Signing on - again...

HELLO! I think my wireless set-up is complete. I've said that about 100 times so far but this time, I really think it's working. I say that with bated breath, afraid to put a hex on things...
I think last time I was out of commission was my computer.

Okay, it's going to be a long, hot summer and we're breathing smoke from lots of fires, primarily the Piute fire just east of us, about 30-40 miles. It was 100 here at noon today but only made it up to 109. I was afraid it was going to be worse.

I really feel for all the people who are being impacted by all the fires in the state. Our firefighters are frazzles and need replacements. I do not know how these guys and gals can suit up in the gear they have to wear and then add all the tools and packs! And it isn't as though they're heading to the North Pole! Sheeesh, it's gotta be nearly 1000 degrees where they are and I cannot for the life of me figure out how they manage. God bless 'em!
So, hopefully I can catch up with everyone this week. I know, more bated breath....
Blessings!

Happy Birthday, America!!!

WHAT A BEAUTIFUL FLAG! With all that is wrong in the world,
concentrate on what's right! We still have many blessings, unlike
a lot of others...in spite of the price of gas!
I cannot think of any other country I'd rather live in -
GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Manic Monday - Night

I am a person of the night...I become invigorated the later it becomes and have on more than one occasion, read a book through the night to completion.

Mysterious, cool, sometimes stormy, the night is sometimes who we are.

My emotions play havoc with me and I cry quite easily at the slightest thing. One night in particular will forever stay in my memory.

It was our first visit to Hawai'i and we were walking along the shoreline of the beach at Honolulu. The music from the hotels wafted out on the night, sweet Hawai'ian songs. The others stayed close to the water and I walked a few feet away from them and leaned back against a palm tree, listening to the hypnotic sounds of the Hawai'ian people...the full moon was shining on the ocean, lapping right at the shore. It was too much for my soul to drink in at once - the music, the moon, the night...tears came and ran down my cheeks only to be dried by the soft tradewinds.

Some may say that the night is a time to be fearful of what we cannot see. For me, the night became a gift of what I could see, taste, hear and smell. My heart will always be on that wonderful place on the beach, in Honolulu...

Enjoy Manic Monday and visit our host, Mo~

Photo Hunt - Water

I took this photo in Kaua'i, at the lighthouse. The whole area is a bird sanctuary, and you really have to watch where you step! But the water is absolutely gorgeous and is my very favorite. I like the contrast of colors: the richness of the blue offset by the black lava rock and the white of the waves as they lap at the island.
I have published it before but like I said, it's my favorite...Hope you enjoy it!

Please visit Photo Hunters and our host, TN Chick...

Holy Smokes!

Cough, cough, hack, sneeze!!! And, "Buddy, can you get that thing outta my face???"

Can you imagine an ad like this airing in today's politically correct environment? Good grief, but it's hard to believe that we put up with this kind of nonsense at any time...

Wordless Wednesday

Find more interesting "wordless" shots at Wordless Wednesday

If it's Tuesday, I must be griping!

Whatever happened to common sense? Apparently, the Supremes have totally lost their marbles, and no, I don't mean the singing Supremes!

Since when do enemy combatants (enemies, in other words), have the same rights that I, as a citizen of this country have?!?!?!? And yes, I realize the above photo is of Al Sadyr but since he's such a freaky looking creep, I chose to use his photo. Uh, don't they have toothpaste in Iraq???

ARGHHHH!!!!!

(I'm going to try and do this every Tuesday and I guarantee you I won't run out of things to gripe about. I'll keep it short and sweet because if I don't, I'll go on and on and on....)

Manic Monday - Will

The first thing I thought of was the battle of the wills with my adorable little boy. Although he never attempted the above while he was at home, he always kept us on our toes.

My adorable little blond curly-haired, blue-eyed little boy was a brat when he was little. He called a dear friend of ours a "big fat rat," at the age of three; he tore up an adjourning campsite while on vacation with his grandparents; sat on the stage with his arms crossed, making a real sour face, during a kindergarten performance while all the other children stood and sang cute little songs. Oy!

It's a fine line, raising kids. You want to break their will but not their spirit!

Hello!

I want to snuggle down in those ferns and smell the sweet fragrance of the orchids, while listening to the stream trickling down over the stones...
Wait! I'm in the middle of a desert! I guess I could go out and stare at a cactus. Somehow, it just isn't the same.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
For all of you who've been wondering, I'm freshly back from my lobotomy and hope to get in the groove soonest.
~~~Blessings~~~
Gracie

Memorial Day Salute

Thanks to all of the veterans of today and days gone by.
I love and salute you all -
providers and protectors of freedom.