles for all of your kind, touching, heartwarming comments! It's scary "letting it all hang out," even though you do so with anonimity. I've linked with some very special hearts - and sometimes feel as if we've sipped many a cup of internet coffee, shed some cyberspace tears together, and many a bloggin' belly laugh!!!

~~~THANK YOU~~~

For All the Kitty People...

We've Lost Another Hero...

Services for Army Pfc. Alberto Garcia Jr., 23, of Bakersfield,

are pending.

Garcia died Tuesday, 3/13/07, in Baghdad of wounds suffered from small-arms fire and an improvised bomb. His family lives in Bakersfield.

My prayers go out to the family of this brave young man.

Twelve Kern County servicemen have died in the line of duty since the Sept. 11, 2001,

terrorist attacks.

Manic Monday - Chip

Sorry to all of you in the military but I thought of the infamous "Chipped Beef," or as it's more commonly known, "Chit on a Shingle," for my use of the word for today. Now, my mom made a mean SOS. I actually grew up liking the stuff! She used button mushrooms, pimientos and good sour dough bread. Okay, as a kid, I'll admit I picked out the mushrooms and pimientos, but as an adult that's the way I fix it. When I was a kid, the women in the cafeteria used wallpaper paste as a base and that's how I image you military guys get it, so you have my sympathies!

Fancy Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast

(4 servings)

• 4 Tbs (60 ml) butter
• 1/2 lb (250 g) mushrooms -- sliced
• 6 oz (170 g) dried chipped beef
• Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
• 1 Tbs (15 ml) Worcestershire sauce
• 1 recipe cream sauce (see below)
• 4 to 8 slices toasted white bread
  
• Cream Sauce
• 6 Tbs (90 ml) butter
• 6 Tbs (90 ml) flour
• 1 cup (250 ml) beef or chicken broth -- or milk 1 cup (250 ml) heavy cream
• Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
• A grating of fresh nutmeg

Melt the butter in a heavy saucepan over moderate heat. Add the mushrooms and saute for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the chipped beef and Worcestershire sauce and stir to combine.
Remove from the heat. Taste for seasoning with salt and pepper - the chipped beef may already be salty enough. Combine with the cream sauce and spoon over toasted white bread.

Cream Sauce:

Melt the butter in a heavy saucepan over moderate heat. Stir in the flour and allow to bubble for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the liquids and the seasonings and stir constantly with a whisk until thick and creamy. Makes about 2 cups (500 ml).

Peaceful Sunday to all....

This is a park about ten miles out of town. We actually bought a loaf of bread and fed the ducks and geese. There was a pair of Canadian geese - my favorites.

Everyone kick back, relax and enjoy your day of rest...
~~~Blessings~~~

Photo Hunters - Drink

I chose to use my favorite glass, filled with my favorite green tea in honor of St. Patrick's Day!

Blogging Humor

Friday Feast

Feast One Hundred & Thirty Five

Appetizer
Name two things that made you smile this week.
There have been so many things!!! Sgt. Dub's blog - I love his sense of humor. My hubman sent me an e-mail from work about anger management that was out-loud funny. So many bloggers have stuff on their sites that make me giggle - like Miss Bee and her blond jokes. There's loads of good medicine out there. Thanks, everyone!

Soup
Fill in the blank: Don't you hate it when someone lies to you?

Salad
When you can't go to sleep, what is your personal remedy to help yourself drift into Lullabyland?
I read a book of devotions or put on a CD of "New Age" type music that's dreamy...and most of the time, pray as I drift off to sleep.

Main Course
What is something about which you've always wondered but have not yet found a good answer?
Where is Heaven?

Dessert
What is your favorite pasta dish?

I love it all! I would choose Manicotti with meat sauce and tons of fresh Parmesan cheese. Of course you have to have a big loaf of hot out-of-the-oven crisp bread and butter, or olive oil...
(and I'm supposed to give up carbs!!!).

