Halloween

Good morning and a Happy Halloween to everyone. It is "All Souls Day", haven't called it that in a very long time. A day to remember those that have gone before us with kind thoughts and forgiveness if needed. As you reach the Octogenarian stage of life you find that your circle gets smaller and smaller. Faces parade through your heart and mind of those that were closest to you and that is a good thing. Each one brings about a memory, a word, a look, some one special thing that they left behind so you would remember them. I stop and think of their names and faces and smile for each one brought something into my life that would have left me very sad had I not shared a cup of coffee, or a meal, or a hug with them. Yes, I miss there physical presence in my life, but I only have to stop and think and there they are close in heart. So light a candle and remember those you love and even a few you did not.

******


Yesterday, I took my camera with me hoping to get some new and different pictures. It didn't happen. Pat and I got to a yard sale that was a complete dud in the fact that about thirty people showed up to an 'estate' sale and waited patiently for the opening of the garage doors. I sat in the car warm and cozy while Pat stood outside, in the cold, with the crowd ready to forge ahead for a big treasure. The usual ones were there and the chatter and laughter makes the wait seem a bit shorter. One woman was busy finding fault with everyone and everything as she bemoaned the fact she was not first in line. Pat decided to take a second look into the garage window and all she could see was a lot of mess that looked like it had been well picked over so she came back to the car and we left. It just didn't have any appeal. We went to a couple of stores that were having sales. They tout themselves as having antiques and a sale, which do not go together, either is is an antique and priceless or a sale of 'want to be antiques' that are usually way overpriced. It was fun to go through one that had three rooms packed to the ceilings; not an extra inch to be found. Another store was closing out but had nothing of interest, so our yard sale day was a dud. We did manage to stop in and be the only lunch customers at the 'new' Italian restaurant near by. Pat ordered a salad and I thought I'd try the meatball sandwich which I remembered from years ago as delicious, well this restaurant will be closed within a year, if you are taking any bets on it, as the sauce is full of some kind of spice that is sweet and strong tasting; most likely anise or something close to it. The meat balls were almost blackened and the dish of sauce on the side luke warm. I had to laugh out loud when Pat asked "do you want some of my lettuce" A big disappointment but now we know so will stay with those we know enjoy our lunches out.



So today, Sunday, Halloween and a time for the little Ghosts and Goblins to come visit. Last year we had no one so I had to eat all that candy by myself. It took awhile but I did a good job of it. I'm off to Freddys this morning and I'll only buy a couple of packages of candy I do not like so I can leave it in the dish if the little monsters do not show. Put on your porch light and enjoy the spirit of the eerie night. Hugs to all.

Miss Liberty

I had an e=mail conversation with a friend this week about all the harangue going on about the upcoming elections, especially the loud, words, actions and deeds of some of our fellow citizens. In our country we are free to speak, it says so in our Constitution, but are we? There was a U-tube movie showing an older gentleman carrying a sign that was huge and suggested we 'impeach Obama' . . . his right to do so . . . but the security guards stopped him, brought him to the ground, cuffed him and although others in the crowd tried to argue the free speech amendment, no one listened and surprising no one came to the old man's rescue. Not a good sight to see, nor a message we want to hear. This all took place in, of all places, Alaska, where Sarah Palin is known for her free speeches. When the parks are cordoned off to where you can or cannot go with your signs . . . it is time to write our representatives or join a 'tea' party.



We went on to talk about New York and the Statue of Liberty. She mentioned she had taken the Staten Island ferry to visit the statue some years back. I spent over six months in New York, back in the forties, and never had the chance to go over to visit the island. I wanted to but in order to survive I had a night job and slept days while my husband went to the Linotype school days and slept nights, so our chance to visit the sights was slim to none. I did get to Time Square and I rode the subway but that was about it. Every time I see a picture of the statue I bemoan the fact that I was close enough to view her but didn't try hard enough . . . then I think about missed opportunities. How many have we missed in our lives? I would venture a guess that I have missed out a lot, but then when I think about it, no . . . I took advantage of the ones I could and never gave much thought to those that I could not. It would be like 'crying over spilled milk' and I never saw any sense to that.



So today, look around and see what opportunities are coming your way. Decide on what is important to you and go for it. Make your smiles linger as you enjoy the entire weekend doing exactly what you want to do . . . nothing comes to mind . . . isn't that a nice thought; you can do a lot of nothing and enjoy it. Hugs to all.

A Spark

I find when I do not hear from a friend, I begin to worry about him, or her, and wonder what is happening in their lives. I know that the younger ones are busy with their jobs and have the same everyday chores to get done and cannot write or call every day, but when weeks or months go by and not one word, then I begin to fret. I know some friendships are not meant to last forever and that is sad, but then growing up and growing older changes lives and it is meant that we lose someone along the way. I only wish that when the growth change comes about the person or persons would say good by and leave you with fond memories of time well spent. The silence and the wondering leaves one with an empty feeling and a bit of sorrow for a friendship that was left unshared.

A Spark . . .

