Echoes of Grace

A Sad Day

2012-01-30T00:32:00.000-08:00

For My Friend Sarge

As most of you know, Charles "Sarge" Cordle has gone home after fighting the valiant fight with cancer. His many bouts of cancer were caused by the infamous Agent Orange that he was sprayed with, as were so many others, during the Viet Nam war.

I cannot begin to put on paper what I'm feeling in my heart, but so many, many people have done so eloquently, I'm thankful it wasn't up to me. As I've said before, I never knew it was possible to love people you've never met, such as Sarge and his beautiful bride, Bonnie, or Miss Bee, as she's known by affectionately. I guess it's because we all feel safe amongst each other, and have shared our thoughts, hopes, dreams, and disappointments, sorrows and griefs. When you let someone into your life in this manner you become vulnerable. But Sarge? He called it as he saw it, never shirking from opposition, whether it be politics or a enemy armed with a gun.

He fought for our country and was vilified for it. When you see a vet, please thank them and let them know you appreciate them. Sarge, once again, thank you, my friend.

It's a New Year...

2012-01-05T00:56:00.000-08:00

This has been floating around, and I think it is too cool!!! If you haven't seen it yet, be sure to enlarge it to get the full sense of what the photographer was doing!

Well, today I am the proud owner of an iPad 2. Hallelujah! I had a couple of gift cards, enough to get a Kindle or Nook. I got to thinking that I have a lot of "junk" gold (that sounds goofy!). Broken chains, one earring of a set, stuff I don't ever wear, so we went to a reputable pawn shop to sell it. I figured I'd be lucky to get $150, maybe $200 if I was extremely lucky. Would you believe just how lucky I was? $553! So, I am now the proud owner of an iPad 2!!! Miss Bee, I hope I have as much fun with mine as you do with yours.

I know it's been a long time since I've blogged much, but I truly miss all of you, especially the ones I don't visit on FaceBook! I am not going to say one blooming thing about blogging frequency, since that always gets me in trouble. Let me just say that I really enjoyed visiting you all and getting caught up, somewhat.....

I tried to link to Miss Bee's blog - and I can't remember how to do it! I know they've changed stuff around a lot, but good gravy! Please forgive me, Bee. I will try to get back up to par. Sheesh. Scary.
Which reminds me, I finally went to the doctor today. I've been without my thyroid meds for a couple of years now...remember my doctor who died in her boyfriend's chimney? Anyway, I saw her replacement. Wow. What a doll! When I explained that I didn't have insurance she reassured me that they would work with me, and if I needed anything at all, she'd do her best to get it done, and I really believed her! I turn the big 6-5 this year, and will get Medicare (if there's anything left by November), and will go with Kaiser like Wally has. He really loves the Senior Advantage program, and their services are really close to us. So I will become a real, honest-to-goodness fogie!

I don't want to use up all of my thoughts now. They will have died by loneliness by the time I post again if I'm not careful....

Love ya!

The Old Homestead

2011-12-30T00:54:00.000-08:00

The House That Dad Built

This is where I grew up. Imagine a row of eucalyptus trees (a wind break) going down the side of the property, and instead of tract houses, fields of alfalfa. We had an acre behind us, with some chickens, and then orange groves all around. I know I wrote about my pet hen, Nancy, well, this is where we did our roaming.

The house was built in 1951. My brother came in 1954. Even though I was a very young bride (17), this is the place I still call home. My roots are here and I feel close to my parents when I visit. My brother and his family still live here and it looks great! My mom and dad planted the huge Sycamore tree in the front yard that is showing off by thrusting it's roots through the driveway and sidewalk. My brother planted the liquid amber that is the only sign of autumn in Orange County. It hovered aroud 75 degrees this year at Christmas.

I don't miss the traffic, but I sure miss this house.

Veteran's Day 2011

2011-11-10T21:39:00.000-08:00

Brennan Newberry's NASCAR entry

I guess every person in military who's had the opportunity to do this has! Robby looks so young here, it was about two years before his death. Never would have thought when he was a little guy, that one day he'd be sitting in the palace of a despot! For all of you who have served, enjoy this photo, because without our troops despots would be reigning all over the world!

Commercials! And Other Stuff

2011-08-20T22:46:00.000-07:00

Along the Kern River at Hart Park

Thanks for your responses to my request. Commercials can be so wonderful - consider the Super Bowl phenomenon! But more often than next they're guaranteed to make you reach for the remote. I think our local commercials are the worst but some of the nationals are pretty bad, too. The silliest ones are for "enhancements," Zestra and Cealis (sp) are the worst, especially the folks sitting in bathtubs out in the middle of a cornfield!

We tend to like the ones with animals, but my favorite is the baby stockbroker in the crib. He's in trouble because he tried riding the dog and mom took his laptop away. It's very clever and the baby is adorable. I can't begin to tell you the name of the brokerage house, though!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Have any of you seen DIY "I Hate My Kitchen?" Well, that's how we feel about this mess. My former son-in-law gutted our kitchen at our previous house, put in all new cabinetry, new counter tops, new appliances, etc. It was gorgeous! So moving in here, with the pretend wood paneling was disheartening, to say the least!

My present son-in-law finished the new cabinet fronts for the kitchen. (My daughter has kept the cabinet shop open). As I've been peeling away layers, there are at least two different types of wallpaper involving ugly little red teacups and orange flowers. They previous owners left a lot of wallpaper that they'd used in the den. It's not bad - better than the fake paneling for sure! It looks kind of like grass cloth which I've always liked and it's back in style again. So I tried papering over the ugly mess of teacups. It looked pretty good for awhile - until it started peeling off. So, I tried glue. Nope, didn't work, either.

So, our SIL is going to put new backing up which we can either tile over or paint. Instead of dark pretend paneling, it will be crisp and light! I can hardly wait! A couple of years ago we bought all new appliances but the kitchen still looks shabby. We replaced the indoor-outdoor carpeting which was in all the bathrooms and kitchen. Who wants carpet in the bathroom? YUCK. Painting over the pretend paneling is hard work. It takes 2-3 coats of Kilz and you've got to get in all the little grooves which eats up paint brushes like crazy.

Next, we'll replace the counter tops which are laminate butcher block - charming - with a newer grade of laminate that really doesn't look too bad. But that will have to wait a bit. Doing things in bits and pieces has driven me crazy. I want to wiggle my nose and just make it all happen, but I haven't had any luck in that department!

Anyhoo, I'll be happy just to get this part finished. One step at a time...Patience.

Where Did Summer Go?

2011-08-17T18:43:00.000-07:00

I wish I could say I took this photo, but I'm using the PC instead of my laptop and haven't moved my photos over here. Can't honestly say I know how! My old reliable VAIO is about ready to bite the dust. It takes me ten minutes for it to open, and I get a Shockwave crash notice everytime I try to do anything! The PC loads really fast but my back can't take too much of this chair.

I have no news - good or bad - which is of itself good news. It's been hot but tolerable. The cooler has cut our bills in half since we're not having to use the A/C. We had a few really humid days so we cranked it up then but not enough to hurt the wallet. It's so nice to be cool and not quaking in fear of seeing the next electric bill!

We're having trouble with feral cats. Some sweet little old guy across the street feeds them. They have one litter after another, and it breaks my heart. The problem is they drive my dogs nuts. They walk the fences tormenting them and sit outside the fence or sliding glass door and stare at the dogs. The worst part of it is when my birds see them. Good gravy! Our Nanday Conure (parrot) is so loud I'm sure everyone in the park can hear him! And I'm not just whistling Dixie! It's like an air raid siren going off... So it falls on us to keep the zoo quiet so we don't disturb our neighbors, even though it's the cats' fault! I'm going to call the "Cat People," and see if they trap and release or will take them and find families for them. I wish people would be responsible pet owners. Sheeesh.

So how is everyone surviving the political mess? I watch as much on TV as I can stomach, then find something else to do. I have gotten so mad I've actually thrown stuff which scared the dogs to death. As Glenn Beck says, I have blood shooting out of my eyes! In today's newspaper there was a blurb that LA voters will have to vote on a bill making porn producers provide condoms for their "performers." Now, isn't that just ducky. I will admit I saw a smattering of an X-rated flick and had to bleach my eyes. But waste time and money for a bill? ARGHHH.

I don't have a clue who I will back in the elections. They start so soon that everyone is absolutely sick of politics - it's no wonder they can't get people to show up at the polls. I don't really like anyone running so far. Perry reminds me of a used car salesman - there's just something about the guy I don't like. Have to wait and see how many skeletons start popping out of closets.

I have homework for you all. I really enjoy Sandee's Wednesday post where she posts a question. I have one for you. What is your favorite current commercial and your least favorite? I'll post mine after you all post yours.

Happy Wednesday!

A Sad Birthday

2011-07-24T23:42:00.000-07:00

I haven't gotten back in "the groove" as I'd hoped. It's been hot - who doesn't know that! I've been fretting too much and worrying too much - about things I can't change. Lots of unnecessary wheels spinning around and they're smoking!

You've all been very gracious about our loss. I cannot thank you all enough for your kind words and wonderful expressions of sorrow. My daughter and her hubby received Robby's personal belongings from the base, along with his car. I haven't spoken to them recently but saw it posted on FB. I can imagine it wasn't easy going through all of the things he had with him, especially since he'd been away from home for 3, almost 4 years.

Today Robby would have been 22 years old.

The Bible Says Life is But a Vapor....

"The wind is blowing forward, forward and forward. Out of this day, into the next, out of this week, into the following one, and from this year into another. Try as we might to hold onto the sycamores, and whatever familiar landscapes surround us, gradually we lose our grip and are swept forward into a river of tomorrows."

-----Herb Benham, The Bakersfield Californian

A Posy for Your Thoughts

2011-07-13T21:50:00.000-07:00

These are in my daughter, Corinne's yard...

My parrot, Spanky (Nanday Conure)
He hates the camera!

I typed a post the other day, re-read it and dumped it. No particular reason, I just thought it sounded "lame." Then I got to thinking, I'm not getting graded on what I post. Although there's always the chance you won't want to come back and read any more posts! I think since I started out blogging to work out some issues, I still have the feeling that I need to be writing essays or about some super epiphany that unlocked the key to my existence. Okay, I think we all know that's not gonna happen, so here goes nothing.

I used to be a very good speller. Nowadays I find myself typing along like mad only to find words underlined in red and I have absolutely no idea why! I'll retype and it's still wrong. Sometimes I'll figure it out or just give up and use another word. Or I'll forget words and can't remember the word I'm looking for. My cousin assures me it happens to her, too, so either we're both losing our minds or it's just more of this crappy aging process!!!

I was out working in the yard the other day and had a "heat thing." I made it into the house, aimed for the chair, missed, wound up on the floor and the next thing I remember is Wally sitting with me on the floor with cold rags on my face and neck. I should know better. I wasn't outside very long but I haven't been doing the amount of yard work I'm used to doing. I had heat prostration years ago while doing yard work, and I've got to be careful. I tend to go full bore and get spent quickly. Anyway, I'm fine.

The dogs are finally starting to play! We got Sophie for Homer since Katie died, and he was used to having a play pal. Sophie was so sick and undernourished when we brought her home she didn't feel like doing much other than sleeping, eating and getting loved. Within the past couple of weeks, they've been chasing each other through the house, but tonight they really put on a show! Sophie was spinning in circles and leaping in the air. Quite entertaining!

Loving Big Brother as usual but especially liking Rizzoli and Isles! I've read most of the books by (okay brain, kick in!) can't remember author's name but I'm sure you know who I mean! The TV show with Angie Harmon is actually very good...

Leah posted on FB that Robby's headstone had been placed. I was surprised it was so soon. The guy from the mortuary actually took a couple of photos and sent them to Bob and Leah! I thought that was exceptionally nice. I'm going to take some flowers over for them. It just still doesn't seem real.....

Well, do I get graded for this mess? Hope not!

My Blog-lite!

2011-06-26T03:45:00.000-07:00

Our new dog, Sophie. She's a rescue from the pound. She's a real sweetheart.

Since these photos were taken, I think she's gained a pound or two!

Here are some of the roses in my garden....

All of my well intentions of blog-lite! I've been having a migraine festival that comes and goes. I keep trying to come up with something cute and clever - ha, ha. So, nothing........

My granddaughter, Ashleigh, had her birthday yesterday! She's now the ripe ol' age of 24. My birthday is today - and I don't really care, but I'm the ripe ol' age of - choke - 64. I don't feel a second over 75, at least. Funny, I don't think of myself as being 64 but my body sure looks like it!

I'm still working on the blog-lite stuff but in the meantime, here's a link: Life is but a vapor..

And Roses for all!!!

Levon!

2011-06-26T02:50:00.000-07:00

Dear Levon,

I don't know how to contact you, but I am so happy that you left me a comment! I have been worried that something might have happened to you, and I understand that things may have been rough for a spell, but I am just SO glad to know that you're here and I hope you'll reach out again. I have missed your posts and hope that you'll feel up to posting again soon.

