NEW YEAR's EVE MORNING....DECEMBER 31 2011....

Another year gone.  Am I another year wiser.  How do you tell.  Maybe by just surviving I have to be a little wiser.

A new year upon us.  Do I make New Year's resolutions?  I used to, never followed through so decided it was a waste of time. 

The only resolution I make now is that......I do the best I can each and every day and not to worry about what might have been, what should have been, what was, or what is coming.  Every day will take care of itself in it's own way.

So what am I going to do today, the end of a very busy, hectic, strange year.  Not a whole lot. 

I have two festival applications on my desk right now that I have to decide (they are both new festivals I have not done in the past) whether to take the chance and apply for them.

One is the Troy Ohio Strawberry festival in June and the other the Bob Evans Farm Festival in October.  If I apply for, and am accepted, at the Bob Evans festival, that means I will be booked for every weekend in October.  Do I want to do that? 

The Strawberry festival in June would be good, as I only have one other festival scheduled for June, it is a good fun weekend in Granville Ohio.
there again If I apply I have to wait until the jurying is completed and see if I have been accepted.  Seems I, and a lot of other folks, spend the biggest part of their lives playing the waiting game.

Just two weeks from today is when Mike, Tammie and I leave for Kearneysville West Virginia to have our Christmas exchange with granddaughter Bobbie, her husband Tim and great granddaughter Heyleigh.  They spent Christmas with Tim's parents in Georgia.  But they were here for Thanksgiving with us.  Turn about fair play. 

I have never attended, but am always amazed at the New Year's Eve celebration in Pittsburgh.  It is an indoor-outdoor family oriented celebration, complete with fireworks.  There are several blocks of downtown cordoned off, and there are stages with music, entertainment, children's activities, Christmas lights Ice Skating, and stuff, starts at 6 p.m. thru midnight, when the Pittsburgh 2012 ball rises instead of falling.  It is a really unique celebration, and the crowds are there, regardless of the weather.  Pittsburgh actually has a lot to offer, especially for families.

Friends, family and I used to go out for New Year's eve.  Then as Tom and I got wiser (most folks would say we got older) we began going out early in the evening and going somewhere special to eat, usually a more up-scale restaurant, one that we would not normally attend and have a scrumptious dinner, maybe take in a movie, but be home and off the roads before the craziness hit.  I miss that.

Since Tom's passing I'm usually in bed before midnight.  There are places I could go, friends I could be with, but I just don't like the thought of being on the highway late at night on New Year's Eve.  Not a good place to be, too many crazies out there. 

Tomorrow I will be off line.  But I will return on January 2nd, Good Lord willing, and maybe by then I will think of something to write about. 

I may change my password so Sam doesn't access the computer tomorrow. 

Before I close I am attaching three pictures I took in 2010 when Vicki and I were in San Diego prior to our cruise to Hawaii.  This was during the San Diego Little Italy celebration.  Their celebration was like Mardi Gras in New Orleans, but not on that big a scale.  It was a fun night.  Even the animals were involved.

And so in closing another chapter in your, and my life, another year, remember the good times, don't dwell on the bad times, you can't change a thing.   Look forward to a brand new year, with new doors opening, don't be afraid to step through, live your life to the fullest and God Bless. 

SENIOR PROJECTS.....DECEMBER 30 2011........

When I was in high school many years ago there was no such thing as a senior project..  When my kids were in high school there was no such thing as senior projects.  So when one of the grandkids started talking senior project I had no clue.

Daughter Rebecca and her husband Neal have raised 4 great kids.  No 1 Garrett, the oldest, for his senior project (which is completed in their junior year and counts really really big toward their final grades) chose writing a short story..

Can't imagine where he got that idea.  Rebecca did not have a clue as to what he was doing, he is a very private person.  Does his own thing, does not ask for help, just does.

It was not until his teacher called Rebecca complimenting him on the excellent senior project he turned in.  The teacher went on to say that he blew the roomful of kids away when he read his story.  Rebecca had no clue.

Grandson #2, Austin, asked his mom if he could borrow $100.00 for his senior project.  Long silence.  Then she asked what was his senior project.  He wanted to invest in the stock market and follow his investment.  I believe Ford was one of the two automobile companies  he invested in.  His investment is still in place, and has been increasing slowly but regularly.  Another phone call, another compliment.

Grandson #3, Coleman, loves playing around on the computer, wants to go into computer programming - video games.  And so he created a video game as his project.  Another phone call.  You guessed the rest.

Granddaughter #4 (not the fourth girl, the fourth grandchild,) decided she would like to paint a picture for her senior project.  She is a junior this year, so project has to be completed by the end of February.

After our Thanksgiving dinner she and Rebecca sat down with my friend Georgia, who is a very talented artist, has earned many ribbons for her paintings, and also teaches painting classes. 

At the completion of this round table discussion it was decided that on Christmas day at my house (I guess you have figured out that Georgia, her husband Dan, and Mother Arlie spend the holidays with us) Shelby would go home with them.  they live in Sardis Ohio, about an hours drive from my place.

So Christmas night off she went.  She had chosen to use one of Van Gogh's paintings.  The subject was a field of blue Irises.  Georgia was conducting a private class for Shelby, lasting three days.  Georgia also agreed to take pictures of Shelby, her picture, you know the drill, so she could include them with the description of her senior project.