I've never me a stranger in my entire life
I look inside to find God's tiny hidden light
The spark is there, in everyone,
not easily found, it's true
but take the time and you'll be glad
to make a friend or two

They come in all sizes and shapes
all manner of hair and face
some are tall and some are short
some are plump or thin
some gracious, some snarly
a challenge to behold
but in the eyes there resides
a love they wish to share
all you have to do is smile
and friendship is right there


So today, remember your friends and if you have issues get them out and over with and cement your relationships. If you have outgrown, outsourced, or just want to explore new and different friendships, then be sure to say goodbye in a loving way and get on with your life and they can get on with theirs. See what happens when I don't hear from you . . . I get philosophical . . . so keep in touch and send a hug and know there is one waiting . . . just for you. Hugs to all.

Barber Shop

Good morning. It's almost the end of October if you are keeping tract of the passage of time. I don't mean to be aware of it as it is going to go by whether I pay attention or not. The predicted storms arrived but nowhere as dreadful as the weathermen touted. I walked up to have my hair cut at Gina's and found the wind biting and for a second I thought of turning around but then my vanity took over and I bent to the wind and walked a good ten blocks. It is good for me, and I should do it more often but I am lazy. When I arrived Gina had just finished with a gentleman who I thought was leaving but he spent the next half hour on center stage ranting and raving about family values, the differences in religion and my poor loquations Gina couldn't get a word in. For Gina that is nothing short of a miracle as she talks from the time you reach the chair until you leave and entertains her customers with every thought she can filter through her brain and believe me nothing is sacred. It is like attending a stand up comic and laughter flows even if the conversation is far out there.



I am sure Gina must have some interesting days as the conversation flows once she gets someone talking about politics, children, home, housing market and all other current news. The gentlemen of my generation have the look and sound of the curmudgeon and are quite articulate when it comes to how it used to be as opposed to how it is now. I smile as I listen as I know where they are coming from and the values they were brought up with. The younger men are more silent as if it were not quite right to talk about current events or maybe it is because they are not paying attention to what is going on around them., and most likely think that Gina is a bit to inquisitive for their taste. The ladies are much more vocal about raising children and the current dress code, or the fashions of today and the want of better and bigger stores to give our Fred Meyers a bit of competition. All in all it is quite amusing to spend an hour waiting for a hair cut that becomes more mannish each visit. I think Gina thinks I look good in short, short hair and she mentioned it brings out my eyes . . . well I don't think I'll argue with her when she has those sharp little scissors in hand, and I do like short hair but today I look like a furry ball with about an inch of hair standing straight. Not a look I like but I'll get used to it as in three weeks it will be just where I want it . . . then another week I'll look like the wild women of Borneo and have to go back and visit Gina and do it all over again.


So today, I hope when you go to get your hair done you have as much fun and participate in the conversation and laugh out loud. All you have to do is bring up something a late night comic had to say and the conversation ball keeps rolling along. You just never meet a stranger in a barber shop, at least not one around here. Use your seconds wisely today and try not wasting any. Laughter is hardly a waste of your time. I'm off to put on my coffee, open the other eye and think about what I want to do with my day. Finding a piece of that horrible camouflage puzzle would help. Friend Marge came by yesterday with a new one for me to do, a lighthouse . . . um . . . looks good but it will be a long time before I get to that one. I may be finding pieces to the one on the table right up until and through the holidays. I may be celebrating New Year's eve looking for the illusive pieces. Come on by and you can help. Hugs to all.

Just musing

Good morning. It is 'hump' day and my calendar has Navy Day printed on it. So let's salute the Navy!! Son John was a Navy man and enjoyed a short stint in Revere Beach, Massachusetts, a short few miles from my old stomping grounds when I was very young. I still have a newspaper clipping with his picture, along with a couple of buddies, and the caption said something about 'the Navy coming to town." He went on to spend time in Hawaii, imagine such duty . . . floating around in those big Navy submarine rescue ships discovering all kinds of things in and around the Islands. The old Coucal was one of the ships and I believe he spent a lot of time repairing it to keep it afloat before they put it into the mothball fleet. I remember writing and offering to send chewing gum and bailing wire. Those shark's teeth he used to enclose in his letters never did much for me as he was a diver and loved it, while old mother hen wondered if her teenage son would survive. That was a very long time ago but the memories linger and we should be very proud of our men and women in the Navy and the job they do for us. "Go Navy"!

How beautiful, such elegance, a picture that came with more roses of equal beauty in an e-mail about love and friendship, which I sent on so that each of you could enjoy it. It reminded me of words I had just read called "Time":

"Each morning we awaken to 86,400 seconds as a gift of life, and when day is done any remaining time is gone and not credited to us. " What we haven't lived is lost forever". Each morning refilled can dissolve anytime without warning. So what will you do with your seconds? Enjoy the day. enjoy life. Be kind and forgiving." So when you see a rose you will think of these words and remind yourself to live each second of your life.

So today, don't waste your time thinking about what if and could have or even that old should have . . . just get up, face your world and enjoy every second of it. I will . . . if you will . . . and smile even if it is through tears. "Smile when the world is new; smile when your feeling blue, ......la,la,la,.......smoke rings climb in the air so, dream, dream, dream . . . and la, la, la, la, la. Well I knew the words years ago and the memory lingers on. Bet you will be humming that a lot today. Hugs to all.

