IT's TIME TO CHANGE GEARS .....AUGUST 19 2011.............

I think you have had about all you want of the trials of Martha D.  Don't worry, there will be more, I seem to be a magnet for all the weird stuff.  But today wanted to do something different.

My third and last volume of IF ONLY I COULD TALK is scheduled to be out this fall, in time for Christmas shopping.  I thought today that I would share one of the stories with you. 

This story came from the family's trip to Alaska in 2008.  I hope you enjoy it.
I had never seen Musk-Ox before, just pictures.  We saw three very large herds while traveling through the Brooks Range.  I learned their history.  I would like to share it with you, from one of the Ox's point of view.

ALASKA's MUSK OX

Ahh! What a wonderful place to live and play, grow and learn.

I have lived here all my life, here in the wonderful Brooks Range, between Fairbanks and Prudhoe Bay.  The grass is lush and tall, my musk-ox family large and extended.  My memories are many, my life has been long, soon I will be the one called "the bull".  All of us guys know that when we reach a certain age we will be designated as such.  It is our way of life. Sometimes life can be very hard.

We go back thousands of years, are related to the TAKIN found in the Himalayan Mountains.  In Alaska we are known, in the native alaskan language, as OOMINGMAK, which means "the animal with skin like a beard".

There I was as a child, with my sister and Mother.  We are a very strange and awesome looking animal.

We can grow to 3-5 foot tall, and weigh 500-900 pounds.  We love the Alaskan Tundra, with plenty of grasses, woody plants, and our very very favorite, the willow.

We have heavy, layered fur, 3-4 inches thick, completely covering our bodies, including our feet.  We just kind of look big, shaggy, cumberson, and messy.  We have never figured out how to keep our heavy fur looking neat, so you kind of have to take us as we are.

It is a very god thing we have this heavy shaggy fur as the winters here on the Tundra can get as cold as 70 degrees BELOW zero.

I grew up on the Tundra, playing with other Musk-Ox children, happy and free, afraid of nothing.  Because Mom and Dad are so big and strong, we do not even begin to imagine any other way to live, or know of the dangers we could sometimes face.

Then one day I learned what it meant to be threatened, to be afraid, and what it meant to be "THE BULL".

We were just wandering along, eating the grass and willows, running and playing, life was so much fun.  Then suddenly all the Moms and Dads began calling us together, and as we came together us children were herded into a tight little group, and then the big Musk Ox began forming a circle around us.  We were so tightly packed we could hardly move.

 Of course I was frightened.  What was wrong?  Why were we being so confined?  I began to cry and shake, but soon one of the Moms told me it would be o.k.  There was a nasty big animal out there that wanted to hurt us, especially us children.  The circle began to gradually move, herding us away from the danger.

We kept gradually moving, but the danger kept coming behind us, getting closer and closer.  Then I heard the grown-ups talking.  I kept hearing that the "Bull" would protect us.   How could that be?  He was only one Musk-Ox against the danger.  I really needed to know what would happen.

Very gradually I kind of worked myself around so that I could peek out between two of the grown-ups.

As I watched and listened, I heard the older Musk-Ox Bulls talking among themselves.  They seemed to reach an agreement, and one Bull stopped walking with us.  The other Bulls told us to keep our circle tight, but to move away as fast as we could.  Why wasn't the other Bull coming?  What was happening?

The old Bull gave one last long look at his herd, then slowly turned and began going toward the danger........

It was much later that I learned that when danger threatened, one of the Old Bulls volunteered himself to face the danger alone so that the rest of the herd could reach safety.

He would fight until overcome, and give his life for the rest of us.

Here I am, now, as an adult, see my horns?

My memories are many, my life has been long and wonderful.  But now I am the "Old Bull", it is my responsibility to see that my herd is protected and nurtured.  Each day that I can be with my herd is a blessing.  I know that somewhere down the road there will be a danger.