I plan on listening to the songs you suggested. Music is a large part of who I am as well. Thanks for your musical offering...

Dear friend, please post or comment again soon!

Blessings,
Gracie

A Beautiful Face

2011-06-16T20:02:00.000-07:00

At Robby's services this young man stood at attention as the casket was carried into the chapel. He's from Jamaica but is now proudly a citizen and serving his country. We were lucky enough to spend some time with him and a lot of his buddies as they stayed at my younger daughter's home for a couple of days before returning to the base. I thought he should head to Hollywood when he leaves the service...he probably has different ideas, though.

Anyway, it's been a horrific few weeks, and I'm going to try to get back in the swing of things. While I'm far from being over the hurt and loss I'm going to use my "Echoes in the Night" for further posts about grief and the process of healing. My whole purpose for blogging starting out with the loss of my son-in-law, Doug. I don't want to use this blog for more grief.

I'll go back to the things that make life worth living and enjoying. None of us know when we will leave this earth and I'd like to make it as pleasant a ride as possible.

In Memory of Robby

2011-05-30T00:28:00.000-07:00

This Memorial Day is far different than those of years ago. This one is personal although it was not through an act of war. We've met some wonderful young men and women who serve our country as they came to the service for Robby.

There was a group of 12 out on a sunny day riding their motorcycles. I didn't know this until Friday as I thought he was alone when he died. This gives all of us a lot of peace knowing he was surrounded by his best buddies. We got to spend a lot of time over the past few days with these young men. We broke bread together, laughed together and you bet, cried together. Our country is in good hands.

This is the tribute I wrote for his On-line Obituary. If any of you would like to post a comment, the link is on my Facebook page. Again, thanks so much for your prayers, support and well-wishes.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Life sometimes hands us such sadness we think we will break under the sheer weight of it. Death reaches out to wrench from us our very hearts, but we must keep going. There's no rest for this, no stopping.

My children have been given the saddest of all tasks; losing a son. My heart has broken watching them as they grieve his loss, but the love they have for each other will help them endure it.

My sweet Robby has touched so many lives and hearts. He had so many wonderful friends who will keep his memory alive. They'll relive the goofy things they did and treasure each joke, each moment of laughter a thousand times, repeated through time... The young men and women with whom he served his country - his brothers and sisters at arms - they'll remember all of the days spent abroad in places they'll never forget nor want to return to. Some will return willingly because they love this country and are so very willing to give it all they have, in some cases, their lives. We honor you.

I was able to share some very special moments of time - too fleeting - with Robby a few months ago. Just watching his expressions as he talked, the spark in his eyes, his willingness to share with me his thoughts as he talked about his future and which path he would take, and how much he loved being with "the guys." Robby had an enormous capacity for love. He was always prepared to give of it freely and without conditions. That is a gift. My grandson occupies a place in my heart that I will treasure as long as I walk this earth.

Here is a gift to all of you from the one who gives us peace: "Let us, therefore, come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." --- Hebrews 4:16

Broken Hearts

2011-05-21T18:25:00.000-07:00

Our Marine, Robert William Rawlins, "Robby," went home to be with Jesus today, May 21, 2011.

Our darling grandson, Robby, our marine, passed away today as the result of a tragic motorcycle accident. Our hearts are broken, and it's only through the peace and grace of Christ that we will endure. Please pray for his mom, (my daughter, Leah) and his dad, Bob and sister, Ashleigh.

The top three photos are from March, the last time we were with him. The bottom picture is at his folks' home on leave. He's got Chico , his mom's dog in his hoodie. That was our Marine, silly, funny, loving and very much a wonderful young man. We loved this child so much, and will always treasure his memory..

Time for a Laugh!

2011-05-18T17:22:00.000-07:00

Little "factoids" amuse me. I love hearing things that make you shake your head and go, "WHAT?" And not in a political way, either! Just little snippets of info that make us smile and amuse us...

My favorite: It is a law in France that you have to provide your toilet to anyone who suffers from Crohn's Disease. Seriously, sufferers have a card issued to them by their doctors that oblige anyone who is the lucky recipient of a knock on the door to provide use of your restroom. Can you image having a total stranger knock at your door and you have to let them in??? Well, it is France, after all.....

ODD FACTS:

*SPAM makes excellent furniture polish (Uh, I'll pass!).
*SPAM can steam-proof your mirrors. When showering rub spam on your mirrors. (Uh, don't think so!).
*SPAM makes excellent fishing bait (Now that might work!).

*Peanut butter: Former senator Barry Goldwater of Arizona, once shaved with peanut butter while on a camping trip (for best results, avoid shaving with extra crunchy!
*Grease a car or truck axle. George Washington Carver developed axle grease from peanuts. (I think Jiffy Lube might be cheaper!)
*Bait a mouse trap with peanut butter! Unfortunately, I know this works!

*Coca-Cola: Clean a toilet bowl. Pour a can of Coke into the toilet bowl and let the Real Thing sit for one hour, then brush and flush clean. (When do you add ice?)
*Remove grease from clothes. Empty a can of Coke into a load of greasy work clothes, add detergent, and run through a regular wash cycle. (These "handy hints" sure aren't cheap!)
*Shaking up a bottle of Coke for use as a douche immediately after sexual intercourse has been considered an effective method of contraception among the uneducated. It does not work. (Holy Krap! Wonder when they caught on - after the 9th or 10th kid?)

"Every cloud has a silver lining, and soon they'll

figure out how to tax us for that, too...."

Thank you all...

2011-05-16T21:59:00.000-07:00

You all have helped me through this difficult week. Katie was 12 years old and was stricken suddenly with Pancreatitis. I'm thankful that her illness was very brief and she didn't have to suffer very long. This photo isn't very clear but it's such a good example of her good nature and sweet spirit. Can't you just see Homer sitting there waiting to get her attention?

Zoe passed away last year, and we brought Homer home to "Aunt Katie." He bugged and pestered her to no end. She did everything she could to escape from him but finally accepted him and they became very good buddies. She endured having her ears bitten, her tail chased, and being awakened for another round of tug-of-war.

She gave us so much pleasure and she never gave us a minute of worry. Sweet, sweet Katie. We'll always miss you...

Point of Grace

2011-05-11T00:34:00.000-07:00

I don't usually post music videos but this one really touch my heart. Things are so tough right now; people with life-threatening situations, illnesses; employment on the decrease; gas increases; food increases; wars; government run amok all over the world. And yet.....
there's hope. Not the kind of "hope" promised to us by politicians, but real hope.

I hope this brings you comfort as it has me.

Definitely Not a Good Thing!!!

2011-05-02T16:57:00.000-07:00

Bakersfield is the nation's most polluted city

Photo: David Jordan

MSA: Bakersfield, Calif.

Worst county: Kern County

PM2.5 annual design value (2007-2009): 22.6

Total population: 807,400 people potentially exposed

We make either the top or bottom of so many lists! We're at the very southern end of a valley. and the wind blows all the junk from the bay area, where it sits blocked in by mountains. It's another reason so many of us have asthma, sinus infections, and valley fever. And we get Tule (toolie) fog, which like the air, hangs in the lowest places and holds in all of the particulate matter (and causes way too many wrecks!).

Honestly, we can drive to the coast for a day, and you can feel the pressure start receding. When you drive home over the Grapevine (Hwy 99) and start the decline you can see the brown stuff hanging over the valley. Move? Where. How. All of our kids are here...Maybe a mass exodus is needed!

I've gotta go use my Netti Pot!

A Sphinx on the Loose!

2011-04-20T00:40:00.000-07:00

I have to start by apologizing to my cousin, Lynne, who will be going "Oh yuck!!!"

Our dog, Homer, thinks these Sphinx Moths make the best toys ever, but he thinks he's a cat. This time of year they're thick around the lights outside and yes, they're huge. He had one last night which got loose and was flying about the den, and I honestly thought at first it was a Hummingbird! We haven't had one quite as big as the one pictured, but pretty darned close.

Poor Wally. It's his job to catch and release. When possible. Most of the poor things are munched to death, but the few that survive get released out front where he can't get to them - except I'm thinking all of the feral neighborhood cats will be feasting.

Ah, spring has sprung!

The Little Wiglet that Wouldn't

2011-04-14T17:03:00.000-07:00

Back in the sixties, big hair was all the fashion, especially these neat little wiglets! They were really pretty and easy to just comb your hair up and slap in a few hair pins; you were set to go!

Sounds pretty good, no? Well, mine was like a rabid animal that was out to get me! I was walking through the parking lot at Knott's Berry Farm and a breeze kicked up. My angry wiglet went flying off my head like Rocky, the squirrel, rolling over and over through the debris and leaves. Off I went, chasing the errant hair when I noticed a car load of guys checking out the situation. I guess they weren't animal lovers because they tried really hard to run over the squirrel! They were laughing like drunken hunters, causing me to run all the harder, while keeping one hand over my now naked head!

I caught the poor thing and slapped it on my head, dirt, leaves and all. The guys laughed at drove off. I'm sure they're probably telling their grandkids about the time they chased a poor girl's pet.
~~~

Same wiglet, another story. When I was in high school I was in the performing choir. Our director was famous for creating the "Singing Christmas Tree," which was a scaffolding arranged like the skeleton of a Christmas tree. There was rope providing a way of climbing up and also on which to hang Christmas lights.
We all wore green choir robes which were heavy and certainly not intended for climbing! I had a duet so my spot was right under the star on top so I had some serious climbing to do! To create a dramatic effect, and not have the audience watch us scramble up the tree, like monkeys, the lights were off. As soon as we were all in place the Christmas lights went on, and the candles we were holding were turned on. It was always quite awesome.

During my awkward climb, my poor little wiglet got hung up in the rope causing it to go askew. So now I had the task of climbing up the scaffold, holding on to my choir robe, my candle, and now my hair! It was tilting over the side almost to my ear. Talk about cockeyed! I managed to reposition it and reattach it with the hair pins. When the house lights were turned on I was all in one piece, albeit with a slightly off kilter head of hair.
(This is a link about the tree and its creator, Mr. Alex Encheff, the best teacher I ever had, bar none. Sarge may be interested that the choir in subsequent years participated in events at Pearl Harbor, the first to do so)
http://www.pearlharborsurvivors.org/Tribute-MrE/index.html

One more tale (no pun intended!)...I was restocking inventory in the shop, hanging stuff on pegboard. There were metal hangers hooked to the pegboard on which the item was hung. I bent over to pick up some product and when I stood up, the wiglet was - yep! You guessed it - hanging on the hook, leaving me looking like a nitwit. I grabbed that puppy (or squirrel!) off the hook, slapped in on my head and went to the stockroom, horrified, wondering how many people had seen that gruesome display.

Remember, these events happened when I was 16-17, subject to much embarrassment. When I told my mom what happened, she said "Have you thought of using bobby pins instead of hair pins?" Duh....

Spring!

2011-04-10T21:59:00.000-07:00

Spring is here! I love this time of year, when ol' man winter is still

lingering in the air, not yet ready to yield to the warmer days ahead.

This was taken from the cemetery, about a mile from our house

It has a wonderful sweeping view of the valley.

I'm not certain what type of tree this is - my guess is it's a flowering plum.

I love the way the little blooms look like butterflies dangling at the end

of fairy wands. Oooh, am I waxing poetic?

Have a wonderful week, my friends!

A Delightful Day

2011-04-08T22:56:00.000-07:00

What a great visit we had with the kids! Our Marine is snuggling with Ryleigh, our great-grand (she had an ear infection and this is the biggest smile I was able to get!) Our Marine is still a kid - check out the horns on gramma's head! I'm 5'6" so you can tell our Marine is one tall drink of water. His grandfather, my former husband, was 6'5" so we know where he got his height gene!

The top photo and the pool are just a couple of reasons we hate to go home after spending an afternoon there. When they were having the house built, the coffered ceiling wasn't being done correctly, and Doug told the guy he expected it to be redone. The worker asked Doug what difference did it make. You don't use the dining room that often! Needless to say, it was fixed properly! That seems to be the attitude of today's workers...

The pool is my favorite place to be. When all of the plants bloom and the palms put out new fronds, it is absolutely gorgeous. Daughter has planted so many roses and Birds of Paradise, it's a colorful, tranquil spot, a wonderful place to be....

April Fool Photo

2011-04-04T21:54:00.000-07:00

I love these roses! We bought the plant last year and the flowers have been awesome. We had a few oranges left and I thought it made a neat shot...
~~~We got to see the kids yesterday. Our Marine drove up from 29 Palms to surprise his sister - and she was. He doesn't think his unit will see any more action (how he would know, I don't understand, but I hope it's true). Ryleigh, whose 3rd birthday was yesterday, had a touch of an ear infection/cold. I didn't get any real good photos since she felt so punk, but I have some to get posted anyway. She is such a character!