Travels

As the novelist and poet, William Burrough, in a wry moment wrote . . ."After one look at this planet, any visitor from outer space would say---

"I want to see the manager."

The beautiful homes you see are from Joyce and Ken who are back in Ecuador. That is Ken standing beside a beautiful tree. One is the home they are renting and the other belongs to their landlord. I think their town is called Cuenca. It looks like a lovely place to be.

The other pictures came in on an e-mail about hotels and where to stay in your travels. There is the Jumbo Jet Hotel in Sweden, which is a novel idea, and I'd like a tour to see what it looks like inside. The one room showing looks a bit crowded and I don't want the inside bed. Wonder how many compartments they made, and does it have a dining area ? . . . just more questions than answers.

The sewer pipe in Austria is cute. We should all have one in the back yard for company.

The orange survival pods in Holland are interesting. I wonder if they expect some kind of disaster. They look claustrophobic to me, as does the Japanese wall units. I couldn't be paid to stay in those. All in all it is interesting to find out how 'the other half lives' and I think I'll stay at one of the larger hotels when I travel. I like having a big room all to myself, a four star restaurant to dine in and a few penny machines wouldn't hurt my feelings at all.

So today, if your are out and about traveling, look for the 'different' and see if you can find something that will set your mind and heart to racing. If you are at home, there is always the travel channel or you can stop and pick up some colorful brochures at your travel agency and set off for an mind adventure of your very own. Winter arm chair travel isn't all bad. Take good care today as you go out and about in your kind of weather. We are stormy but not cold, warm in fact and I have one bush flowering, insane this time of year, but then this year has been insane to begin with. I'm off to make my coffee . . . want a cup? Well, just come on by, the door is open. Hugs to all.

Tulip Fields

There are, according to the e-mail I received yesterday 10,000 hectares devoted to the cultivation of three billion tulip bulbs grown each year in the northern Netherlands. They are planted in late October and November and blossom in May. "Glorious technicolor patchwork", I agree and would love to visit the fields and carry home a bulb or two. When I did visit Holland, it was October so the fields were bare as I didn't see one tulip. I did see a shop that made the wooden shoes, a name I don't remember as I write. We saw the dikes and enjoyed every minute of our trip. It was in Amsterdam that we stopped in to have lunch at a big chain like restaurant and was introduced to the latest tea bag which was a pencil thin silver packet with tiny holes in it. They didn't bring it to the American market as I've never seen one. They do have small sugar packets that resemble it though. I never did make up the tea from it, but saved it for show and tell, then of course, lost it somewhere in my travels.

The picture of the farm house reminded me of the trip we had to Washington this year when we stopped to visit the lavender fields. Of course it was not as big and spread out as these fields are, but they did have a beauty all their own. Pat made some lavender cookies this week and the smell and taste brought back a few memories of a wonderful trip I enjoyed with my daughters and granddaughter.

It seems to me I wrote about these fields last year or earlier this year, but the pictures were a bit different. It was nice to see the fields again and marvel at the beauty of them. I have some imitation ones in a big vase on the credenza, a little out of season, but the light up the room especially today when the weather is dreary and the three big booms awakened me from a sound sleep. I don't think it was thunder and wonder just what it was. There is a full moon and streaks of black clouds so I am wondering just what caused the noise in the middle of the night.

So today, Monday . . . yes Monday already, where did that weekend go? We met with Peat, Darlene and Maggie and had dinner at the new Chinese restaurant in town. As Peat and Darlene are in fancy wheel chairs we had a room all to ourselves. Talk about good food and service, wow, it will be the rage of town as soon as the word gets out. The owner introduced himself as Eric and made several trips to our table to be sure we had everything we needed. The amount of food on our plates was enough to feed us for two days. We all walked out with a huge white carton of left overs. I am having a cup of hot green tea right now but I'll leave the left overs for later. Make today a useful day, one in which you will start all of your work projects on time and get them over and done with . . . the hardest ones first, then the rest will be a cinch. If your tired of smiling, cry a lot, it is good for the soul and as daughter Christine would say . . . "Get Over It." Hugs to all.

White Out!

I don't know who was clever enough to put this picture together, talk about a thousand words and a few long memories along with it. It made me laugh out loud as it brought back a time when we used the typewriter and had dozens of copies to change if we made a mistake. We thought white out was the best thing since ice cream and used it often. The computer is so much friendlier with its spell check and the ways and means to wipe out paragraphs if you want to. I find my fingers want to move faster than my brain and I have to back track a lot to take care of the words that I transpose, or add a letter that should not be there. I use the spell check before I sent anything off these days as I notice that there is something added or left out or looks like a word that does not exist. I admit there are some words that leave me in doubt so I use the spell check and when that cannot or will not help, then I have to resort to the dictionary. It is hard to find the spelling of a word when you have no idea how it starts. I'm learning a lot as I gaze over pages of words and it allows my brain to absorb words I never knew existed. I do use the grammar section on occasion but I seem to disagree with what it says or else I do not understand what it says so I go about talking with my fingers like I talk with my mouth. I am sure an editor would love to get their hands on my writing and 'fix' things up as they should be not that the user Jean spouts as the 'king's English' but that is what happens when you do not listen and learn when you start off in life. I thought I did listen and learn but then I finally decided I am not perfect, never was, never will be, so you will have to love me and hand me a bottle of white out.