I am attaching a picture of what she had accomplished by Tuesday. 

She finished the project on Wednesday night. I met her and Georgia and Dan at the Highlands yesterday for lunch, then Shelby came home with me and her dad came to pick her up.  Picture completed.  Looks great for a very first time artist.  It is an oil.  Once it is completely dry I will frame it for her.  Her project will be ready by the end of February.

Four grandkids.  Four senior projects.  Four completely different directions.  And each child came up with his/her own subject for this project.  There was no outside input.

I must say I am really glad we didn't have to fool around with senior projects when I was in school, and when my kids were in school. 

I'm glad she didn't have 5 kids -- what on earth would the 5th senior project be?

Have a great day, a New Year just around the bend, another old year history, what will the future hold?   Guess we will find out.  Just keep wondering, doing your best, and God Bless.

OUT-GUNNED AGAIN....DECEMBER 29 2011


I see where Sam has already posted today's blog.  She  really makes us sound like a bunch of dodo birds, doesn't she.  But life is never boring with her around.  She is resting in her kennel right now, didn't even want to go out with Coco. 

Lumps being sent for biopsy, but Vet seemed to think there was nothing to worry about.  Take her back in 10 days to have staples removed, and find out biopsy results.

So in the meantime, enjoy your day and God Bless.

I GOT HERE FIRST....DECEMBER 29 2011....


That's right.  This is Sam speaking - again!  And this Sam is a teed off Sam.  Not my fault.  It's those weird people I live with that are at fault.  They think they know everything.

Anyhow I got to the computer first today.  Yesterday was the pits.

SHE dragged me out of the house before daylight and before breakfast.  I am on a diet, not by choice, and now I don't even get the 2 bites that is the sum total of my breakfast.  Off to the Vet - I was just there.  Then she has the nerve to walk off and leave me.  

I am put in a kennel (cage) for a while.  Then I am given a shot.  Next thing I know I am still in the kennel, but oh boy, do I have a hang over.  Everything seems pretty fuzzy.  One of the workers asked me how I felt.  What do you mean how do I feel.  I feel yucky.  My back hurts.  My head hurts.  My face hurts.  I just hurt all over.

She puts my collar and leash on me and takes me for a walk around the block.  Stupid town.  No grass or trees, just cement.  I am shivering. No wonder, they have shaved half my back, clear down to my skin.  Didn't even put a sweater on me.  Just made me suffer.  

Back inside and back into the kennel.  I dozed off, and was just resting comfortably when in they came again, collar, leash, and out I went.  But the lady was there, told me we were going home.  It wasn't my idea to leave home.  So we came home.

Coco was smelling me up and down something fierce.  Nutty dog.  I finally got to have a drink of water, but she made me stop before I was done.  Something about maybe I would throw it back up.  Why would I do that?

I guess if I kept the water down for a certain period of time, it would be safe to feed me.  I am starving, all the food bowls are up and out of sight, now the water is up and out of sight, torture to the nth degree.

Finally I got my two bites of canned dog food.  I did tell you they put me on a diet didn't I?  This diet is for the birds, or cats, or something, not me.

I snuck back into the laundry room - that is where we get fed - and started in on the dry dog food.  Next thing I knew, in she came, up went the bowl, my stomach is still growling.  

I finally gave up and went to bed in my kennel.  Guess I went to sleep, next thing I knew I was wakened up to go outside and do whatever, then brought back in and put back to bed.  But I DID get my two doggie treat bones that is my bedtime snack.  My back was starting to hurt. My stomach was growling.  I was thirsty  and hungry, but did they care.  Of course not.  I must have been pretty tired though as the next thing I knew it was morning and the boss man was letting me out of my kennel, and putting me outside.  When I came back in I did get my full two bites of canned dog food, but there was something in it, but I was so hungry I didn't care.  Found out later it was a pain pill, I have to take one every morning until they are gone.  They are  so my back won't hurt.  Got a lot of metal tings in my back called staples.  Guess I will have to go back and get them out sometime.

Boy what a day yesterday was.  I do know I am pretty tired today, guess I won;t mind sleeping most of the time.  Just so I don't miss my supper.  I have noticed she usually puts a picture in her blog.  I am not allowed to play with the camera - don't know why.  It would probably be as much fun as the ink cartridges.  But you know humans.  So I am attaching a picture I found in her picture file from someone:

Boy, if she only knew how much browsing I do in her computer when she is not here, she would probably go spastic, have a heart attack, or a stroke, or kill me, so I try to be very crafty - I am a girl after all - and not let her catch me.


Ut oh!  Sounds like the lady of the hour is finally stirring.  I'm the one that was mistreated, why is she the one being lazy?  Better get this posted and get back in my kennel so she won't know what I have been up to.  She just might take me back to the vet and leave me.

If anyone has any extra dog food, preferably the expensive canned type, or really really good doggie treats, you know where to find me.  I'm sure not getting that kind of treatment from the boss man.  All I heard last night was how much I was costing him.  Guess that rules out all future treats, goodies, and probably new toys.  Woe is me.

NOW I'M A JUGGLER....DECEMBER 28 2011....


