WHAT AM I

DOING WRONG .. FEBRUARY 27 2013? ...

On second thought, don't answer that.  There would probably not be enough room to list everything.

I have a Christmas cactus.  It bloomed two months ago, in December, near Christmas.  That is what it is supposed to do isn't it?

Then, why are buds forming (and you can  see the pinkish color) now?  Did I lose an entire year?  Is it Christmas 2013?  Or am I locked into December 2012 and don't have sense enough to realize that?  Again, you had better not answer that question.

Christmas cacti are supposed to bloom at Christmas, aren't they?  Maybe I should hang a calendar on the wall beside the cactus. But it probably can't read, so scratch that idea.

Other cactus that I have pictures of seem to be doing their thing when they are supposed to do their thing.  Of course they are not in my house either.

 

No wonder my life it out of control.   What with strange sounds, shutting doors, wind howling in the chimney of the fireplace, dogs jumping up and looking outside like they think something is out there, hearing cars in the driveway when there are none, and not hearing the cars in the driveway when they are there, telephone ringing and when it is answered just a dial tone, a computer that does all sorts of strange things all by itself.  And this seems to be just the tip of the iceberg.

And now the Christmas cactus will be blooming in March. 

What happened to normal?

Is your Christmas cactus getting ready to bloom again, or is it just me?

Perhaps I need a long long long vacation.  Sounds like a plan. 

Have a good day and God Bless.



 

GOOD THINGS

HAPPENIN' ... FEBRUARY 25 2013 ...

Now if I were talking about the weather, well that is debatable.  Supposed to be all sorts of nasty stuff moving in our direction.  I don't think we, right here, are going to get hammered, but then again, who knows.

My newest great grand-daughter arrived last Friday.  Named Madilyn Brielle, and I am already finding out she will be be called Madi.
She lives in Maine.

 



KAEDON and MADI

 

CATIE and HALEIGH

My newest great grand-son is due in a month or so.  So far I know he will be Colton - haven't heard the middle name yet.  He will live in the West Virginia - DC area as both his parents are, and have been, in the Army.

Madi has a big brother Kaedon.  Colton has two big sisters, Catie and Haleigh. 

As I said, good things are happenin'!

All I have to say is - I AM NOT OLD ENOUGH TO HAVE 8 GREAT GRAND-KIDS.

I haven't posted any pics of the g-gk's in Arizona because I will not do that unless given permission.  I can tell you - first of all they are all girls - second of all they are the original 3 RING CIRCUS.  Some of the things they pull off, or say, are hilarious. 


It still seems so strange that my CHILDREN are now GRAND-PARENTS.  What happened?

Now for the "Rocking Chair" saga.

14 - oh my gosh!  Has it been 14 - years ago all my kids went together and bought me a beautiful rocking chair.  It was my retirement gift.  I was still just a grand-mother back then.  That was bad enough.

Somewhere my kids got it in the minds that when you retire, you are obviously old, so you will finish out your days rocking in your rocking chair.

Ha Ha Ha!   The rocking chair gets to rock when I dust it.  It gets used - by the younger folks - when we have the holiday dinners and stuff.

This grandma - great grandma - rocks without the aid of a chair.  This old gal is having the time of her life, doing what she wants when she wants.  I know I drive my kids crazy - just pay-back time for all the years they drove me crazy.

I know every day when I get up, that I have been blessed in so many different ways.  I know every day when I get up, that I couldn't make it through the day with HIS presence to hang on to.

I can't imagine having "to go it alone".  I hope you all have as many blessings as I have had, and God Bless.

A DAY OF

CONTEMPLATION... FEBRUARY 23 2013 ....

Contemplation  -  to wonder, or study.  

I have a file on my computer called favorite Internet pictures - that is, pictures I have found through the months that have special meaning. 

They bring home how very much we have to be thankful for.  How very blessed we are.  Sometimes a picture can tell a greater story than words ever could..

They bring home so many wonders of our beautiful world, the thoughts of those we have never met, the reality that we are children of a much greater being. 

All of these things didn't just happen.  And what has happened has a reason - we don't know the reason, we are not supposed to know, but we are supposed to have faith.