So today, Sunday already, a stormy one here on the coast with winds suppose to go up to seventy miles an hour. Pat and I are going to go do our weekly shopping and get something good in this house, like a buttermilk donut, the kind that adds a smile of satisfaction to your face and at least an inch of fat to the most unlikely spot on your body. Get out there and find a bakery that sells some delicious forbidden 'fruits' and enjoy. You can be good starting tomorrow when you wend your way back to work and stay on your diet until at least Thursday before you fall off and enjoy the 'spoils' of our wondrous world. I'm off . . . but you already knew that . . . go with God, light a candle, say a prayer for me and one for yourself, it just cannot hurt, even a little bit. Hugs to all.

Good Deeds

I read "Sometimes we under estimate the good things we have, chasing after the mirage of false treasures. " The politics of today comes to mind, but so does voting, and that might possibly mean that balance will once again enter the House and hopefully the Senate and we will continue to be who and what we are.

During the nightmare of the miners being trapped for months in an underground mine the President of Chile was a prime example of a great leader and he had no qualms of asking for help and then thanking each and every one that came to his aid. If we did not have instant communication we would never have heard of the American companies that came through in a big way. "Schramm Inc of West Chestser, Pa and Center Rock Company also from Pa., built the drill and bits used to reach the miners. UPS delivered 13-ton drilling equipment in less than 48 hours. Crews from the Layne Christensen Company of Wichita Kansas and its subsidiary Geotec Boyles Bros. worked the drills and machinery to locate and reach the miners and then enlarged the holes to ultimately rescue them. Jeff Hart of Denver, Co. was called off his job drilling water wells for the U.S. Army's forward operating bases in Afghanistan to lead the drilling crew that reached the miners. Atlas Copco Construction Mining Company of Milwaukee, Wi. provided consulting on how to make the drilling equipment from different sources work together under differing presure specifications. Aries Central Ca. designed the special cameras they lowered nearly a mile in to the ground sending back video of the miners. Zephyr Technologies of Annapolis, Maryland, made the remote monitors of vital signs that miners will wear during the ascent. NASA Engineers designed the "Phoenix" capsule that miners would be brought to the surface in, and provided medical consulting, special diets and spandex suits to maintain the miner's blood pressure as they're brought back to surface. Oh, and Canadian-based Precision Drilling Corporation and South African company Murry and Roberts, drilled a backup rescue shafts in case the American rig failed. Which it didn't." Did you read about this in our newspapers, or hear it on the TV talk shows or the news? Nor did our President publicly congratulate or even mention the American private enterprise for the miracle rescue of the Chilean miners. No . . . neither did I. But, we heard about the argument on 'gays' in the military and we hear constantly about the sport world figures who make enormous salaries and have no idea how to live or how to spend them, as they look for 'false treasures.'

I read that writing is 'like unraveling a sweater' and that can be tricky as you want to tell all of the story and this is a blog not a novel, but there is the story about . . . "In January, 2010, on a very, very, cold winter's day the eagles were cruising over houses in Alton,, Illinois and in St. Louis, Missouri hoping for a quick meal. They could not access the fish at the bottom of the rivers so a group of kind and benevolent men took it upon themselves to feed the eagles. The eagles sensed their kindness and didn't even fly away as they closed in to take pictures. They had an early Thanksgiving feast. Makes you smile and know that there are really truly good, kind and great Americans in each and every one of our states.

So today, know that there are many reasons to be proud of our fellow Americans and just as many reasons to be ashamed of our fellow Americans as each of us struggles against the forces of 'evil' and there is plenty of that around. Just take one step at a time, you have today . . . Saturday, with Sunday following, and you do not have to do anything you really do not want to do . . . the house or apartment will not fall apart if you do not clean it from top to bottom; the stove will still work after you ignore it and go out to eat in a 'fancy' restaurant . . . why, you can even light a candle and ask for faith, hope and be charitable as you drop off a coat for the children who do not have a warm one with winter coming. The drive is on, so help out, and you too can smile as you make your day as special as you are. Hugs to all.

A Puzzle!

The frame is finished or so I thought, it's not!

The pieces are spread all over the dining room table and have been for the past two weeks. This is my third puzzle of the winter season, a hobby I enjoy as I hunt for the special pieces to make a beautiful scene and can feel the pride in accomplishment when I am all finished. The puzzle I have on the table now is of three Pheasants, colorful birds with tails the length of the puzzle and feet that seem endless. Logs that are all over a huge field filled with tall grasses with pinkish red rods that must be a weed of some kind. When finished it will be a very beautiful picture but the secret of success is getting the puzzle finished and right now I have my doubts. For the person or persons who drummed up this particular scene, decided to make all the pieces alike in shape and the colors blend so that it is like a camouflage thus a piece fits . . . or does it? I can tell you now daughter Pat comes in and I hear "this piece doesn't fit there." and out comes a half dozen pieces that looked good for the moment but now the hunt goes on.