One of her presents was a baby doll. When dad set it up, it started talking - in SPANISH! Argh. He opened it up and found a switch that put it English. Sheesh. I guess I should be glad it wasn't in Chinese. I guess that's next.

I'm in the mood to rant about the state of the world, but I don't want to end on a downer! Peace, love and blue skies for you this week!

2011-04-01T20:44:00.000-07:00

Well, another week has gone by! I guess the earthquake really did knock the earth off it's axis - we're spinning out of control! Every morning I wake up, make my protein shake (every a.m. for ten years!), and turn on Fox. Meghan Kelly is my favorite in the a.m. I wait to see what the craziest thing of the day will be, and sometimes it's really hard to choose! Between Chucky Schumer's ad libs (ha, ha!) and the President's odd ball group of cronies (boo!), radiation spilling into the Pacific.... And yet, no one will tell the truth. Maybe Obama needs to hire an astrologist. I think he uses a dart board to plan his dirty deeds.

Okay....enough of that joyful stuff! It's Friday p.m. and I'm watching True Crime stuff; hubbys' watching a Doobie Brothers DVD. We went to Costco yesterday to pick up my meds. Costco is the cheapest place for prescriptions. Having no insurance, I was going to have to pay over $300 just for one. Costco is so cheap it's actually less than what I paid with a co-pay with Blue Cross!

We stopped at Marie Calendar's for an early dinner. I call it Old Fogie Hour. The geriatric crowd seems to love MC's. The prices have really gone up and the food just didn't seem as good as usual. Our favorite Mexican restaurant changed hands and the new chef isn't cutting it. Ay Carumba! Our old faithful Mom and Pop Mex restaurant has finally closed it's doors for good. Most of the places are too cookie-cutter for our taste buds, so we're on a replacement hunt. We like the authentic stuff . Now that funds are dwindling I guess we'll have to settle for Taco Bell (ugh!).

The photo at top? I took it at the park several months ago and played around with it. With the sepia tones it reminds me of an Asian screen print. I kinda like it.

The "kids" are driving me nuts. Homer loves chew toys. The problem is he devours them! The stuffed babies don't have any stuffing left after a couple of hours, so I have to be vigilant to make certain he doesn't eat it. He chews up hard rubber toys, too. He and Katie love to play tug-of-war with them, and they act like kids. Katie will steal a baby and run outside with it with Homer at her heels. Next thing we know, Homer comes flying through the den with Katie at his heels - and so it goes. I buy them chew bones and treats but they are too expensive for every day. Never a dull moment!

It was in the high 80's today, the highest of the year. I know you guys that are battling snow would change places with me in a heart beat, but I prefer the 60's-70's. It's supposed to rain tomorrow (yay!) and then back in the 60's Sunday. Our rain fall for the year is double the normal and I'm thrilled. Time to get the hoe and do some prep for the flower beds. My favorite time of the year!

Happy weekend to all of you!

My, Oh My.

2011-03-24T19:51:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe how long it's been since I've posted anything. I don't think I've ever gone this long. I've been thinking of just quitting, but I've had a time of introspection, which depression causes one to do, and I think I'd be better off forcing myself to continue. The last couple of months I've gone underground. I seem to pull the blanket over my head, ignoring all and everything that makes me happy. I play the silly little FB games - keeps my mind busy.

I've got another blog I purposely set up for the blah, blah, blah, I'm depressed, poor me, blah, blah, blahs....
Now, the thing is - I need to use it! I want my friends to come here and leave feeling better than they did before. I want to give, not take.

So, here we go. I've missed all of you so much, but I'm not going to waste more time on navel gazing - at least, not here!

The windchimes are in my backyard. Don't you just love the way the pine tree had it's limbs whacked off? The heart is for all of you.....

A Gray Day Downtown

2011-01-25T23:02:00.000-08:00

I have no idea what this building is - I need to go back and find out. I love the little niche in the middle of the turret. Linda - I'm a big disappointment because I'm posting w/o checking. I love that the leaves here and below echo the colors of the building, and I love the burgundy trim on the windows below.

I'm nuts about this clock. I like the lines and style, especially the way it pops against the more modern lines of the building behind it.

The Return of the Jam Jar

2011-01-20T01:16:00.000-08:00

"The Little Chapel by the Lake" When I was little, I would sit

in the little booth with Florence and help her take tickets and sell

the transfiguration picture of Jesus that was shown in the chapel.

She's the lady in the photo, dressed in period clothing.

My Little Jam Jar, come home to roost....

Most of you know of my connections to Knott's Berry Farm. I started the saga with my parents meeting way back in the last 30's and marrying in 1941. After the war, my dad, mother and my mother's sister started a business. It was called Art Glow Studio. They had the shop where they created items on our home property, and they employed maybe 5-6 women. (Why can I remember most of their names but I can't remember the name of the book I'm reading????) They had two concepts: One was the "Art Glow Studio," which my aunt operated. It was at Knott's, across from the Little Chapel on the Lake, where the Inspiration House would be in later years. They made plaster figurines and painted them with phosphorescent paint. You held the item up under direct lamp light, turned off the light and the object would "glow in the dark!"

The second aspect of the Art Glow Studio was jam jars and creamers. You know that the "berry" in the farm was the boysenberry, which was developed locally by Luther Burbank. Walter Knott grew boysenberries and they sold pies at the original berry market (where my mom, aunt and dad all worked)As Knott's became more popular, along with the restaurant (Chicken Dinner Restaurant), they started selling souvenir items, one of which was the jam jars.

My folks had three or four huge commercial kilns at the shop and they made a lot of different ceramic decorative pieces. I remember plates, figurines, lamp bases, vases, things of that sort. And the jam jars. The jars were baked in the kilns, then they were painted, baked again, then the decals were baked on. I can see my mom using a sponge dipped in (I think) gold leaf in liquid form and dabbing the gold around the edge of the lid and the bottom of the jar. The leaves and berry were hand-painted. (After my folks started the Inspiration House, Knott's bought the jam jars and "outsourced" them and they all carry the stamp "Knott's Berry Farm." I have seen a couple of those...)

It's a shame that we aren't blessed with foresight because I had no idea that one day I would wish that I had kept one of those little jars. I started looking for one years ago when I would find myself in an antique shop or second hand store. I have found a lot of our everyday dishes that came from Kresses Department store, and some of them are actually stamped "Made in Occupied Japan." But I never found a jam jar. One night a couple of weeks ago I checked out ebay. Guess what? I found three of them! All with the "Art Glow Studio" stamp! I can't tell you how I felt! One for me and two left over for my girls! I love looking at the gold lettering and realize that my mother wrote that... Little joys in life and heartfelt pleasures mean all the world to me.

Greetings from Fogville...

2011-01-17T01:27:00.000-08:00

Well, we're kinda socked in with Tulle ("toolie") Fog. Nasty stuff, really, as it causes major accidents, and the air quality control folks have your neighbors rat you out if you dare light a fire. Since our air quality is so bad, I do kinda get that, but what's a cold, drippy, foggy night without the option of a roaring fire? Okay, I don't even have a fireplace...but wouldn't it be nice?

I made some nice hot chai tea and munched on some cinnamon crisps. Totally decadent woman that I am, I even chewed off a bit of dark chocolate, consoling myself that it's all for my health.

I took off yesterday for my second venture to Costco because they didn't have my meds Friday. On the way home, I meandered through downtown B-town with my trusty little camera. It was grey and drippy - a perfect day for some architectural shots. We have some lovely old buildings here. There were no people to speak of so I didn't care if I looked foolish hopping out here and there, but, as luck would have it, my battery went dead. I did get a couple of really neat shots I'll post later.

I know you all back east, except for you Floridians, are suffering with all of the really cold stuff, so I'll quit my bellyaching. But you all know how I prefer the cold to the heat (sorry, Sandee and Bee!!!).

I hope the week ahead treats all of you well and may blessings abound!

(Reading a very good book: "Just Do Something, a Liberating Approach to Finding God's Will, or How to Make a Decision Without Dreams, Visions, Fleeces, Impressions, Open Doors, Random Bible Verses, Casting Lots, Liver Shivers, Writing in the Sky, Etc." ---Kevin De Young)

My Resolutions and Other Stuff

2011-01-06T20:41:00.000-08:00

I don't usually make resolutions but I figured most of these

would be easy for me, especially the next-to-last one!

This is my very favorite picture of my great-grand, Ryleigh!

Do people not own mirrors anymore???

Or is her head on backwards?

After all those years working at Knott's I didn't think anything

could shock me when it comes to people's personal appearance.

But this one got me. That black stuff you see on the lady's head

and hanging down her back? IT'S HAIR! (Or a reasonable facsimile).

Wait - what's reasonable about this mess?

We're off to a good start for the new year. At least Madame Pelosi had her gavel

taken away from her. I just wish Boehner had whacked her with it. And he kissed

her! YACK! That would mean some serious mouth washing with some Jack Daniels!!!

"...and to all a good night!"

2010-12-26T23:58:00.000-08:00

Part of the Tribe...

Yes, I know. I'm absolutely adorable....

We ran out of gas.....

Mr. DeMille, I'm ready for my close-up!

Look at me! I gradiated!

Happy Birthday, Sarge!!!

2010-12-05T00:18:00.000-08:00

Have a splendid birthday!!! I went shopping for you and found these really neato cakes...see what you think!

And here are some funnies for you...
(This is Nancy Pelosi before make-up!)

Happy Birthday, My Hero - SARGE!!!

Snooping Complete

2010-12-03T22:40:00.000-08:00

That's Hubman with grand-dog, Norma Jean. They're having a great discussion about playing fetch, I think!

Well, I finally found out a little more about the folks across the way. I always take Homer with me when I go out and get the mail. He thinks it's his job now. So I had him in my arms at the mailbox and noticed Ray was outside so I took a chance. I meandered over and asked him if he'd like to meet my new pup. That opened Pandora's box. He petted Homer and started telling me about all the cats that they have. There are several feral cats he's been feeding because he said he couldn't stand to see them out in the cold. The "Cat People" are coming with traps and neuter/spay them and try to find them homes.

I asked him how things are going - remember, he's quite hard of hearing and I speak softly - lots of yelling going on! He said that Bertie is "near being dead," and that she's back home. He said they can't be together more than five minutes that they're not arguing, although he said he's trying real hard not to. He said that he has to help her up during the night several times "to urinate on the port-a-potty, but she dribbles." TMI!!!
But I let him go on. They're looking for a convalescent home for her, and he's got help during the day. He also told me that Bertie is 93 years old! Remember me telling you that she was still driving to the store?!? She doesn't look that old at all. I would've guessed mid to late 70's.

So that's that. I didn't want to ask him any questions about the fire truck that comes and goes all the time. When I told him goodbye, I told him that we were praying for them and he broke into tears. I hugged him and he recovered and thanked me. Gee. Talk about breaking your heart! So....now I know and kinda wish I didn't.

Me and Wally at the Beach....

2010-12-01T00:34:00.000-08:00

Okay, this isn't nice but why the heck do people do this?!? I saw so many "odd" wardrobe malfunctions while working at Knott's, you'd think I couldn't be shocked, but this one almost takes the cake! (Must be somewhere in Europe, I'm guessing!)
(Ooops. I should have clarified that that's me and Wally on the left....she snickers)

Still Snooping...

2010-11-29T22:39:00.000-08:00

Still no answers...but family and friends have been in and out. The truck, "Fire Attack Unit," comes and goes on a regular basis - at all hours. Ray and Bertie are their names. He spends a lot of time working on his rose bed and petting his calico cat. His kids bought him a golf cart so he can drive around the park and not feel as if he's totally dependent. Up until a few weeks ago, Bertie was still driving to the grocery store with Ray in tow.

Several months ago, a deputy sheriff pulled up and wound up hauling Ray off. I got the mail at the same time as my neighbor who told me that Ray had "gone off" and was flushing Bertie's pills and pushing her around. A couple of weeks later, family came and took the furniture out and hauled it off. Bertie went to stay with family and Ray was allowed back in the home - by himself. Since then, Bertie - and the furniture - all moved back in. But earlier in the week a realtor posted a "For Sale" sign in the yard.

It's made me somewhat reflective. I sure hope I don't lose my cognitive skills - the few I have left anyway!
I've already apologized to hubman for things I may do in the future. I have a vivid imagination, and I guess that's why the saga of Ray and Bertie has piqued my interest and concern. There hasn't been any notice in the paper so I'm hoping that things are going well.

When hubman found out about his diabetes, he started walking 1-2 miles a day. By the end of the first week he made several friends and probably knows everyone's name by now. I'm such a "recluse," I don't really know a soul. I guess it's true that opposites attract!

Hope everyone has a fantastic week...

I'm a Snoop!

