FAMOUS LAST WORDS ...... OCTOBER 01 2011.......................
How many times have you uttered those famous last words, only having to eat them later? Join the club. You would think that by now I would keep my mouth shut. Yeah, right. Open mouth, stick in foot, or some such thing.
For the last couple of years my knees - yes both of them - have been bothering me. I have tried to ignore this as bad knees is an old lady thing. I'm not getting any younger, but really don't feel like an OLD LADY. One of these days I will tell you the story of my "Death" and "Obituary".
This year the left knee has gone over-board in the pain department on some days. Finally I had to break down and make an appointment with the Orthopedic group in Washington. Woe is me.
When I mentioned this to Jerry, he shrugged his shoulders and informed me I would probably get cortisone shots. Now open mouth.
"They're not giving me cortisone shots!. I have heard too many horror stories about the excruciating pain connected with the shots, and that they really don't do any good. Not me!"
So bright and early yesterday morning I am at the doctors, filling out about 10 dozen forms. You would think I was getting a physical to fly to the moon or some such thing. I thought computers were supposed to do away with all the paper work. Silly me.
Upon completion young man, I guess he was an aid, took me to an examining room and got my history of the pain in my knees. Told him some days not too bad, other days, REALLY bad, especially left knee. From there I went to X-ray, just a couple of doors down the hall.
Talk about computers and machines, you could not imagine this X-ray machine. I never saw anything that compares to it. First you stood facing a white board from mid-thigh to the floor. Bend left knee. Hold it. Fine. Bend right knee. Hold it. Fine. Now turn sideways. Right knee bent, left knee behind you. Turn other way. Left knee bent, right knee behind you. Next you stand with your back to the board Hold it. Fine. We are finished. I'll bet it took less than 5 - yes I said 5 - minutes.
Back to the exam room and the real doctor appeared, and there were the X-ray pictures of my leg bones on the screen. What a scary sight.
Knee replacement will be done eventually, but not yet. There is a set of rules that you have to follow first. Because of insurance. What else? Unless you are rolling around on the floor, writhing in pain, tears streaming down your face, you have to follow the rules.
First - CORTISONE shots. You heard me. Second - Lubrication shots. Third knee replacement.
I told the doctor right away about my concerns regarding cortisone shots, the pain, no relief, etc., etc. He told me when he gives the shots they are virtually pain-free as he adds lydacaine, spell-check didn't knowwhat to do with this word, (a numbing med) to counteract the pain. I would feel a pin prick, a tingling, and a band-aid. Some shots don't help. Some help for a few weeks, then another shot. Some will help up to several months before another shot.
Once the cortisone is no longer giving relief, they start with the lubricating shots. These are VERY HIGH PRICED and the doctor will have to get permission from the Insurance Co to administer these shots so they will be covered.
Once these shots are no longer effective, surgery, in all probability, will be scheduled.
I really like this doctor, had the cortisone shot. He was right, pin prick, tingling, band-aid. Piece of cake.
Now, how am I going to admit to Jerry that I agreed to the cortisone shots? I am anxious to see if it does help, and for how long. I do know that right now, this morning, I am not having the degree of pain I have been having. Who knows?
Now it is about time to leave for where the bus will pick me up for the trip to Smicksburg. Right now the knee is feeling pretty good. Have a good day and God Bless.
Friday, September 30, 2011
GOING...GOING...GONE!!! -- SEPTEMBER 30 2011
That's right. September is all but gone. October just around the bend. What happened?
Tim told us Wednesday evening that he had taken his first load of Black Angus cows to the packing house that day. For years now we have gotten half a beef every fall, and daughter Rebecca the other half for her family.
Tim has a list of beef buyers every year, and a list of folks waiting to be added, as he will only sell so many cows each year.
So come Tuesday of next week I will have to remember to call Mike's Packing and place my order as to how many steaks per package, how much ground beef per package, how big I want my roasts, etc. Then about ten days later we pick up our packaged and frozen beef, enough to last us all year. And mighty good it is.
So yesterday afternoon I took what little we had remaining from last year's beef plus pies and other stuff out of the upright freezer, putting as much as I could in the chest freezer (as the chest is full of fish, Jerry's and Mike's from their Alaska fishing expedition - it is also a small chest freezer) piled the remainder on the floor of the family room, and covered with quilts, etc. to keep it frozen.
It doesn't take the up-right freezer long to defrost, so got that done, cleaned, and ready for new meat. Re-loaded the upright and got it sort of organized. Not a hard job - just time consuming. But at least now that is out of the way, and we will eat very "high on the beef" for the next year. You really do get spoiled.
I got the above picture last November while down in West Virginia. All that hoar frost, and one lone black cow.
It is cool out, the wind blowing, gray clouds everywhere, not looking like a great day, again....... I guess this area is breaking records left and right pertaining to the weird weather we have had all year. I hate to even think what winter will bring. I may not leave the house until next spring!
Well, have some early morning appointments today, so better get myself in motion, sort of, and get ready to head out.
Everyone have a great day and God Bless.
That's right. September is all but gone. October just around the bend. What happened?
Tim told us Wednesday evening that he had taken his first load of Black Angus cows to the packing house that day. For years now we have gotten half a beef every fall, and daughter Rebecca the other half for her family.
Tim has a list of beef buyers every year, and a list of folks waiting to be added, as he will only sell so many cows each year.
So come Tuesday of next week I will have to remember to call Mike's Packing and place my order as to how many steaks per package, how much ground beef per package, how big I want my roasts, etc. Then about ten days later we pick up our packaged and frozen beef, enough to last us all year. And mighty good it is.
So yesterday afternoon I took what little we had remaining from last year's beef plus pies and other stuff out of the upright freezer, putting as much as I could in the chest freezer (as the chest is full of fish, Jerry's and Mike's from their Alaska fishing expedition - it is also a small chest freezer) piled the remainder on the floor of the family room, and covered with quilts, etc. to keep it frozen.
It doesn't take the up-right freezer long to defrost, so got that done, cleaned, and ready for new meat. Re-loaded the upright and got it sort of organized. Not a hard job - just time consuming. But at least now that is out of the way, and we will eat very "high on the beef" for the next year. You really do get spoiled.
I got the above picture last November while down in West Virginia. All that hoar frost, and one lone black cow.
It is cool out, the wind blowing, gray clouds everywhere, not looking like a great day, again....... I guess this area is breaking records left and right pertaining to the weird weather we have had all year. I hate to even think what winter will bring. I may not leave the house until next spring!
Well, have some early morning appointments today, so better get myself in motion, sort of, and get ready to head out.
Everyone have a great day and God Bless.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
MEN 102 and 103.....SEPTEMBER 29 2011........................
If I remember correctly, I gave the lesson on MEN 101 a few days ago. Well today, it will be Men 102 and Men 103.
Men 102 - and NO I am not men-bashing - just stating the facts. What would they do without their "little old ladies" (and NO ONE BUT NO ONE gets to call ME a Little Old Lady), meaning Mothers, wives, significant others, whatever.
MEN 102
I am sitting back relaxing watching one of my favorite TV shows last night (I deserved to sit back and relax as I finished digging my potatoes yesterday afternoon) when a very panicky Jerry walks into my space.
Local taxes on the properties are due by the last day of September. The tax collectors have a West Alexander mailing address. We have a West Alexander mailing address. duh!! No brainer!! We still have 2 days to go. How long can it take a piece of mail to go from W.A. to W.A.?
Anyhoo he had written the checks, put them in their addressed envelopes, placed a stamp on them, laid them down, and forgot about them. This is where I come in.
He is wanting to know if I would run them in to the post office this morning and ask them if they could please see that they were delivered by tomorrow, which is the last day of September.
So at 8 a.m. this morning I am at the post office. Handed them personally to the little gal behind the counter, asking if they would be delivered by tomorrow. She stamped them right then and there, and as they were still sorting the mail, they would be delivered today. More points for me. Believe me, I am keeping tab. One of these days.........
This is Jerry at his surprise 50th birthday party last year. Why is he all wet? Water pistols were on the agenda. Everyone was wet. But I am meandering. Back to the real story.
MEN 103
Saturday, October 1st is opening day for deer season - bow hunting. Jerry, Tim and Steve have been sighting in their bows, getting ready for the BIG DAY.
Last night was "poor me" night - not me me, but Jerry me.
Steve with wife Cindy, and Tim with wife Kay, are all going out of town for the weekend. Well, he can still brag to me when he gets his really big buck.
Nada. I am going on a one day bus trip on Saturday to Smicksburg (Pa Amish country near Punxatawney).
The whining started. Poor me. no one will be here but me and the dogs. Poor me. I really have to laugh. See, I really knew what I was talking about when I said that men needed their hands held.
I do have to admit we have quite a few really nice big bucks on the farm. Jerry has motion triggered cameras in about 6 different locations, and we have some really awesome pictures of some of the big guys. Frankly I keep hoping the guys will all miss. they are far too beautiful to be shot down. But then I am not a hunter and we really do have far too many deer.
So now you have completed MEN 101, MEN 102, AND MEN 103. I wonder how many more Men classes I will come up with. Only time will tell. Have a good day and God Bless.
If I remember correctly, I gave the lesson on MEN 101 a few days ago. Well today, it will be Men 102 and Men 103.
Men 102 - and NO I am not men-bashing - just stating the facts. What would they do without their "little old ladies" (and NO ONE BUT NO ONE gets to call ME a Little Old Lady), meaning Mothers, wives, significant others, whatever.
MEN 102
I am sitting back relaxing watching one of my favorite TV shows last night (I deserved to sit back and relax as I finished digging my potatoes yesterday afternoon) when a very panicky Jerry walks into my space.
Local taxes on the properties are due by the last day of September. The tax collectors have a West Alexander mailing address. We have a West Alexander mailing address. duh!! No brainer!! We still have 2 days to go. How long can it take a piece of mail to go from W.A. to W.A.?
Anyhoo he had written the checks, put them in their addressed envelopes, placed a stamp on them, laid them down, and forgot about them. This is where I come in.
He is wanting to know if I would run them in to the post office this morning and ask them if they could please see that they were delivered by tomorrow, which is the last day of September.
So at 8 a.m. this morning I am at the post office. Handed them personally to the little gal behind the counter, asking if they would be delivered by tomorrow. She stamped them right then and there, and as they were still sorting the mail, they would be delivered today. More points for me. Believe me, I am keeping tab. One of these days.........
This is Jerry at his surprise 50th birthday party last year. Why is he all wet? Water pistols were on the agenda. Everyone was wet. But I am meandering. Back to the real story.