I had no idea that a puzzle is a form of exercise, not only of the brain, but of the body as you stoop and bend and try very hard to get down and pick up a couple of pieces that found their way to the carpet. The trouble with that they blend in. With extra lamps to add light so you can see the differences of color you climb over the cords or walk around the dining area through the kitchen and back again so not to disturb the pieces any more than you have to. I find the only time and the best time to do this puzzle is when the sun is out and is slowly sinking in the West and the light shines on the table . . . but, it doesn't last long enough and the squinting goes on. Why do I punish myself? Because I love the challenge of doing a jig saw puzzle almost as much as I love to write , do crossword puzzles or solve a word puzzles . . . just a puzzle person with a penchant to try and solve a myriad of broken pieces and make it whole again. It is almost like our lives when we find ourselves in a dilemma trying to solve the issues that becloud our days and nights. We don't have all the answers at once and have to stop and think and then take on step at a time to right any wrongs, or reach out for the illusive facts that need to be placed into the promise of peaceful co-existence and celebrate the finished outcome. We do it all the time.

So today, it is Friday, October 22nd the birth date of one of my very special children who was called long before her time, and Pa, the only father I knew who loved me enough to teach me discipline and pride in completing a job of any kind. Maybe I can 'blame' him for being a 'solver of puzzles'. The candle is lit for them . . . and for each and every one, family, friends, and a world of strangers who cry out for a want and need to be loved. Don't be afraid to offer up a prayer or two, it does nothing but envelop you in a cloud of trust and love . . . and some one said "the act of laughing releases some nice chemical into your brain and you feel good, and it is free." You have your 'marching orders of the day', get out there and offer a prayer for those who have gone before us and reward yourself with a smiling face for the rest of the day. Hugs to all.

Meet My Friends

What a beautiful plant. Oh to be a Master gardener and be able to name all of the lovely flowers and plants that we have surrounding us. Pat had this one sitting in her patio this summer. Next visit over I will have to see how it is doing. How can one not feel the power of flowers which light up not only the space they are in but our very hearts just looking at them? It is almost the feeling of peace that you get after lighting a candle or a fire in the fireplace as embers glow and bring so much beauty into our lives.

Suzanne and Peter Cartier with three of their grandchildren. They live in upper state New York and I am very lucky to get long newsy e mails keeping me apprised of the family doings. Suzanne is the daughter of Violette and George Barrette of Rhode Island. Violette and I exchanged words, pictures and tales for sixty years or better with letters written in long hand. She knew my children as much as I knew hers and we loved every minute of our time together. When Violette died, Suzanne did not desert me and kept letters and e mails flowing. She knew how much love had been shared between her mother and myself over the years and she took it upon herself to become a surrogate pen pal. How thankful I am to be a part of the family and share the adventures and life they live. Today, I will touch lightly on introducing them and a part of their family.

This is Billy when he was about two. You should see him now as he has to be all of three or maybe four and has been entertaining a new sister. His grandmother tells me he is absolutely the smartest boy in the neighborhood and full of mischief as those eyes do attest. He keeps them very busy with his antics and now he has a brand new sister.

Here she is, the newest member of the family. Her name is Violette Jacqueline Rose Cartier Brown. Her mother is Suzanne and Pete's daughter Hillary. I haven't met the dad yet but

you know he is very proud and a happy man.

Suzanne and Pete visited me a couple of summers back as they traveled the country side on a vacation to this part of the country. They fell in love with the Oregon coast and if I am lucky they may come back this way again. I think they did the Southern states this year, or maybe it was a visit to her sister who lives in Florida. They manage to make a trip there every year not only to visit family but to get out of those harsh long winters of upper state New York.

Violette and George didn't have a chance to see their grandchildren , but knowing them so closely and for so long, I know they would be bragging and telling the world what beautiful and wonderful and smart grandchildren they have. So, as a friend, I'm telling you now . . . this is a family you would welcome into your life and be so much happier because of it. Receiving the new baby's picture this week set the mind to some wonderful memories of my days in Rhode Island. A favorite place, the beautiful town of Newport where I have Sullivan family which I may introduce you to one of these days when I blog.

So today, I hope you are lucky and have friends in your life that bring you the feeling of family. There is nothing like it, really, a blessing in disguise. Open your door, open your heart, and get ready for the hugs of a lifetime as extending adopted families bring much love and laughter into your world. Hugs to all.

Time Out

Don't you love the cartoonists and their ability to make you laugh out loud. I do not know the name of the artist but he or she certainly has a way with humor and I hope you are doing a bit of snickering right now. The bear is another story that I just came in on an e mail as my friend said 'this if for the ladies' and it is. The bear hibernates for six months, eats itself stupid, has babies the size of walnuts and wakes up to partially grown cubs. When she means business she swats anyone who bother her cubs, and she swats them if they misbehave. Her mate expects her to wake up growling, have hairy legs and body fat . . . "Yep, gonna be a bear!"