Something That Might Save My Life...

I'm going to post this here and not on Echoes in the Night because I hope someone else may read it that needs to see it, too. I'm typing with a migraine so please excuse any errors. I'll clean it up later...

This morning, I read a little three inch news item buried in the back of the paper. The headline was: Study: Neurological condition linked to obesity surgery

For the past year one of my problems has been mental haze, tremors of the hands, short-term memory problems, among others. Here's the lead paragraph:

"Raleigh, N.C. Doctors warn that a few obesity surgery patients have developed a serious neurological condition, with symptoms of confusion and poor coordination, linked to a lack of vitamin B1." Wernicke encephalopathy, which is caused by a thiamine deficiency, is normally associated with severe alcoholism or chronic malnutrition..."

Obviously I "googled" Wernicke encephalopathy and what I found scared the crap out of me. I have faithfully taken B6 and B12 and liquid vitamins since I'm no longer hooked-up normally.
Gastric bypass patients do not absorb nutrients the same way we used to and malnutrition may result. That's why I have a protein shake every morning. Well, NO ONE mentioned B1. It was stressed to take B12 in the form that you place under your tongue so it is absorbed directly into your tissues. (I'm not sure how to spell troike)

I've slacked off over the years and am eating way too many carbs and have developed the unsightly cortisol pot-belly that is caused by stress and improper eating habits. The article mentions that this Wernicke syndrome is seen in alcoholics and 3rd world countries, due to malnutrition. It can also be fatal if left untreated.

My hubman is stopping at the vitamin store after work and I'm loading on the thiamine for a couple of weeks. It's a water soluble vitamin so it's okay. If, after a couple of weeks, I still feel foggy, I'm calling my doctor (if I still have one! - another story). I know they can test the blood for your B levels.

So, what may have been attributed totally to stress, and of which I do have a long history, may be alleviated by a simple addition of B1. A little article in a newspaper just might have saved my life...Grace!

13 Weird Things You May NOT Want to Know...

1. I had a pet alligator when I was a kid. It was given to me - we did the best we could, my dad even took it to the vet, who coached us in the care and feeding, but he didn't live long. Another case against exotic pets!

2. My pet hen, Nancy, ran off a stray dog.

3. I have eaten fried grasshoppers.

4. I have shot skeet.

5. I have had my bowling ball land in another lane and screw up a guy's spare. He was NOT
happy. I have also gone halfway down the lane with the ball. I was not happy.

6. I used to be able to throw a mean power shift and get scratch in 2ND gear.

7. I made model airplanes and military ships when I should have been playing with dolls.

8. I never used to be afraid of public speaking.

9. I "smuggled" a bottle of liquor and some cigarettes back over the border from Mexico to the U.S. under my maternity dress . We had a girl from Belgium with us who didn't have her papers with her. DUMB teenagers!!!

10. My CB handle was "Mother Nature."

11. We used to wear hairpieces in the '60's, similar to what the girls wear today. I was crossing a parking lot, the wind whipped up and whoosh! Off went the hairpiece. As I chased it, so did some rotten boys - in their car. Yes, they ran over it. Several times.

12. I have never smoked pot but I would endorse it for medical reasons.

13. I have been on a snipe hunt. He,he,he...I wasn't the hunter!

One Kind Act Wednesday

My granddaughter called me Sunday afternoon. I don't want to betray a confidence so I cannot go into what we discussed but she's a very trouble young woman and has a horrid relationship with her dad. I did my very best to counsel her and asked her to realize that her dad does love her, he just doesn't know how. She's like so many of our young people today. She has no direction in life. I told her to write down some goals she'd like to accomplish and to understand that, until she learns who she is, she can't love anyone and that she's still looking for a daddy to love and take care of her. My heart breaks for her and all those like her...