MEN 103
Saturday, October 1st is opening day for deer season - bow hunting. Jerry, Tim and Steve have been sighting in their bows, getting ready for the BIG DAY.
Last night was "poor me" night - not me me, but Jerry me.
Steve with wife Cindy, and Tim with wife Kay, are all going out of town for the weekend. Well, he can still brag to me when he gets his really big buck.
Nada. I am going on a one day bus trip on Saturday to Smicksburg (Pa Amish country near Punxatawney).
The whining started. Poor me. no one will be here but me and the dogs. Poor me. I really have to laugh. See, I really knew what I was talking about when I said that men needed their hands held.
I do have to admit we have quite a few really nice big bucks on the farm. Jerry has motion triggered cameras in about 6 different locations, and we have some really awesome pictures of some of the big guys. Frankly I keep hoping the guys will all miss. they are far too beautiful to be shot down. But then I am not a hunter and we really do have far too many deer.
So now you have completed MEN 101, MEN 102, AND MEN 103. I wonder how many more Men classes I will come up with. Only time will tell. Have a good day and God Bless.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
??? - !!! - SEPTMBER 28 2011
If I have all this knowledge (see yesterday's blog), then why is my mind a blank today? Go figure.
If the wether holds - and that is a BIG IF - I will try to get the last row of potatoes dug this afternoon. This morning I have Wednesday morning Bible Study. I really enjoy these Wednesday mornings and the discussions we have. Talk about a dozen different ways of looking at the same thing.
In case you're wondering - no I did not go snorkling. I visited an aquarium. Much less stress this way. And I really don't need any stress in my life, there is no time, too many other things to do.
Also on the agenda is pictures for Oglebayfest. I have them all printed and matted. Now I have to label each one with 2 labels - first the category complete with description (take the above for instance, the label would read Seascapes - Under the Sea - Pittsburgh Pa aquarium), and the second label is my name, telephone and e-mail address.
Once this is completed, the ones I am going to frame go back down to my work area for said framing. The others that are sold as matted prints are placed in clear plastic bags - which protects the prints from the weather, kids sticky fingers, pop-sicle licking adults dripping, umbrellas (when it is raining) dripping also, wind blowing dust, etc., etc., etc.
Luckily at Oglebay I will be in one of their big tents, along with Russ, Kay, and Vicki, the four of us will be together. Party time! On either Saturday or Sunday - depending on what Kay is doing - I will be taking a large pot of chili down for us to graze on while we are working.
Not only do we graze on what we take, we visit all the food vendors (they always have samples for you to try), and we try them all, sometimes two or three times if we are not really busy. Most of the food vendors know us by name. I can't imagine why.
Well getting time to leave for B.S. Have a great Wednesday and God Bless.
If I have all this knowledge (see yesterday's blog), then why is my mind a blank today? Go figure.
If the wether holds - and that is a BIG IF - I will try to get the last row of potatoes dug this afternoon. This morning I have Wednesday morning Bible Study. I really enjoy these Wednesday mornings and the discussions we have. Talk about a dozen different ways of looking at the same thing.
In case you're wondering - no I did not go snorkling. I visited an aquarium. Much less stress this way. And I really don't need any stress in my life, there is no time, too many other things to do.
Also on the agenda is pictures for Oglebayfest. I have them all printed and matted. Now I have to label each one with 2 labels - first the category complete with description (take the above for instance, the label would read Seascapes - Under the Sea - Pittsburgh Pa aquarium), and the second label is my name, telephone and e-mail address.
Once this is completed, the ones I am going to frame go back down to my work area for said framing. The others that are sold as matted prints are placed in clear plastic bags - which protects the prints from the weather, kids sticky fingers, pop-sicle licking adults dripping, umbrellas (when it is raining) dripping also, wind blowing dust, etc., etc., etc.
Luckily at Oglebay I will be in one of their big tents, along with Russ, Kay, and Vicki, the four of us will be together. Party time! On either Saturday or Sunday - depending on what Kay is doing - I will be taking a large pot of chili down for us to graze on while we are working.
Not only do we graze on what we take, we visit all the food vendors (they always have samples for you to try), and we try them all, sometimes two or three times if we are not really busy. Most of the food vendors know us by name. I can't imagine why.
Well getting time to leave for B.S. Have a great Wednesday and God Bless.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
POTATOES, BOOKS, AND KNOWLEDGE.......SEPTEMBER 27 2011
First - about potatoes. I got lucky. Yesterday afternoon the garden had dried out enough for me to get another row of potatoes dug. Filled another three buckets. Only one row left to go, but will not be doing it today as we got over three quarters of an inch of rain last night into this morning. It will be a mud hole. I guess i get to do other stuff today.
Like mat pictures, clean the house, let the dogs out, let the dogs in, feed the cats, let the dogs out, let the dogs in, fix lunch, let the dogs out, let the dogs in. No napping for me. I haven't figured out why the dogs can be by themselves ALL DAY when no one is here, but HAVE TO GO every five minutes when I am home. Guess they know what buttons to push.
Second - about books. I sold my last IF ONLY I COULD TALK book at the Covered Bridge Festival. I have four more major festivals coming up between now the the second weekend in November. Panic button! Placed an order with - who else - Double Edge Press. Was notified that shipment was made yesterday. Yea! I'll have a new supply of books to show and, hopefully, sell along with my pictures next weekend (October 7-8-9) at Oglebayfest, one of the fantastic festivals held annually at Oglebay Park in Wheeling.
I am also beginning my list of folks that want to be notified when my third, and last, volume of the TALK books is released, hopefully in time for Christmas. That was the main reason I started blogging, I love writing, especially non-sense, and upon finishing my books, blogging gave me an outlet for "spouting off", as my Mother would have put it.
Third - about knowledge. Just exactly what is knowledge. The dictionary informs you that knowledge is: acquainted with facts, having ability to know facts and information.
Another area is knowledgeable. Just exactly what is knowledgeable. Again the dictionary informs you that knowledgeable is: the state of being intelligent.
But the description of having knowledge is one I received today, and I just had to share it with you.
Finally! At long last! Now I know why I am what I am. I just have sooo much information rolling around in my head that is overflowing.
So there you have it. Potatoes, Books, and Knowledge. I am sure you have really really been wanting me to write on the above three subjects, so today you should be really really happy.
Enjoy and God Bless.
First - about potatoes. I got lucky. Yesterday afternoon the garden had dried out enough for me to get another row of potatoes dug. Filled another three buckets. Only one row left to go, but will not be doing it today as we got over three quarters of an inch of rain last night into this morning. It will be a mud hole. I guess i get to do other stuff today.
Like mat pictures, clean the house, let the dogs out, let the dogs in, feed the cats, let the dogs out, let the dogs in, fix lunch, let the dogs out, let the dogs in. No napping for me. I haven't figured out why the dogs can be by themselves ALL DAY when no one is here, but HAVE TO GO every five minutes when I am home. Guess they know what buttons to push.
I am also beginning my list of folks that want to be notified when my third, and last, volume of the TALK books is released, hopefully in time for Christmas. That was the main reason I started blogging, I love writing, especially non-sense, and upon finishing my books, blogging gave me an outlet for "spouting off", as my Mother would have put it.
Third - about knowledge. Just exactly what is knowledge. The dictionary informs you that knowledge is: acquainted with facts, having ability to know facts and information.
Another area is knowledgeable. Just exactly what is knowledgeable. Again the dictionary informs you that knowledgeable is: the state of being intelligent.
But the description of having knowledge is one I received today, and I just had to share it with you.
Finally! At long last! Now I know why I am what I am. I just have sooo much information rolling around in my head that is overflowing.
So there you have it. Potatoes, Books, and Knowledge. I am sure you have really really been wanting me to write on the above three subjects, so today you should be really really happy.
Enjoy and God Bless.
Monday, September 26, 2011
GOOD THINGS....AND NOT SO GOOD THINGS....SEPTEMBER 26 2011
For every good thing there is something not quite so good.
Good things first.
Last night the Steelers pulled it out of the hat again, they make you watch clear down to the final seconds to score that winning field goal or touchdown. Last night was no exception.
Also last night were the season openers of two of my favorite shows (which used to be on during the week, have been changed to Sunday night) and guess what. Last night the Steelers were scheduled for one of their few Sunday night games. Bummer! Both shows left you hanging last spring.
That should have been a good thing. Not! I had two TV's going at the same time, the one in the living room (HD) for the football game, the one in the dining room (not HD) for the two shows THE GOOD WIFE and CSI MIAMI. So I am bouncing back and forth. Jerry's is watching the football game in high def, don't you dare touch that remote! So I behaved, I went back and forth.
One question. Football is football. Breaks are not scheduled for a certain time so they can show their commercials. So how on earth do they manage to have their commercials at the same time as the regular shows, which have theirs scheduled for a certain time? What do they do, freeze the players in place so they can cut to a commercial, then un-freeze them when the commercial has ended?
It never fails to amaze me.
It is another gloomy, cloudy day, supposed to rain some more. I wonder if I will ever get my potatoes dug.
Now for a complete change of pace. I have photographed different murals throughout the years, and some of the best I have ever found are in Steubenville Ohio, painted on various buildings.
I thought I would close out this blog with one depicting the steel industry (as at one time the Ohio Valley was very busy with steel mills all up and down the river).
These murals are quite awesome. If you are ever in the Steubenville area take the time to drive into town and check them out.
So enjoy your fall day, try to stay dry, and God Bless.
For every good thing there is something not quite so good.
Good things first.
Last night the Steelers pulled it out of the hat again, they make you watch clear down to the final seconds to score that winning field goal or touchdown. Last night was no exception.
Also last night were the season openers of two of my favorite shows (which used to be on during the week, have been changed to Sunday night) and guess what. Last night the Steelers were scheduled for one of their few Sunday night games. Bummer! Both shows left you hanging last spring.
That should have been a good thing. Not! I had two TV's going at the same time, the one in the living room (HD) for the football game, the one in the dining room (not HD) for the two shows THE GOOD WIFE and CSI MIAMI. So I am bouncing back and forth. Jerry's is watching the football game in high def, don't you dare touch that remote! So I behaved, I went back and forth.
One question. Football is football. Breaks are not scheduled for a certain time so they can show their commercials. So how on earth do they manage to have their commercials at the same time as the regular shows, which have theirs scheduled for a certain time? What do they do, freeze the players in place so they can cut to a commercial, then un-freeze them when the commercial has ended?
It never fails to amaze me.
It is another gloomy, cloudy day, supposed to rain some more. I wonder if I will ever get my potatoes dug.
Now for a complete change of pace. I have photographed different murals throughout the years, and some of the best I have ever found are in Steubenville Ohio, painted on various buildings.