Speaking of laughing, daughter Pat is dog sitting. She invited me over last evening for a pizza party, white wine and cherry jello, now you have to admit that is some combination and it works very well. Her friend Jock is off to Montana for three weeks of hunting all that wild stuff and from what we hear the wolves and bears are extra hungry this year and the hunting is not good. I hope for his sake he has some luck as he is a man who truly 'lives off the land'. A throw back to Jeremiah Johnson and the strong men of the land. He has two dogs, Keisha and Joey. Keisha is female, very old, deaf and sweet. Joey is a small male white ball of fluff with a personality all his own . . . and then there is Emma, a lumbering juvenile who only understands play time. She brings in the Frisbee and her pet balls and little stuffed animals more than willing to share with her new pals. She would run amok all over the house but she winds up outside looking in when she misbehaves. Did I tell you she has a shrill high bark and it doesn't sound like the voice of 'bugle Ann', more like a whining whistle that is off key. I cannot help Pat run the dogs or even walk them but I can scratch a few bellies and how they love that. A storm is coming in for the weekend complete with heavy duty wind and rain so it will be mud city over there. The city construction crews are doing something with pipes and having a ball tearing up the streets. Not a good time for dog company. So next trip over I will take my camera and see what pictures I can come up with. I am sure the threesome will be happy to 'emote' for me. As for Pat, she may go into hibernation and wish she was a bear.

So today, think about what you would like to be if there was a possibility of returning to make things perfect in your world. The blue bird of happiness??? Um . . . I wonder about that one. A butterfly? A cat? Who knows "what lurks in the hearts of men . . . the shadow knows" Now where did that come from? A fanciful mood I guess, so join me and have a few fantasies of your own and laugh out loud . . . it is good for you. Hugs to all

Salute

I love quotes and I read one recently about Ben Franklin's remark . . . "In wine there is wisdom; In beer there is freedom; In water there is bacteria." Then some wise 'ass' added: "Remember water-poop; wine-health, therefore it is better to drink wine and talk stupid than to drink water and be full of sh-t." On a little 'higher' note, the actor Danny Kaye used to say "Life is a great big canvas. Throw all the paint you can at it." and it wouldn't hurt to sip a little glass of wine in my opinion.

There was an interesting e-mail yesterday showing a highway going through the fifth to seventh floors of the Gate Tower Building, a sixteen story office building in Osaka, Japan. It is part of the Hanshin Expressway and called the "Beehive" "referring to a busy place". The article went on to say "held up as a bridge, no contact with other buildings and is of double base construction" ..... where are my construction folks who could explain all this to me? What a feat, built in 1983. Building permits were refused because a highway was planned and it took the property owner five years to haggle with the Expressway Corporation and come up with this solution. Pretty clever and a marvelous piece of construction, another small wonder in our world.

When you look at the picture of the veteran staring off at the graves of his war buddies, personal friends, brothers and sisters and you know his heart aches. What a terrible price we pay, and are still paying . . . and I might add, will pay, for our freedom. Oppression is evil. Keep this picture in mind when you hear the rhetoric of socialism.

So today, Tuesday and another day to work hard and clean up the messes be it in reams of paper, cartridges of ink, or sweeping the porch. Whatever takes your fancy make the job the best you can make it and pat yourself on the back for a job well done . . . and, if the mood hits, open a bottle of wine and relax at home and don't forget the pizza . . . oh you like beer with it; fine, to each his own, enjoy and smile while you do it. Hugs to all.

Additional news!

The Cobra. Bob came through with a picture. I did a blog earlier this morning telling you about the car and wishing I had a picture of it and lo, and behold....I do....just came hot of the e-mail wonderland and what a beauty. Wouldn't you like to ride about in that? I would. Hair do? Who cares? Bob tells me, with pride in his pen, that it is "a reproduction of a 1965, 427 Ford Cobra originally evolved from a British Ace sports car." He also said that the original cars sell for a million dollars. It would be interesting to google and find out just who is riding around in an original . . . I'll have to ask Bob if he is in the market for one. Well, all I can tell you is I wish Bob and Andy good health, a bit of wealth and a lot of fun drives in the Cobra. It 'almost' reminds me of our two-seat roadster with the rumble seat....smile Bob, I'm only kidding. Know you have brought some light into my day and a tiny bit of green around the gills with the want of a duplicate to run around Brookings today. Wouldn't we all? Son John couldn't complain about head room in this little beauty. So today, as the old saying goes, "Go with God" and flag Bob down, I'm sure he will be happy to give you a ride. Hugs to all.

Eye Openers

The wave picture was captured by a photographer who lives in Hawaii and takes beautiful photographs of wave actions. I have put some of his pictures on the blog before. A work of art is an understatement. I have never seen a wave like this, an awesome sight.

I wonder what the cyclist is thinking. My friend, Tanie, has a son who has been a car racer for years and still is as enthusiastic about them as ever. Every year he goes to participate in a 'run' and one year had his truck, bike and all his equipment stolen. It was eventually retrieved but not after months of worry and frustration. Some one person thought he could get away with stealing the entire set up and not get caught. Goes to show, some folks are not very bright. Don was very happy to get all of his equipment back in good condition and as the saying goes . . . 'he is off to the races!"