Wordless Wednesday

The Bonding Couch

While I was dancing around on Bond's Big Leather Couch. I thought about the big ugly couch we had in the den while I was growing up. Our den was long and narrow so the couch had to be custom made. It was a long L-shaped affair, with two people able to sit comfortably in the shorter "L" portion, which faced the TV. That left a whole crew seated facing to the right to see the TV.

The first I remember of the ugly couch was in junior high school with a bunch of silly, giggly girls being silly and giggly watching American Bandstand. It was tan naugahyde in it's first incarnation, sticky in the summer and cold in the winter. I remember wearing shorts and having to peel my legs off of it in the summer. It provided a lot of noises for my younger brother to accuse me of making.

I introduced several beaus to my parents sitting on the big ugly couch. In high school, my husband-to-be and I stole kisses on that couch, hoping we wouldn't get caught! Later, I brought my first born home and lovingly laid her on the couch. She would be the first of three to be placed lovingly there for the grandparents and great-grandmothers to welcome into the family. My last child never got to know my dad. The old couch outlasted him.

Then came my children's beaus. They all got to go through the family welcoming committee on the old ugly couch. Then the grandchildren came to be placed on the couch along with my brother and sister-in-law's children. My mother finally had the old couch reupholstered, replacing the patches and duct tape. It was done in green leather and meant to last another 40 years. It wasn't quite as ugly any more but it was still big!

As we all struggled to watch a movie, it became a tangle of legs and arms and stiff necks. Still, there were many memories made on that old couch. Brothers and sisters scrapping and fighting, cousins wrestling and playing; lovers stealing a kiss or two; whispers and secrets were shared, laughter was loud and raucous; dogs, and over the years, a cat or two getting into the fray.

It saw almost as many Christmases as I have. It cushioned many that have gone on before us. It witnessed sorrow and caught our tears in its folds. It witnessed birthdays and family gatherings for many a year. But finally, it was decided that the ugly old couch had to go. It had served its purpose and the room was going to be redone into a dining area.

We will always remember the ugly old couch. It held us in it's comfort - and helped us bond one to another, and after all, that what a couch does best!

Everybody Click, Click!

Click right here, click right there;
Here a click, there a click,
Everybody click click.

Click the remote, click here to vote;
Here a click, there a click
Everybody click click.

Click up your heels, click on the deals;
Here a click, there a click
Everybody click click.

Click for the map, click for more crap;
Here a click, there a click
Everybody click click.

Click for prayer, click on a dare;
Here a click, there a click
Everybody click click.

Click for your ‘scope, click to score dope;
Here a click, there a click
Everybody click click

Click for a loan, click for a phone;
Here a click, there a click
Everybody click click.

Once again, everybody click click.

DOG vs CAT...

*Excerpts from a Dog's Diary*

8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 pm - Lunch! My favorite thing!
1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 pm - Milk bones! My favorite thing!
7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!

* Excerpts from a Cat's Diary*

Day 983 of my captivity.

My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects.

They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength. The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape.

In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet. Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a "good little hunter" I am. Bastards! They don't understand my power!

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of "allergies." I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and
snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded. The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicate with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell,

so he is safe...

for now...

For Creative Types...

COOL LINK

This is a terrific site for people who do flyers, memos, newsletters, etc. I may be a day late and a dollar short on this but it's new to me...
LetterPop Have Fun!!!

Saturday Photo Hunt - Architecture

Of all the beautiful places all over the world, I took two photos of my house (desperation!). As you stand in my family room and look at the front door, you are looking at many angles and curves, light and shadow. As you pivot and look into the living room at the ceiling, you see more straight lines and angles, along with light playing into corners, and the straight angles of the fireplace as it stretches up to meet the ceiling.

I don't have any photos on my computer that I've taken myself of any grand structure. I tend to concentrate on shots of nature, although I have great appreciation for the wonderful concepts of man. For a run-of-the mill tract house, there are a few interesting lines.