I thought I would close out this blog with one depicting the steel industry (as at one time the Ohio Valley was very busy with steel mills all up and down the river).
So enjoy your fall day, try to stay dry, and God Bless.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
IS MY THERMOMETER WRONG?....SEPTEMBER 25 2011
Good question. It is 78 degrees here this afternoon. I thought it was fall, not summer.
This is a "no brain" day. I usually have a whole slew of stuff to write about, today Nada. Nothing. Blank.
I do have a question, though. Have you ever had a man, who is contemplating remodeling a kitchen, ask you what you think, what you want, etc. etc? And then shoots down every suggestion you make? Can't do that. That won't work. etc. etc. So why do they ask in the first place?
I think I have the answer to that. The suggestions you make are really good ones, but something they have not thought about. So, of course being men, they have to shoot them down.
So life moves along, and the day arrives when they are ready to begin the work phase. And guess what, everything you suggested eons ago has now become THEIR ideas, and they just have to let you know how smart they are.
In the beginning man was created. Down the road along came woman. Supposedly to be a companion to man. Which is as it should be. But the REAL reason is that it takes a woman to keep things running smoothly.
It takes a woman to come up with the ideas that become the man's brilliance. It takes a woman to keep a household running smoothly. Go away for a week. The dishwasher sits empty, but the sink and counters are over-flowing with dirty dishes and pots and pans and cans and stuff.
It takes a woman to keep functioning when plagued with a cold. But who ends up on the couch, coughing, sneezing, honey get me this, honey get me that?
I could go on and on. After all I have had around 100 years of being "the woman". I am well experienced in all the little things that make up the big things.
And how many many times - it is the woman who is the weaker sex - that ends up taking care of her man. She doesn't complain, he is after "her" man, love plays a great part in this scenario. You can wish the roles were reversed, but it doesn't play out that way. So we do our thing, staying in the background, and feeling blessed that we have that special man to take care of. Life is short. Life can be lonely. You don't realize how much you can miss someone until they are gone.
I have also found that women can cope with life much better after being left alone than most men can. Men need their hands held. Women hold their hands. We were made to be their companions, through life and through death.
So when things get tough, remember, it is better than being alone.
Men - love your women. Women - love your men. You have been greatly blessed.
Good question. It is 78 degrees here this afternoon. I thought it was fall, not summer.
This is a "no brain" day. I usually have a whole slew of stuff to write about, today Nada. Nothing. Blank.
I do have a question, though. Have you ever had a man, who is contemplating remodeling a kitchen, ask you what you think, what you want, etc. etc? And then shoots down every suggestion you make? Can't do that. That won't work. etc. etc. So why do they ask in the first place?
I think I have the answer to that. The suggestions you make are really good ones, but something they have not thought about. So, of course being men, they have to shoot them down.
So life moves along, and the day arrives when they are ready to begin the work phase. And guess what, everything you suggested eons ago has now become THEIR ideas, and they just have to let you know how smart they are.
In the beginning man was created. Down the road along came woman. Supposedly to be a companion to man. Which is as it should be. But the REAL reason is that it takes a woman to keep things running smoothly.
It takes a woman to come up with the ideas that become the man's brilliance. It takes a woman to keep a household running smoothly. Go away for a week. The dishwasher sits empty, but the sink and counters are over-flowing with dirty dishes and pots and pans and cans and stuff.
It takes a woman to keep functioning when plagued with a cold. But who ends up on the couch, coughing, sneezing, honey get me this, honey get me that?
I could go on and on. After all I have had around 100 years of being "the woman". I am well experienced in all the little things that make up the big things.
And how many many times - it is the woman who is the weaker sex - that ends up taking care of her man. She doesn't complain, he is after "her" man, love plays a great part in this scenario. You can wish the roles were reversed, but it doesn't play out that way. So we do our thing, staying in the background, and feeling blessed that we have that special man to take care of. Life is short. Life can be lonely. You don't realize how much you can miss someone until they are gone.
I have also found that women can cope with life much better after being left alone than most men can. Men need their hands held. Women hold their hands. We were made to be their companions, through life and through death.
So when things get tough, remember, it is better than being alone.
Men - love your women. Women - love your men. You have been greatly blessed.
Saturday, September 24, 2011
FALL, FOG, AND FURRY ANIMALS....SEPTEMBER 24 2011.....
Fall officially arrived yesterday. Today the fog is soooo thick you could cut it with a knife, as my Mother always said. I have to agree. Also, the furry animals are deer, in my front yard, I can see them from the window in my "computer office". Well, that is my blog for today!
Just kidding.
But, seriously, I don't have too much to say, one of those days.
The fog makes me glad that I only have one more outdoor festival this year - that is Oglebayfest at Oglebay Park in Wheeling two weeks from now, October 6-8-9. At least they put up big tents so I don't have to fool with my tent again until June. Yess!!!!!!!
Oglebayfest has always been one of my favorite festivals. I am in the Artist's Market behind the mansion house in the woods. There are various activities throughout the park that weekend, a Country Fair, a German fest (consisting of German food, beer, entertainment, dancing, etc.) All sorts of foods and beverages, the zoo, fireworks Saturday night, and a shuttle bus running throughout the park to shuttle you from one area to another. The park is always packed. Sometimes it is so crowded you can't walk without fighting your way through the crowds. Makes it tough to hit the restrooms. Better give yourself a lot of extra time.
Then the last two weekends of October are the Fall Christmas Festival at the Washington County Pa. fairgrounds, inside their buildings. The last is the Christmas Festival the second weekend of November at the Ruby Center in Mylan Park, Morgantown West Virginia - which is great because I get to spend the weekend with my friend Peggy, who lives close.
Then starting in December the applications begin arriving for completing for whatever festivals you are considering doing the next year. Along with the applications you have to send a CD depicting what you will be showing and selling the next year, then keeping your fingers crossed that you get juried in. Just because you have done the festivals before is no guarantee that you will be accepted. It all depends on the jurors they have each year (they rotate them) and whether or not they like your work.
Again, like everything else, it is a waiting game.
So better get finished her and get busy. If you are out in the fog, drive carefully, it can be pretty iffy at times. Stay safe and God Bless.
Fall officially arrived yesterday. Today the fog is soooo thick you could cut it with a knife, as my Mother always said. I have to agree. Also, the furry animals are deer, in my front yard, I can see them from the window in my "computer office". Well, that is my blog for today!
 |
| The Blue Ridge Parkway in the fog |
But, seriously, I don't have too much to say, one of those days.
The fog makes me glad that I only have one more outdoor festival this year - that is Oglebayfest at Oglebay Park in Wheeling two weeks from now, October 6-8-9. At least they put up big tents so I don't have to fool with my tent again until June. Yess!!!!!!!
Oglebayfest has always been one of my favorite festivals. I am in the Artist's Market behind the mansion house in the woods. There are various activities throughout the park that weekend, a Country Fair, a German fest (consisting of German food, beer, entertainment, dancing, etc.) All sorts of foods and beverages, the zoo, fireworks Saturday night, and a shuttle bus running throughout the park to shuttle you from one area to another. The park is always packed. Sometimes it is so crowded you can't walk without fighting your way through the crowds. Makes it tough to hit the restrooms. Better give yourself a lot of extra time.
Then the last two weekends of October are the Fall Christmas Festival at the Washington County Pa. fairgrounds, inside their buildings. The last is the Christmas Festival the second weekend of November at the Ruby Center in Mylan Park, Morgantown West Virginia - which is great because I get to spend the weekend with my friend Peggy, who lives close.
Then starting in December the applications begin arriving for completing for whatever festivals you are considering doing the next year. Along with the applications you have to send a CD depicting what you will be showing and selling the next year, then keeping your fingers crossed that you get juried in. Just because you have done the festivals before is no guarantee that you will be accepted. It all depends on the jurors they have each year (they rotate them) and whether or not they like your work.
Again, like everything else, it is a waiting game.
So better get finished her and get busy. If you are out in the fog, drive carefully, it can be pretty iffy at times. Stay safe and God Bless.
Friday, September 23, 2011
IT'S TIME TO TELL A STORY.....SEPTEMBER 23 2011........
There has been nothing earth-shattering happen, no disasters, at home that is, nothing exciting, at home that is, just another gray day.
So what do I talk about today? I guess it is time to tell a story. This will be a new story, not one that has appeared in any of my IF ONLY I COULD TALK BOOKS. Lucky you.
As you know we have two beagles. You have been introduced to Sam in two different stories, as she always manages to get into trouble. Coco is another type of dog, even though he is a beagle. He would like to tell his story, so here goes. Enjoy.
Hi! My name is Coco. Well actually it is "Coco Cottonrun" which is my registered name. You know, of course that I am a registered beagle. That means that I am special. Just like Sam is special. Her real name is "Lady Samantha Stryker", but we all call her Sam.
My earliest memories are of being with my mother somewhere in Pennsylvania. (That is a state if you didn't know that). Then one day this big guy with a beard came along and chose me to go home with him. I didn't know what to expect.
After a long car ride I was at my new home. I was taken inside and introduced to the family as the "new" puppy, and to my great pleasure there was another puppy already there. It turned out she was two weeks older than me, and she became my best friend and partner.
There we are sleeping. See what a nice big handsome dog I am. Sam, she is a lot smaller. She is also a lot noisier. She barks a lot, especially when it is chow time. I don't have to bark, I get mine right along with hers.
We are rabbit dogs. We love to go hunting. The best days ever are the days we can chase the bunnies. It doesn't matter where they run, I can follow them, nothing, absolutely nothing, gets in my way. Sam is more wimpy. She lets me break the trail, then follows along, barking her fool head off, making everyone think she is doing all the work. Ha Ha, dream on Sam.
Sam and I each have our indoor kennels, where we have had "our own space" since day one. Sometimes I don't think Sam is too bright, I will find her in MY kennel instead of hers. She has a lot of nerve, then I have to cram myself into her kennel (which, of course, is smaller as she is smaller). She has absolutely no consideration. None at all. Our kennel doors are always open, so we can go into our own "space" any time we want.
I remember the big snowfall a couple of years ago. How much fun it was to run and play in the snow. I had to laugh, though, as Sam is smaller, I could run through the snow, she would get buried. I had to break the path for her. I'll never forget the day she ended up head first down in a snow drift. If you want to know more about that, read about it in one of the books.
I had more fun that day. Sam wasn't that thrilled. She is such a wimp. I guess that goes with being a girl.
Sam and I are both middle aged now. We are beginning to slow down a little, but life is, and has been, good. We are loved and cared for. We have a basket full of toys. We get doggie treats. We even get baths. How I hate a bath. My hair is thicker and soft, but when it gets wet it takes forever to dry. I DO NOT like baths. The only time I ever growled at my master was the first time he gave me a bath. Needless to say that did not go over at all well, and I learned to grin and bear the bath.