Arizona does get rain, monsoon rain at times and even a gorgeous double rainbow after a storm. Bob and Andrea, Sullivan cousins and close friends live in Green Valley and love it. They had just returned from a big automobile show where Bob got to show off his new Cobra and I would have put on a picture of it but when I asked for one he sent me thirty pictures which I would have had to unload one at a time to see . . . no chance . . . I'd still be looking, but, he will send one of his new baby Cobra and I'll be able to help him show off. They usually try and visit every year, if so, I'll be sure to take pictures. They are the family travelers and share the places and faces as they get around. They are experts in how to live, love and laugh and such fun to have around. They are never idle and have talents to share from putting in foot stones in the garden to putting in a new faucet, nothing is too much trouble and they make it look so easy.

So today, Monday, set to stretching your mind, and your body, get up, get to work and enjoy the day. Monday's child is 'fair of face' . . . um, and you thought I didn't notice . . . of course I did, you are all beautiful. Hugs to all.

Humph!!

Now here is a picture that should be on the front page of every newspaper in the country, blown up, on the front page, so our representatives can be made aware that there is always a camera on hand, a newsman ready to report their hard working efforts on our behalf. According to the write up, House Minority leader, Lawrence F. Cafero Jr. a Republican from Norwalk is speaking into the microphone. It would be interesting to hear what he had to say but, as this picture shows, Representative Barbara D. Milford, and Representative Jack F. Hennessy are playing solitaire. The representative, not identified in the article is on Facebook, while the one on the right is checking out the baseball scores. I think these folks drawn down over a hundred thousand a year to represent their constituents. Right now I'd like to be computer literate and know how to send a copy to each of them and ask them how they voted on the preliminary work of putting a new budget together. Whatever happened to integrity? What ever happened to the vow they took to represent their districts and work hard to bring about good, if not great, laws to help us stay strong and solvent? Whatever happened to "an honest days pay for an honest days work". I guess we ask too much. It seems to me we don't get what we vote for . . . someone who means what they say and say what they mean and puts in an honest days work. Well my ballot is sitting on the kitchen counter waiting for me to fill it in and vote . . . um . . . my work is cut out for me today.

So today, Sunday, all day . . . what are you going to do with your day of rest? Hopefully you will make it a day to pay attention to all of the hullabaloo that is going on with the different folks wanting to get up there on 'the hill' and change our lives for the better. Let us hope they have enough truth in their own convictions to win the seat they covet and take their moral principles along with them. We need time limits for all. As my friend, Clarence, used to say, 'never vote for an incumbent, vote for the new guy and give us a year or two before he joins the 'good old boys' to become a wealthy man. Sad but true! Where is that guy with the lantern out looking for an honest man? Where is Don Quixote when you need him? Be one of the good guys and get out there and vote and make it count. Hugs to all.

YARD SALE!!!!

Yesterday, a very foggy Friday, daughter Pat and I went to Crescent City to visit Sylvia's Attic, a place we used to frequent often as it is a store the size of a warehouse and it is filled with some of the delights of yesteryear. The owner, a woman in her mid seventies, has an eye for 'stuff' and she attends every yard sale she can get to . . . and has for years. Her shop has always been a delight to visit and browse through as she has pictures, furniture, lamps and every conceivable piece of beautiful glass ware that you can imagine. About four years ago she decided to add books to her collections and now there is not one space that is not covered in books. The front of the store is all books now and that was good as we knew where to find a book we wanted for our own collection, but like everything else, it has gotten out of hand and there is no where in the store that is not covered with books of all sizes and shapes, very old with the smell of mildew, and the best seller read once and thrown away. It seems Sylvia has created a library of her very own and her 'store' has lost some of its charm. I did find a book I was not aware existed as it is a sequel to a book I read called "The Settlers" and this one is called "The Second Generation", my neighbor Jim will be pleased to see it as he read the first book and thought it was the best book on immigration that he had ever read. Now, I am sorry I got rid of it in a yard sale as it has been years and I no longer remember the characters in the story. Maybe this book will bring them back to mind.

Pat is the 'yard sale queen' as she has a very good eye and the huge marble you see is a German handmade swirl, circa 1800-1900, a two inch glass marble valued anywhere from three hundred to three thousand dollars. Oh to find a buyer for that little beauty. The story Pat tells is that an old man sold it to her, the 'glassie' or marble collector of this century, for three dollars. He told her he used to tell his grandchildren that they could have the peppermint in the center if they could break it open and needless to say they did a good job of trying. The marble was pitted with small chips. Somewhere Pat heard of a man who worked on glass marbles bringing them back to their original beauty and she sent her marble away and just received it back looking like it was new. There is a tiny pit here and there but so minute that you can hardly see them. He did a terrific job and she is very pleased. Now as to whether it gets a new owner or not will depend on if she puts it up on e-bay for sale. There has to be a collector out there that would love to own it.