The Year 1906

THE YEAR 1906

This will boggle your mind, I know it did mine! The year is 1906. One hundred years ago. What a difference a century makes! Here are some of the U.S. statistics for the Year 1906 : ************************************
*The average life expectancy in the U.S. was 47 years old.

*Only 14 percent of the homes in the U.S. had a bathtub.

*Only 8 percent of the homes had a telephone.

*A three-minute call from Denver to New York City cost eleven dollars.

*There were only 8,000 cars in the U.S., and only 144 miles of paved roads.

*The maximum speed limit in most cities was 10 mph.

*Alabama, Mississippi, Iowa, and Tennessee were each more heavily populated than California.

*With a mere 1.4 million people, California was only the 21st most populous state in the Union.

*The tallest structure in the world was the Eiffel Tower!

*The average wage in the U.S. was 22 Cents per hour.

*The average U.S. worker made between $200 and $400 per year .

*A competent accountant could expect to earn $2000 per year,a dentist made $2,500 per year, a veterinarian between $1,500 per year,and a mechanical engineer about $5,000 per year.

*More than 95 percent of all births in the U.S. took place at HOME .

*Ninety percent of all U.S. doctors had NO COLLEGE EDUCATION! Instead, they attended so-called medical schools, many of which were condemned in the press AND the government as "substandard."

*Sugar cost four cents a pound.

*Eggs were fourteen cents a dozen.

*Coffee was fifteen cents a pound.

*Most women only washed their hair once a month, and used borax or egg yolks for shampoo.

*Five leading causes of death in the U.S. were:

1. Pneumonia and influenza
2. Tuberculosis
3. Diarrhea
4. Heart disease
5. Stroke

*The American flag had 45 stars.
Arizona, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Hawaii, and Alaska hadn't been admitted to the Union yet. The population of Las Vegas, Nevada, was only 30!!!!

*Crossword puzzles, canned beer, and iced tea hadn't been invented yet.

*There was no Mother's Day or Father's Day.

*Two out of every 10 U.S. adults couldn't read or write.

*Only 6 percent of all Americans had graduated from high school.

*Marijuana, heroin, and morphine were all available over the counter at the local corner drugstores . Back then pharmacists said, "Heroin clears the complexion, gives buoyancy to the mind, regulates the stomach and bowels, and is, in fact, a perfect guardian of health."

*There were about 230 reported Murders in the ENTIRE U.S.A. !

*Now I forwarded this from someone else without typing it myself, and sent it to you and others all over the United States, possibly the world, in a matter of just Seconds !!!!!!!!!

*Just Try to imagine.....what it may be like in another 100 years !!!!!!!

Friday is Feastin' Time!

Friday, March 09, 2007

Feast One Hundred and Thirty Four

Appetizer
What is your usual bedtime? Do you like that, or would you rather it be different?
***I am and have always been, a creature of the night. I go to bed sometime between 1 and 2:00 am. I'm okay with that. Because of my physical problems I sleep in my recliner and usually doze off to the music channel (Soundscapes). When I worked, it was usually 11:00 to bed and up at 5:45. UGH.

Soup
When it comes to advice, do you give more or receive more?
***Oh, is this an easy one! I am more than willing to receive but I am usually the giver, mainly because I'm the reader in the family.

Salad
Describe a memorable meal you've had.
***There have been so many! How to choose! Because my son-in-law, Doug, loved food so much, and was such a gourmand, I'd have to choose one of the meals we had in Maui. Doug always knew what to order when it came to seafood. We had dinner at a restaurant right on the waterfront one night and the food was heavenly! Fresh as fresh could possibly be and the presentation was perfect, like something in a gourmet magazine. Every bite was accompanied by an ummmm, and ooooooh. We call it having a "food orgasm." It was that good...