I love the farm. I love my companion. I love my people. And I really love company. And we do have a lot of company, seems like every time I turn around there are people coming, again and again. Of course everyone makes over me, I am such a lovable dog.
So, there you have my story. I hope you like me. I have yet to find anyone that I do not like. Well - there are exceptions. Other dogs!
Every once in a while when a guy named Tim comes to do his thing, his dog comes with him. How dare he? This is NOT his farm. He has his own farm. That is just about the only time, except when chasing bunnies, that I will definitely growl and bark, informing this intruder that he DOES NOT BELONG UP HERE!!!
So now you have Coco's story. He has always been the "good" dog, has never done anything dastardly, at least that we know of.
I just wish that all dogs had it as good as our dogs do. They are loved. they are cared for. They are special. Life is so much fuller with the two of them here, making sure that we are all right. What a blessing.
Maybe tomorrow I will have something earth-shattering, mind boggling to tell you. Like perhaps that run-away satellite that is heading this way will land on the farm. Who knows.
So have a safe day. Stay out of the path of the satellite, and God Bless.
There has been nothing earth-shattering happen, no disasters, at home that is, nothing exciting, at home that is, just another gray day.
So what do I talk about today? I guess it is time to tell a story. This will be a new story, not one that has appeared in any of my IF ONLY I COULD TALK BOOKS. Lucky you.
As you know we have two beagles. You have been introduced to Sam in two different stories, as she always manages to get into trouble. Coco is another type of dog, even though he is a beagle. He would like to tell his story, so here goes. Enjoy.
Hi! My name is Coco. Well actually it is "Coco Cottonrun" which is my registered name. You know, of course that I am a registered beagle. That means that I am special. Just like Sam is special. Her real name is "Lady Samantha Stryker", but we all call her Sam.
My earliest memories are of being with my mother somewhere in Pennsylvania. (That is a state if you didn't know that). Then one day this big guy with a beard came along and chose me to go home with him. I didn't know what to expect.
After a long car ride I was at my new home. I was taken inside and introduced to the family as the "new" puppy, and to my great pleasure there was another puppy already there. It turned out she was two weeks older than me, and she became my best friend and partner.
We are rabbit dogs. We love to go hunting. The best days ever are the days we can chase the bunnies. It doesn't matter where they run, I can follow them, nothing, absolutely nothing, gets in my way. Sam is more wimpy. She lets me break the trail, then follows along, barking her fool head off, making everyone think she is doing all the work. Ha Ha, dream on Sam.
Sam and I each have our indoor kennels, where we have had "our own space" since day one. Sometimes I don't think Sam is too bright, I will find her in MY kennel instead of hers. She has a lot of nerve, then I have to cram myself into her kennel (which, of course, is smaller as she is smaller). She has absolutely no consideration. None at all. Our kennel doors are always open, so we can go into our own "space" any time we want.
I remember the big snowfall a couple of years ago. How much fun it was to run and play in the snow. I had to laugh, though, as Sam is smaller, I could run through the snow, she would get buried. I had to break the path for her. I'll never forget the day she ended up head first down in a snow drift. If you want to know more about that, read about it in one of the books.
Sam and I are both middle aged now. We are beginning to slow down a little, but life is, and has been, good. We are loved and cared for. We have a basket full of toys. We get doggie treats. We even get baths. How I hate a bath. My hair is thicker and soft, but when it gets wet it takes forever to dry. I DO NOT like baths. The only time I ever growled at my master was the first time he gave me a bath. Needless to say that did not go over at all well, and I learned to grin and bear the bath.
I love the farm. I love my companion. I love my people. And I really love company. And we do have a lot of company, seems like every time I turn around there are people coming, again and again. Of course everyone makes over me, I am such a lovable dog.
So, there you have my story. I hope you like me. I have yet to find anyone that I do not like. Well - there are exceptions. Other dogs!
Every once in a while when a guy named Tim comes to do his thing, his dog comes with him. How dare he? This is NOT his farm. He has his own farm. That is just about the only time, except when chasing bunnies, that I will definitely growl and bark, informing this intruder that he DOES NOT BELONG UP HERE!!!
So now you have Coco's story. He has always been the "good" dog, has never done anything dastardly, at least that we know of.
I just wish that all dogs had it as good as our dogs do. They are loved. they are cared for. They are special. Life is so much fuller with the two of them here, making sure that we are all right. What a blessing.
Maybe tomorrow I will have something earth-shattering, mind boggling to tell you. Like perhaps that run-away satellite that is heading this way will land on the farm. Who knows.
So have a safe day. Stay out of the path of the satellite, and God Bless.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
A LITTLE OF THIS and A LITTLE OF THAT.....SEPTEMBER 22 2011.......
That's what today boils down to - a little of the above. Had a couple of early appointments today, and wasn't about to get up at 5 a.m. to post my blog, so am running a little late.
Yesterday I got the first of three rows of potatoes dug and stored. We have a lot of those big 5 or 6 gallon buckets hanging around. They have been around as long as I can remember, and I use them for everything.
Hauling off trash from the flower beds, hauling mulch for the flower beds, and filling with potatoes in the fall.
I got three buckets full yesterday, so my best guesstimate will be 8 - 9 buckets of potatoes. You have to remember I have been digging a few at a time for eating purposes now, so the third row is only about 2/3 full.
Sounds like a lot of potatoes. But when you take into consideration the fact that we do all the holiday dinners, all the cookout cookouts, all the get-to-gathers that happen up here, we do use a lot of potatoes. I believe I hate all the peeling worse than I do the digging.
Another thing I have noticed - this morning we had that "fall fog" you get this time of year. And the summer birds are gone. They were all here just a few days ago, but today - none to be seen. We have a lot of birds that stay year 'round, but the robins, blue birds, swallows, hummingbirds, and, yes, even the "clean up crew" are gone.
How do they know when it is time to leave? How can they travel the hundreds of miles with just their little wings? I have heard stories that the tiny hummingbirds will cop a ride, sitting on the backs of the larger birds. If this is true, they truly are the smart ones.
We have many birds on the farm year 'round, including several species of hawks. This is a picture of a red-tailed hawk from the farm. I see them the most.
So I guess, since the migration has happened, fall is really here, and winter is not to far behind. So stay warm, stay dry, and God Bless.
That's what today boils down to - a little of the above. Had a couple of early appointments today, and wasn't about to get up at 5 a.m. to post my blog, so am running a little late.
Yesterday I got the first of three rows of potatoes dug and stored. We have a lot of those big 5 or 6 gallon buckets hanging around. They have been around as long as I can remember, and I use them for everything.
Hauling off trash from the flower beds, hauling mulch for the flower beds, and filling with potatoes in the fall.
I got three buckets full yesterday, so my best guesstimate will be 8 - 9 buckets of potatoes. You have to remember I have been digging a few at a time for eating purposes now, so the third row is only about 2/3 full.
Sounds like a lot of potatoes. But when you take into consideration the fact that we do all the holiday dinners, all the cookout cookouts, all the get-to-gathers that happen up here, we do use a lot of potatoes. I believe I hate all the peeling worse than I do the digging.
Another thing I have noticed - this morning we had that "fall fog" you get this time of year. And the summer birds are gone. They were all here just a few days ago, but today - none to be seen. We have a lot of birds that stay year 'round, but the robins, blue birds, swallows, hummingbirds, and, yes, even the "clean up crew" are gone.
How do they know when it is time to leave? How can they travel the hundreds of miles with just their little wings? I have heard stories that the tiny hummingbirds will cop a ride, sitting on the backs of the larger birds. If this is true, they truly are the smart ones.
We have many birds on the farm year 'round, including several species of hawks. This is a picture of a red-tailed hawk from the farm. I see them the most.
So I guess, since the migration has happened, fall is really here, and winter is not to far behind. So stay warm, stay dry, and God Bless.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
THE WAITING GAME - AGAIN.....SEPTEMBER 21 2011..........
Why is everything hurry up and wait? I spend more time hurrying up and waiting than I do doing something.
Talked to my credit card rep yesterday, she will get back to me about upgrading my credit card capability to wireless. Told son Jerry what was happening last night - he just looked at me sober faced and told me it would probably cost me about $50.00 per month to upgrade.
What!!! Where did he come up with that figure. So, with the same sober face he mentioned that now that I have wireless telephone - and am saving a little more than $50.00 per month on my bill, that is what wireless credit card capability will cost me.
Makes perfect sense. Seems like for every step forward I take I slide back at least two. Why should this be any different.
I did have someone ask me last - "how do you approach a neighbor and ask to use their telephone?" My answer - "very carefully!"
Now onward and upward. Morning Women's Bible Study begins today at my Church. We have this from September through May, then put it on hold for the summer, and can't resume until after the great West Alexander World's Fair.
My potatoes are ready to dig. Still have 3 flower beds to work on. Have finished printing new pictures for the remaining 4 weekends of festivals. They need matted and/or framed. So far Jerry is taking care of the mowing of the yard. Since he got his new mower (thanks to me), he is keeping me off of it. I can't imagine why.
And it just keeps raining - off and on - just enough to keep it way too wet to dry digging potatoes. Once the potatoes are dug and the corn is finished, will be time to clean off the garden for winter. Jerry would like to get it worked up this fall and put fertilizer and lime on the ground. Does that mean I will have to plant a garden again next spring?
As long as he can keep the rows tilled up during the summer I can handle a garden. If everything needs hoed - forget it. That is for young people. Like Jerry. Ha Ha Ha - his hands don't fit a hoe.
I guess I had better close out for now. The above is a picture I took in the Chesapeake Bay area on one of Tom and my journeys. What a beautiful area.
Have a great day and God Bless.
Why is everything hurry up and wait? I spend more time hurrying up and waiting than I do doing something.
Talked to my credit card rep yesterday, she will get back to me about upgrading my credit card capability to wireless. Told son Jerry what was happening last night - he just looked at me sober faced and told me it would probably cost me about $50.00 per month to upgrade.
What!!! Where did he come up with that figure. So, with the same sober face he mentioned that now that I have wireless telephone - and am saving a little more than $50.00 per month on my bill, that is what wireless credit card capability will cost me.
Makes perfect sense. Seems like for every step forward I take I slide back at least two. Why should this be any different.
I did have someone ask me last - "how do you approach a neighbor and ask to use their telephone?" My answer - "very carefully!"
Now onward and upward. Morning Women's Bible Study begins today at my Church. We have this from September through May, then put it on hold for the summer, and can't resume until after the great West Alexander World's Fair.