So after listening to Pat's tale of the marble and seeing all of the beautiful pieces in Sylvia's Attic, I came home and looked around at my yard sale items to see if I had a treasure or two . . . I do, a Limoges vase that is beautiful, a shell dish that is over a hundred years old and is in a cook book I have that is at least a hundred and thirteen years old. On page 146 there is a picture of my yard sale bowl. Wonder what it is worth? Must be worth something to someone out there but I would find it hard to part with as it is lovely just to look at. The tin cans are on top of the kitchen cupboards and are fun to look at, although I do have to take them down and wash them. The one I found yesterday was a tribute to the Boy Scouts One Hundred Year celebration. It will be worth something someday . . .right? Oh yeah!!!!

So it is Saturday and Saturday is always a yard sale day. There were not many listed in the paper this week. I guess it is too soon after the big city wide yard sale of September and folks are not up to another so soon. Maybe you will be lucky and find a few sales to attend in your neighborhood today. Don't just sit there.....go.....you may find the treasure of a life time, or at least a new book to read. You are bound to meet some very nice people and strike up a conversation about treasures. Go! Have fun it will make you smile all day. Hugs to all.

A Finished Road

There was something on the news last evening about the completed bridge over Hoover dam but few details. I was lucky as I received an e mail with the pictures and story to read so in case you missed it I will share some of the story as I have been following the new construction and am glad to know it is now finished. I'd like a ride over it.

Over forty years ago the Federal Government identified a need to improve Highway 99, but the project did not start until the mid 1990's. It was listed as a high priority corridor in the National Highway Systems Designation Act of 1995 and designated as part of the North American Free Trade Agreement route. The North American Leaders summit to unite Canada, the U.S.A. and Mexico.

"This is an admission bi pass, part of the corridor goes from deep water port Lazaro Cardenas on western so-center Mexico through Nevada, Utah and ultimately through Canada to Alaska....... " The article went on to say that Las Vegas is in the path and to imagine the increasing invaders as uncertified Mexican trucks zip through this 'chute'. I am thinking this is a scary thought but then Alaska is much too cold for the warm blooded folks of Mexico and Canada would not stand for anyone 'sneaking' into their country. The northern states are pretty cold and snowy with lots of wild life roaming free so maybe we should just enjoy the new highway and hope it will be well traveled in pride and accomplishment for a really wonderful engineering job.

So today, you are smiling and singing TGIF . . . again . . . how did it get here so fast? A weekend coming up and we are having a heat wave, high eighties and sunshine along with wind and no clouds. Great allergy weather!!! The biggest fish caught this week was a fifty-two, two ounce Chinook and I am wondering about the size of the salmon steaks. We could all get together and have a feast on that one. We cannot invite Pat's Emma who went off playing in a huge field and found something nasty to roll in. Pat has given her three shampoos and is out in the yard this morning hosing her down one more time. Leave it to Emma she never misses a chance to gain Pat's undivided attention. I hope your pet shows you all that unconditional love. Hugs to all.

The Happy Generation

I have heard of the different medications that were over the counter medications back in the 'horse and buggy' days of yore when you could buy heroin (1890-1910) which was touted as "a non addictive substitute for morphine." Today morphine is the standard drug for those dying with cancer as it helps quell the horrible pain
and heroin is the drug dealers method of making millions of dollars creating pain for those who didn't hear Nancy Reagan 'say no' to drugs. As for the Mariani wine (1875) it was called coca wine and Pope Leo XIII awarded the producer a Vatican Gold Medal and he wouldn't leave the Vatican without a bottle in his possession. I didn't know that!

Then there is opium which was "40% alcohol plus 3 grams of opium per tablet. The caption on this one was 'it didn't care, but you didn't care" We heard of Chinese opium dens as the Hollywood movies showed scenes of the addicted and we even read about Sherlock Holmes and his addiction but I don't think any one of us ever thought it was something we wanted to try . . . penny candy was much more addictive and a lot tastier and healthier for our bodies. We were just smarter than anyone gave us credit for. I never heard of Cocaine Tablets (1900) but according to this write-up "stage actors, singers, teachers and preachers had them for maximum performance . Great to smooth the voice." Well Ma had a better plan as she fed us burnt toast and told us how it cultivated the voice and we believed it, ate it and it worked as our teachers hauled us off to choir practice to sing like Caruso.

Things haven't changed a lot with the push on to legalize 'pot', the little flowery plant that creates a euphoria and increases the appetite and leads on to bigger and better drugs like heroin with its many names. How sad we have a generation of semi illiterates from the drug culture
and as creatures with addictive habits we should be very careful what we vote for. Nope, I am not going political this morning I am still reeling from all of the emotions of yesterday when the thirty-three minors were brought up from underground alive. Happy tears and Chili has a President to be very proud of.

So today, stop by and light a candle in thanksgiving for the lives of thirty three men, and the hundreds of workers from all over the world who came through and never gave up hope. Prayers poured up into the heavens by the thousands, day in and day out, and we witnessed a true miracle. Don't stop praying for these men as they have to go through a recuperation period and adjust to life again after being in the dark underground with little or no hope of survival. Unbelievable, but how much we love happy endings. Get out there today and make your day have a happy ending. Hugs to all.