Faith is the complete confidence and trust in something we can neither see or feel, but we know it surrounds each of us like a warm blanket in the cold of winter.

Sometimes just a picture can tell a much more powerful story than a million words could. 

And so today, as I scrolled through my special pictures, I thought I would share some with you.  Just keep in mind, these ARE NOT pictures I have taken, they are just pictures I have borrowed.  And want to share.

They help to understand the reason why.  God Bless.

DO YOU NEED

A SMILE TODAY ... FEBRUARY 21 2013 ....

We can always use a smile, especially this time of year, when the weather can be so depressing.

I received an e-mail from an old (not age-wise, time-wise) friend and decided I just had to share it.

THE STUDENT WHO OBTAINED 0% ON AN EXAM

 

 

Q1 - In which battle did Napoleon die?

* his last battle.

 

Q2 - Where was the Declaration of  Independence signed?

* at the bottom of the page

 

Q3 - River Ravi flows in which state?

* liquid

 

Q4 - What is the main reason for divorce?

* marriage

 

Q5 - What is the main reason for failure?

* exams

 

Q6 - What can you never eat for breakfast?

* lunch and dinner

 

Q7 - What looks like half an apple?

* the other half

 

Q8 - If you throw a red stone into the blue sea what will it become?

* it will be come wet

 

Q9 - How can a man go eight days without sleeping?

* no problem, he sleeps at night

 

Q10 - How can you lift an elephant with one hand?

* you will never find an elephant that has only one hand

 

Q11 - If you had three apples and four oranges in one hand and four apples and three oranges in the other hand, what would you have?

* very large hands

 

Q12 - If it took eight men ten hours to build a wall, how long would it take four men to build it?

*no time at all, the wall is already built

 

Q13 - How can you drop a raw egg onto a concrete floor without  cracking it?

* any way you want, concrete floors are very hard to crack

 

Now my question - what grade would you have given this student?

 

You may have seen this before, but a second time around doesn't hurt.

 

Just think, only 8 more days in February, then March will either come in roaring, or come is quietly.  Either way, spring can't be too far away now.  Take care, stay warm, and God Bless. 

 

 



I'M NOT QUITE SURE

WHERE TO START ... FEBRUARY 19 2013

THIS IS HOW I FEEL SOME DAYS.  HOW ABOUT YOU?

It has been a crazy day so far.  Normal routine is to check e-mails, banking, face book, then blog.  I did all my normal things. 

First thing was e-mails.  Got a whoopie dinger telling how our government is run by idiots.  Talk about hitting the nail on the head.  I would have liked to attach said e-mail, but you would have gotten tired of reading it, it was so long.  And it all made PERFECT SENSE.  If you want to see said e-mail, send me your e-mail address at marthadou72@gmail.com  I will be glad to forward it...

Next face book.  I shared three stories on my time line.  So look them up on face book.

Next - took Coco to the groomer to have his toe nails cut.  That is always a trip.   I never know if he is dragging me, or I am dragging him.  But we manage to get there and back all in one piece

And that was all between getting up and eating lunch.   And no, lunch was not my breakfast.

Don't know what this afternoon will bring.  I know I am glad of one thing, as the weather today is  windy, snow showers, then rain showers, back and forth.

I had the option of taking my pictures to Washington yesterday, today or tomorrow for the March month long photography show.  I went yesterday.  Beautiful day, felt like spring.  Sure glad  I did.

Am scheduled to go in next Monday.  The pictures will be hung and I am to make sure they are hung as  I want them hung.  Far as I am concerned, they are supposed to know what they are doing, and I am just happy that they wanted my pictures in their display.

Wonder what will happen this afternoon.  Try not to blow away, take a deep breath, and God Bless.



 

I HAVEN'T FIGURED OUT

HOW THIS WORKS ... FEBRUARY 18 2013...

If you can explain it to me I would love to hear the explanation.

When I was young --- years and years and years ago --- I worked a FULL TIME JOB AWAY FROM HOME.  In addition, on the side, I ran my business, did a dozen festivals a year, took care of my family, ran my husband's errands, helped mow the yard, worked in the garden, took care of the flower beds, and still had time on my hands to relax.