Main Course
Name a work of fiction that affected the way you think about something.
***Not surprisingly, this one is tough! Living in Kern Co., I should say "Grapes of Wrath," after all it's where a lot of the story takes place. But my pick would have to be "Christy," by Catherine Marshall, the wife of Rev. Peter Marshall, who was a Scottish Presbyterian minister who became the chaplain for the U.S. Senate in 1947. I love this story because it's about a young woman of privilege who gives up everything to go and live among the people of the beautiful Smokey Mountains.
Here's a link for the synopsis for Christy.

Dessert
What is your favorite type of fruit juice?

***Iced cold Apple Cider.

Things I've Never Done But Would Like To!

Thirteen Things about Gracie 1. I want to Sky Dive!!! I've always said someone would have to shove me out of the plane, but I've had a change of heart. If George H.W. Bush can do it at his advanced age, I want to try. 2. I want to learn how to fly a plane!!! I'm a white-knuckle flier, but I think if I knew how to fly I'd be less afraid. 3. I want to drive a car on the salt flats!!! I'm a speed-demon and would love to have a Cobra and just let 'er rip wide open. 4. I want to para-sail!!! I had the opportunity in Maui but I was too fat. I had visions of crash landing like that poor woman on America's Funniest Home Videos. 5. I want to sing torch songs in a piano bar. "Cry Me a River," anyone? 6. I want to watch an autopsy. Not a floater, please, but for challenge: To see if I could handle it; to see how we all come together. 7. I want to have my eyebrows tattooed. That's because I have a total of five hairs on each brow and am such a perfectionist. 8. I want to have electrolysis on my face so my grandchildren won't be grossed out as I age and can't see the hair on my upper lip or chinney-chin-chin. 9. I want to have a nip, lift and a tuck!!! 10. I want to own a horse, a morgan. 11. I want to master Tai Chi. I have two left feet and have no dancing skills whatsoever. Tai Chi is very difficult for me. 12. I want to be certified to scuba dive. 13. I want to be totally honest with myself, in all ways, always. Links to other Thursday Thirteens! To all of you who have already posted today, I've finally figured out the new linky thingie. I'm sorry I didn't get done earlier. Next time, I'm set. Thanks!!!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!




WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

My favorite lamp

My Celebrity Look-alikes

My cool celebrity look-alike collage from MyHeritage.com. Get one for yourself.
This comes via Ms Maggie Moo Talks 2U and hers are gorgeous, 'course, she is too...

Liam Neesom? I never thought so, but okay......
I don't even know the 2nd or 5th guy at all!!!
I'll keep the original!

My Celebrity Look-alikes

My cool celebrity look-alike collage from MyHeritage.com. Get one for yourself.


Please, tell me it's NOT true! Bette Davis, Angela Lansbury, and - Lord help me, Janeane Garofalo!!! Now, I knew I wasn't gonna wind up with Natalie Wood or Liz Taylor, but BETTE DAVIS??? Does anybody know of a good plastic surgeon???!!!???
Okay, I'm gonna go vomit now...

Deal or No Deal?

Get Your Sexy Name

I love giving hugs but not indiscriminately! And I'm definitely NOT a goddess. Other than that...I'll let my hubman decide!

Manic Monday - Blow

(Unknown author)

Simple Version:

Down in the valley, valley so low
Hang your head over, hear the wind blow
Hear the wind blow, dear, hear the wind blow
Hang your head over, hear the wind blow.

Roses love sunshine, violets love dew
Angels in heaven know I love you
Know I love you, dear, know I love you
Angels in heaven, know I love you.

Writing this letter, containing three lines
Answer my question, "Will you be mine?"
"Will you be mine, dear, will you be mine?"
Answer my question, "Will you be mine?"

Down in the valley, valley so low
Hang your head over, hear the wind blow
Hear the wind blow, dear, hear the wind blow
Hang your head over, hear the wind blow.