2010-11-28T01:08:00.000-08:00

I didn't realize what a snoop I am until we moved here where our neighbors are so close. There has been a fire, several ambulances (remember, we're on "Geezer St."), the coroner's van - that was interesting, since it was right across the road, approx three car widths.

The elderly couple that lives across and down one have a lot of health problems. He's nearly blind and deaf, and she's in and out of the hospital. So, on Thanksgiving, the ambulance picked her up and then yesterday, the family came to town. Of course, I'm concerned for her well-being, but still wonder what happened. Tonight, about 6:00, in the rain, a pick-up truck pulled up with signage across the side "Fire - - - ". It was definitely a beefed-up truck with lots of equipment, but not a regular county fire vehicle. All of the lights went on in every room and they started hauling in some sort of equipment. Now, mind you - I can't be hanging out my door watching, so I peeked through the blinds, but you can't see as much.

The truck stayed until 11:30 - and I still don't know what's up. Maybe someone left a pan on the stove when they went to the hospital and it smoked up the place. I kept bugging hubman to go across the street and ask (kidding him) but he wouldn't go, so my snooping didn't do a bit of good. I came up with all sorts of scenarios but, darn it, no answers.

All I know is we sure hope they're all alright!!!

Krap on a Stick

2010-11-21T01:46:00.000-08:00

Norma Jean

Spike on a Stick

Spike loves to sit and look out the window but not from my plants! Something spooked him and off he went.

Ya know, I've gotta be more careful - I posted those baby owl pics because I thought they were so darned cute, but I didn't realize that I sounded whiny until I read the comments. Sheesh. What with all a lot of you are going through right now, I'm sure as heck not gonna crab about a headache!

The top photo is my daughter's Shiba Inu, Norma Jean (they're like a miniature Akita). I laughed really hard because my grandson, Kyle, named her not having a clue who Norma Jean was! I guess it's the name of some rock band, and that's why he chose it. I don't think the real Norma Jean was this hairy....

The baby had to go to dog school today. He's really doing well with the sit/stay/leave it/down/ and all of those dog-type commands. But boy, is he a pill! He'll get ahold of something he knows he's not supposed to have, he'll look at you, at if you make a move, he's out the door running around the yard, daring you to come get it/him. He's a real "slimer," too. Just loves to give kisses! He acts a lot like a cat and he likes to settle in the chair on the back of my neck - which is really kinda nice 'cause he's warm - but he slimes you. Slurp...

Daughter #1, Leah, and her hubby, Bob, are on their way back to OK after a two week trek. She posted on FB that they hit winds so bad in AZ they had to pull off-road (they have a humongous RV). I guess they were stuck several hours - now they're driving through the night to get home so they'll be ready for work Monday. They work at the Federal Prison in El Reno OK. Leah works in the accounting office and Bob's a CO. Boy, the stories they can tell, only they're very careful not to name names, darn it. When they first started working together in the prison system I didn't like it at all. I didn't want her to see the sort of stuff they see in a prison situation but she's very matter-of-fact about it and doesn't let the gnarlier stuff get to her. She had to qualify on weaponry which also makes me feel better. Back in Victorville, she actually got overtime by working on the guard towers. Did you all know that the toilet facilities in those guard towers are quite primative since they can't leave the site? Wouldn't work for me, guys.

Well, I'm gonna sign off and read for a while. I've been reading "The Murderer's Daughters," by Randy Susan Meyers. Pretty good so far. I am seriously thinking about getting a Kindle. I still have very mixed feelings about that whole concept, but if I can still read in the bathroom I'm okay!

Have a blessed Sunday, everyone!

Little snot had that geranium in his mouth....

A Photo of My Week...

2010-11-20T00:38:00.000-08:00

A week of migraines and other discomforts: Just a feeling of being yelled at and shat upon....
(I think this guy is just too cute!)

In Honor - - -

2010-11-11T01:28:00.000-08:00

This day, Veteran's Day, is set aside to honor those who have so valiantly served their country to preserve FREEDOM. We have so many patriots in our country (Sarge Charlie!) and I humbly offer my thanks...

This Veteran's Day, I wanted to honor the author of the poem, "High Flight." As I was hunting the poem, I found this notice on the RAF website. Sixty-nine years separate the the two men but their sacrifices will endure forever. So, I lift a pint in honor of our brothers-in-arms, the British.

Senior Aircraftman Scott Hughes dies in Cyprus

It is with sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that Senior Aircraftman Scott 'Scotty' Hughes serving with Number 1 Squadron Royal Air Force Regiment died in Cyprus on Sunday 7 November 2010 following injuries sustained in an accident.
Senior Aircraftman (SAC) Hughes was returning from operations in Afghanistan and died from injuries suffered in a boating accident that took place on Friday 5 November as his unit was undertaking decompression activities.
He was due to return home to the UK the following day.
(He was born 5 June 1990)

High Flight

Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth

And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;

Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth

Of sun-split clouds - and done a hundred things

You have not dreamed of - wheeled and soared and swung

High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there

I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung

My eager craft through footless halls of air.

Up, up the long delirious, burning blue,

I've topped the windswept heights with easy grace

Where never lark, or even eagle flew - And, while with silent lifting mind I've trod

The high untresspassed sanctity of space,

Put out my hand and touched the face of God.

Pilot Officer Gillespie Magee
No 412 squadron, RCAF
Killed 11 December 1941

Lessons From a Hummingbird - - -

2010-11-03T22:36:00.001-07:00

With a mind that tends to be "busy," I have always, unconsciously, found myself being "busy" with something to keep from feeling as if I were fragmenting. I don't know how else to describe the feeling of being unable to just be "quiet." I used to lie on the couch and read or watch The Tonight Show, or old movies....something that could hold my attention so I didn't feel as though I was on an out-of-control train approaching a trestle; or the feeling of being poised at the top of a roller coaster, just ready to begin that rapid free-fall, with your heart in your throat.

Later, I learned to macrame, then on to embroidery, cross stitch, counted cross stitch (why I wear glasses!), and then I took art classes - oils, watercolor, pastels, acrylics; then on to stamping cards, scrap-booking, and altered art, and beading. Now, can anybody guess? Uh huh. The computer is my current mood stabilizer. I can lose myself reading other peoples' blogs and working on my own. I can look at catalogs, read newspapers, play games, etc.

So you may be thinking, "Okay, we all do that or have hobbies, nothing strange about that!" But here's the kicker: I can stay up for hours reading, playing games, painting, wherever my current abstraction may take me. I have stayed up reading until the sun comes up, or, yes, playing stupid games on Facebook. I am horribly obsessive-compulsive. Having a mind so fixated on being quiet is only amplified and fixates on the quietness.

Now to the hummingbird: I have a feeder out on the back patio and love watching the hummingbirds come and hover, with those wings going a mile a minute, buzzing like bumblebees. Last month, I welcomed a couple of Anna's Hummingbirds, who were quite territorial, flitting after each other, chasing and darting about. We're down to one visitor now, so I guess dominance was determined!

I've been trying to get outside everyday for 10-15 minutes of sunlight after reading about Vitamin D. It seems that popping a vitamin pill isn't quite the same as absorbing vitamin D through the skin. So I've placed a chair outside so I can sit for a few minutes. Sitting for 10-15 minutes without something to occupy my mind is not comfortable. Sometimes I try to pray and my mind wanders, or I just daydream, but something pops in and jolts that trigger-happy brain to snap to attention.

Okay, here we go back to the hummer. This little guy - I'm pretty certain he's a guy because he has a beautiful iridescent magenta head! A glorious little creature! He's accustomed to seeing me sit in my chair, and he'll come to the feeder just a few feet away. Yesterday, I watched him feed then dart off to the orange tree which provides shade for the feeder. He landed on a little twig and sat, appearing to watch me watch him. After a little while of this he flitted back to the feeder for another dose of sugar water. I know you've all seen them - their wings are almost invisible they move so fast! Then, again, back to the little tiny branch he'd picked out on the orange tree. This went on for maybe four or five times. Then it hit me.

How much energy does it take for his little wings to keep moving? So much that he constantly has to feed to keep up his strength. When hummingbirds migrate during the fall, they find nourishment where they can along the way. All the while, feeding and fluttering. Do you see the picture I'm painting? I spend so much energy just to keep my mind occupied - my wings fluttering - that I wear myself out. Then I need to feed more, and more, and more.

“Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). This has always been a favorite verse of mine. But, as you can see, being still isn't easy for me. As I watched that little hummer I wondered if being still is knowing God. As a creature of God, that's his appointed job in the universe, to pollinate flowers and plants along his migratory path. He knows when to be still and he knows God.

Today, I watched a woodpecker try his luck out on a palm tree, I fed and enjoyed our blue jays, and I watched the sweet little hummer just "being." My mind was being still and I was learning more about knowing God and the peace he provides...

~DONA NOBIS PACEM~

2010-11-03T19:03:00.000-07:00

The picture I chose for my peace globe was taken at the site of the Oklahoma City bombing. We were there in 2008. There were so many, many memorial tokens left on the fences they have allowed them to remain. My photo is just a minute representation of the love and devotion to those who died that day.

This is a hymn from my childhood - it's words are so true today.

There comes to my heart one sweet strain,

A glad and a joyous refrain,
I sing it again and again,
Sweet peace, the gift of God’s love.

Peace, peace, sweet peace,
Wonderful gift from above,
Oh, wonderful, wonderful peace,
Sweet peace, the gift of God’s love.

----Peter P. Bilhorn, 1887

Visit to the Vet!

2010-11-02T00:23:00.000-07:00

Poor little Homer, with his doctor, getting his very last puppy shots! The boy recovered nicely and will be back in two months for the surgery all the boy dogs hate to talk about.

And on a happier note.....

2010-10-24T23:47:00.000-07:00

Here's a photo of Daughter #1 threatening Daughter #2's rooster! She was waiting for dinner and ready to eat anything!
(P.S. Please read the comment my cuz left for you guys on the last post.....)

Reflections on a Fault

2010-10-22T01:05:00.000-07:00

Sugar

The Nest

California Fall Colors

These are photos of my trip a few years ago to my cousin's home in Angelus Oaks, close to Big Bear Lake. She dearly loves her home, her critters, and her friends - fellow mountain dwellers. Last week she was diagnosed with breast cancer, and today she had a mastectomy at 1:00 and was home in the early evening. I still can't believe how quickly you're kicked out the door after major surgery...

I didn't go to be with her, although she would have been the first to show up on my doorstep, if I needed her. She does, but I cannot forgive myself for not being the first one she saw when she came out of the anesthetic. I should have been there to take her home, make her comfortable, and see to her needs. She knows why I didn't come and forgives me for my shortcomings and failings. I don't know if I can.

Dinner on the River

2010-09-30T19:00:00.000-07:00

I love Kernville. I guess you've figured that out by now. That, and it's a 45 minute trip - probably 20 minutes if you were a bird. The old road is really rugged - lots of hairpin turns. When we get the wanderlust we usually head here or Tehachapi. Kernville is hot in the summer, though, so we usually head up Hwy 58 to Tehachapi. In fact, it's apple season there. Time for a jaunt!

The Kern River Inn is a B&B, and if you've got a good arm, you could stand on the porch and throw a stone in the river. We took a look inside and the rooms are really nice, and you can even hear the river from the front bedroom. Hubman's birthday is in October - maybe that would make a nice gift! A night on the river and dinner at Ewing's, which is known for their marvelous steaks ...

Hmmmmm. Just wondering....

2010-09-29T23:59:00.000-07:00

Cujo Jr.

I wonder what it means when you're about a third of the way through a book on Bi-Polar Disorder ("Hurry Down Sunshine...") and you realize you've already read it - and it was published in '08. That means you didn't have a whole lot of time to forget it. Does it mean I was manic when I read it, or was I too depressed to remember it!

Just wondering.....

Whitewater Cruising

2010-09-24T00:15:00.000-07:00

Here we are in Kernville again. They're really more photos of our last visit. I'm standing on a bridge that spans the river, watching the white water rafters return after a trip down river. It was a very warm (hot!) day and they looked so cool, literally and figuratively, coming in for a smooth landing.

(One of the women that worked for one of the rafting companies was a contestant on Survivor several seasons ago - can't remember her name.)

There are several rafting companies that operate out of Kernville. I'd really like to try this while I'm still able to get on and off a raft! A lot of people (hubman included) go tubing on the lower river, closer to Bakersfield, but the currents can be deadly. I'll stick with rafts with guides that know the river and know what they're doing...

No, I'm Not Dead...

2010-09-21T01:31:00.000-07:00

...just resting.

Isn't that the coolest planter you ever saw? I loved it the minute I laid my eyes on it.

A couple of weeks ago, we had a party at my daughter's house - combination birthdays for Corinne and her step-daughter, Amber. They all wanted to play "Bocci Ball." If you've ever seen a movie with elder Italian playing what appears to be lawn bowling, then you know what Bocci ball is. The object is to throw heavy wooden balls at a smaller ball that's been tossed out towards the opposite goal. Let me tell you, those balls are heavy! There are teams of two, and I played with my son-in-law and we kicked some butt! But even my trusty right arm couldn't save us. We finished in 2nd place. I couldn't move for two days.