Now I am old --- many many years have passed --- I NO LONGER WORK AT A FULL TIME JOB.  I should have oodles of time on my hands.  All I have to do now is run the business, still doing a dozen festivals a year, don't have to take care of kids anymore, but still run errands for the Bossman I live with. 

I finally gave up the mowing part last year when Bossman had to buy a new mowing tractor because somehow when I was backing up the old one I hit a tree head on. Not only did I hit the tree, I jammed the front end of the tractor between it and the tree next to it.  Had to have our trusty neighbor tow it out.  

Somehow bossman found out.  He has never told me I couldn't use the new tractor, but it has given me a whale of an excuse to not mow anymore. 

I still work in the veggie garden, and the flower beds. I still keep the house cleaned up, mostly, cook at least one meal a day.  Before it was cook three meals a day.

So how is it that I don't have any free time at all any more.  There is always something waiting for me to do.  I have projects coming out my ears.  Sometimes a little bit of smoke when I get 'upset'.  

Don't mis-understand.  I love being busy.  I am thankful that I CAN be busy.  I wouldn't trade with anyone.  And so the BIG question is - how did I have time to work a full-time job?

I just can't figure out how I could go to 'work' five days a week when I had all this other 'stuff' to do.

All I can say is - I have been blessed over and over through the years.  I am grateful, my life has been good (mostly).  The downs have been far out-weighed with the ups.

Every day is a gift, to be lived to the fullest.  I don't know how many days are ahead of me. Maybe a lot, maybe only one.  Each day I get up in the morning, thankful for another day.

I love being busy, I love telling stories, I love taking pictures, I love the festivals.  I look forward  Church each week, I look forward to the travels I am contemplating, the festivals I have applied for, even the errands I run.

My cup runneth over in so many ways.  

Please keep my pastor and his wife in your prayers as they are facing two major medical problems at this time.  Thank you and God Bless. 

DON'T LAUGH

BUT ... FEBRUARY 16 2013 ....

What is one of the first things you think when you wake up in the morning?

Makes you stop and think, doesn't it.  There are so many "first things".  They alone would probably fill a book.

So, what is my first thing????

Don't laugh.  Don't have me committed.  Just don't.

What color is today going to be?

Sounds goofy, right.  But normal for me.  And it does make some kind of sense.

Today the color was white.  It snowed again last night. 

Yesterday it was sunny and bright - until mid-afternoon.

Tomorrow it will be --------

Even in winter there is color, but mostly you have to look for it.

A lot of our grass is still green, when not covered with white.  The red of a cardinal.  The blue and white of a bluejay.  the red berries on the green holly bush.  The color of hay, and the live-stock munching on said hay.

The color of the water in the creek as it flows along, changing as the sunlight hits it.

The sky, sometimes just a dull gray.  Other times vivid blue, with great white clouds just floating by. 

The sunsets and sunrises.

Sometimes the rainbow, vivid and bright.  The shadows, different shades of gray. 

This is an amazing world we live in.  No matter how dull, how gray, there is always color somewhere.  Even in the shades of gray. 

Just look around you.  This is the day the Lord has made.

Enjoy and God Bless.

UP AND DOWN

AND ALL AROUND ... FEBRUARY 13 2013......

I am describing the weather - not a carousel.  Would much rather be on a carousel, but, oh well! Of course that wouldn't be such a good idea either because of the vertigo thingy. Cotton picker!

Playing with he camera last night and this is what I got.  A brand new Moon.


Well, that's enough for moaning and groaning.  Doesn't get me anywhere, doesn't improve anything, doesn't make me any younger.  Darn.

Finishing up framing the last two pictures today for the month long photography show.  Am scheduled to take my pictures in on Monday, weather permitting.  Then the waiting game until the artists reception. 

I was also asked by the Barnstormers newsletter editor to submit one of my mail pouch barn pictures I had taken in Jefferson County Ohio.  Don't know if it will be in the next newsletter or not.  Only 5 months until their awesome picnic.

So much to look forward to.  Something new every several days.  I do know one thing - I can honestly say that I don't remember ever being bored.  There is always something........