Hang your head over, hear the wind blow.
*****************
This should be entitled "Melancholy Monday." Ever since I found out what the subject was, I haven't been able to get this tune out of my head. I researched the lyrics and found out that there are several different versions, this being one of the latest. The older version has lyrics "hear the train blow," and was written by a prisoner in the "Birmingham Jail." I'm sure that probably triggers memories for some of you. I had completely forgotten that version!
But it's a sad, haunting little song either way...and it captured my heart for today's meme.
The painting is an original, one I did in class a couple of years ago in about two hours. I've never been satisfied with it and for some reason, it never got packed away...but it does show that the wind has blown the little tree until it's permanently bent, just as life has done to most of us.

"Happy Sunday," from the girls...

Zoe
Katie

Saturday Photo Hunters - Salty

My favorite drink has got to be a Margarita. Nothing goes better with a bowl of fresh corn chips and guacamole than an iced cold Margarita. I usually order a Cadillac - I don't care for the other fruit-flavored varieties. They fall more in the Daiquiri family to my way of thinking. I prefer the frozen kind even though the review below explains how it dilutes the liquor.

Sit back, close your eyes, forget about winter blues and sip a Margarita in your dreams...

The review is from "Miss Charming," and for more following the link:
The basics of a Margarita are simple: Tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice. However, due to America's sweet tooth, sugar has been added in recent decades. Variations are endless. You can use different Tequilas (Jose Cuervo, Cabo Wabo, etc.), different orange liqueurs (triple sec, Cointreau, etc.), and different sweet-n-sour mixes (the lime and the sugar). You can also substitute the orange liqueur for other flavored liqueurs like melon liqueur for a Melon Margarita or Chambord for a Raspberry Margarita, etc. Lots of people ask me about triple sec. Triple sec is an orange liqueur made from the skin of oranges that are called triple oranges.Got it? FYI--Blue Curacao (cure-uh-SOW, rhymes with cow) is an orange liqueur that is colored blue, so you can substitute it for the triple sec in a recipe to make a Blue Margarita.

Tips for Margaritas

• If you're not sure if someone wants their glass rimmed with salt or not, just rim half of it. • The best Margaritas are made with homemade sweet-n-sour mix. Find out how to make it here. • When you order a Margarita don't just say, "I'll take a Margarita, please". This will instantly let them know that you don't know anything about Margaritas. Always order it like; "I'll take a Margarita on the rocks with salt" or "I'll take a frozen Cuervo Margarita without salt", etc. • Do not ever order the Margarita "on special". Chances are they have mass produced it with very little alcohol. If you call out your Tequila then they will have to make it from scratch. • Try not to order frozen or blended Margaritas. Ice is just water that gets diluted in the whole blending process and it waters down all the flavor. If you do insist on having a frozen Margarita, simply order it to be blended as a virgin Margarita then pour the alcohol on top. You will not regret it! • Know that there are many that claim to be the inventor of the Margarita, ranging from the 1930s to the 1950s. When you think about it, it’s just a Daiquiri spin-off. • The Margarita is Mexico’s National drink. •As a bartender you will make thousands upon thousands of Margaritas.
•There are several stories about who invented the Margarita: 1. A bartender named it after a girl named Margarita. 2. A bartender named Daniel Negrete, Pancho Morales that worked at Tommy’s Place in Juarez. 3. A woman named Margarita Sames in Acapulco.

Friday's Feast

Friday, March 02, 2007

Feast One Hundred & Thirty Three

Appetizer
What does the color pink make you think of?

Pink reminds me of a baby's cheek, lipstick, flowers, and Pepto Bismol

Soup
Name something you thought you had lost, but later found.

My mom had an opal ring made for me with the small diamonds from her engagement ring. It was a Christmas gift. It had disappeared and I was frantic. I wore it every day and always left it in the same spot when I went to bed or washed dishes. I was discussing it with my husband, in tears, at which point my daughter, who was about four at the time, walked by and said, "Oh, I think I heard it fall into my purse!" She had been playing dress-up and had one of my old purses over her arm. She opened up the purse and pulled out my ring as if by magic! Little klepto...

Salad
In 3 words, describe this past week.