I've got a fuzzy little juvenile delinquent resting on my feet. Homer is a little terrorist. He's so adorable when he's sleeping, but when he's "zizzing" around the house, he's a handful! We're not a bit sorry we got a puppy, though. It's fun watching him learn the ropes from our Katie, our older dog. He's already mastered "sit," "drop-it," "bring it," and we're working on "no-bite!" He's little baby teeth are like Parana teeth!

Fall is in the air here - although it is expected to be in the 90's again at the end of the week. Fall means shorter days, which I hate, and cooler weather, which I love!!! We only had to use the A/C about ten days this summer, opting instead to use the cooler we bought. Man, I wish we'd done that two summers ago. Our highest electric bill was under $70! Considering that just last summer it was well over $300 per month, we're thrilled!

Why is it that during the day I can think of so many things I want to talk about, but when I start typing and thinking it all evaporates?!? I guess I need to start making notes. But then I'd just forget where they are...
I'll put my thinking cap on and see what I can come up with.

Happy week, every one.

"Death in the Chimney" Update

2010-09-03T01:34:00.000-07:00

Well, it just got weirder and weirder. It would appear that Dr. Kotarac was in a rocky relationship. She and her boyfriend were supposed to leave for Amsterdam last Friday, and I guess they had a brouhaha. She tried to see him Wednesday evening, but he sneaked out the back. She then tried to break the back door down with a shovel, and when that didn't do the job, she got a ladder and got on the roof, removed the chimney cap and went in feet first. This happened Wednesday. The boyfriend stayed elsewhere and didn't return until Thursday, spending the night and leaving for Amsterdam as planned, but by himself, on Friday.

On Saturday, a neighbor, who was taking care of the boyfriend's fish tank, came in and noticed a rank odor (makes me ill to even imagine, especially given the heat), looked up the fireplace and then called the cops.

The boyfriend had noticed Dr. K's purse, along with her cellphone and other personal "stuff," in the backyard Thursday. He and Dr. K's office assistant then called the police, not knowing what had happened to her, and filed a missing persons report. Sadly, she was there all the time.

Her brother said when they were kids they lived on an old property that had a huge fireplace. You could see up through the chimney when the flue was open. He thinks, given her mental state (and yes, she had been drinking), she indeed thought she could get in the house.

I keep thinking about her and what a horrible death she must have had. The official COD was asphyxiation due to chest compression - so it wasn't instant. And they say truth is stranger than fiction....

Too Strange to be True!

2010-08-31T01:13:00.000-07:00

Just a short post: I just heard on the news that my doctor died over the weekend! I'm still reeling over this - she was found dead in her boyfriend's house - in the chimney!!! I don't have all of the details yet, but apparently she was trying to get into the house in his absence and tried to go through the chimney?!? Something ain't right here.

Why wouldn't she break a window? Maybe afraid it would set off an alarm? Could it be that she had a little too much to drink and wasn't thinking straight? Could she have had a mental breakdown?

Dr. Kotarac was just 49. She was a brilliant lady - right now I can't begin to remember all of her awards and titles, but this was no 3rd world country bumpkin. An autopsy wasn't completed at the time of the report, so that will prove to be interesting. It's such a shame and what a loss to our community! She was loved and respected by a lot of folks....

You Have No Idea ...

2010-08-19T20:03:00.000-07:00

This is "Jay" Leno - our resident Scrub Jay.

... how very much I appreciate all of the kindness shown to me and hubman. Your comments just make me realize what a wonderful community we have, here on our blogs! I've been at this for some time and it still boggles my mind that we can care so deeply about people we may have never met! ♥♥♥

I now remember what it's like having a toddler in the house, but one with little razor-sharp puppy teeth! Homer is one active little guy and smart, too. He's figured out how to get out of the doggie door but we're not ready for him to be outside on his own. We've got a few too many gaps in the fence, so hubman is headed to Lowe's for some fixin' stuff.

We were doing really well with the potty stuff, too, but we're regressing and running out of Resolve! I feed him, immediately take him outside and wait, and wait, and wait. Give up and bring him in. He poops. He's got it all backwards now. (But, thankfully - never thought I'd say this - the carpet in this place is on the top of the list for replacement. Couldn't be a better time to house train a pup!)

And poor Katie! She's such a sweet natured little girl, and all he does is pester the daylights out of her. He hides and dive bombs her just like cats do, so she runs away from him. Ha! Now he thinks he's the Alpha Pup! She's finally starting to growl and bark at him. I know they'll work stuff out...

Again, you guys mean a heck of a lot to me and I just wanted to tell you how wonderful you are!

Meet Homer....

2010-08-11T00:04:00.000-07:00

This has been a crappy week. I was getting back into the swing of blogging regularly, but our Mini Schnazuer began to fail rapidly, so we made that gut-wrenching decision to euthanize her. It will be a week ago tomorrow. This was one very special pup - exceptionally bright - and she had such expressive eyes. When she looked at you she was asking questions: "What can I do? Do you need me, right now...?" Our little Shih Tzu, while very lovable, just wants to be loved...nothing else, nothing more. And that's a good thing, too.

We held Zoey in our arms while the doctor gave her the injection. It was a very peaceful, gentle death. She will always be in our memories...

We made a decision to find another dog, against popular belief. But we thought it would be the best for us and for Katie. Katie has had surgery, put up with that stupid collar for ten days, lost her sister, and now is beleagured by a puppy. The little guy, Homer, is wanting to play with her but she's not wanting any part of him. She has not growled or snapped once - although, I think if she did, he might back off.

He was part of a litter whose Yorkie mom was stolen. The folks that took the litter in hand-fed them around the clock so he's a real lover boy. His dad is a Shih Tsu, so he should be a real cutie to go along with the attitude!

By the way - I am not responsible for naming him~

Little Bits and Stuff...

2010-08-02T00:54:00.000-07:00

This photo finds us back in Kernville again. We had horrific wildfires that are just now getting contained, one of which was just north of this spot. Fox News picked up the story, probably because there was another fire up in Tehachapi, close to the wind farms. When this photo was taken, we stood on the bridge and watched fire truck after fire truck, along with the Hot Shots, headed up to a fire. We could just barely see the smoke when we left. That fire was shut down quickly, and by the fast response, I'm not surprised. But this one was vicious. Thankfully, no injuries or worse, just heartbreak over lost homes.

Our Shih Tsu got her "Elizabethan" collar off Friday. It was funny watching her, even though we felt sorry for her in her efforts to get around. She tried to go through the "doggy door," and it was a sight! And yes, we did open the door for her! She bumped around a lot but adapted quite well. I think she kinda liked the fact that the collar was a great way to catch all the doggie snacks!

We're still not certain about our Mini Schnauzer, Zoey. She has congestive heart failure. She's on meds but she's losing weight rapidly, even though she continues to have a good appetite. We go back to the vet on Wednesday. (Holding my breath...)
We got the bill for our rent, which includes all utilities. Our previous summers have been totally out of sight - like $400-$500 for electric. I tentatively opened the envelope, expecting to have the vapors, but the electric was $65!!!! The swamp cooler we had installed has now paid for itself! It's so dry here we're not bothered by the moisture. I keep telling hubman that it's good for all of my houseplants. (My former husband said when he came home at night he felt like he had to grab a vine to swing through the living room. It's true - I love plants!)

Had a email message on FB from my son's ex (?), completing dragging me and hubman over the coals for all the wicked and evil stuff we've done to my son. I blocked her from FB. There's definite mental issues here - and I'm not trying to be hateful. It's the troof. (For those of you who may not know - he's 42 and a total wreck.)

No plans for the week ahead except a trip to Target for sundries. Oh, the trip to the vet, too. I saw a cartoon last week (Pickles- It's the adventures of an older retired couple). Their daughter asks them to go to dinner with her and her husband, but they pass because they'd miss Jeopardy! I thought, "Oh, Lord. Please don't let me get that bad!"

Wishing you blue skies, lollipops and rainbows.... Crap. Now I've got to go wash out my ears. I hate that song!
Happy Monday!

When a Girl's Gotta Go, A Girl's Gotta Go!!!

2010-07-30T00:13:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the "Gubernator,"there's no money for state parks...so be certain you go before you go!

Oh My! A Study in Contrasts

2010-07-24T22:04:00.000-07:00

I recently reconnected with a dear friend that I've known since kindergarten. She happened to find me on FaceBook! She posted this old photo she'd kept as her avatar. I nearly choked...I hadn't seen it in 50 years, but I remembered it! Looking at as an adult, I'm absolutely horrified by my expression! Was I trying to be a 12 year old sexpot? Oh goodness. That's scary...

Looking at the two of us, so very, very young, I'm astounded at the differences in us: She's fair and I'm dark. She has such a darling gamin look about her, upturned smile, sweet little chin, aquiline nose and eyes that hint of spunk and playfulness.

She used to come to church with us, and we always liked it best when it was just my dad. He was so much fun! He like to listen to rock 'n roll on the radio, and sometimes we'd stop and get cokes on the way home. Or if we were really good, we'd come home via Signal Hill (a rather steep hill in Long Beach CA). The attraction was a very steep portion of the road that was like a roller coaster - you'd get to the crest and lose your stomach on the way down.

We went to different schools in high school, then married young and had kids. So we kind of lost touch. She has been such a good friend over the years, calling and checking up on me. About 12 years or so ago, we moved and our telephone was unlisted. Our lives traveled very different roads. She lived in Indiana and is now retired living the life in Florida! I'm so happy for her. FaceBook, thank you!

Looking at the Sky on Friday

2010-07-22T23:55:00.000-07:00

This is one of my very favorite photos taken locally. This is from the cemetery across the road from us. It was taken in early June, and there was snow on Bear Mountain. It's highly unusual to see snow this time of year. We had an unseasonably cool spring, early summer. Loved it!!!

A Little Bit for Linda

2010-07-19T23:34:00.000-07:00

You all know how Linda loves visiting cemeteries? Well, I do too, and have always enjoyed reading her posts, not just for the history but for the "spooky" element she so deliciously provides - orbs and all! These photos are of an old Kern County cemetery that sits on the banks of Lake Isabella. The picture I took of the guy fishing was taken from this cemetery. (See 3rd photo down)

The oldest headstone is a lot newer than the ones Linda visits but is one of the oldest here. The thing that really contrasts between this one and the ones back east is the earth - here, it's as hard as a rock and dry as a bone. Although cemeteries are not places in which you want to hold festivities, this one is so forlorn looking. The solitary bare stakes that are holding the place of those unknown souls give no testimony as to who is forever laid beneath them. The contrast between these and the ornately carved headstones is great. Makes me wonder about the folks who inhabit these graves. It just may be the the unmarked graves hold the remains of people who were of better character than those who fared better as far as markers go......

(While Mr. Lambert's headstone is relatively new, the description says so much about this area.)

Here's the text on the historical marker:

"Kernville, called Whiskey Flat until 1864, was founded in 1860 when Adam Hamilton, a whiskey dealer, moved shop here from the more temperate Quartzburg, founded earlier that year. Both camps resulted from the discovery of the Big Blue Ledge by "Lovely" Rogers while tracking a stray mule from the earlier camp of Keyesville."

"Inspiration House"

2010-07-17T22:42:00.000-07:00

Photos: Top - Ghost Town, Center - Inspiration House, Bottom - "Little Chapel on the Lake"

This is where I spent a good deal of time..."The Inspiration House," my family's store at Knott's Berry Farm. If you headed left, you'd wind up at the Indian Village; if you turned right, you'd stumble right into the "Little Chapel on the Lake," and on to Ghost Town. We had really good foot traffic, and if you stood at the right spot at the counter, you could catch sight of the people coming and going over the bridge.

One of my favorite images is of a very large woman (I mean very large...) walking across the bridge away from me giving me a view of her rather large derriere. Mind you, this was back in the late sixties when everyone embroidered everything imaginable. She was wearing humongous bell bottomed pants on which was embroidered the body of a butterfly right up the crack of her jeans (didn't quite know how else to describe this!); on each butt cheek of her pants was embroidered a butterfly wing in outrageously bright colors. So - if you'll hang on here with me - when she walked it was like a giant "Mothra" was on the hunt for prey! Those wings really had to do some flapping to get over that bridge....

When I was young, I looked much older than my age. Too bad it doesn't work in reverse, now that I'm an old crone! Anyway, when I was twelve, my folks taught me how to make change the hard way - you know, count it back! They gave me some lessons in customer service (meaning behave or else!) and let me wait on people. Thus began my career.