My potatoes are ready to dig. Still have 3 flower beds to work on. Have finished printing new pictures for the remaining 4 weekends of festivals. They need matted and/or framed. So far Jerry is taking care of the mowing of the yard. Since he got his new mower (thanks to me), he is keeping me off of it. I can't imagine why.
And it just keeps raining - off and on - just enough to keep it way too wet to dry digging potatoes. Once the potatoes are dug and the corn is finished, will be time to clean off the garden for winter. Jerry would like to get it worked up this fall and put fertilizer and lime on the ground. Does that mean I will have to plant a garden again next spring?
As long as he can keep the rows tilled up during the summer I can handle a garden. If everything needs hoed - forget it. That is for young people. Like Jerry. Ha Ha Ha - his hands don't fit a hoe.
Have a great day and God Bless.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
WHY IS NOTHING EASY?.....SEPTEMBER 20 2011..........................................
Do you have an answer? I'm sure I don't.
It seems that no matter what you do you run into a road block, a stone wall, a mountain, or something. Even opening a jar is a hassle. Or is it just me? Maybe I am inept or some such thing. But then, again, I hear others lamenting the same thing, so I seem to have company.
So, just what am I ranting and raving about?
I'll have to back-track a little. In the meantime I am sharing a picture I took when in Scotland in the 1980's visiting son Andy who was in the navy and stationed in Dunoon.
For the last 8-10 years I have had the ability to accept credit card payments for pictures that folks are buying at the art festivals. I was with a company where-as I could go on-line on the computer and submit all charge sales. Two days later the money would be in my checking account. I would pay the monthly charge for this service and everything was hunky-dory. Or so I thought.
Then the government stepped in. Hunky-dory is not in their vocabulary, let's see what we can to to mess everything up. They succeeded.
You and your computer had to pass a security process. This security process was geared to BIG business. I am a PEANUT business. I do not have the capability, or the knowledge, or the anything to be able to answer all their questions, and complete their forms on line to be able to be allowed to have the privilege to take credit card payments. Plus the monthly charge for this capability kept going up.
Throwing in the towel, I call my local bank to see what they could do for me. A meeting was set up for me and their representative. Meeting went great, I have been set up with their system of in-putting the information through your phone line. Goodby security questions geared to big business. This system is geared to small business. I signed the papers, got all the necessary information and credit card machine, and off I went, happy as a little lark. UNTIL NOW!
For several years we have had on-going problems with our telephone line, so much static some days you could not carry on a conversation. Line completely dead. Call for service. It takes days before a service person arrives on the scene, and by then the phone is usually working perfectly. You know the scenario. Over and over and over again. And the telephone bill just kept going up and up and up.
We finally had to - you guessed it - throw in the towel. We went wireless. So far, it is working great for us. It is saving me a lot money each month. But it doesn't work with the credit card machine. IT needs a land line. We no longer have a land line. Stone wall! Thankfully some of our neighbors (and none are like right next door, we live in the country, neighbors and few and far between) still have land lines, so am borrowing their telephone line for submitting my charges so I get paid for my sales.
Called my rep with the bank to see what can be done. She is going to get back to me. In the meantime I hope the neighbors, when they see me coming, don't hide and pretend they are not home.
How is your day? Hang in there and God Bless.
Do you have an answer? I'm sure I don't.
It seems that no matter what you do you run into a road block, a stone wall, a mountain, or something. Even opening a jar is a hassle. Or is it just me? Maybe I am inept or some such thing. But then, again, I hear others lamenting the same thing, so I seem to have company.
So, just what am I ranting and raving about?
I'll have to back-track a little. In the meantime I am sharing a picture I took when in Scotland in the 1980's visiting son Andy who was in the navy and stationed in Dunoon.
For the last 8-10 years I have had the ability to accept credit card payments for pictures that folks are buying at the art festivals. I was with a company where-as I could go on-line on the computer and submit all charge sales. Two days later the money would be in my checking account. I would pay the monthly charge for this service and everything was hunky-dory. Or so I thought.
Then the government stepped in. Hunky-dory is not in their vocabulary, let's see what we can to to mess everything up. They succeeded.
You and your computer had to pass a security process. This security process was geared to BIG business. I am a PEANUT business. I do not have the capability, or the knowledge, or the anything to be able to answer all their questions, and complete their forms on line to be able to be allowed to have the privilege to take credit card payments. Plus the monthly charge for this capability kept going up.
Throwing in the towel, I call my local bank to see what they could do for me. A meeting was set up for me and their representative. Meeting went great, I have been set up with their system of in-putting the information through your phone line. Goodby security questions geared to big business. This system is geared to small business. I signed the papers, got all the necessary information and credit card machine, and off I went, happy as a little lark. UNTIL NOW!
For several years we have had on-going problems with our telephone line, so much static some days you could not carry on a conversation. Line completely dead. Call for service. It takes days before a service person arrives on the scene, and by then the phone is usually working perfectly. You know the scenario. Over and over and over again. And the telephone bill just kept going up and up and up.
We finally had to - you guessed it - throw in the towel. We went wireless. So far, it is working great for us. It is saving me a lot money each month. But it doesn't work with the credit card machine. IT needs a land line. We no longer have a land line. Stone wall! Thankfully some of our neighbors (and none are like right next door, we live in the country, neighbors and few and far between) still have land lines, so am borrowing their telephone line for submitting my charges so I get paid for my sales.
Called my rep with the bank to see what can be done. She is going to get back to me. In the meantime I hope the neighbors, when they see me coming, don't hide and pretend they are not home.
How is your day? Hang in there and God Bless.
Monday, September 19, 2011
POST-COVERED BRIDGE FESTIVAL.....SEPTEMBER 19 2011
This was a weekend of the GOOD, the BAD, and the UGLY. It is not as bad as it sounds. It was a lot better than it sounds. Do I make any sense? Probably not, but that is normal. the day I begin to make sense is the day you had better start worrying.
FIRST - THE GOOD. It was a great weekend, weather-wise, sales-wise,
and friendship-wise. The first two items speak for themselves. the friendhip-wise was just that - touching base with many many friends, some of whom I only see at Covered Bridge festival. It is so good to touch base and catch up. It was a great two days.
The second good thing (there were many many more, but not enough room here) was meeting Michael, a vendor across from me. He helped me put my tent up Friday afternoon during set-up, and he, Nancy, John, and I all enjoyed being with him for the festival. Another new friend to add to the "vendor family".
SECOND - THE BAD. Good festival friends, John and Nancy, received word that one of their grandsons suffered a very bad fractured leg during a football game on Saturday. He was rushed to Children's hospital, they would learn more when they returned home Saturday evening. They are vendor friends, and always next to me at Covered Bridge.
On Sunday morning they were there to open up for business, but a son and daughter-in-law, or daughter and son-in-law, I'm not sure which, were coming later in the morning to "sail their ship" so to speak so they could go to the hospital as surgery was going to be done Sunday afternoon. Keep them in your prayers.
THIRD - THE UGLY. It was from Michael that I learned of the passing on of another good long-time vendor friend. It was very sudden. It kind of put a damper on the weekend. That makes two vendor family members that have passed on this year, both were potters, one from Washington Pa., and the other from Wheeling West Virginia. And because of this you have to think of the "everything comes in threes" scenario. I desperately hope that does not hold true here.
So today is catch-up day. Have to do a morning's worth of paper work (got to keep the government happy, and me out of jail), unload the van (didn't feel like doing that last night), go to the bank (I always feel like doing that!), and determining what pictures need to be printed for my inventory at Oglebayfest which is in just a couple of weeks.
So had better sign off for now, and get myself in gear. Seems like every year it takes a little longer to get the gears meshed and turning. So far I am not squeaking, and grinding, just slow. I guess the squeaking and grinding, and stalling is still a little ways down the road. At least I hope so.
Have a good day, and a good week, and God Bless.
This was a weekend of the GOOD, the BAD, and the UGLY. It is not as bad as it sounds. It was a lot better than it sounds. Do I make any sense? Probably not, but that is normal. the day I begin to make sense is the day you had better start worrying.
FIRST - THE GOOD. It was a great weekend, weather-wise, sales-wise,
and friendship-wise. The first two items speak for themselves. the friendhip-wise was just that - touching base with many many friends, some of whom I only see at Covered Bridge festival. It is so good to touch base and catch up. It was a great two days.
The second good thing (there were many many more, but not enough room here) was meeting Michael, a vendor across from me. He helped me put my tent up Friday afternoon during set-up, and he, Nancy, John, and I all enjoyed being with him for the festival. Another new friend to add to the "vendor family".
SECOND - THE BAD. Good festival friends, John and Nancy, received word that one of their grandsons suffered a very bad fractured leg during a football game on Saturday. He was rushed to Children's hospital, they would learn more when they returned home Saturday evening. They are vendor friends, and always next to me at Covered Bridge.
On Sunday morning they were there to open up for business, but a son and daughter-in-law, or daughter and son-in-law, I'm not sure which, were coming later in the morning to "sail their ship" so to speak so they could go to the hospital as surgery was going to be done Sunday afternoon. Keep them in your prayers.
THIRD - THE UGLY. It was from Michael that I learned of the passing on of another good long-time vendor friend. It was very sudden. It kind of put a damper on the weekend. That makes two vendor family members that have passed on this year, both were potters, one from Washington Pa., and the other from Wheeling West Virginia. And because of this you have to think of the "everything comes in threes" scenario. I desperately hope that does not hold true here.
So today is catch-up day. Have to do a morning's worth of paper work (got to keep the government happy, and me out of jail), unload the van (didn't feel like doing that last night), go to the bank (I always feel like doing that!), and determining what pictures need to be printed for my inventory at Oglebayfest which is in just a couple of weeks.
So had better sign off for now, and get myself in gear. Seems like every year it takes a little longer to get the gears meshed and turning. So far I am not squeaking, and grinding, just slow. I guess the squeaking and grinding, and stalling is still a little ways down the road. At least I hope so.
Have a good day, and a good week, and God Bless.
Friday, September 16, 2011
PRE-COVERED BRIDGE FESTIVAL...SEPTEMBER 16 2011......
Another year has gone by. It is Covered Bridge Festival time again. Today is the hardest part - set up.
This is my last festival of the year where I have to put up my tent. That is one part I don't miss at all. Luckily there are always other vendors who are more than willing to help with the tent. For the remainder of the year will be inside buildings, or inside large tents that the festival committee erects.
I have an EZ-UP. Supposedly one person can do it. I have yet to find that ONE person. Three - four is more like it. But taking down - definitely ONE person CAN do it, in no time at all. I think it should be called an EZ-DOWN tent.