Granddaughter Shelby, who is a senior this year, is appearing in her last high school play.  The weather man better cooperate as her Mother and I have tickets for the March 3rd performance.  I have seen almost, maybe all, the previous plays that my grandkids have been in. 

Shelby has already been accepted in Washington and Jefferson College here in Washington Co. Pa.  How exciting.  Feel sorry for my daughter though, for 1 year she will have 4 college students.

So am asking everyone out there to get on the internet, and purchase every Double Edge Press book you can. 

Also my granddaughter in Maine, Jenn, is expecting her second child any minute.  She already has a son, Kaedon, and this will be a daughter, Madeline (don't know if I spelled this right or not).  This being a great grandmother is getting out of control.  I'm definitely not ready for the mop cap and rocking chair yet.

How many of you know what a mop cap is?

Also had a neat e-mail yesterday from friend Belmont Betty.  It is called jukebox.  And it is great.  You bring up the jukebox, and you can chose any one of 20 songs from whatever year you check.

Always loved Ghost Riders in the Sky (1949) when I was young and full of dreams.  It was sung by Vaughn Monroe.  Guess what the first song was I listened to.

Well, enough for reminiscing.  Had better get crackin' and get things done.  Going to make a pot of home-made vegetable soup for supper tonight.  Yummmm.

Remember, you are never too old to dream, to look forward, and to try something new.  Just trust, and believe, and God Bless. 

57 DEGREES OUTSIDE

ALL THE SNOW IS GONE ... FEBRUARY 22 2012 ...

And the wind is blowing - a lot.  Just hope we don't end up losing our electric.

Andy up in Maine e-mailed me today - they had 30 plus inches of snow where he lives.   Said the roads had been cleared as much as possible with walls of snow everywhere.

We have mud - lots of mud. Had a couple of friends from Sardis Ohio visit with me earlier today, they stated that our driveway, all almost 1/2 mile of it, was really muddy.  From one extreme to another. 

Just about as crazy weather as I have ever seen.  And I thought, and hoped, that this year would be better.  Hasn't happened yet.  But can't complain - we are very good compared to a lot of the country. 

Otherwise not much to talk about.  Am attaching two pics, one of the stupid turkeys who finally decided there was something to eat on our hill, and one of a winter sunset.  Sometimes they are the most spectacular.

Stay safe, hope no trees fall where they are not supposed to, and God Bless.

NOT RUNNING AROUND

YOU GET STUFF DONE ... FEBRUARY 09 2013....

Sure do.  Haven't been off the mountain for an entire week now.  Haven't missed the running at all.  I have it made.  Get up when I want to.
Do 'stuff' when I want to.  Don't do 'stuff' when I don't want to.  I guess it is called 'seniority', or 'I am retired', or 'this is the life'.   Whatever.

I might be alone but not forgotten.  Someone is checking on me every day, some days lots of someones.  We are chatting, gossipping, catching up, and planning.  Some would call it scheming.  There is always something to plan for.

Me - I scheme.  Sounds a lot more exciting that planning.  I love to scheme.  Drives everyone else in the family nuts.  But, isn't that what senior citizens are all about?

I have my pictures selected, labeled, and ready for delivery to WashArts  the week of the 18th.  How exciting.  Now just have to decide what goodies I will donate for their light refreshments.  I think I know what I am going to do.  If you want to know, come March 1st and sample.

Second - I have my plane ticket purchased for my annual trip to Phoenix to visit the kids, grandkids, and great grandkids.  The great grandkids are always a hoot.  Wish I had their energy.

Third - have my one day bus trip booked for BEHIND CLOSED DOORS which will take place three days after I return from Phoenix.  Daughter-in-law Tammie going with me if she can get the day off.  I wonder what will be going on behind the closed doors? 

Nancy and I have our bus trip booked for June and Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard.

In between there are mucho things to be done.  I can't imagine life without scheming.I do have fun.

Hopefully I can get off the mountain to go to church tomorrow.  Right now we have ice on top of the snow.  Just ducky weather.  But at least we are not being hammered as the East Coast is.  Talked to son Andy in Maine, and they were preparing for the worst. We really don't appreciate the fact that we are spared so many times.  

So, take life easy, stay warm and safe, and God Bless.    

LANDSCAPING - OR -

DINNER TABLE???FEBRUARY 07 2013....

Good question.  Today's blog is about pictures, and deer, and snow, and - whatever.

Late yesterday afternoon our entire hillside was covered with deer.  I counted 25 at one time.  But one was obviously very very picky.  She decided to pay me a visit, and what a photo op that turned out to be.  I also might as well pitch me a little bit also.

If you ever see a picture you would like in your home just contact me -email:  marthadou72@gmail.com.  

I sell three standard matted sizes, 8 x 10, 11 x 14, and 16 x 20.

I took over 50 pictures of that one deer, and she didn't seem to mind it a bit.  Don't panic, I am not going to show all 50.  But the best of the best.

It's no wonder my shrubbery doesn't get any bigger.  I guess it beats pruning though.

Well, I hope you have enjoyed your time with my deer.  You can see we have very healthy deer.  And they surely do love their buffet.

Enjoy the day, take care, and God Bless.

GOOD THINGS HAPPEN

WHEN YOU'RE NOT LOOKING...FEBRUARY 06 2013..

And other stuff too.

Other stuff first.  Right now it is not snowing.  Don't know how long it will last as it is overcast, could do most anything.

Got my Royalty check from my publisher.  That is also a good thing. 

Have to go on line and pay good old Pennsylvania the sales tax I collected on the last 6 months of 2012 from picture and book sales. I don't really like this particular other stuff, but, it goes with having a business.

Now for the good stuff - really good stuff!!!

It is official.  It is in black and white.  I am definitely one of the 4 photographers whose work will be on exhibit and for sale the entire month of March.  What fun!

I will post reminders closer to the event and hope the weather co-operates.

That being said, one of the projects I am working on is deciding which framed  and matted pictures I will be exhibiting.  Major decision.  I will definitely have one new framed print that I did just recently.  This will be its first public appearance.

In addition am busy sending in applications for the festivals I want to participate in this year.  Have already been accepted for 3 weekends, and am waiting for jury results on several others.  Always the waiting game. 

Also working on several other things - like where I am going to travel to this year to take more pics, to make more money, to be able to pay Pennsylvania, among other things.

I have three things definite (meaning I either have my plane ticket, or am booked) which I am greatly looking forward to.  Will keep you posted as time goes on.

Supposed to warm up, hopefully the snow will melt on my twisty-turney driveway and I can feel comfortable about going out.  Only good thing about being stuck on the hill-top - I am not using much gas. 

Well, better quit playing around and do something productive.  Take are, stay safe, and God Bless.

AND THE SNOW

JUST KEPT ON COMIN'...FEBRUARY 05 2013 ...

Yesterday was that kind of day.  Dark, gloomy, and SNOWY.  It was still sowing a little around 10 p.m.  Not snowing today, but new storm supposed to arrive later this afternoon.

Don't need any more snow.  Got between 10 and 12 inches on the ground now.  Enough is enough!

Bossman remembered to get mail and paper on his way home last night, took him over 2 hours to come from Pittsburgh. 

I told him that he was "elected" to continue picking up the mail and paper for the entire week.  He gives me this blank look - "I haven't had any trouble getting back up the hill". 

Doesn't he realize that is why he was elected?
Luckily he has a good sense of humor, most of the time, and I do know that I try his patience until there are times it is pretty thin.  I try to do everything well.

Luckily I have no where I have to be.  Groceries are in good shape, I have plenty of projects here to keep me busy. 

Even housebound I find things to take pictures of.  I am going to share some below.

Also, do I have good taste or what?  My No 1 pick for super bowl commercials was the Budweiser Horse one.  Yesterday the news stated that it was the NO. 1 commercial this year.  It has been No. 1 more times than not.  It is always great.

The God Made a Farmer ranked pretty high in the standings also.  It just goes to prove there are more great people out there than we know about.  We only hear about the "not so great".

Perhaps, just perhaps we can get turned around and headed in the right direction.

Shame on me, but I was really pleased to hear that the "Go Daddy" commercial was the very worst of the worst, how disgusted so many were, including me. 

If you have to be out, be careful.  If you can stay in be grateful.  In any event be safe and God Bless.