As if I don't already wear enough hats.  Have just added one more. Juggling.  Not Balls.  Not Bowling Pins.  Not Eggs.  DOGS......

This is the day Samantha is scheduled for her surgery.  Background......

Sam is the oldest, by 2 weeks.  She came from a litter in West Alexander.  Coca born 2 weeks later, he came from a litter up north somewhere.

They have been together ever since Jerry picked them upas 6 week old puppies.  You will find them laying somewhere, back to back, or one using the other for a pillow.

During the day when they decide to go into their indoor kennels, they will sleep in each others.  It is good for Sam, because Coco is much larger and his kennel is much larger.  Not so good the other way around, Sam's kennel is much smaller.  Coco is kind of cramped.  Why do they do this?  Darned if I  know.

They eat side by side, sit and beg side by side, play outside in their outside kennel, hunt the bunnies, always together. 

Sam was to have nothing to eat or drink after mid-night last night.  Now what do I do.  When they get up in the morning, they go outside, when they come in they get their morning 1/4 can of dog food in addition to their ever-full bowl of dry dog food.

So how do I feed Coco and not Sam?  I juggle.

I let them both in, grab Coco by the collar and shoo Sam downstairs to the family room.  Shut the door really fast before she gets through it or Coco gets through it.  Now she wants back upstairs.  Coco wants downstairs.  I feed Coco.  He gets 1/2 a can this morning.  Don't have time to fool with this quarter stuff. 

Now I have to get downstairs without Coco beating me through the door.  I made it.  Am I good or what. 

The rest is easy.  The garage opens off the family room, so on goes the leash, into the garage and into the van.  By the way, she has to sit on the front seat, shotgun, as the remainder of the van is packed to the top. 

The reason for this is Jerry and I have been down-sizing, getting rid of what we are not using, and we tackled the storage room, which is also off the family room, this week. 

Game Plan - drop Sam off at the Vet (8 a.m.), go on to Washington, make a stop at the bank, then on to City Mission, where we donate what we can no longer use.  Also it is where I take all our papers, unwanted mail, magazines, boxes, etc., for recycling.  

Of course Christmas was just past, we had a ton of boxes, wrapping paper, stuff and more stuff.  Hence, the Van just barely had room for Sam and me up front.

Sam is at the Vet's now, probably undergoing her surgery.  The van load of stuff is in Washington and I am home - as you have probably figured out since I am at my computer.

The vet's office will call me about noon, letting me know how the surgery went and telling me when I can go pick her up. 

Worst part is - I am really really in the dog house here right now.  Coco is really really upset as I did not bring Sam back with me.  He whines, he fusses, he looks, he stares at me, and we start all over again.  He makes me feel really really guilty.  He paces, he checks both kennels, he checks Jerry's room - that is where they usually sleep at night, unless he is away then they stay in their kennels all night, or like last night so Jerry could sneak out this morning and leave me to deal with the dogs.  Lucky me.

And so I sit here, and wait for a phone call, try to ignore Coco, does any one have ear plugs?  He just keeps fussing, making me feel guiltier each moment. 

Otherwise my day is going just fine.  Right!

I hope you are faring better than I am right now.  It is amazing how fast your dog can put you on a huge guilt trip.  It is all my fault!

I know when Sam comes home she will be examined from the tip of her nose to the tip of her tail.  Making sure she is all there. 

So have a good day, stay warm, think of Sam, and God Bless.

NO, I DIDN'T FALL OFF THE FACE OF THE EARTH....DECEMBER 27 2011.....


I have just survived three days of chaos.  What a whirlwind. 

Saturday...did all the pre-preparation of food that can be done a day ahead of time.  Cleaned the house.  Baked the black bottom cupcakes.  Moped the floors. Kind of half way dusted.  Finished wrapping the last presents and placed them under the tree.  Well, actually on the floor beside the table on which the tree stands.

Made it to candlelight service in the evening, came home, watched some football, but had to call it a day.  Had really been busy.

Crashed.  All too soon it was morning - Christmas Day.  What happened to the night.

First thing helped Jerry get the two turkeys ready for deep frying.  By that time guests started arriving, and put Ethan to work with Jerry. 


Had already started baking the apple crisp and making the corn pudding.  They need to be done the day they are to be served.  Got 12# potatoes peeled and cooking, ready to mash.  Got a secret to share with you.

I have a crock pot that has, in addition to low and high cooking, a warming feature.  I cook my potatoes about an hour ahead of time, get them mashed and in the crock pot on warm.  They are perfect when dinner is served and you are not involved in that last minute mashing of potatoes.

Turkey and ham done.  Dinner is on.  And we ate.  And ate.  And ate.  Immediately following dinner asked everyone to gather together in the living room for gift exchange.  Ethan is our district magistrate and was on call Christmas day, so we wanted to do all the important stuff in case he was called out.  Of course the gift exchange was just my was of getting everyone together for a group photo.  Got the photo.

Just finished our exchange when Ethan was called and had to leave.  Perfect timing.

We spent the remainder of the day talking, eating, laughing, eating, telling tales on each other, eating, what a wonderful fun filled day we had.

Watched the Sunday night football game, called it a day.  Another short night.

Monday first thing tried to put part of the kitchen back together.  Even though we ran the dishwasher the night before, there was a lot of stuff like pots and pans, and snack plates, etc. that had to be taken care of.  After that left for the Highlands to get wrapping paper and cookie tins for next Christmas.

Could not believe it when arriving at Target, there was no traffic to speak of, lots of parking spaces, checked out immediately.  Same with JCP.  Also same with Wal Mart, as I was also making a dog food run.

I learned later that by early afternoon it was a zoo down there, so glad I got in and out when I did.

Finished putting the house back together, started to watch the football game but crashed at half time.

I know so many feel that once Christmas day is over the celebration is also over.  Not true.  The Celebration is just beginning on Christmas day and lasts the entire year, not just one day.  So keep that in mind as you go about your daily business.

I hope you all had as lovely a day as I did, live life to the fullest and God Bless.

YELLOWSTONE IN WINTER...PART 2....DECEMBER 24 2011

Our second day there we did the walking tour of the geyser basin.  Starting at Old Faithful, we walked in the snow (trails had been broken) stopping at the different geysers and learning the history behind each one.  What an awesome day.  That evening those that wanted could take a moon-light tour of the park - there was a full moon - but I passed.  the walking and the cold done me in and I was ready to call it a day.

This was Old Faithful.  the next picture is of one of the geysers in the upper geyser basin.

Our next day we toured a large portion of the park in our snow coaches, making frequent stops to get out, stretch, take pictures, whatever.  Our last night in the Lodge.

Next day we boarded the snow coaches and drove to West Yellowstone, where we disembarked.  We also had a tour in West Yellowstone seeing the elk, that had come down from the highlands for winter.  Spending the night there, we returned to Salt Lake City, spent the night and returned home.  What an awesome trip.  I would do it again.

This is one of the Yellowstone wolves that I saw.

And so, this is Yellowstone in Winter  A fairyland if I ever saw one.

There is a bright light outside my window.  Could it possibly be the sun?  Enjoy your day filled with all the last minute things that need to be done, with never enough time, but you always manage.

I will be off line tomorrow.  It is Christmas, after all.  Will be attending our Christmas Eve candlelight service tonight.  What a beautiful service.  But for some reason I always find myself tearful as we sing Silent Night by Candlelight.  Take care and God Bless.

YELLOWSTONE IN WINTER....DECEMBER 23 2011....

This time of year there is not much on TV, so happened upon a PBS presentation of Yellowstone in Winter.  Brought back memories.

Several years ago I had the opportunity to take the AAA bus trip to Yellowstone in the winter.  They offer one trip per year in the January-February time frame.  It was absolutely magical.  No other way to describe it.  So will do a - probably - 2 part series on this trip.

Flew from Pittsburgh to Salt Lake City Utah, checked into the hotel.  Had a get-together dinner that evening to meet our tour guide, a fantastic knowledgeable young man.  There were 20 in our group, from all over the U.S. and Canada.  We were all friends by the end of the week.

Our first day, way before daylight, we boarded our bus on our way north, our first stop being  in the Grand Tetons.  My first picture is showing the moon setting over the Tetons (in west) as the sun was coming up behind us (in the east).  It was way below freezing, the wind was blowing like crazy, and was the most beautiful sight I had ever seen.

From there we traveled to out next stop, which was a short distance from the entrance to the park.  There we transferred to our snow coaches.  Really unique vehicles, skis on the front for steering and tank treads on the back of traction, as the snow was over 3 foot deep.  The park is closed to all vehicular traffic in winter except for snow coaches and snow mobiles.

Each coach held 7 plus the driver, so we were a caravan of three.  And the magic really began.

We arrived in the park, and there is no way to describe the beauty, everything snow covered. 
The roof of the snow coaches was one large hatch, and every time we saw wild-life, the driver would stop, open the hatch, we could stand up and take pictures of the animals. They were used to the snow coaches, and if we kept quiet, they didn't mind.

 These were a few of the buffalo we saw.  Also saw the trumpeter swans.  They stay in the park year 'round, as the rivers don't completely  freeze over, even though it will get 40 - 50 below zero, because of the thermal heat under the ground.

I can't begin to tell you all we saw, this first day was just so full.  We arrived at Old Faithful, where we were to spend two nights in the new lodge there.  We were tired, excited, and in awe of what we had seen.

Over the entire trip we saw elk, moose, coyotes, wolves, foxes, buffalo, all kinds of birds, and snow, snow, and more snow.  And the geysers, erupting, and everything near the geysers, became coated in layers of frozen fog.  Unbelievable.

I'll tell more about this trip tomorrow.  It is the trip of a life-time, if you ever have the chance take it.  You will never forget it.

In the meantime, complete your last-minute shopping, last-minute wrapping, last-minute baking, last-minute everything and God Bless.

RUNNING LATE...DECEMBER 22 2011......

So what's new about that.  The problem is - I could not think of a single thing to write about.  Nothin' at all.  Really scary.  I always have something to say, but not today.

And then I received an e-mail from friend Betty.  Forgive me for using your e-mail as my blog today.  But I thought everyone would enjoy it.  So here goes:

1.  Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Holiday spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls.

2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. It's rare.. You cannot find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an eggnog-alcoholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's Christmas!

 3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand-alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.

 4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.

 5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Holiday/Christmas party is to eat other people's food for free. Lots of it. Hello?

 6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do.. This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.

7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you're never going to see them again.

8. Same for pies. Apple, Pumpkin, Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day?

9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean,  I have some standards.

 10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Re-read tips; start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner. Remember this motto to live by:

"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate and wine in one hand, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO what a ride!"

 Have a Merry Christmas & a great holiday season!!
HO, HO, HO!!

 Hopefully you got a chuckle out of this one.  Maybe by tomorrow I will have a brain-storm, maybe not. 

Now will share a couple more ICE pictures.

The last room before the exit was all about the nativity, every scene was carved from clear white ice.  What a wonderful ending to the day.  So with this picture in mind, have a wonderful day and God Bless.

RUNNING LATE....DECEMBER 21 2011.....

...And no I did not sleep in.  Made an early morning run to Staples so I could UPS my last two Christmas packages, hopefully they will have the packages by Saturday.  At least that was the game plan.

Have just a few things left to wrap, then, supposedly, will be ready.  Who knows.  Things come up.  Things get mis-laid.  If not mis-laid, lost. 

Another gray rainy day.  Predicting about an inch of rain, again.  I don't think the mud will ever dry out.

Even though the outdoor dog kennel has grass, the dogs always manage to find a spot that is just mud.  Want in. Open door.  Muddy feet.  Grab rag and wipe feet, which is not easy as they are not the foot-wiping type of dogs.  They love the mud.  Mop the floor.  Dogs want out.  Start all over again.

At least my barn kitties stay outside. They are knocking on my door first thing in the morning wanting their breakfast.  After eating they go about their kitty business, whatever that is.  During the day they come and go, sometimes just laying on the deck, or the patio, sometimes looking in at the dogs, thumbing their noses at them because they know the dogs can't get them.

Don't you all wish you had the exciting life I lead?  Wow!  You probably couldn't stand it!

The weather people are telling us that we just might have a white Christmas.  Of course they tell us that every year, even when the forecast is for warm and sunny.  But sometimes they get it right.  Not often, but sometimes.

I remember, years ago, the forecast on the evening news was for snow flurries.  The next day on the evening news, the weather man looked sort of sheepish, and informed us that he had received a phone call that morning from a disgruntled news watcher that he expected the weather man to come shovel out the snow flurries in his driveway, which were about a foot deep.  Glad he didn't forecast a blizzard.

Well, enough rambling and grumbling.  Going to share a couple more pictures from ICE, then sign off.

As you have probably figured out, that year's theme was WHOOVILLE and the GRINCH.

Stay dry, and warm, 4 days 'till Christmas.  God Bless.

YESTERDAY.....DECEMBER 20 2011....

...Was my annual "get together with my sister" for lunch and then our Christmas exchange. We have done this for years in the days immediately preceding Christmas.

Of my generation, my sister and I are the only ones left.  Once we are gone, this branch of our family goes also.  We had no brothers, one cousin on my father's side, who is gone, and that is it.  We are it.  Kind of gives you a funny feeling.

My sister and I see each other different times during the year, but this get-together day has always been special.  We used to take a day and shop all day together, then a little later get together to exchange our gifts.   Then the shopping day dropped to half a day.  Now we don't do shopping together anymore, just have our exchange day.  Oh, to be young and frisky again!!!!

Last night helped Jerry prepare our famous stir-fry, as where he works is having a Christmas eat-in this year.  Something different.  So is the stir-fry, the recipe which came from daughter Linda - Jerry's sister - in Arizona.

It takes a while.  It contains cubed steak, chunked sweet and/or hot sausage links, white potatoes and sweet potatoes, chunked, large red onion chopped, red, green, yellow sweet peppers cubed, and canned chillies and, if wanted jalapeno pepper. 

Once all the prep is done, the meat is stir-fried until no pink shows.  All other ingredients added, and simmered until potatoes cooked.  Add chillies and jalapeno.  Really good eating.  It is like chili and vegetable soup - better the next day. 

I mentioned to Jerry, while watching the supposed Steeler game that I had just checked the stir-fry and there was a great big sign attached to the skillet staying SAMPLE ME.

Next thing I know he is bringing a bowl to me, along with one for him, and we sampled.  Could have sampled a lot more, as usually when we do this stir-fry there is no such thing as left overs.

Don't know what today will hold.  Every day is a surprise. 

So will sign off for now, but wanted to share another picture I took in Nashville at ICE.  What a fun day that was.

The first is daughter Linda and me standing under the ice candy canes, and the other was the last of the displays as we were exiting the building.  The 40 plus degrees when we exited felt like a sauna after spending an hour in the 0 degree Ice Palace.

Have a great day, pretend the sun is shining, because it is somewhere, and God Bless.

ONE PHONE CALL.....DECEMBER 19 2011.....


Life is changed forever.  Or flood-gates are opened once again.

We had a tragedy in our area last night.  Two police officers were shot during a routine traffic stop.   One was killed, one critical.  Another in a long string of senseless acts.

The phone call, that opened my flood gates, was from son Michael.  At one time he was in law enforcement as a deputy constable.  He has a lot of friends in law enforcement. One of his friends was the officer that died last night.

Phone call - from my sister, many years ago now.  My Dad had just suffered a major heart attack.  He had never been sick.  My Mom was the sickly one.  My sister and I had to jump in and take over.  His funeral was December 24th.

I was a single Mom (not by choice) raising three children, not yet teenagers.   My sister and brother-in-law had just one child,the same age as my youngest daughter.

I was usually the one, even way back then, that held all the holiday dinners.  Christmas morning had to pretend everything was fine, Santa really did arrive, My sister brought my Mother with her, and we celebrated Christmas.  It was one of the longest days in my life. 

You suffer many losses over the years, they never get any easier, but for some reason the Christmas season is the worst.  It is the time for birth and renewal, not death and denial.

Of all the family and friends I have lost over the years, I could not begin to tell you the date of the death and funeral.  But when December 21st rolls around, I remember......and on December 24th, it is hard.  Even these many years later, it is hard.

So my prayers go out to the family that today is experiencing what I experienced so long ago.  It doesn't get easier, the holidays make sure of that, but you do cope, you do move on, there are so many others depending on you to make life seem as normal as possible.

Whatever normal may be.  

God Bless each and everyone of you today, and especially be with this family, as they really need his blessings at this time.

IF TODAY WERE CHRISTMAS...DECEMBER 18 2011......


We would be having a white Christmas.  Yes, we have snow on the ground, not a lot, but it is white.  Still putting down a fine snow.  But the forecast is that by Wednesday we will be back up in the 50's - goodbye snow!

Attended a fun open house Christmas party last night, lots of food, lots of good conversation, lots of food, lots of laughing, story-telling, and did I mention:  Food.  Really really good food.

Was sprinkling snow when I arrived, ice on the windshield when I left, snowing, beginning to show a little white.  This morning all white.

Wonder if I could convince Jerry to put some snow in the freezer, then next week on Christmas Day he could spread it around?  Somehow I don't think that will happen.  Oh, well, nice thought if nothing else.

These pics were taken in Nashville in December a couple of years ago.  We visited the Christmas Tree display, many many beautiful trees, and then ICE, which is what it says.  The entire building was one huge freezer, you were supplied with heavy winter coats, and everything in the building was made of colored ice.  What an experience!


Two turkeys out of the freezer and in the fridge to start thawing for dinner Christmas.  Deep fried turkey has to be completely thawed, room temp and dry.  Otherwise you are in big trouble.

The third turkey found a home with a friend, and she will pick it up today when we both arrive at church.  Glad I found someone who can use it because we only do turkey twice a year and did not want to keep one in the freezer for 11 months.

Really don't have a whole lot to say today.  No Steeler game until tomorrow night.  Hope the Packers and Ravens both lose.  Probably just wishful thinking.  Will watch the other games though.

Did get the chocolate chip cookies made yesterday, and the candied nuts taken care of.  Just a couple more of the "you can do it ahead of time" stuff, then the rest is on hold until the Day before the big Day.  That is when all the last minute prep will begin.

So enjoy you Sunday, the snow, the games, and God Bless.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AFTER ALL....DECEMBER 17 2011......


Received word this morning - books have been shipped.  Arrival date Tuesday.  Will have them for Christmas!  The ones I have to ship, will ship priority mail, so they should arrive by Saturday.

I can leave my fingernails alone and start breathing again.

Sorry Santa, will be at Church Christmas Eve instead of tagging along with you.  I know you will be deeply disappointed, but......

Now for a complete change of pace.

As of today I have 4 festivals applied for, two I am automatically juried into each year, two I have to wait for the jury results.  Have 2 additional application information forms on my desk waiting for a decision as to whether or not I want to apply.  And this year hasn't even ended yet.

December and January are the main months for receipt of applications.  Usually by the end of March (when most jury results are in) I have my schedule for the year finalized.  Now, hope there will be no conflicts with Jerry's work. 

The down-side of this scenario is - all the jury fees, and some of the entry fees - are due with the applications.  Show season ended in November.  Christmas shopping wiped out all profits.  More juggling. 

Luckily with the juried festivals, only the jurying fee is needed with the application.  Once you are accepted, then the entry fee is due.  Gives time to put some aside. 

Now for a complete change of pace.  What is it they say, that a woman has the right to change her mind.  Does that cover pace also?

While sitting at the computer earlier this week, one of the days when we actually had sunshine, I caught a movement out of the corner of my eye.  Upon looking out the window sat this beautiful pheasant just moseying along, looking important.  Of course grabbed the camera.  Just barely got one shot off before he disappeared.

We have never had pheasants on the farm since we moved here 7 years ago.  This fall Jerry bought pheasants and quail and brought them to the farm , hoping to get them re-populated. 

Pheasants have been spotted several times since, I have seen them twice, but to date no quail have been seen.  They either decided they did not like their new residence and left, or are awfully good at staying hidden.  Hoping, come spring, we see signs of both pheasants and quail.

Well, have to get off of here.  Going to make chocolate chip cookies for Jerry today.  That is just about the only kind of cookie he likes.  So being the GREAT Mom that I am, I will make him his cookies. 

If you believe that one I have lots more to tell you.  In the meantime, enjoy the day and God Bless.

BEING AN AUTHOR DOESN'T MEAN YOU'RE RICH....DECEMBER 16 2011......

Unless you are Stephen King, Danielle Steele, James Patterson, etc.

Being an author means you are doing something you are passionate about, something you love to do and share.  Forget the getting rich part.

First is the actual writing...that takes a lot of time, sometimes years.  Second is finding a publisher.  I am lucky, I have a publisher who is also my daughter, but I do not get preferential treatment.  It is a business, after all.

The manuscript is submitted.  It is put on the list by the publisher of THINGS TO DO.  When your number comes up, you manuscript is next, then the real work begins.  What the author does is just preliminary.

There is the editing, formatting, creating the cover, and then the publisher has to send the book to the printer.  The printer puts it on their THINGS TO DO list. 

Finally the printing process is in progress.  The books are done and ready to be shipped.  They are sent to the shipping department and put on their THINGS TO DO LIST. 

Finally, finally, they are shipped.  Except for my newest one. As of yesterday it was still on the shipping department's THINGS TO DO LIST.  So much for having the books for distribution to my customers this weekend.  Maybe by Christmas.

Now, about the "getting rich" part.  You have a contract with your publisher.  The publisher foots the bill for all the editing, etc., unless you self-publisher, then you foot the bill, then sends it off to the printer, who does whatever they do, and one (that's right - 1) book is printed - the proof copy, and sent to the publisher for approval.  Once it is approved, then it gets expensive.

You place your order with your publisher.  The publisher, in turn places your order with the printer.  But not for free.  The printer has to be paid x number of dollars for each book printed.  So you as the author pays x number of dollars to the publisher so the publisher can pay the printer.

I sell my books, when I finally get them, for $20.00 each.  Out of that $20.00 I have made a profit of $2.00 on each book sold.  It boils down to approximately $16.00 for printing each book, including shipping, the publisher gets a % of each sale, that is how she stays in business, and I get what's left, after all I am not in the business, I just like to write.

We write because we love to tell stories.  We write because, well, we love to write.  

So I sit here, biting my nails, will the books arrive next week?  I may be riding along with Santa on Christmas eve delivering books.  So if you notice him flying by in his sleigh, with a tag-along, you will know that is me.

I found this picture on the inter-net.  I am still looking for him every year, hoping to get a picture.  So far not in the right place at the right time.


I will do my best to get all my orders filled by Christmas Eve.  In the meantime, don't panic, you WILL get your book, one way or another.

Anyone have an extra Santa suit I can wear, it will probably be cold riding in that open-air sleigh.

Have a good day and God Bless.

 A TOUGH ACT TO FOLLOW....DECEMBER 15 2011.....


All at once Sam has more followers than I do.  How did that happen?  She even got a Get Well Card!

Outclassed by a dog!  What more can I say?

I guess I will have to keep my computer locked up, change the passwords, and keep my fingers crossed. 

Finished my cookie baking yesterday.  Will get the tins packed, labeled, and ready for distribution to the ones who get cookies for Christmas, which is only 10 days away, and counting.

Box I shipped to Maine was received yesterday.  All my gifts for local giving are wrapped and under the tree, sort of.  Box to Arizona should be there today.

My book delivery has been slightly delayed, not my fault, wanted the books to deliver to my church family on Sunday at church, but may have to play Santa and deliver them house to house next week.  Never a dull moment.

Got a nice note from Bill Vint yesterday.  He had asked to stories from us Barnstormers telling how we got interested in Mail Pouch Barns.  He is our new Barnstormer newsletter editor.  I had submitted my story, he asked for background information which I supplied.  Will be interesting to see what he does with the info.

Already have three major festival applications submitted, will be submitting the fourth after I complete this blog.  This one will be for Cain Park Arts Festival in Cleveland Heights, Ohio.

2011 was the first time I had submitted application, was accepted, did the festival, and completely awed by the help and consideration the festival staff and volunteers gave the entire weekend.  Really hope I get accepted again this year. 

So guess I'll sign off for now.  Have a good day and God Bless. 

THIS IS SAM SPEAKING.....DECEMBER 14 2011......


That is correct!  I am Sam.  I am a beagle.  The best beagle.  I have taken over the blog today, as I am not a happy camper.  I'm sure you folks remember me from the two (yes 2) stories that I dictated to the person doing this blog,  one appeared in Volume 2 of IF ONLY I COULD TALK, and the other is in the new Volume 3.

Don't tell me I can't tell stories!  I am one of the best.  Probably the best of all time.

But today, boy am I an unhappy beagle.  Very unhappy.  Capital letters UNHAPPY.

The lady of the house, also the lady of the blog, and the lady who wrote the books and the lady who takes the pictures, and the lady who knows what else, proceeded to take me to the Vet yesterday.  I don't mind going, don't like it, but put up with it.  They weighed me in - I had lost 3 pounds.  Not that I wanted to, I was forced into it.  By the Vet.  Who proceded to cut my canned dog food allowance per day in half.  He is trying to starve me!

Then he proceded to prod and poke me.  I had heard boss-man (that is my owner , at least he thinks so, for you folks that don't know us) say he had found a small lump on my back and it needed to be checked out.  You can't see it, so it does not affect my beautiful self.  It doesn't bother me, so there again it has no affect.

The Vet's helper, a really nice lady that seems to know my boss-lady, and I had a very nice visit waiting for the Dr. to appear.  She even fed me 2 treats.  Coco is not going to be happy when I get home, as he will check my breath first thing to see what I had that he didn't, na n'na n'na.  I got a treat you he didn't....

But back to whatever.  The doctor found 2 lumps.  The Dr. decided I needed surgery.  SURGERY!!!!  I have had surgery twice, once when I was a puppy and had my belly cut, once a couple of years ago when they discovered a lump on my back and it was removed.  They found nothing majorly wrong.  So why have they decided to do surgery again?  I guess they need the money.

 So here I am, scheduled for surgery on December 28th.  Have to be there before daylight.  Can't have anything to eat.  That is the worst.  What are they trying to do, make me lose more weight?

It was interesting last night when boss-man came home and was informed of my pending surgery.  I am beginning to feel like a celebrity.  Impending Surgery!

He just looked at me and informed me that I was really getting to an expensive dog to have around.  What does he expect. Aren't movie-star beautiful lady dogs supposed to be expensive?  After all, the upkeep to keep me looking good has to be paid by someone, and lucky him, he has been elected.

I'll let boss-lady have her blog back tomorrow.  I just had to vent, and what better way than using her blog.  In fact, this was kind of fun.  I may have to take over every once in a while.  

I was starting to think I would never get my blog back.  As you can see, Sam (Samantha) is a very determined little dog.  She does keep us on our toes.  So I hope you enjoyed her blog, if you didn't I'll never tell her, as she might take over again and say some rather nasty things.

So think about poor Sam and her impending surgery, have a good day and God Bless.

ONE TURKEY - TWO TURKEYS - THREE TURKEYS - WOW!!!DECEMBER 13 2011......


I believe I have gotten the message.  Everyone loves deep-fried turkey.  Jerry just looked at me last night, shook his head, and headed out to do whatever it is he goes out to do.

And no, I am not losing it.  Well maybe a little bit, but not a big bit.

Before Thanksgiving when turkeys were on sale I bought 2 and an extra one for Christmas.  Was going to buy a fourth one, but would wait until after Thanksgiving.

Daughter Rebecca called just before turkey day.  She had been given a nice big turkey where she works and wanted to know if she could bring it down to my house to have for Christmas.  Great!  I don't have to look for another turkey, just buy the ham.

So we have one frozen turkey in the upright freezer in the family room, and one frozen turkey in the chest freezer in the family room.  They just barely fit as we have half a beef down there that we got in October, and boxes of frozen fish from the guys Alaska fishing trip.  How does anyone get along with just one little freezer?

Son Michael called me yesterday  John (  Mike's friend who is sort of one of my adopted kids) was bringing a turkey, that he had received at work, to Mike so Mike could bring it to me. 

Two big freezers, beef, fish, turkeys, pies, no room, but I decided when Michael got here he would be in charge of where to put the turkey.I guess he found a place, I haven't looked yet.

I AM NOT going out to get another freezer, even a little bitty tiny freezer.  Nada.  No way. No where to put it anyway.  Even the refrigerator int he shop (the hunting bunch have gradually filled the work shop up with fridge, microwave, coffee maker, now a toaster is the newest addition) is full, freezer and all.  One thing for sure, we won't starve anytime soon.

Turkey anyone?

Better get crackin' here, time to leave and take Sam to the Vet.  Haven't decided yet how I am going to sneak her out of the house without Coco breaking his neck to go to.

And so if you don't hear from me tomorrow, I am probably still trying how to figure out whatever it is that I am trying to figure out.  Go figure.  In the meantime, have a great day and God Bless.

SURPRISE!!!...DECEMBER 12 2011................


Earlier this year, sometime in October, we got the following pictures on our outdoor cameras.

Every so many weeks Jerry makes the rounds, getting the memory cards from the cameras and bringing them in to download.  You never know what you are going to get. 

I wanted to share these two with you.  What are the chances?..........

We had gotten pictures of probably 15 or so bucks this past summer and fall.  Jerry named each one, depending on coloring, number of points, and other stuff only he knows.  This guy he named "Wide Guy" because of the spread of the antlers.

We try to manage our deer herd, so he likes to keep records of known bucks, so as deer season progresses he can "manage" the number of bucks taken.  As far as we know Wide Guy survived the season, at least on our farm. 

This next picture, -  is priceless.  

Look closely.  On the left, just in the brush, is Wide Guy.  In the middle, and on the right are two doe.  It looks for all the world as if the doe were planning on jumping out and yelling "SURPRISE".  Don't tell me animals don't play.

Too bad I have completed my 3 volume set of books.  If not, I am sure there would be a story to be told, whether told by the Buck or the Doe, it would be pretty interesting. 

Now, have to get two packages shipped today.  Running out of time.  Cookies to bake.  Stuff to do.  Blog will probably be late tomorrow as I have an early morning appointment at the vets for Sam. The hardest part will be getting Sam out of here without Coco.  They have been joined at the hip, so to speak, since they were tiny little puppies.  We thought they would outgrow the "togetherness", but that was a joke.  So no telling what will happen tomorrow.  Usually just for their annual check-ups and shots I take them together, which is a trip in itself, as they both want to go different directions at the same time.  

For now it is time to sign off, enjoy your day and God Bless.