Down - Up - Down

Main Course
What are you obsessed with?

What am I NOT obsessed with! The most pressing thing is selling our house!!!

Dessert
What kind of perfume or cologne do you like to wear?

I always get compliments when I wear "Pleasures," by Estee Lauder. I also like Philosophy's "Amazing Grace," (imagine that!) and "Pure Grace."

Thirteen Books I Haven't Read (Yet!)




Thirteen Things about Gracie I have a stack of books that I haven't read yet. Since I've been involved with the blogs, I've neglected my poor books. I was actively involved in four book clubs, now canceled (ouch) and here are the ones waiting for my perusal: 1…. "The Thirteenth Tale," by Diane Setterfield "When Margaret Lea opened the door to the past, what she confronted was her destiny. All children mythologize their birth..." So begins the prologue of reclusive author Vida Winter's collection of stories, which are as famous for the mystery of the missing thirteenth tale as they are for the delight and enchantment of the twelve that do exist. 2. "The Surgeon," by Tess Gerritesen "In her most masterful novel of medical suspense, New York Times bestselling author Tess Gerritsen creates a villain of unforgettable evil --- and the one woman who can catch him before he kills again." 3. "Murder Suicide," Keith Ablow "Keith Ablow's novels delve deep into that dark and deadly place that Ablow, one of the nation's leading forensic psychiatrists, knows best: the psyche of a killer. 4. "Around the House and in the Garden," by Dominique Browning, A Memoir of Heartbreak, Healing, and Home Improvement 5. "Time Alive," by Alexandra Stoddard "Our time alive is brief by any standard. Now is the only opportunity we'll have to give our life meaning and find satisfaction...Our big moment is now. our moment of truth is now. Our entire life depends on the wise use of our moments." 6. "Culture Warrior," by Bill O'Reilly "O'Reilly sees that America is in the midst of a fierce culture war between those who embrace traditional values and those who want to change America into a "secular-progressive" country. This is a conflict that differs in many ways from the usual liberal/conservative divide, but it is no less heated, and the stakes are even higher. 7. "Too Good to Be True, Finding Hope in a World of Hype," by Michael Horton "The author reminds us that when we expect only blessings in life, we're locked in a vicious cycle of desire and disillusionment. We need to find our solace in the real God, not an imaginary-friend version that we have created out of the trends and catch-phrases of the world around us." 8. "Brother Odd," by Dean Koontz "Through two New York Times bestselling novels Odd Thomas has established himself as one of the most beloved and unique fictional heroes of our time. Now, wielding all the power and magic of a master storyteller at the pinnacle of his craft, Dean Koontz follows Odd into a singular new world where he hopes to make a fresh beginning --- but where he will meet an adversary as old and inexorable as time itself." 9. "For One More Day," by Mitch Albom "Simply told sentimental, and profoundly true, this is a contemporary American fable that will be cherished by a vast readership." --- Publisher's Weekly 10. "True Evil," by Greg Iles "Rich with the atmosphere of Iles's native Mississippi, and driven by insights into the most primitive human emotions, Greg Iles's new novel confirms his reputation as one of the master suspense novelists of our time." 11. "Promise Me," by Harlan Coben "It has been six years since entertainment agent Myron Bolitar last played superhero. In six years he hasn't thrown a punch. He hasn't held, much less fired, a gun. All that is about to change...because of a promise." 12. "Lisey's Story," by Stephen King "Lisey Debusher Landon lost her husband, Scott, two years ago, after a twenty-five-year marriage of the most profound and sometimes frightening intimacy." 13. "Vanishing Acts," by Jodi Picoult "New York Times" bestselling author Jodi Picoult is widely acclaimed for her ability to tap into the hearts and minds of real people. Now she explores what happens when a young woman's past --- a past she didn't even know she had --- catches up to her just in time to threaten her future." Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)When I figure out how!!!! MY APOLOGIES....

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants