LEAP YEAR - LEAP DAY - AND - GILLETTE CASTLE...FEBRUARY 29 2012.....

What do they  have in common?  Absolutely nothing.  It just happens that I planned to write about Gillette Castle today, and it is leap day in the leap year, which only happens every 4 years, thank goodness.

Wish I only had to celebrate a birthday every 4 years and that I only aged 1 year in that 4.  How can you age a year in a year that doesn't have the day of your birth?

If you have the answer, please let me know.

Now - GILLETTE CASTLE.  This is a continuation of my week in Connecticut that I have been writing about.  Day 3 was spent in Gillette Castle State Park.  What a neat day.

In the mid 1800's a baby boy was born to a family named Gillette (not the razor blade Gillettes), and when he grew up he became a writer, playwright, and actor.  He actually was our very first SHERLOCK HOLMES character in the early 1900 black and white movies. 

William Gillette was born in 1853, and died in 1937.  As an adult he wanted his home to be a castle.  Don't know why, he just did.  He bought acreage, and  committed to have a castle built.

It took 7 years to accomplish.  The stone had to be Connecticut stone, so it was hauled in from all over the state.  He threw lavish parties, and had  quite a few innovative features inside the building. 

Upon his death the castle stood empty until the state of Connecticut decided to purchase said property and turn it into a state park.  The grounds are open year 'round, the interior of the castle open for tours from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

There have been many mentions of hauntings while touring the castle, the faint odor of pipe tobacco (Sherlock always had a pipe in his mouth), footsteps, doors opening or closing, furniture moving slightly, all that spooky stuff. 

It was a delightful day, something to remember.  If you are ever in Connecticut, this is well worth visiting.

The last couple of days in Connecticut were spent just roaming around, seeing covered bridges, 

light houses,

whatever I happened to come across.

  It was a fun week, took lots of pictures, have lots of memories.  It is so true that a picture is worth a thousand words.

Every time you look at a picture that you have taken, it brings back the memory of where you were, who you were with, what you  were doing.  It might take several paragraphs to describe what that one picture is telling you.

Sometimes you have forgotten, but it all comes back. 

I hope you have enjoyed your tour of Connecticut, and that you have the opportunity to take this tour.  There is an entire world out there to visit and enjoy.  Things you never dreamed of.  Pictures, worth more than 1000 words.

Have a great day and God Bless. 

MYSTIC SEAPORT CONNECTICUT....FEBRUARY 28 2012.....


Today I will tell about Mystic Seaport, the Museum of America and the Sea.  I spent one day there, captivated.  It was a gloomy day, rained a little off and on, but I never let the weather interfere with what I want to do, whenever possible. 

Since the late 1600,s Mystic Seaport, on the Mystic River, was a bustling community of shops, ship building, and sailing.  Until wooden sailing ships became obsolete, over 600 ships were built in this busy shipyard.

However in 1929 three Seaport residents decided to do something to preserve the seaaport's history, and Mystic Seaport became the museum of America and the Sea.

I visited the aquarium,

 the shops,

the lighthouse,

the harbor and the sailing ships, just an awesome day. 

If you ever get the chance this is a very interesting and worthwhile place to visit.

On the home-front there is nothing new going on.  This is the "waiting period" of the year, the holidays are over, spring isn't here, can't work out, don't want to work in, so am waiting.  For what, I don't know, but something always crops up.

So enjoy your "waiting period", don't be gloomy, be happy, and God Bless.

LET's GO BACK IN TIME....FEBRUARY 27 2012.....


...not by time machine, but a look back.  The year is 2008 - that is four years ago already.  Wow!

I have a friend, and neighbor, who had to make a business trip to Connecticut.  She was driving so asked me if I would like to go with her to keep her company.  I am not about to say NO.

We stayed in Hartford.  There were other employees from other branches of this company there, and as they would car-pool back and forth I was given the keys to her car.  Every morning that week after she and the others left, I would take off, seeing what I could see.  What a fun week it was.  We all met up in the evening and went out for dinner.  I had the most fun of all.  They all had to work!

I will share the highlights, and pics, with you today, and probably for the next couple of days.  It is called "copping out".  I don't know what else to talk about.  So here goes.  Just don't snore when you nod off.

I found near New Haven the Carousel Horse Museum, a most unusual Church, and the New Haven Harbor Light House along a sandy beach.

The Carousel Horse Museum was located in Lighthouse Point Park, a two in  one stop.  The lightouse, also know as Five Mile Point Light, has been there over 70 years, you can picnic in the park, ride the carousel, play in the water, and enjoy the lighthouse.

I am also showing the "Unusual Church" I stopped to photograph.  I wish I knew the history, but didn't really have time to do much more than look, enjoy, and photograph.

This pretty much took care of day 1 (Monday, if you haven't figured that out).  Will get into day 2 tomorrow.  Unless something earth-shattering happens, or comes along, or whatever.

I think WAR HORSE should have taken it for best picture, but then that is me.  In case you can't keep up with me, watched the oscars off and on last night.  Talk about a change in pace.  Did I throw you all off?

Better sign off here before I damage your brains beyond repair.  Have a great day and God Bless.

DARN - I'M STILL HERE...FEBRUARY 26 2012......


Just running late - again!  How can you get up in the morning with nothing really on your mind except to get ready for Church, and  get involved in so much there is no time for the blog.

This was one of those mornings.  Nothing important - except for maybe making pancakes for Bossman.  Otherwise - nothing.  At least on my agenda. 

Did have to look up some stuff for Bossman on the computer as he killed his this past week.  Yes.  Literally.  Killed the poor computer.  Not on purpose, just one of those stupid accidents.  But the poor computer is dead, like deader than a doornail.

We have been looking at computers on line - guess what - on MY computer yet.  I am standing by, hovering, hoping he doesn't kill my computer also.  But he has been good.  Computer still working, but didn't get to blog this morning.

He found a computer on line and just returned with a new one.  Some brand I never heard of before, but he is supposed to know what he is doing (even tho he killed a poor helpless computer) so I am assuming this new computer will be o.k.

The set-up is now beginning.  I think I will stay somewhere else in the house, just in case.  You never know.  Better to be safe than sorry.

If nothing really weird happens it looks as if February will go off quietly into the sunset.  As of right now Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday are free.  

March is another story.  Will get into that later. 

Am going to share a couple more Mail Pouch pictures with you here.  It is so much fun going on a photo shoot and finding a new old barn to photograph.  

Hope you enjoy seeing these - which are just a few of the hundreds  I have photographed since 1980.  And I know there are still hundreds more I have not seen, that are still around in one shape or another.  It is just a matter of having the time and knowing where to look.

One word of warning, if Bossman happens to come and visit, lock away your computer.  You just never know.

Enjoy the sunshine and God Bless.  

A CHANGE OF PACE - and A PIECE OF HISTORY....FEBRUARY 25 2012...

I didn't know what I was going to write about today, then opened my e-mail.  Included was the invitation reminding all us "barnstormers" of the Mail Pouch Barn Picnic to be held July 28 in Belmont, Ohio, in the school gym.  Belmont was where Harley Warrick lived.  He was classified as "The Last Barn Painter".

Upon his discharge from the military at the close of WW II, Harley was employed by the Bloch Bros. Tobacco Company in Wheeling WV.  He was their official "barn painter".  He painted the Mail Pouch logo on barns until his retirement in 2000. 

So what is it about the Mail Pouch barns that has inspired an organization called the Barnstormers, to meet, eat, and share once a year in Belmont?  It is their love of history, of the old barns, and of the trying to preserve that small part of our history.

In the early 1900's Bloch Bros Tobacco Co manufactured cigars and stogies.  The  tobacco trimmings from said cigars were then mixed with licorice flavoring (back then that was it), packaged and sold as chewing tobacco. 

And so they needed a name for this tobacco.  The, then, general store in the Wheeling held a contest.  You put the name you thought the tobacco should have on a piece of paper and put it in a large container on the counter. 

The name MAIL POUCH was submitted by a man who had been a pony express rider carrying the mail.  He thought the tobacco pouches resembled the mail pouches, but on a far smaller scale.  And so the tobacco was named.

Now, about advertising.  The powers that be in the company at that time hit on the idea of creating a Mail Pouch sign, which would be painted on the sides of barns throughout the area, visible from the roads.  Remember, this was the day of horse drawn wagons.

And so a group of barn painters were hired, an area was designated for the signs, which was a 600 mile radius of Wheeling W.V.  The painters would be on the road 7-8 months a year, staying with whatever farmer was permitting them to paint this logo on their barn.

In return the farmers received a small annual sum of money in payment.  It was during the great depression that this guaranteed sum enabled the farmers to pay their taxes, and by the same token keep from losing their farms.

During WW II the practice was dis-continued, until Harley.  The tobacco company never expanded their area, staying in the 600 mile radius of Wheeling.

Today these barns are disappearing at an alarming rate.  Progress, you know.  Hence the Barnstormers.  One of the things this organization  does is donate time and/or money to folks wanting to repair or restore their barns.  They submit their requests, at the annual picnic the requests are discussed, and one, sometimes two, are chosen to receive the aid requested.

We also have a fantastic buffet lunch, a business meeting, an auction of all sorts of Mail Pouch memorabilia donated by the different members.  That is how we are able to financially help maintain some of the Mail Pouch Barns.

The picnic is open to everyone with an interest in the Mail Pouch Barns.  If you decide to become a member, the annual dues is $15.00, and you receive a quarterly newsletter with pictures and stories and information on what the organization is accomplishing. 

The picnic is a fun day.  From 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. we browse the MP things that are for sale, then from 11 until noon, approximately, is the business meeting.  Then LUNCH!!  After lunch there is usually a  guest speaker, and then the auction.  Talk about fun.  The picnic usually breaks up about 4 p.m., and we have members from all over the country that plan part of their vacation to be at Belmont and the picnic.

Come join us.  You won't be disappointed.

Perhaps now when you are driving and you see an old Mail Pouch barn, it will make you think, and remember, what an important part they played in our local history.  

I hope you have enjoyed this little piece of history, stay warm, and God Bless.

GIRLS DAY OUT....FEBRUARY 24 2012....

Yesterday was one of those fun, no stress, easy days.  It was Girls Day Out.  Several of us took a one day bus trip to - Pittsburgh - of all places.

But that is the way to go, no stress with the driving, getting lost, trying to find your way to where you want to be, etc.  No fuss, no muss, just an enjoyable day of browsing, and eating, and eating, and eating.  Best part of all.

I'm sorry I'm running late today, had to take the trusty van in for routine maintenance.  My busy time of year is fast approaching and I will be on the road a lot, usually by myself, and wanted to know that the car was in as good condition as possible.  So first thing this morning on my merry way.

Everything that could be inspected was, got my transmission fluid changed and had new spark plugs put in.  Everything else check out A-OK.  Probably the first time I go any distance now something will happen.  That is the way these things seem to work.

Felt like spring when I left this morning, 59 degrees and sun.  When I came home had dropped to 47 degrees, cloudy, and wind blowing like crazy.  Predicting 60 mph wind gusts tonight.  Starting to blow that way now.

Got my Salt Fork Arts Festival application for their festival held in Cambridge Ohio every August.  Got to get my act together, what pics I want to use for jurying, copy them on to a CD, fill out the application and get it sent. 

Only a few more applications to make an appearance, and am waiting for jury decisions on the applications already submitted. Like everything else, you have a deadline to submit, the hurry up part, and the jury decisions to receive, the wait part.  Guess that is life.

Nancy and I still trying to decide what three days we will go to Pa. Amish country.  Between her schedule and mine, it looks as if it will be sometime after the middle of March.  If we are lucky.

Having baked ham loaf for supper tonight.  Haven't had that in a while.  Stopped at Riesbecks on my way home from the car shop and they were just putting out their ham loaf squares, complete with pineapple slice on top, so bought a couple.  Each one weighs in at slightly over 1#, so put one in the freezer and eating the other one tonight.  Guess I'll make scalloped potatoes to go with said loaf, and possibly a Waldorf Salad.  (For anyone not knowing what WS is, it is a red delicious apple sliced and diced, some celery sliced and diced, raisins, chopped walnuts and Miracle Whip), my kids always called it "Apple Salad".

Poor Bossman, ham loaf and apple salad are not two of his favorites, so I'll make sure he gets an extra large helping of scalloped potatoes.  He does love them.  Every once in a while I like to cook something that I like. 

The picture I am attaching is one I took quite a few years ago of one of our sunsets, snow on the ground, and after an ice storm.  What a combination that was.  This picture is now retired, but there sure were a lot them found new homes.

Guess that pretty well takes care of today, unless something unexpected pops up.  Otherwise try not to blow away, stay warm and God Bless.

TWO DOWN, ALMOST, TEN TO GO.....FEBRUARY 23 2012.....


That's right.  One week from today will be March 1st.  That means several things - the first quarter of the year is winding down, the worst of winter is past,  spring is just around the corner, and we have been very lucky in our easy (so far) winter.

Had a nice visit with Rebecca yesterday afternoon, got Shelby's picture framed - did a nice job if I do say so myself - but haven't heard whether she likes it or not. 

Shelby is one busy teen-ager.  Right after school she along with her brother Coleman had practice for the school play Grease.  After practice she went directly to her tutoring, (she tutors one boy and one girl, I think last night was the boy), and would not get home until 9 p.m. or so.  Then she would still have her home work to do. And she manages to always be on the honor roll (high honors). 

Way to go Shelby!!!

For her picture she chose a master piece by  MONET, of all people, had a copy made of his picture, and then she proceeded to do her own thing.  I think she, and her teacher Georgia, did a fantastic job, both in the teaching and the learning. 

And Rebecca now has another original to hang in her home (She has one of my pictures, one of Georgia's pictures and one of Russ' pictures) and now a Shelby picture. 

Sort of brings back memories.  When Rebecca was in High School, she painted a watercolor in art class.  That water color hangs to this day in my living room, along with the Georgia's, the Russ', the Terry Redlins, and other art work that we have collected over the years.  We even have a couple of mine hanging.  How about that.

Guess it kind of runs in the family. 

Well, better get busy with today's schedule, have a full day today.  I go to bed Sunday night wondering what I will be doing the next week, and somehow am busy every minute.  Don't know why I wonder.  Something always comes along.  And Sunday night is just around the corner now.  No wonder the years fly by so fast.

The sun is shining, the temp decent, what else could we ask for in February?  Smile, be happy, and God Bless.

THE MERRY-GO-ROUND....FEBRUARY 22 2012.....


Goes 'round and 'round.  Again and again.  No wonder my mind is fried, and I am a dizzy (can't say blond, guess will say gray) and love every minute of it.

Have a full day today.  First, after my blog, is weekly Bible Study.  I really enjoy this hour with the other women, it is amazing how many different ways we have of looking at the same thing.

Immediately after the study ends heading to Washington and Michaels to buy an 14 x 28 frame.  No, I don't do pictures that take that size frame but-----

My Granddaughter Shelby (who is a Junior in HS, but working on her Senior project), decided hers  would be painting an original picture.  She has never used a paint brush in her life, that I know of.

During Christmas break she spent several days with my friend Georgia in Sardis Ohio, (Georgia is an artist and also teaches art classes from time to time, like my photo classes from time to time) and at the end of her visit she had a finished canvas, oil painted no less, needing a frame for her presentation which is at the end of this month.

That's where I come in.  So I need to stop at Michaels and get a frame.  I will have my framing tools with me (not going to get into that), and after leaving Michaels will continue to Ellsworth (about 30 minutes from Washington) to frame said picture.  I have been promised lunch for my pay.  See, I work cheap, just feed me and I am happy.

I am attaching a picture of her painting in progress here, but will photograph and attach a picture of the framed picture, possibly tomorrow. 

Then it will be time to head for home and fix something for Bossman to eat, to keep him from being grumpy, or whatever.  I am meeting a friend for an afternoon out, including supper, on Thursday, so won't be home to feed him.  He always tells me he will survive.  So far he has.

He made it through our 19 day San Diego and Hawaii trip 2 or 3 years ago, so guess he will survive one evening.  Just wait until I really start traveling later this year.  

One disappointment.  the Georgia Cherry Blossom bus trip has been cancelled in March because they did not have enough folks sign up for it.  Maybe another time.  Can't win them all.

Am looking at an Ocean City trip in May.  Will see what happens.

Of course will be going to Phoenix in April to visit the kids.  That is always a fun time.  Also in May the first A&C festival of the year is in Morgantown WV.  Time to get my feet wet, so to speak, and get ready for the remainder of the year.  Somewhere in there will have to start cleaning off flower beds, order and spread mulch, and get ready for summer. Can't believe next week is March already.

Well, better sign off here and get started on my day.  What do you have planned for today?  Whatever it is, be safe, have fun, and God Bless.

ALL's WELL.....FEBRUARY 21 2012.......


Wheeling West Virginia's famous historic Suspension Bridge

 On the Homefront.  Yesterday was a productive day, the ONE day of the year that I am really glad to get done with.

FEDERAL INCOME TAX TIME!!!!!

I have been doing my own taxes for years now, and love Turbo Tax.  It is especially helpful because of the business -- and the government is really picky about businesses, especially small (really small) businesses like mine. 

I have to keep a running compilation on the following:

All festivals applied/and accepted for, the jury fees and entry fees.

All sales made at said festivals, every little thing.

The amount of state tax collected and remitted at the proper time, each state is different.

And for DEDUCTIONS:  All materials and supplies used (mats, frames, ink for computer, photo paper, etc.), mileage, lodging for away shows, and the catch-all - Miscellaneous, where everything else shows up that is not any of the above.  Such as cell phone, bank fees for the PRIVILEGE of taking credit cards, stuff like that.

Well, yesterday was my TAX DAY.  Spent a good part of the day on the computer, got necessary errors corrected (no matter how closely you follow the instructions, there is always an error) finally got an o.k., everything was as it should be, filed, and got confirmation from the IRS that they had received all the info.

I didn't even have anywhere to go to celebrate!

The State tax form is easy, I will do it later, but I always sweat the Federal.

And, Kathleen, you won't need to take the two aspirin and go to bed, our Lancaster trip is temporarily on hold as Nancy's son had lined up some errands for her to run next week.  Which he forgot to tell her about until she was talking about our trip.  Par for the course.

Today should be (and the magic word is SHOULD) fairly uncomplicated and routine.  But it isn't 10 a.m. yet, no telling what will happen between now and tomorrow morning.  Guess you all will just have to sweat it out, hold your breath, and see what happens.

In the meantime while you are dealing with that I will, hopefully, be relaxing.  Don't over due the holding of the breath, and God Bless.

ARE YOU READY FOR A NEW ADVENTURE?...FEBRUARY 20 2012.....

Weather permitting.  Nancy and I are planning on driving to Lancaster Pa next Monday, and spending two nights with an Amish family.

I have visited the Lancaster area, and also the Sugar Creek Ohio area, many times, but always as the tourist. 

Nancy has stayed with these folks before and highly recommends the visit.  She has called, and it looks as if we can go Monday morning - weather permitting.  And that is always a big IF.

If they are Amish, how did she call?  She called the nearest telephone booth (these are always every so many miles apart along the roads in Amish country), leaves a message and waits until they return her call.  Took 2 days last week before someone passed on the message and they returned her call.

It will be something completely different to actually stay with an Amish Family, and see all the behind the scenes things you don't experience as just a tourist.  Nancy also told me the lady of the house will take time to ride with us in the car and take us places to see things the normal tourists don't to see.

So I am asking everyone to hope, for our sake, that the weather stays half-way decent.  Bad forecast, no trip.  Neither one of us will drive if the forecast is very bad.

It is something different to look forward to.  Especially eating the Amish cooking.  What could be better than this?

Guess I had better get off my chair and start doing whatever Monday morning things I need to do, haven't narrowed it down yet, am still working on that. 

I have 2 lists - My To Do List, and my Bucket List.  The first list is my work list.  The second my fun list.  I much prefer the second.  Who wouldn't?

And so, what-ever list you are using today, smile while you work and God Bless. 

SAM and COCO.....FEBRUARY 19 2012......

They finally got to go rabbit hunting yesterday.  We had to wait until Sam had healed from her surgery, and yesterday and this coming Saturday are the last days of rabbit season until fall.

Steve arrived with his beagle, and Tim came, he takes one of our dogs.  So we have three guys and three dogs.  Jerry is downstairs putting on his hunting clothes, the dogs are at the window upstairs barking and howling, as they see the guys, the other dog, the guns, and they want OUT!!!

As soon as Jerry exited the garage, and started up around the house with the leashes, pandemonium broke lose.  Barking, howling, running back and forth from window to glass door, hitting the linoleum, crashing to the foor, jumping on the door, whining and fussing, barking and howling. 

Trust me, you don't want to be here.  I am hiding so they don't mow me down.  I manage to grab Sam by the collar so Jerry can open the door and get the leash on Coco, but he is wiggling, and trying to run outside,  it is like lassoing a tornado.  By this time Jerry is getting just a little riled up.

And the dogs, smart dogs that they are, realized they had pushed it to the limit, and finally sat down so they could be leashed.  They are shaking and quivering the entire time, leashes are on, they are practically dragging Jerry down through the yard.  Last thing I saw before collapsing was three guys in orange with three dogs on leashes heading for the woods.  I am exhausted.

All morning I could hear barking at different intervals, at times looking outside could see orange jackets on next hill.

A little after noon they returned.  The dogs were just barely walking, Jerry said that on the last run when they were called back Coco just sat down in front of Tim,  asking to have the leash put back on so he could go home.  Sam could hardly move.

They were 2 very tired, very happy dogs.  Rabbit hunting is their thing.  There were lots of gunshots, the guys all missed the rabbits. 

I wonder if I can find somewhere to go next Saturday.   Very very early next Saturday.  I don't know how many more days like yesterday I can survive. 

Jerry wiped off their muddy feet before he let them in the house, but they still had mud clear up past their elbows - do dogs have elbows? - and guess who got the clean up job.

They were in the laundry room slurping up water, so I took a bucket of warm sudsy water and washed their legs and feet, all the time they were drinking.  No easy task for me, after all they each have 4 legs and feet, and lots of mud.

I can't give them a regular bath, they are way too much for me.  Anyhoo I got the mud off, dried them off, and they crashed.  I do mean crashed.  Slept the rest of the day.  Got up long enough to eat supper, went back to sleep.  They weren't moving too well by that time.  Jerry put low dose aspirin in their dog food.  

When time to put them out before bedding them down for the night, I didn't think they were going to make it out and in.  They did.  Today they are moving pretty well.  By Saturday they will have forgotten how sore and tired they were and the whole process will be repeated.

And, so, what did you do yesterday.  Bet it wasn't as much fun as my yesterday. 

Have a good day and God Bless.

PHIPPS and CHIHULY...FEBRUARY 18 2012.....


What does Phipps (the conservatory in Pittsburgh) and Chihuly (hand blown glass) have in common?  Quite a bit.  And you are going to learn about it today, unless you decide to skip my blog.  Then you won't know what you re missing.

Phipps Conservatory in Pittsburgh is a great place to go with their exhibits of various flowers and trees and shrubbery, and stuff.  The exhibit changes every so many months, and/or weeks.  They even have fish.

Chihuly Glass is hand-blown glass, the creations designed by Dale Chihuly, created by Dale and his staff of highly trained, skilled glass blowers.

A few years back Phipps hosted a Chihuly display.  It was even held over several weeks beyond its original length of time because of the popularity.


Son Andy, daughter-in-law Lauri and granddaughter Jenn were home that year for Thanksgiving.  They live in Maine.  We made reservations and visited the conservatory the Friday after Thanksgiving.  It was the perfect time as it was not crowded because everyone else was Black Friday shopping.  It was great.  Didn't get a pic of Andy though, he was off taking his own pictures.

It is unbelievable the shapes and sizes and designs and colors, and how beautifully the glass blended in with everything else.

Chihuly glass is found world-wide, and once you have seen one of his exhibits you will recognize his glass anywhere you go. 

I have seen his exhibits also in Columbus Ohio at the Franklin Park Conservatory, and in Phoenix Arizona at the botanical gardens.

The pictures I am sharing today are from Pittsburgh.  I have also been notified that an entirely new Chihuly Glass exhibit is scheduled to return to Columbus in 2013.  I hope to get there to see it.

I hope you have enjoyed the above pictures, perhaps you will get to one of his exhibits.  It is something you will not forget.  It also makes you aware of how very much talent there is, in so many different fields, things you never dreamed of.  Just when you think you have seen everything, something else comes along.  It is a never-ending experience.

Have a good day and God Bless.

SHARING....FEBRUARY 17 2012......


There are things, sometimes, that you just have to share.  When I received, and read, this comment yesterday I laughed until I cried.  Doesn't take much to make my day does it?

And so just what was it that made my day, made me laugh until I hurt, then made me wonder - what kind of person does she think I am? 

In reply to my comment yesterday about Jerry inheriting me, I was told that the most she inherited was a cat - and that I was WAY more entertaining than a cat.  I loved it.  I do love cats.  And dogs.  And birds.  And - I could go on and on.

But cats are soooo entertaining, chasing mice that you try to convince yourself that really don't live in your house, jumping from table to counter top, to the floor.  Washing themselves with their tongues.  Never have a shower stall to clean.  Walking around with head held high, very haughty, also very naughty. They chase dust balls, the ones that you try to keep hidden from view.

They immediately recognize the one person visiting that absolutely positively does not like cats.  That is the person the cat makes a beeline to, rubbing, purring, even jumping up beside them.  They try (the people)  to be polite, you can see they would rather strangle the cat, and kitty sits there purring and smiling. 

And now - if I am way more entertaining than a cat, I wonder what exactly I am.  I don't chase dust balls, I hide them.  I do take a shower, my tongue isn't long enough.  I guess some would say I am haughty, some would say I am naughty, but I sure do have a good time.

One of the perks, and best parts of blogging, are the comments. I love them, all of them.   I love laughing, that is what keeps you young, and I would know, and the comments make me laugh.  Keep up the good work.

Life is.............

EXCUSE ME!!!!  SORRY TO BUTT IN.  BUT..

How can anyone on this earth possibly say that a mere human is more entertaining than me - a perfectly great cat?

Humans aren't entertaining, they are just there to make sure we have enough to eat, fresh water, open the door, shut the door, and otherwise just leave us alone.  We cats don't need computers, tv's, cars, all that "necessary junk" that humans have to entertain themselves. 

Sure, we chase dust balls.  That is what they are there for.  And the mice.  Maybe the humans think they are cute, but they really are a nuisance. And why have furniture, counter tops and stuff if not to jump on.  I wonder what it would look like for this particular human to be jumping up on to couner tops?

Well, I'll get out of here and leave you to your conversations and mis-guided ideas of what is important.  Just one thing - remember my cousin - the Bedroom, Bathroom and Staircase police cat - I can become one of those very easily.

---never boring.  Actually life is what you make it - the choice is yours.   I chose to be that ditzy lady that manages to have a good time, regardless of circumstances.  Just ignore the cat.  He is just jealous because he can't do all the things that I do.

Have a gret day and God Bless.

ANOTHER STRANGE DAY....FEBRUARY 16 2012....


I really don't know what else to call it.  The temp is in the 40's, just a trace of snow left here and there, and raining.  Am almost afraid to ask what tomorrow will bring.

Seems as it I am running every day, but haven't seen what  I have accomplished. 


We're half way (more than half way) through February.  At this rate will have to get out the Christmas Decorations next week.

I know one thing for sure.  Have to get myself in gear and get started on my Income Tax forms for the dear old government.  I hate that job.  

When my attorney set up the guide-lines for my business umpteen dozen years ago, he made the bookkeeping simple and to the point.  I depserately need simple and to the point.  It still works today, that plus Turbo Tax.  Thank goodness for that.  I have all the necessary paper work ready, just have to be in the "right frame of mind" to tackle the real stuff.

Right frame of mind - that seems to pretty much rule my life.  If I am not in the "right frame" whatever I tackle seems to become a disaster, or only gets half done, maybe not done at all.

But if I am in the "right frame" I can just sail right through whatever it is I have to sail through.  Hopefully the tax "right frame" will come sooner rather than later.  

 This is how I'll look when I am celebrating the "Completion of the Dreaded Taxes".  

See - I clean up pretty well.  Bet you all out there wish you could clean up as well as I do.  It has taken years and years of practice though.  No one would ever guess how old I really am, because I look so great. The camera never lies.

So guess I'll potsy around a bit with this and that, try to decide what to have for supper - why am I thinking of supper when it isn't even lunch time yet? - but that is how my mind works.  Scarey, isn't it?  I'll bet by now you all are really feeling sorry for Jerry - he inherited me when his Dad, my husband, passed on.  

Other folks get money, houses, cars, vacations, etc., as their inheritances, Jerry got me.  But hey, I keep him royally entertained.  I have been told laughter is worth more than money, so in a way he must be rich.  Then again maybe he is really crying and I just think he is laughing.

But enough.  If you haven't already decided I am not quite all there, today should be the decider.  

Count YOUR blessings and God Bless.  

TODAY IS A QUESTION MARK....FEBRUARY 15 2012......

???? What to talk about today.  Maybe I'll talk about one of my bus trips, perhaps you  would like to do it after I talk about, perhaps you will say "no way"!  Whatever.   I can't think of anything else.  So here goes.

VERMONT IN THE FALL

Our first stop was Otsego New York, where we spent the night  A really neat little motel on Lake Otsego.

There next day to Cooperstown NY and the Baseball Hall of Fame.  I'm not in to baseball, so after a quick run thrugh - the following is my favorite pic from the hall of fame.

Kay and I walked around Cooperstown and discovered the cemetery where James Fennemore Cooper and his family were buried.  Also saw the church, and some of the very unusual monuments.  We thoroughly enjoyed Cooperstown on the whole, just not the H of F.

From there we visited the Neighborly Farms at Randolph Center Vermont, sampled the home-made cheese, bought some, had a very interesting of a truly organic dairy farm.

From there to Montpelier and the State Capitol, which was very impressive.  Then on to the Inn of the Six Mountainsin Killington, where we would spend the night.  A truly beautiful place, and it just happened that they were having their hay / harvest festival in the area, and all along the roads were creatures and critters made from hay, round bales, square bales, loose hay, whatever. 

The next morning visited Moose Farm Store with home-made maple syrup, sampled same, bought same.  From there the Gorham Covered bridge built in 1842 in Pittsford Vermont.  We also visited, and had lunch, at the Waybury Inn in Middleford, which the Inn used in the beginning of the Bob Newhart TV series.

We visited the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory in Shelburne Vermont, and then on the way home ate at Grandma's Restaurant in Albany New York.  It was a fun filled bus trip, of course we were all friends by the time we arrived home.

I love bus trips, they do all the work, I do all the enjoying, and in addition we learn something about every stop we make.

This is a fun-filled fall trip to take.  It is just one of many I can tell tales about.  So be prepared.

Enjoy your day and God Bless.