I remember one night a woman came running in screaming, "There's a hippopotamus outside!!!" My dad and I ran out to see what the heck she was talking about! We almost tripped over a tapir, which had gotten loose from "Old MacDonald's Farm." How do you herd a tapir? We called security and they in turn called the people at the animal farm to come get their "hippo."

There is a lot more - the monkey that got loose, the hair-puller, the mother hen. To be continued....

Fishing in the Trees

2010-07-10T19:47:00.000-07:00

This lucky angler is fishing at one of the forks of Lake Isabella. I'll have to go back and do my research, but the lake was created by allowing the river to flood over the old town. I have fished in the lake and managed to lose a lot of lures in those trees! I haven't been fishing in over 30 years and aside from riding along in the boat, don't really have any interest in fishing! (That's how I feel about golfing, too - I'll ride along in the cart, just don't expect me to swing the club...)

We drove up to the lake to see the water levels. It's incredible what a little rain can do! Last year, the water levels were really low, so it was heartening to see how many people were out enjoying the cool summer weather.

The Early Years

2010-07-06T21:03:00.000-07:00

1. My mother, Marian circa 1943

2. My dad's college photo, circa 1938 3. Circa 1962

My folks had one of those marriages that no one believes. They never argued or quarreled. I never once heard their voices raised in anger - at each other. I caught it more than once...deservedly!

The bottom photo reminds me of the time my mom was taking down some wallpaper in this room. She sat down on the floor and started crying. I asked her what had happened, and she pointed to the wall and said, "Look!"

There it was, in painted one foot letters and spelling out "I love you, Mums!" They'd been clowning when they put up the wallpaper, and she'd forgotten all about it. It was like a living love letter for her. My dad was a darling when it came to birthdays and Christmas, but he was not outwardly romantic. He called her "Mums" to get her goat. I can't remember any pet names between them, but I never called them "Mom and Dad."

We had a ceramics business on our property and the women that worked there obviously addressed them by their first names, so I thought I'd do the same. One of my teachers once called them in for a meeting and raked them over the coals for not teaching me to respect them by using their names and not titles. They very quickly let her know that she was not going to meddle in the raising of their child.

Most folks couldn't get past this and several of my friends teased me and told me I was adopted! Believe it or not, I respected them more than a lot of kids who dutifully used the proper title for their parents....

During WWII, my dad was in the FBI, stationed on the east coast. Actually, he started out as a secretary in the L.A. office. That sounds so strange now, but men were secretaries back in the dark ages! That was also before anyone knew that J. Edgar favored red dresses in his spare time. We have several hand-signed letters from Hoover, just standard stuff, but interesting none the less.

Being stuck on the east coast (family was all in CA), my mom took chef's courses. That's one of the reasons I've had a weight problem all of my life! Everything we ate was covered in sauce, whether it was Lobster Newburg or Thermadore, crepes of all kinds, Eggs Benedict and desserts to die for! That's one thing I really miss, her cooking. (She passed away in '92 at 75. She found out she had cancer and was gone in three weeks. She was so fiercly independent that it was a blessing.)

They had a couple of businesses until they decided to open a business at Knott's. It was an obvious choice: My aunt worked in the office; my grandmother operated the nursery and flower shop; my mom's other sister owned and operated another shop.

More about Knott's to come!

I Was a Real Dorky Kid!

2010-06-23T22:13:00.000-07:00

Me and my dad, circa 1954...

In 1954, my parents opened their own store at Knott's: The Inspiration House. The name was something my dad mentioned jokingly to Mr. Knott, but he thought it was a good name, so my dad and mom were stuck with it!

The shop was a Bible, book and gift store. Since it was '54 and kids were still safe out being kids, I had free range of the park. I was only seven but I remember walking down to the office to see my aunt and the receptionist let me sit at the switchboard and pull the lines as they rang. I remember thinking how neat that was...

On one trip, a stop at a restroom was a necessity. As I was washing my hands, I looked at the Kotex dispenser. Now, I sure didn't know what Kotex was, let alone a "sanitary napkin." But I sure knew what a napkin was. Well, I had a nickle in my pocket, so I slipped it in the slot and turned the knob. A funny little box came out which I opened curiously. I could see why you'd wipe your mouth on it but what was with the two little safety pins?

My mom was standing at the cash register watching me walk down the path. Before I knew it she was walking up to me, and very quickly unpinned the Kotex, which I had pinned to my shirt collars. I figured it must be some kind of crumb-catcher napkin thingie. Oh what a dork!

My mom didn't tell me what kind of napkin it was, only that it was for older ladies and not to buy one again. She probably was busting a gut trying not to laugh! Of course, this was the mainstay of many a family get together for some time.

(I'll get back to more of the history of Knott's!)

Knott's - the Early Years

2010-06-16T20:07:00.000-07:00

This is a photo of the original "Knott's Berry Place." It's now called Knott's Berry Farm, and it used to be 2nd place behind Disneyland in attendance.

I have so many stories revolving around Knott's I hardly know where to begin. I guess the best place is the beginning. I'll work forward in the following days.

My mom's family owned a farm next to the Knott's original farm, where Mr. Knott continued to develop the boysenberry which Luther Burbank first developed. You all probably know the story about how Mrs. Knott decided to make some extra money for the family by cooking chicken dinners. At that time, before freeways, one of the major links to Los Angeles and Long Beach from Santa Ana ran very close to the soon to be diner. The business exploded, thanks to the determination of Mrs. Knott (Cordelia). The Knott's had several children and my mom and her sisters attended high school - Anaheim H.S. - with the Knott kids.

It was only natural that my mom worked for the Berry Market, which sold fresh homemade relishes, jellies, pies, etc. My mother was quite the prankster and loved cutting up with other employees who were all much older than she. I couldn't believe it when she told me that she put raw chicken livers in Mr. Knott's coat pockets when his coat was hanging on the coat rack. He took it good naturedly - what can you do with pockets full of livers?

(Later on, when my family had their own store at Knott's, it was a lazy Sunday afternoon, and I decide to shake things up a bit by putting rubber vomit on the floor in the shop, sprinkling water on it so it'd look real. Guess who showed up? Yep, Walter Knott in the flesh. The gal I was working with tried to use her foot to scoot it back away out of sight, but the eagle-eyed Mr. Knott saw what we were doing. He looked straight at me and said, "You're just like your mother!" He was smiling when he said it, but I know my face was beet red. I think I was about 16...)

The beginning for my mom and dad began at the Berry Market. My aunt Virginia, was Mr. Knott's bookkeeper and did most of the hiring. One day, a very good looking young man came looking for work. My mother took one look at him and ran back to the office and demanded that my aunt hire him. This was 1939...and began the courtship of Marian and Clayton.They were married about 2 years later!

As I said, I have scores of stories so I won't hit you with all of them at once!

Chicken Nancy (Not Pelosi, Either!)

2010-06-16T00:21:00.001-07:00

I had a beloved white leghorn hen named Nancy. (I couldn't find a picture of a free-range hen because Nancy was never caged!)

She just showed up one day and stayed. I named her Nancy, although I don't have any inkling why. We became best buddies. Even my dog tolerated her! When I wanted to pick her up, she'd squat and lift her wings out making it easy to lift her up into my arms, where she'd cuddle quite contentedly.

She was a rather eccentric old gal. During molting season she wandered into the garage and wouldn't come out until her feathers were almost completely in. My dad let me feed and water her there so she wouldn't have to creep out in the buff to eat.

I grew up in rural Buena Park, (next door to Anaheim) back when there was a "rural" to grow up in. We had strawberries, some fruit trees, and were surrounded by the neighboring farmer's fields of alfalfa and orange groves. Some times he (all I can remember is his first name which was Ted) would take my hand and we'd walk through the orange grove back to his farm where I got to play with the critters. He had horses, cows, goats and of course, chickens. That may have been Nancy's birth place, come to think of it.

One day Nancy and I struck out for a walk and came across a stray dog. My dog had stayed at the house instead of accompanying us. This dog came a little too close for comfort, and Nancy, sensing danger, flew into him! She flew at his head, squawking like a crazy chicken, finally driving him off! My folks thought I'd concocted a humdinger until I finally convinced them that my little feathered friend was also my protector.

I guess she stayed for a couple of years. We had become overridden with chickens and geese. My parents told a couple at church, who were real poor and had a bunch of kids, to come round them up. Well, Nancy got out and she wound up going off with the rest of them. I was heartbroken, and my parents were besides themselves because it happened like that. I still get misty eyed thinking about it.

I know my affection for all things feathered and furry came from my days being able to run wild and free, play in irrigation ditches and get filthy - nobody ever got mad. I always was surrounded by critters. I had parakeets, cats, dogs, big old box turtles, and even (to my mother's horror) a lizard or two. I was especially partial to horned toads. You could rub them between their horns and their eyes would close. I remember thinking how neat that was! My dad would let me keep them for a day or two, then we'd go and let them loose.

I remember dressing my cat, Johnny, in doll's clothes, and tying him down in the baby stroller. My dad made me let him go, and I was forbidden to touch him for a week! I was taught from a very young age to respect all creatures. And for that I'm very grateful.......

Anyway, Nancy was one cool chick!

I'm Prejudiced!

2010-06-14T19:28:00.000-07:00

This is Ryleigh, my great-granddaughter. I may be biased but I think she's the cutest little thing...

Hurray for Flag Day!

2010-06-13T14:23:00.000-07:00

I don't usually read Beetle Bailey, but this caught my eye today, and I really love the caption. It speaks volumes, especially in this day and age when efforts are afoot to degrade our constitution. Long may this beautiful flag wave over the U.S.A.

Thanks to all of you veterans and those who are currently serving to maintain our freedom!

2010-06-06T23:09:00.000-07:00

I managed to pull up a photo! This is Daughter #1 and her hubby at
some sort of training. They both work for the feds. At least they can work out with each other. They look pretty darned happy, too.

Hello. I'm back from the dead. Well, kind of. I had problems with my computer when I put Carbonite on it - wound up losing all of my photos. ARGH. I'm having problems getting them from Adobe to post. I guess I'll get it all figured out eventually!

I had a bladder and sinus infection all at the same time, ran high fevers that we were unable to get in control. After being threatened with the ER, hubman made an appointment with our MD. I waited so long because of the fact that I am currently uninsured. Oh well. I'm getting better every day, and on the plus side, I lost 18 lbs.!!! I really needed a jump start to get a handle on my waist line. Now I'll have to run to Good Will to buy back all of the clothes I just gave away...sigh.

Well,California will have it's primaries Tuesday. We've already voted, and I'm betting a lot of folks we voted for won't make it. Meg Whitman (gag) will more than likely go up agains Jerry, Gov. Moonbeam, for governor. Can it get any worse? We need a real crusader to come to our rescue but I think we're gonna be in the crapper for another four years. I love my home state dearly, but we'd leave if we could.

We had a cooler installed and boy, do I love it! It really keeps the whole house cool (cold at times!) and I don't feel like I'm watching $$$$$ floating out the door. It's arid enough here that it shouldn't be too bad. I can't handle much over 85, and it'll be way up in the 100's before long. Hopefully, we won't get another one of those $400+++ bills for the AC.

Here's hoping you all have wonderful weather and much pleasantry in the week ahead. And maybe I'll get my photos figured out. Ha, ha....

Our Marine

2010-05-04T00:58:00.000-07:00

This is what a Marine does when he's home from the war: He cuddles with his faithful friend, Dusty. This picture almost makes me cry...such devotion.

A Very Sad Birthday...

2010-04-30T02:50:00.000-07:00

April 29th was my son's 42nd birthday. But it wasn't a happy one. I have no idea where he is. I haven't seen him in about a year and a half now. He's chosen to live a lifestyle that will only bring destruction. I have built such a huge wall around myself to try and control the sadness and sense of loss, but there are days, like his birthday, that crack that wall just a bit. I'll be spending time in the next few days trying to repair and patch the wall and build up more defenses. Fear lives in those cracks in the wall and that's what I'll try to keep contained.

Please say a prayer that he's safe. That's all anyone can do.

Want to Get Rid of Guests?

2010-04-28T16:26:00.000-07:00

Saw this in the newspaper this a.m., in "Annie's Mailbox."

"...consider my surefire way to get rid of unwanted guests. After dinner, I put all the dishes on the floor so the dog can lick them clean. I then pick them up and put them directly into the cupboards. You will never see those guests again."

Our Hero is Enroute Home!!!

2010-04-23T02:23:00.001-07:00

On the way to Camp Pendleton

"Graduation" Day

A MARINE!!!

Our grandson, Robby, is on his way home and will touch down in Oklahoma City tomorrow night to spend some time with his mom, dad, sister and niece - then they'll bring him to CA, where he'll be stationed at 29 Palms. They'll stop here in a couple of weeks, so we'll get to see first hand if he's put some meat on those bones!!!

We give thanks to God for bringing him safely through his tour in Iraq!

A Click Here and There...

2010-04-22T01:36:00.000-07:00

These wildflowers were blooming on the hillsides all over the county. We were blessed this year with more than normal rainfall so the flowers have been abundant. In the foreground is lupine, and the yellow is some sort of "mountain daisy," and the rusty looking patches are California poppies. I took tons of pictures that day and hope to have them posted soon! (I haven't forgotten to follow up on my family photos....)This is Hwy 178, which follows along the Kern River on the way up to Lake Isabella and Kernville. Its really difficult to see how close you are to the rock overhang. My former husband's family owned a petroleum trucking company and our rigs hauled gas up to the lakeside communities. They made their trips in the middle of the night because of fewer cars and the fact that you could see any headlights coming your way.

I remember one time we were driving a camper through this spot, and the crank-out windows had been left opened. Sheared those suckers right off.

This photo is especially for Miss Bee who is unfortunately, not loving the birds...This is Spanky, my Nanday Conure. He's a little more than twice the size of our cockatiel, Spike. I purchased him from his owner in 1993, when he was a year old. The man's wife insisted that he get rid of him because he hated her! Surprisingly, since I was the one who brought him home and spent the day with him, he wound up bonding with me, and he hates my husband! All these years and hubman has never been able to get close to him. With me, it's a different story as he is very affectionate. Notice his little red socks? Oh, and that wallpaper? Its on the list......
And last, but the best of all, meet Ryleigh, my great-granddaughter. This was taken a few months ago. She's back in Oklahoma and I haven't seen her in way too long. She's bundled up in mom's truck to go run errands. I just adore her little heart-shaped face.

Spam Attacks...

2010-04-19T03:24:00.001-07:00

I'm getting slammed by spam so I've

turned on comment moderation.

Hopefully, it won't last forever.

A Change of Pace

2010-03-22T19:10:00.001-07:00

These are my grandparents, Glenn and Ruth. They were my dad's parents. They met in Sunday School where he gave her a hair ribbon, which we still have (my grandmother kept everything sentimental - I know that's where I got it).

Glenn was a school teacher, then a principal, finishing his career as a district superintendent.
He taught his first class just a couple of years older than his students. Have times ever changed! Ruth was a homemaker but also drove a school bus early in their marriage. Could she cook! I especially loved her Brandied Peaches. I have her recipe but I've never tried making them. It requires a stoneware crock, pickling spices and lots of brandy - and a year soaking in the brine!
This is a family photo with my uncle Cliff (left) and my dad. I love the short pants and stockings. The tie and collar is a real winner, too, but this was in the early 1920's.

My grandmother's father was a minister, and they lived on the Covina plains. This is somewhat between present day Pomona and Pasadena (CA). I remember the big old farm house my great grand parents lived in. To a little child it seemed huge and a little spooky. I remember a huge staircase with dark wooden railings that led up to a landing where I always looked both ways, expecting to see something that I was certain would be from another realm! And what kid is going to stay away from a barn! I can still smell the fresh hay as we searched for kittens and chickens.

My cousin asked me recently if I remembered the "chickies" that our great grandmother would fix us. I hadn't thought of them in ages, until she jogged my memory. She would take leftover biscuit dough, shape it like little chicks, use cloves for the eyes and bake them. She died was I was five or six, and my parents thought it would be a good time to introduce me to the facts of life, so they took me with them to the viewing. Thus began my fear of the dark!

I so enjoyed Sarge's family stories so much that I thought I'd try a few myself.
---to be continued

The Death of a Republic...

2010-03-21T22:33:00.000-07:00

(I don't remember where I found the "Reconciliation" picture, so I can't give credit, sorry.)

I'm so terribly angry and saddened that I'm not even going to try to post anything more tonight.

My Mess is a Place!

2010-03-11T11:42:00.000-08:00

BEFORE

One of my friend's teen-aged sons had this sign on his bedroom door.

THIS MESS IS A PLACE!

I thought it was funny, considering the state of most teen-aged boys bedrooms, mine included! My house is so torn up right now the refrigerator is now sitting in the den. There are men cutting holes in my ceiling installing an evaporative cooler on my roof, leaving dust (and I mean mega-dust!) particles swarming the air. The kitchen floor is partially finished but you've gotta watch where you walk...

All I can say is "ARGHHHHHH!" We're waiting to see if and when we can get a back-splash in since we yanked out the stove/microwave combo. There were two layers of the ugliest 1970's wallpaper. We replaced the yucky lace curtains w/faux plantation shutters and removed the can opener and coffee pot that were suspended from the cabinets.

It's just good to finally see some improvements. Hopefully, next year - oh, the agony of waiting! - we'll be able to get new carpeting. The present carpet is "light blond," and over 30 years old.

It's impossible to get it clean and is so embarrassing we don't have company.

As most of you know, this move was sudden and unplanned. because I was unable to continue working. We thought we would have the money to rehab but unfortunately, that was not happening. So, after three years, we're starting to see a little glimmer of light at the end of a very long tunnel. Hallelujah!

Cake, Cake and More Cake!

2010-03-04T22:13:00.000-08:00

This sign is of Linn's Bakery in Cambria (central California coast)

I have a blogging friend, Levon, who owns a bakery. Now, you know how all of us bloggers just slobber and drool when we think of cake. Well, maybe I should say "salivate," sounds less ravenous. Anyway, please link on over and check out the photos of some of Levon's cakes...

There's one there especially for you cruisers!

When I reached the ripe old age of 17, I decided I was too smart to work for my mom and dad at our store at Knott's, so I ventured out on my own and found a job at Knott's - that's how far I ventured - at one of the food courts where they served buffet, hamburgers, etc., ice cream and a bakery! I worked all of the shifts at each of the sites and weighed about 120. How I managed to stay that weight is beyond me, especially when I would go in at 5:00 a.m. to help the baker set up for the day. Those huge vats of dough looked like swimming pools to me!

I excelled at the bakery. One day I was putting a loaf of bread through the slicer, turned around towards the counter. My boyfriend was standing there, and the sliced bread went sailing everywhere. Another time I was bringing in a huge tray of cookies and guess what. My boyfriend was standing at the counter. Yep, cookies flew all over the place. Funny, they didn't fire me and my boyfriend became my husband...

I hated working at the ice cream counter. This was in the days before polyester, so we wore nylon uniforms. You all know that Knott's is known for boysenberry products. By the time I had served a gazillion boysenberry sundays, floats, splits.... I was sticky from head to toe.

And so - I became a secretary. And now you know.

~Happy Days Are Here Again~

2010-03-03T20:44:00.001-08:00

Finally, I'm "centered!!!"

Now, I have to think of something clever to say. We're trying to get the kitchen renewed. We have abominable carpet in the kitchen that's seen 30 years worth of footprints. I've had so much fun keeping in dirty, like dropping eggs on it. We have some beautiful laminate wood that should be installed by next week. We hauled off the old stove/microwave combo and I have a new beautiful stove I can actually cook on. I was afraid the old one would blow up, and I didn't want my eyebrows singed.

We're trying to figure out how to put a cooler in so we can stay cool in the summer without using the AC. Since our humidity is so low (it's a dry heat), a cooler isn't an issue like it is in the more humid states. The guy hubman talked to said the vents in here are not large enough to accommodate a cooler. A window unit won't work because it would be blowing right on the back of our necks. It seems that nothing we do is easy!

It's been a long slow process - we still have to finish painting, of course we'll wait until the middle of summer to start that again. NOT!

Well, this certainly isn't an entertaining post but it's either this or an anti-Obama rant, and I'm tired of ranting! Have a great Thursday! Give someone you love a big hug...

Help is on the Way!

2010-03-03T00:15:00.000-08:00

Sheesh! Now I've lost the background. The woman whose artistic talents I so enjoy, is coming to the rescue! By next week, I'll either be here or start over. This is what happens and why I get to frustrated and quit. I enjoy blogging too much to just walk away. So, the cavalry is coming!

GRRR...

2010-02-15T01:47:00.000-08:00

I'm still trying to fix this. I got rid of the remnants of the old blogster template, but that required making this "minima" on template settings. This is a three column template but somehow the two don't mix! Please hang with me as I continue to tweak the darned thing.

A Smile for Monday...

2010-02-15T01:22:00.001-08:00

Dearly beloved, we are gathered here....blah, blah, blah...

I think this must be Al Gore's advisor.

Stress Busters!

2010-02-11T19:21:00.000-08:00

"The Blessing Girls"

2010-02-09T18:45:00.000-08:00

I'm always quick to rant and rave about something, so I'm going to post something wonderful for a change! This appeared in our local paper, The Bakersfield Californian, this morning and I wanted to pass it along to you.

"Last October Curtis Hartman had a double lung transplant at UCLA. I met Curtis through Nancy Chaffin, a woman with whom I work. He is a good father to 4-and 5-year old boys and a 14 year-old stepdaughter. Before he got sick, Curtis was a claims adjuster for Farmers Insurance. When I saw him, he was hurting. He and his wife, Mary, were in the process of losing their home. Curtis was dragging around an oxygen tank. He was trying to be cheerful, but when you're battling an auto-immune disease as well as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, life is not a barrel of laughs. His new lungs came from a 19-year-old male. Curitis is feeling better. The Hartmans are trying to get back on their feet. His wife, Mary, is a hairdresser at Concept Elite Salon on Stockdale Highway. A couple of days ago, a boy delivered a package to Mary. The package contained $1,000 in cash and more than $1,000 in gift cards for groceries, gas, etc. Inside was a typed note signed by "The Blessing Girls." The card read: 'Jesus said the second greatest commandment is to love your neighbor as yourself. We hope this gift blesses you and causes you to give thanks to God for '...every good and perfect gift is from above...' James 1:17 With love, The Blessing Girls.'
Written by Herb Benham, staff columnist

It warms my heart to know that within my community there are people such as this, and no doubt, there are people like this in every town in the USA. May God bless "The Blessing Girls!"

Good News/Bad News!

2010-02-04T19:17:00.000-08:00

It seems as though this year has been a year of change for lots of folks. My good friend has been diagnosed with Hepatitis C, having none of the risk factors associated with Hep C. She will have to be on Prednasone for a year. Sarge Charlie has been fighting Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, with much success, and now we're having a health scare.

After a whole year of waiting for hubman to be able to get Kaiser Permanente insurance (they told us we were a day late last year), he was diagnosed with Type II Diabetes. Since his layoff, 11/08, he's lost quite a bit of weight (30#), where I was expecting him to gain a ton from being inactive. As a parts guy he stayed in shape because of heavy lifting and being on his feet all day. But, there were other symptoms, such a being thirsty all of the time, and frequent visits to the loo. But both of us drink tons of water. It's very dry and dusty here, and during the cold weather, we have the heater on a lot. But I wasn't totally surprised by the diagnosis.

His blood glucose was 500 and it is supposed to be under 100 (70-90), so he's lucky the doc put him on meds and not insulin injections. Just one week of meds and no sugars, he's staying around 200+, and he obeys instructions to the max. Since he doesn't need to lose any more weight, I'm very conscious of what he can and can't have to eat. I'm just thankful that he's so eager to "get 'er done!" I have very little doubt, that within a few months time, he'll have it under control. That's just the kind of guy he is.

Smiles for a cold Monday...

2010-01-31T23:50:00.000-08:00

Here I sit, chomping ice, with my laptop keeping me warm, while so many of my friends are family are freezing their toes off! I wanted to post something that would send warmth and smiles your way.

Millions, Billions and Trillions, Oh My!

2010-01-15T00:05:00.000-08:00

Okay, earthlings, fire up your calculators. What's the difference between a million, a billion, and a trillion? A million seconds is 11.57 days. A billion seconds is 31 years. A trillion seconds is 31,688 years. Western civilization has not been around a trillion seconds.

A trillion seconds ago: 31,688 years was well before the peak of the last Ice Age. Apparently global warming started shortly thereafter. A millions minutes ago was 1 year, 329 days, 10 hours ago. A billion minutes ago was just after the time of Christ. A trillion minutes is 1,901,280 years. Did global warming exist then?

Now, let us get back to the dreaded "T" word. One trillion is the word politicians glibly use without understanding the line of zeroes accompanying it. It is Washington's favorite words these days. Millions and billions are just chump change to them.

The debt ceiling was just raised to $12.9 trillion. Oh, hell, make it $13 trillion ---what's a $100 billion among friends? There are 535 members of Congress. One trillion dollars represents $1,869,158,878.50 spent by each and every member of Congress of the taxpayers money. That's almost $2 billion each. Beam me up, Scotty. I'm ready.

Written by George Romagno, The Bakersfield Californian, January 14, 2010

2010-01-13T03:39:00.001-08:00

A WORK IN PROGRESS!!!

The Christmas Crab

2009-12-27T01:46:00.000-08:00

Although I don't believe in astrology, I was born under the sign of the crab, Cancer. I must admit I do have a lot of the characteristics of a moon child - some good, some not so good. I'm just thankful I do not resemble a crab physically. It would be most difficult to purchase eyeglasses, I think. And shoes? I don't think even Zappo's could help out in that department.

All of this to say, I'm a bit of a hermit, and love staying close to the hearth. I've been rather crabby recently(sorry, couldn't help it), probably a bit of the holiday blues. I find that I'm just not interesting right now and am having a hard time returning visits. Now, you all know who you are, namely: Levon, Sandee, Sandy B, Linda, Barbara and (please forgive me, because I just know I'm leaving someone very special out)........Which also leads me to the fact that I can't remember stuff. Yeah, I'd rather use that other word that starts with an "s" but I won't. I had a long chat with my cousin today (also my very best friend in the world!), and we spent a large amount of time discussing things like: "You know, that movie with what's-her-name; you know, the one who played with - darn, what's-his-name, in, shoot! What was the name of the movie he starred in with..." And on it goes! As my friend Bee says, "Got to take more fish oil pills."

So, I plan on taking some time off without any guilt as usual, and come back in a few days, with I hope, a renewed sense of humor and less sense of self - new perspective, if you will.
Love to you all. And yes, a bigger, badder me will return. Well, bigger probably.

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-21T18:39:00.000-08:00

Okay, that's just not me. I choke trying to say "Happy Holidays." I know a lot of folks feel like they're left out. There are Jewish folks (to whom I do wish "Happy Hanukka"), there are Muslim folks, Pagan folks, agnostics and atheists. I respect their right to abstain from wishing me a Merry Christmas, but by gum, I'm a Christian (and even though I know all of the history of the holiday and realize we do not know the date, etc., etc.,) we have set this day aside to acknowledge the birth of the Christ. It is a time of wonderment and joy. I always listen to Handel's Messiah and relive the days when I was part of a large choir, which sang a goodly portion of this glorious body of work, and sing along in my now froggy voice. It is a time of going to midnight services and the reading of the scriptures. It is the foundation of my faith, and so, I wish all of you a very MERRY CHRISTMAS.

An Update...

2009-12-21T18:32:00.000-08:00

I want to thank all of you for your prayers and concern for Jill, our daughter-in-law. She's made it through and is now on the other side of recovery! She was moved to a rehabilitation center for physical therapy and is expected to go home Christmas Eve! What a blessing for Steve and their daughter, Kelsie. We give thanks to God for His blessings.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Now, I want to thank all of you for hanging in with me as I deserve the "Worst Blogger of the Year" award. I know we all have periods in which there's just not the time or the words, so we let it go for a while. That's whats happened to me, I guess. I have the time but not the words.
I guess that has to go at the top of my list of resolutions.

Furry Girls

2009-12-11T00:21:00.000-08:00

Katie and Zoe - back from the groomers. It's after midnigh,t and they're driving me nuts. It's cold outside and rainy. They just came in for the last time tonight so they're all fired up and want to play. I don't.

I appreciate all of the concern you have shown our family in regards to our daughter-in-law's condition. She is making slow, steady progress, with this week bringing her closer to recovery than she's been before. She still has some neurological difficulties but the doctors seem to think that the brain lesions will heal on their own.

Please forgive me for being a "non-blogster" these past few weeks. There are so many of you that I enjoy visiting and I'm being a horrible dud. Just know it's nothing personal, I just don't have a lot to say that doesn't seem depressing and gloomy. I really don't want to spread that around the blogs!

I'll try to pop in and out as the season progresses. Have fun as you endure shopping lines, baking cookies, and decorating - all the things that make the season so bright!

Harry Reid is a Little Buffoon!

2009-12-08T23:15:00.000-08:00

I try to shy away from politics because I know it offends some of my friends. But this issue is so outrageous I just can't help myself.

This was posted in The Wall Street Journal:

By JOHN FUND

Majority Leader Harry Reid tarred opponents of his health care bill yesterday as the equivalent of those who opposed equal rights for women and civil rights for blacks.

In a remarkable statement on the Senate floor, Mr. Reid lambasted Republicans for wanting to "slow down" on health care. "You think you've heard these same excuses before? You're right," he said. "In this country there were those who dug in their heels and said, 'Slow down, it's too early. Let's wait. Things aren't bad enough' -- about slavery. When women wanted to vote, [they said] 'Slow down, there will be a better day to do that -- the day isn't quite right. . . .'"

He wrapped up his remarks as follows: "When this body was on the verge of guaranteeing equal civil rights to everyone regardless of the color of their skin, some senators resorted to the same filibuster threats that we hear today."

Senator Reid's comments were quickly condemned. "Hyperbole. It is over the top. It reminds me of earlier people talking about Nazis," said Juan Williams of NPR and Fox News, author of "Eyes on the Prize," a definitive history of the civil rights movement.

Historians also faulted Mr. Reid's curious reference to the Senate civil rights debates of the 1960s. After all, it was Southern Democrats who mounted an 83-day filibuster of the 1964 Civil Rights Bill. The final vote to cut off debate saw 29 Senators in opposition, 80% of them Democrats. Among those voting to block the civil rights bill was West Virginia Senator Robert Byrd, who personally filibustered the bill for 14 hours. The next year he also opposed the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Mr. Byrd still sits in the Senate, and indeed preceded Mr. Reid as his party's majority leader until he stepped down from that role in 1989.

The final reason Mr. Reid's comments were so inapt and offensive is that the battles for women's suffrage and civil rights he referred to were about expanding freedom. That's not what the 2,074-page health care bill being debated in the Senate today does, with its 118 new regulatory boards and commissions. Mr. Reid may reach his needed 60 votes to pass his bill this month, but he is pursuing it using the most tawdry and deplorable of tactics.

Who does Reid think he's kidding? It's nothing new that he's a dirty little rat who doesn't like to play fair, but this is so over the top I cannot believe it.

Grace Beyond Measure

2009-12-04T01:17:00.000-08:00

We have a Christmas miracle! After going to the edge, Jill has returned and is "home." She recognizes people, and although she still requires the breathing tube, she is aware. She has a way yet to go, but it appears that she's going to be all right in the long run!

There were some lesions in the brain that have evidently been absorbed - that was causing the neuro difficulties. She will have some things to overcome, but it looks SO much better!!!

Our family thanks all of you who "stormed Heaven with your prayers." We appreciate you from the bottom of our hearts.

Prayers for Jill

2009-12-02T01:10:00.000-08:00

Our daughter-in-law, Jill, remains in a coma. She became ill two and a half weeks ago, was placed on life support and taken off the equipment just a few days ago. Now the doctors have determined that she is bleeding in the brain and it's now touch and go. Jill is the wife of Wally's son, Steve, and they have a teen-aged daughter. Please remember Jill and her family in your prayers. We sure will appreciate it.

Coram Deo, Gracie

Looking at the Sky on Friday

2009-11-20T00:50:00.000-08:00

This is the "Mighty Kern River," in the foreground, with part of Kernville, which is a very photogenic piece of Kern County, and one of our favorite spots for a quick getaway or dinner. And it's always nice to see blue sky for a change....

Enjoy your Friday!

Please visit Tisha at CRAZY WORKING MOM

Happy Birthday, Tisha!!!

2009-11-19T03:13:00.000-08:00

There's a remarkable young woman, Tisha, whose blog is always about her family and her adorable kids: Shelby, Tyler, and Emily, and all kinds of good stuff. On top of all her family responsibilities, she helps with the family business and, oh yes, she hosts "Looking at the Skies on Friday!" I jokingly refer to her as "Sky Queen." I don't think she minds it, or she would've stuck my sky posts where the sun don't shine, doncha know. Join the blogosphere in wishing her the happiest of birthdays, and a rewarding year to go along with it!

We love you, Tisha!
AKA: Crazy Working Mom

The Happy Couple

2009-11-18T02:15:00.000-08:00

Wordless Wednesday

Looking at the Sky on Friday

2009-11-12T21:37:00.001-08:00

Okay, the sky is kinda "luke warm," but I love the raven perched on the post, against the pastel, nondescript sky. I'll try to find something better for next week.

Please visit CRAZY WORKING MOM for more sky pics!

Thank You...Our Vets

2009-11-10T22:34:00.000-08:00

In peace prepare for war, in war prepare for peace. The art of war is of vital importance to the state. It is matter of life and death, a road either to safety or to ruin. Hence under no circumstances can it be neglected. ---Sun Tzu

Mere words cannot begin to express my gratitude to the men and women of our armed services. I took the above photo at our local cemetery on a cool, early spring afternoon, a time of reflection. To all of those who have walked the path to war and peace, my heartfelt thanks.

(I watched the service today from Ft. Hood, for those men and women who were struck down in the safety of their own community. Listening to the speeches, the prayers, the music, watching the faces of people as they walked along the photographs of their loved ones, wracked in grief and shock, I was starkly reminded of the families left behind. What a tragedy! I can only hope that the horrible man who killed these souls will be brought to true justice and not become a poster child for political correctness.)

Wordless Wednesday - You'll Love This One!

2009-11-04T01:18:00.001-08:00

For a good laugh - click to "biggify!"

(We had no idea the little snot did this until we got the proofs!
Just another reason we love her so much!!!)

Please go to WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

My Baby Got Married!

2009-11-02T00:52:00.000-08:00

Waiting for the groom!
(This was taken at her front door)

Daughter #1, the bride, and our new granddaughter!
(Taken in her bedroom before putting on her gown)

Daughter #1 with her dad on the dance floor

The first dance as Mr. and Mrs.

I've been remiss in not posting some of the wedding photos - the wedding was only this July. I didn't get very good photos so I've been waiting. Finally got the CD and will post a few here and there.

This was a very joyous occasion - most of you are aware that our SIL, Doug, passed away four years ago. Darren entered Corinne's life and they are very happy! That makes us very happy, too....

He's Home From Iraq!

2009-11-01T02:34:00.001-08:00

Robert William Rawlins
***One Proud Marine***

We give thanks to the Good Lord for Robby's safe return home!

Well, to Okinawa, that is...for now. Our grandson is to be stationed at 29 Palms in a few weeks (that's only about 200 miles from here). His mom and dad are in Oklahoma, and I'm willing to bet, they'll be making a trip west pretty soon!

Looking at the Sky on Friday

2009-10-29T21:11:00.001-07:00

Promise of a Rainbow...
Stop by our lady of the sky:
Crazy Working Mom

Echoes of Grace

A Sad Day

It's a New Year...

The Old Homestead

Veteran's Day 2011

Commercials! And Other Stuff

Where Did Summer Go?

A Sad Birthday

A Posy for Your Thoughts

My Blog-lite!

Levon!

A Beautiful Face

In Memory of Robby

Broken Hearts

Time for a Laugh!

Thank you all...

Point of Grace

Definitely Not a Good Thing!!!

A Sphinx on the Loose!

The Little Wiglet that Wouldn't

Spring!

A Delightful Day

April Fool Photo

My, Oh My.

A Gray Day Downtown

The Return of the Jam Jar

Greetings from Fogville...

My Resolutions and Other Stuff

"...and to all a good night!"

Happy Birthday, Sarge!!!

Snooping Complete

Me and Wally at the Beach....

Still Snooping...

I'm a Snoop!

Krap on a Stick

A Photo of My Week...

In Honor - - -

This day, Veteran's Day, is set aside to honor those who have so valiantly served their country to preserve FREEDOM. We have so many patriots in our country (Sarge Charlie!) and I humbly offer my thanks...

This Veteran's Day, I wanted to honor the author of the poem, "High Flight." As I was hunting the poem, I found this notice on the RAF website. Sixty-nine years separate the the two men but their sacrifices will endure forever. So, I lift a pint in honor of our brothers-in-arms, the British.

High Flight

Lessons From a Hummingbird - - -

~~~DONA NOBIS PACEM~~~

Visit to the Vet!

And on a happier note.....

Reflections on a Fault

Dinner on the River

Hmmmmm. Just wondering....

Whitewater Cruising

No, I'm Not Dead...

"Death in the Chimney" Update

Too Strange to be True!

You Have No Idea ...

Meet Homer....

Little Bits and Stuff...

When a Girl's Gotta Go, A Girl's Gotta Go!!!

Oh My! A Study in Contrasts

Looking at the Sky on Friday

A Little Bit for Linda

"Inspiration House"

Fishing in the Trees

The Early Years

I Was a Real Dorky Kid!

Knott's - the Early Years

Chicken Nancy (Not Pelosi, Either!)

I'm Prejudiced!

Hurray for Flag Day!

Our Marine

A Very Sad Birthday...

Want to Get Rid of Guests?

Our Hero is Enroute Home!!!

A Click Here and There...

Spam Attacks...

A Change of Pace

The Death of a Republic...

My Mess is a Place!

Cake, Cake and More Cake!

~~~Happy Days Are Here Again~~~

Help is on the Way!

GRRR...

A Smile for Monday...

~DONA NOBIS PACEM~

~Happy Days Are Here Again~