But I am straying, which seems normal for me. When I sign off here it will be time to load the van, deciding what pictures will go with me for this weekend. Of course there will be covered bridge pictures. What is a covered bridge festival without covered bridge pictures.
This is the Erskine Bridge in West Finley Township, about 1 mile from where I live.
Another year has gone by. It is Covered Bridge Festival time again. Today is the hardest part - set up.
This is my last festival of the year where I have to put up my tent. That is one part I don't miss at all. Luckily there are always other vendors who are more than willing to help with the tent. For the remainder of the year will be inside buildings, or inside large tents that the festival committee erects.
I have an EZ-UP. Supposedly one person can do it. I have yet to find that ONE person. Three - four is more like it. But taking down - definitely ONE person CAN do it, in no time at all. I think it should be called an EZ-DOWN tent.
But I am straying, which seems normal for me. When I sign off here it will be time to load the van, deciding what pictures will go with me for this weekend. Of course there will be covered bridge pictures. What is a covered bridge festival without covered bridge pictures.
This is the Bailey Bridge in Amwell Township.
Anyhow, back to the gist of this blog. I will not be blogging tomorrow or Sunday as I will be leaving early for Mingo Creek Park, where I am set up. The festival opens at 10:00 a.m. every morning, closing at 5:00 p.m. in the evening. I have to be at my spot, and have my car parked in the designated area by 9:00 a.m. each morning, as no vehicles are allowed in the festival site after 9 a.m.
The weather forecast is for cool but sunny weather. So come out to the park, enjoy a day by a covered bridge, sample the food, and support the vendors.
Have a great weekend and God Bless.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
REFLECTIONS and THOUGHTS...SEPTEMBER 15 2011......
Rain moved in as predicted, and also cooler. Whether we like it or not, fall is knocking on the door.
Got one flower bed done yesterday afternoon before the thunder started. House was cleaned, and apple crisp was made - now gone.
So today I am at loose ends. Can't work out. House is clean (as it ever gets), no more apples in the house, can't even watch Tim harvest the remainder of the corn. It is one of those wet, rainy, dreary days, when all ambition went out the door with the dogs. Yes they are out right now, their morning ritual.
When I complete my early (sometimes not so early) morning chores and sit down at the computer I know what is coming next. Coco, the larger of our two beagles, will sit down beside me, staring at me. When I ignore him, trying to type on the computer, he takes his nose, brings it up under my right arm (the one on the mouse) and hits me. Arm flies up into the air. If I still ignore him, he will do it over and over until I finally have to give in and let him, and Sam, out. You would think that by now I would remember to let them out before I sit down at the computer. Wrong!!!
Going in another direction, have you ever had friends, that are life-long (and in my case that is decades) friends, even though you rarely see each other, never write, just an occasional Christmas Card, but they are always there, close to your heart?
I have such friends in Ashtabula Co Ohio. We have been friends since our early teens, visited back and forth at least once a year, their kids and mine became friends, the circle goes on. As we have gotten older, the visits have been less frequent. Health matters stepped in. Death stepped in, but we remain friends.
I try to visit them at least once a year - as Dave's health does not permit him to travel any more - but this year have not gotten there. I am still hoping for a visit with them before nasty weather sets in.
This is one of those friendships, that even though we don't see each other for a year or more at a time, when we get together the conversation "just picks up where we left off", however long ago that was.
Lately it has been better, though, as her oldest son Dan (about my son Mike's age, they still maintain their friendship) has been on facebook. I can keep up with what is going on with them, and they read my blog so I am assuming his parents also know what is going on.
I do remember years ago when their younger daughter Jeannie got married I photographed her wedding pictures.
Jeannie is now on facebook, she and husband Al are missionaries and are now in Mexico.
My friends four children have done well for themselves. Just as all five of my children have done well for themselves. We, meaning my friends, and I, have done good. What a blessing. Especially in this day and age.
Now for a quick change of pace. We have this old oak tree on our farm, we drive past it every time we leave or return. It is old, it is gnarled, it is twisted, but it is still here.
I don't know how long it has been here, guarding the way to our home, probably long before my husband ever originally owned the farm. Perhaps the tree has been waiting all those long years, from the time the farm was sold (1979) until re-purchased by our son (2005), for us to return home.
This tree has with-stood just about every type of weather that could possibly be thrown at it. We, like that tree, need to stand tall for what we believe in, what is right, family, friends, acquaintances, and yes, strangers. It is our job to stand tall and strive to do the right thing.
Stay warm, stay dry, count your blessings, and God Bless.
Rain moved in as predicted, and also cooler. Whether we like it or not, fall is knocking on the door.
Got one flower bed done yesterday afternoon before the thunder started. House was cleaned, and apple crisp was made - now gone.
So today I am at loose ends. Can't work out. House is clean (as it ever gets), no more apples in the house, can't even watch Tim harvest the remainder of the corn. It is one of those wet, rainy, dreary days, when all ambition went out the door with the dogs. Yes they are out right now, their morning ritual.
When I complete my early (sometimes not so early) morning chores and sit down at the computer I know what is coming next. Coco, the larger of our two beagles, will sit down beside me, staring at me. When I ignore him, trying to type on the computer, he takes his nose, brings it up under my right arm (the one on the mouse) and hits me. Arm flies up into the air. If I still ignore him, he will do it over and over until I finally have to give in and let him, and Sam, out. You would think that by now I would remember to let them out before I sit down at the computer. Wrong!!!
Going in another direction, have you ever had friends, that are life-long (and in my case that is decades) friends, even though you rarely see each other, never write, just an occasional Christmas Card, but they are always there, close to your heart?
I have such friends in Ashtabula Co Ohio. We have been friends since our early teens, visited back and forth at least once a year, their kids and mine became friends, the circle goes on. As we have gotten older, the visits have been less frequent. Health matters stepped in. Death stepped in, but we remain friends.
I try to visit them at least once a year - as Dave's health does not permit him to travel any more - but this year have not gotten there. I am still hoping for a visit with them before nasty weather sets in.
This is one of those friendships, that even though we don't see each other for a year or more at a time, when we get together the conversation "just picks up where we left off", however long ago that was.
Lately it has been better, though, as her oldest son Dan (about my son Mike's age, they still maintain their friendship) has been on facebook. I can keep up with what is going on with them, and they read my blog so I am assuming his parents also know what is going on.
I do remember years ago when their younger daughter Jeannie got married I photographed her wedding pictures.
Jeannie is now on facebook, she and husband Al are missionaries and are now in Mexico.
My friends four children have done well for themselves. Just as all five of my children have done well for themselves. We, meaning my friends, and I, have done good. What a blessing. Especially in this day and age.
Now for a quick change of pace. We have this old oak tree on our farm, we drive past it every time we leave or return. It is old, it is gnarled, it is twisted, but it is still here.
This tree has with-stood just about every type of weather that could possibly be thrown at it. We, like that tree, need to stand tall for what we believe in, what is right, family, friends, acquaintances, and yes, strangers. It is our job to stand tall and strive to do the right thing.
Stay warm, stay dry, count your blessings, and God Bless.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
FALL HARVEST is UNDERWAY....SEPTEMBER 14 2011.........
I was just minding my own business, deciding in what order I would do what I have to do today. Then the dogs started - barking, whining, barking. What a racket. Then I heard it. They heard it first. Then it was my turn.
Today is the day the corn on our farm is to be harvested. The tractor, corn-picker and wagon were getting ready to get down to business.
And, no, the dogs never carry on about farm machinery. They are used to it. It is a normal every-day experience. BUT - the dogs do carry on when another DOG, of all things, invades their domain. Tim's dog loves to follow him from field to field, walking along as he does what-ever it is that he is doing that day, weather plowing, planting, or harvesting. The dog is there.
And of course that is a GREAT BIG NO-NO where our dogs are concerned.
Here is Tim with the tractor, corn picker and wagon. He will go 'round and 'round, cutting and chopping the corn. The cows will be eating good this winter!
By the end of the day our hill of corn will be no more. I don't believe Tim is planting corn on this hill-side next spring, as he rotates crops every couple of years. Guess I will wait 'till spring to see what is what.
He may get another cutting of hay off of this hill-side this fall, then again maybe not. His first cuttings were so good he was running out of space to store the hay for winter. He may just let it go.
Now - what does my day look like. Darned if I know. My list is long, my ambition is short, supposed to be rain moving in later today, into tomorrow, but the forecast is good for the weekend. That is the important part.
Have at least two more days of cleaning up flower beds. (No I don't work all day at this - that was 100 years ago, not now as I am, so they say, slower than molasses) but I got 2 beds cleaned up yesterday. Only have 5 more to go. If it rains this afternoon, I guess I will clean house. Then again, maybe I will make apple crisp. Then, again, if it is raining, I will sit down with a good book. Then again, who knows what might come along that isn't on my list.
What I do know, though, is that fall is coming so very fast. What I don't know is - where did this year go? It was just January, now it is the middle of September. The trees are beginning to show color. More to come. One blessing I have here on the farm is - I DON'T HAVE TO RAKE LEAVES FROM 5 MAPLE TREES THAT ALL FELL INTO THE YARD at my previous home.
We have no trees right up close to the house, and the leaves that do fall all get blown away - have I told you we have lots of wind up here on the mountain top? If I have, just chalk it up to age.
Guess I had better quit rambling, and get busy at something. Have a good day and God Bless.
I was just minding my own business, deciding in what order I would do what I have to do today. Then the dogs started - barking, whining, barking. What a racket. Then I heard it. They heard it first. Then it was my turn.
Today is the day the corn on our farm is to be harvested. The tractor, corn-picker and wagon were getting ready to get down to business.
And, no, the dogs never carry on about farm machinery. They are used to it. It is a normal every-day experience. BUT - the dogs do carry on when another DOG, of all things, invades their domain. Tim's dog loves to follow him from field to field, walking along as he does what-ever it is that he is doing that day, weather plowing, planting, or harvesting. The dog is there.
And of course that is a GREAT BIG NO-NO where our dogs are concerned.
By the end of the day our hill of corn will be no more. I don't believe Tim is planting corn on this hill-side next spring, as he rotates crops every couple of years. Guess I will wait 'till spring to see what is what.
He may get another cutting of hay off of this hill-side this fall, then again maybe not. His first cuttings were so good he was running out of space to store the hay for winter. He may just let it go.
Now - what does my day look like. Darned if I know. My list is long, my ambition is short, supposed to be rain moving in later today, into tomorrow, but the forecast is good for the weekend. That is the important part.
Have at least two more days of cleaning up flower beds. (No I don't work all day at this - that was 100 years ago, not now as I am, so they say, slower than molasses) but I got 2 beds cleaned up yesterday. Only have 5 more to go. If it rains this afternoon, I guess I will clean house. Then again, maybe I will make apple crisp. Then, again, if it is raining, I will sit down with a good book. Then again, who knows what might come along that isn't on my list.
What I do know, though, is that fall is coming so very fast. What I don't know is - where did this year go? It was just January, now it is the middle of September. The trees are beginning to show color. More to come. One blessing I have here on the farm is - I DON'T HAVE TO RAKE LEAVES FROM 5 MAPLE TREES THAT ALL FELL INTO THE YARD at my previous home.
We have no trees right up close to the house, and the leaves that do fall all get blown away - have I told you we have lots of wind up here on the mountain top? If I have, just chalk it up to age.
Guess I had better quit rambling, and get busy at something. Have a good day and God Bless.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
"THIS IS THE DAY THAT THE LORD HATH MADE".......SEPTEMBER 13 2011.....
And a beautiful day it is. Sun shining, dew on the grass, perfect temperature, and life goes on. What more could you ask for?
I now have 10 apple pies in the freezer, and two single pie crusts (probably for the pumpkin pies for Thanksgiving) and have run out of room for anything else. Told Jerry "NO MORE APPLES!"
Once it dries off I will be working on flower beds. They need constant care, but they do look good.
Now for the fun news. Getting ready for the Covered Bridge Festival, held annually at Mingo Creek Park in Washington Pa. This will be their 41st year, my 24th consecutive year, (my first year there was 1987)
EXCEPT - for the year (2004) that the festival had to be cancelled because of flooding.
I had called that morning (as it was raining and raining, we were getting the remnants of hurricane whatever). As it is a rain or shine festival, they advised that it would go on. Some friends also participating and I gritted our teeth, and arrived at the park. It was raining and raining.
We had just started getting our tents set up when park personnel came around and told us the festival was being cancelled, to pack up and get out. We could already see water pouring off the hillside and running across the festival site towards Mingo Creek. We packed up.
First, though, I just had to have a picture of the Ebenezer Bridge, where I have had my booth for years now, and the flood waters were rising rapidly.
This was how it looked as we were leaving. Later I learned that the water was up and into the bridge. Our entire festival site was under water. I also learned later that several vendors lost their tents and merchandise (the early birds who had set up and left), and I felt extremely lucky that I was not one of them.
Ever since my first time there this has been one of my favorite festivals. The location is great, huge crowds, even when it rains, it is just a fun festival to do.
As of right now the forecast for this coming weekend is good. Good temps, sunshine both Saturday and Sunday. Friday is set-up day only.
So if any of you folks out there want a great day of entertainment, food, scenery, and wonderful vendors, come to the park. It is free. It is fun.
This is how my day ended yesterday, with this beautiful moon-rise as seen from our deck. Perhaps it is an omen that we will have a great weekend. In the meantime, enjoy the sun and God Bless.
And a beautiful day it is. Sun shining, dew on the grass, perfect temperature, and life goes on. What more could you ask for?
I now have 10 apple pies in the freezer, and two single pie crusts (probably for the pumpkin pies for Thanksgiving) and have run out of room for anything else. Told Jerry "NO MORE APPLES!"
Once it dries off I will be working on flower beds. They need constant care, but they do look good.
Now for the fun news. Getting ready for the Covered Bridge Festival, held annually at Mingo Creek Park in Washington Pa. This will be their 41st year, my 24th consecutive year, (my first year there was 1987)
EXCEPT - for the year (2004) that the festival had to be cancelled because of flooding.
I had called that morning (as it was raining and raining, we were getting the remnants of hurricane whatever). As it is a rain or shine festival, they advised that it would go on. Some friends also participating and I gritted our teeth, and arrived at the park. It was raining and raining.
We had just started getting our tents set up when park personnel came around and told us the festival was being cancelled, to pack up and get out. We could already see water pouring off the hillside and running across the festival site towards Mingo Creek. We packed up.
First, though, I just had to have a picture of the Ebenezer Bridge, where I have had my booth for years now, and the flood waters were rising rapidly.
Ever since my first time there this has been one of my favorite festivals. The location is great, huge crowds, even when it rains, it is just a fun festival to do.
As of right now the forecast for this coming weekend is good. Good temps, sunshine both Saturday and Sunday. Friday is set-up day only.
So if any of you folks out there want a great day of entertainment, food, scenery, and wonderful vendors, come to the park. It is free. It is fun.
Monday, September 12, 2011
AN APB AND THINGS I DIDN'T KNOW......SEPTEMBER 12 2011
An All Points Bulletin has been issued for the Pittsburgh Steelers Football team. They have been missing since Sunday morning and if anyone out there knows where they are, please notify someone!
The only good part of the Steeler game was the Budweiser commercial. If it didn't bring a tear to your eye, well, I feel sorry for you. It was beautiful watching those magnificent horses paying homage to the victims of 9-11. No, we will never forget!
And now, for the things I didn't know. I'll bet by this time you thought I knew everything. Guess I put on a good front.
We did our one day bus trip at Niagara Falls on Wednesday of last week. I knew about the barge stuck on the rocks just above the falls, but didn't know for how long. Now I know. I never knew there was a Monastery at Niagara Falls, but now I know. I had never heard of ICEWINE before, but now I have. I guess you are never too old to learn new tricks.
First - the barge. Also known as a "scow". This is the thumb-nail version. In 1918 the barge broke loose from the tug boat hauling it with 2 men aboard. The barge then began drifting down river toward the horseshoe falls. There was nothing the two men could do but wait to be swept over the falls.
However the barge became grounded on a rock shoal 2500 feet above the falls. The entire saga is 14 pages long, the gist of it was that they were able to get a line from the shore to the barge and the two men were rescued by going hand over hand along the rope.
Second, the Monastery. Mount Carmel Monastery was settled at Niagara Fails in 1875 by the Carmelite Friars. It was a retreat house or hospice for clergy and laity. In 1919 it became a "house of studies" - a novitiate, college and high school. In 1979 it reverted to a retreat house. Today they conduct work shops and provide spiritual direction for people of faith.
And third - ICEWINE. We visited Joseph's Estate Wines near Niagara-on-the-Lake for a wine tasting First we had tastes of your traditional white, red, dry and sweet wines. Then after drinking some water to remove the taste of these wines, we were served ICEWINE.
All I can say is - I very rarely indulge in hard liquor and wine - but .. I could very well become addicted to this fantastic tasting wine. Just about everyone on the bus felt the same way.
I am now going to quote from information I found on this type of wine.
Icewine is a rare gift from a magical Canadian winter. Picked at the coldest moment of a winter's night, each frozen grape creates just one drop of Icewine.
Icewines originated in Germany and Austria. It has taken the Canadian winemakers to bring Icewines to North America. Today almost every winery in Niagara makes Icewine. In fact Niagara produces about 80% of the Canadian Icewine supply.
Needless to say I brought a bottle home with me. It is very pricey, but will be great for a special occasion.
So as you can see, I really don't know everything - I am just able to make folks think that I do.
Now better get cracking. I have apples from the farm waiting to be made into apple pies and put in the freezer for eating down the road.
So will sign off for now. Have a great day and God Bless.
An All Points Bulletin has been issued for the Pittsburgh Steelers Football team. They have been missing since Sunday morning and if anyone out there knows where they are, please notify someone!
The only good part of the Steeler game was the Budweiser commercial. If it didn't bring a tear to your eye, well, I feel sorry for you. It was beautiful watching those magnificent horses paying homage to the victims of 9-11. No, we will never forget!
And now, for the things I didn't know. I'll bet by this time you thought I knew everything. Guess I put on a good front.
We did our one day bus trip at Niagara Falls on Wednesday of last week. I knew about the barge stuck on the rocks just above the falls, but didn't know for how long. Now I know. I never knew there was a Monastery at Niagara Falls, but now I know. I had never heard of ICEWINE before, but now I have. I guess you are never too old to learn new tricks.
First - the barge. Also known as a "scow". This is the thumb-nail version. In 1918 the barge broke loose from the tug boat hauling it with 2 men aboard. The barge then began drifting down river toward the horseshoe falls. There was nothing the two men could do but wait to be swept over the falls.
Second, the Monastery. Mount Carmel Monastery was settled at Niagara Fails in 1875 by the Carmelite Friars. It was a retreat house or hospice for clergy and laity. In 1919 it became a "house of studies" - a novitiate, college and high school. In 1979 it reverted to a retreat house. Today they conduct work shops and provide spiritual direction for people of faith.
All I can say is - I very rarely indulge in hard liquor and wine - but .. I could very well become addicted to this fantastic tasting wine. Just about everyone on the bus felt the same way.
I am now going to quote from information I found on this type of wine.
Icewines originated in Germany and Austria. It has taken the Canadian winemakers to bring Icewines to North America. Today almost every winery in Niagara makes Icewine. In fact Niagara produces about 80% of the Canadian Icewine supply.
Needless to say I brought a bottle home with me. It is very pricey, but will be great for a special occasion.
So as you can see, I really don't know everything - I am just able to make folks think that I do.
Now better get cracking. I have apples from the farm waiting to be made into apple pies and put in the freezer for eating down the road.
So will sign off for now. Have a great day and God Bless.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
REMEMBERING....SEPTEMBER 11 2011...........
I don't have too much to say today. It is a day of remembrance - of the tragedy, of the the pain, of dis-belief, of the heroes, of which there were more than can be counted, but most of all, I will never forget where I was and what I was doing. I forget a lot of other things, but that is with me always.
I have watched a lot of the documentaries this week, time permitting, and still have to wonder, how did anyone survive?
But most of all I think of Flight 93, and what they did to prevent further tragedy. And to think - the memorial is so close to home.
During my life-time there have been four major pieces of history, and I will always remember where I was and what I was doing.
First - Sunday, December 7 1941 - Pearl Harbor Day, the beginning of our participation in World War II.
Second - Friday, November 22 1963 - The assassination of JFK.
Third - January 28 1986 - the Challenger disaster.
Fourth - September 11 2001 - The World Trade Center, Pentagon, and Flight 93.
First - even though I was just a child, I remember coming home from Church. My Dad turned on the radio to listen to a football game, there was none that day. Pearl Harbor had just been bombed.
Second - I was ironing clothes, and had turned on the TV to watch Price is Right. It wasn't there. Just pictures of the assassination.
Third - husband Tom and I had just returned from grocery shopping and he turned on the TV to get the local news. There was none. Just pictures of the Challenger explosion.
Fourth - I had just taken our car to Washington to have new tires put on. The TV in the waiting room was on, people were crowded around it, I saw the second plane hit the World Trade Center.
Pearl Harbor changed the lives of every American forever. Nothing was ever the same.
The assassination of John F Kennedy brought home that no matter who you are, you are not immune to tragedy.
The Challenger brought home, once again, how fragile life is.
The World Trade Center, once again, changed the lives of every American forever. Nothing has ever been the same.
Bow your heads and say a prayer - for the ones who perished on September 11th, for the ones who survived, for the survivors now passing on because of the contamination, for the families and friends who lost loved ones, and for all of us as we need all the help we can get.
Bow your heads, say a prayer, and God Bless.
I don't have too much to say today. It is a day of remembrance - of the tragedy, of the the pain, of dis-belief, of the heroes, of which there were more than can be counted, but most of all, I will never forget where I was and what I was doing. I forget a lot of other things, but that is with me always.
I have watched a lot of the documentaries this week, time permitting, and still have to wonder, how did anyone survive?
But most of all I think of Flight 93, and what they did to prevent further tragedy. And to think - the memorial is so close to home.
During my life-time there have been four major pieces of history, and I will always remember where I was and what I was doing.
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| "SOMEONE" is watching over us |
Second - Friday, November 22 1963 - The assassination of JFK.
Third - January 28 1986 - the Challenger disaster.
Fourth - September 11 2001 - The World Trade Center, Pentagon, and Flight 93.
First - even though I was just a child, I remember coming home from Church. My Dad turned on the radio to listen to a football game, there was none that day. Pearl Harbor had just been bombed.
Second - I was ironing clothes, and had turned on the TV to watch Price is Right. It wasn't there. Just pictures of the assassination.
Third - husband Tom and I had just returned from grocery shopping and he turned on the TV to get the local news. There was none. Just pictures of the Challenger explosion.
Fourth - I had just taken our car to Washington to have new tires put on. The TV in the waiting room was on, people were crowded around it, I saw the second plane hit the World Trade Center.
Pearl Harbor changed the lives of every American forever. Nothing was ever the same.
The assassination of John F Kennedy brought home that no matter who you are, you are not immune to tragedy.
The Challenger brought home, once again, how fragile life is.
The World Trade Center, once again, changed the lives of every American forever. Nothing has ever been the same.
Bow your heads and say a prayer - for the ones who perished on September 11th, for the ones who survived, for the survivors now passing on because of the contamination, for the families and friends who lost loved ones, and for all of us as we need all the help we can get.
Bow your heads, say a prayer, and God Bless.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
TUESDAY AFTERNOON...NIAGARA FALLS...SEPTEMBER 10 2011.....
We arrived about 1:00 p.m., our room was not ready, asked for a good place to eat, and went to the Secret Garden.
This was a really neat restaurant beside the Rainbow Bridge. We were, of course, hungry. When aren't we hungry?
Because of the time we had the place mostly to ourselves. Just in case you don't recognize us, they are me on the left, Andy in the middle, and Nancy on the right. For some unexplained reason Lauri didn't want her picture taken. I can't imagine why, we actually looked pretty darn good, considering.
We arrived about 1:00 p.m., our room was not ready, asked for a good place to eat, and went to the Secret Garden.
This was a really neat restaurant beside the Rainbow Bridge. We were, of course, hungry. When aren't we hungry?
Because of the time we had the place mostly to ourselves. Just in case you don't recognize us, they are me on the left, Andy in the middle, and Nancy on the right. For some unexplained reason Lauri didn't want her picture taken. I can't imagine why, we actually looked pretty darn good, considering.
Which one looks better, Nancy on the left, or me on the right?
I couldn't resist. Tells you what my mentality is like. Now I will give you the real picture. Actually the three above diners were at a corner table in the restaurant, and they looked as if they were having a really really good time. I just couldn't resist, had to photograph them. Of course as you have probably figured out by now, I take pictures of just about everything. Never know when the perfect occasion will come along and one of my "strange" pictures will find a showcase.
Left to right - Nancy, Lauri, and Andy. We had an excellent meal, I had some of the best cream of spinach soup I have ever eaten, in fact I think it was the first time for this particular soup, but it was sooooo goooood.
We browsed the gift shop, walked along the river toward the falls, stopping every third step to take pictures. We made it down as far as the building where you bought the Maid of the Mist tickets, by then Nancy and I were needing a break. We sat for a while, let the kids do their own thing.
As we were not meeting for supper (Andy and Lauri are celebrating their wedding anniversary this week (the actual date is September 10) so we didn't think they needed a couple very strange women tagging along. See, we can be considerate when we have to. Not often, but sometimes.
We meandered back to the hotel and loafed a while, then walked up to the Casino - we were told they have a great buffet, we were getting hungry, and it WAS a great buffet. I decided to try my luck, in a short time I had spent and re-gained my "fun" money, and we decided to head back to our room, read a little (we both always carry a book with us), take our showers, and then crash.
One thing we did in the late afternoon, before going out for super was call the Niagara Adventure Tour and make the reservations for the 4 of us for the next day (Wednesday). You want to know why we decided on the tour? Even if you don't really want to know, I am going to tell you anyway - we would be chauffeured around for the entire day on a nice big bus - no major walking - listening to the history of all that we saw.
So we finally turned out the lights and hit the beds, tired but happy - it had been such a good day.
I remember wondering what the next day would bring.
Have a good day, and the adventure will continue tomorrow, unless something earth-shattering happens in the meantime. Take care and God Bless.
Friday, September 9, 2011
HOME AGAIN .. BUT FOR HOW LONG?..SEPTEMBER 09 2011
Got home late yesterday afternoon. We had a fun and educational weekend, even though I have been to the falls several times, saw things and learned things I did not know.
We drove through rain Tuesday morning until about mid-day, when it cleared up, even had some sunshine. Checked into our hotel, then started walking, and walking, and walking, and walking. Then we walked some more. I think I am 6 inches shorter right now.
We did all the touristy things as Lauri had never been there, and Andy was just a little boy when he was there. Nancy and I have been there several times, but I do believe that Wednesday was our best day. In fact all four of us thought so.
We took a one day bus tour, saw places and things around the falls we weren't aware of, traveled as far as Niagara-on-the-Lake and back, wonderful trip, great driver/tour guide, and as there were only 19 of us on the bus, we all knew each other by the end of the day. It was a great trip, and I would highly recommend it to everyone.
It was the NIAGARA ADVENTURES tour, pick-up and drop-off at our hotel door. The tour consisted of:
Upper Niagara River, Dufferin Islands, Marooned Scow, Upper Control Dam, Sir Harry Oakes Estate, the Chocolate Factory, the Welland Canal, Mount Carmel Monastery, Niagara-on-the-Lake, a winery for wine tasting, and for folks like Andy and Lauri who have never ridden the MAID OF THE MIST, They were picked up at the hotel 2 hours early and delivered to the gate for the ride, picked up after the ride to join the rest of us on the bus. We had a ball, and there will be much more detail down the road. Right now, just kind of touching base.
Took lots of pictures, have to down-load and edit them. Will be sharing them with you later, and telling some of the stories.
I guess while we were gone the poor West Alexander Fair was all but rained out. Also had a massive power outage on Wednesday. Glad we were at the Falls. It stayed over-cast, but the only moisture we had to contend with was the mist from the falls, and there was a lot of that.
As none of us will melt, warp, or peel, we didn't let a little (lot) of mist deter our wanderings. I did think, though that I should have had some shampoo with me, I could have washed my hair was I walked. How would you have liked to see that sight - this goofy woman walking along with about a foot of suds on top of her head, washing her hair? I'll just bit my picture would have been splashed all over the newspapers, and maybe even on TV. How about that?????? I wonder how long it would take the mist to get all the shampoo rinsed out?
A lot of the time Nancy and I did our own thing, letting the kids do what they wanted to do. The time went by all too quickly. It always does.
So am going to close out now, have laundry to do, pictures to edit, meals to plan, car to clean out (how does a vehicle get so messed up on a 3 day trip? And supposedly we are all adults), luggage to put away until next time, and get my head screwed on straight.
Hope your week has been good and God Bless.
Got home late yesterday afternoon. We had a fun and educational weekend, even though I have been to the falls several times, saw things and learned things I did not know.
We drove through rain Tuesday morning until about mid-day, when it cleared up, even had some sunshine. Checked into our hotel, then started walking, and walking, and walking, and walking. Then we walked some more. I think I am 6 inches shorter right now.
We did all the touristy things as Lauri had never been there, and Andy was just a little boy when he was there. Nancy and I have been there several times, but I do believe that Wednesday was our best day. In fact all four of us thought so.
We took a one day bus tour, saw places and things around the falls we weren't aware of, traveled as far as Niagara-on-the-Lake and back, wonderful trip, great driver/tour guide, and as there were only 19 of us on the bus, we all knew each other by the end of the day. It was a great trip, and I would highly recommend it to everyone.
It was the NIAGARA ADVENTURES tour, pick-up and drop-off at our hotel door. The tour consisted of:
Upper Niagara River, Dufferin Islands, Marooned Scow, Upper Control Dam, Sir Harry Oakes Estate, the Chocolate Factory, the Welland Canal, Mount Carmel Monastery, Niagara-on-the-Lake, a winery for wine tasting, and for folks like Andy and Lauri who have never ridden the MAID OF THE MIST, They were picked up at the hotel 2 hours early and delivered to the gate for the ride, picked up after the ride to join the rest of us on the bus. We had a ball, and there will be much more detail down the road. Right now, just kind of touching base.
Took lots of pictures, have to down-load and edit them. Will be sharing them with you later, and telling some of the stories.
I guess while we were gone the poor West Alexander Fair was all but rained out. Also had a massive power outage on Wednesday. Glad we were at the Falls. It stayed over-cast, but the only moisture we had to contend with was the mist from the falls, and there was a lot of that.
As none of us will melt, warp, or peel, we didn't let a little (lot) of mist deter our wanderings. I did think, though that I should have had some shampoo with me, I could have washed my hair was I walked. How would you have liked to see that sight - this goofy woman walking along with about a foot of suds on top of her head, washing her hair? I'll just bit my picture would have been splashed all over the newspapers, and maybe even on TV. How about that?????? I wonder how long it would take the mist to get all the shampoo rinsed out?
A lot of the time Nancy and I did our own thing, letting the kids do what they wanted to do. The time went by all too quickly. It always does.
So am going to close out now, have laundry to do, pictures to edit, meals to plan, car to clean out (how does a vehicle get so messed up on a 3 day trip? And supposedly we are all adults), luggage to put away until next time, and get my head screwed on straight.
Hope your week has been good and God Bless.
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