Maybe tomorrow.  Maybe next year.  But my time will come, and then I will turn and walk back toward the danger to give my life so that my herd can survive.

This is just one of 20 stories in my newest "talk" book.  If you would like to read more, some are funny, some sad, but you learn from every story, you can order them through Amazon books, my web-site, my e-mail address or Double Edge Press.

I hope you have enjoyed this story, and have learned something to boot.  It was after completing this three volume series that I began to blog.  I also have the books with me at the various art festivals.

I hope your Friday will be a good day for all, and God Bless.

IT NEVER JUST SPRINKLES - IT POURS....AUGUST 18 2011

I told Jerry last night to make a very big sign to put at the end of our driveway reading DOUGHERTY's - THE HAPPEN'IN PLACE.  Needless to say he just looked at me in that strange way, wondering how long it would be before he could have me committed.  It would be just one more thing to keep the neighbor's head's shaking.

Why the sign?  Do you really want to know?  Guess I'll tell you anyway.

This is Thursday August 18.  Between now and Monday September 12 I just have a few things on my plate (calendar?) whatever.

No 1.  Between now and August 30 I have to get 3 pictures selected and framed, and choose 5 matted prints.  The reason - For quite a few years now I have participated in the Washington Co Historical Society's annual ART IN THE GARDEN exhibition and sale, held the first Sunday after Labor Day at the LeMoyne House gardens.  That would be Sunday august 11. Each invited artist is permitted to have said number of pictures, all for sale, and the Historical Society retains 30% of the sales.  It is their major fund raiser of the year.

This is one of the framed pictures I am submitting, "The Haunted Mansion". 

This is the porch of an 1800's mansion located in Woodsfield Ohio which now has the reputation of being haunted.

I know the place looks deserted and decrepit, paint peeling, gardens over-grown, etc.  You know the scenario.

No 2.  Friday August 19.  Going to a party  being held at one of my neighbors.

No 3.  Wednesday August 24.  Taking my van to dealership,- it has been recalled for a problem that needs to be fixed.

No 4.  Friday August 26.  Get spare room shoveled out as my friend Nancy (from Claysville) is spending the night.  Why? 

No 5.  Saturday August 27.  Because Mike, Tammie, granddaughter Bobbie, her husband Tim, Nancy and I are leaving verrrry early Saturday morning for Cass WV.  We are booked on the Saturday evening dinner train trip up to Whittaker Station in the WV mountains for a blue grass concert.  We have one of Cass's restored row house for the night.  That is one of my coming adventures I had mentioned.  We return Sunday afternoon.

No 6.  Now then I have just 4 days to accomplish the following: Prepare spare room / family room for guests.  Son Andy and wife Lauri arriving Friday Night September 2, staying until Sunday September 11, the same day as Art in the Garden.

No 7.  Monday September 5 friend Nancy spending the night with us as we will be leaving verrry early Tuesday morning for Niagara Falls.

No 8.  Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, September 6 - 7 - 8 Andy, Lauri, Nancy and I have reservations in Niagara Falls Canada for the three days.  This is my second adventure that I mentioned previously.

No. 9  Wednesday September 7 good friends from Nutrioso Arizona arriving for the night.

Do you see a conflict here?  We have 3 bedrooms, and the family room complete with futon.  Two bedrooms are already occupied, one by Jerry, one by me.  That leaves 1 bedroom, 1 family room, and three different sets of guests, over-lapping.  Of course two sets of these guests will be gone to N.F., set number 3 arrives while we are gone.  Jerry gets all the honors.  Hope he remembers to change the bedding in the spare room!  I will miss seeing Jim and Diane as it has been two years.  But as I said it never just sprinkles, it pours.

No 10 And in the middle of all this we are having big cook-out for family and friends on Sunday September 4 so everyone can get together with Andy and Lauri.

I am sure by the end of all this Jerry will have the straight-jacket open and ready for me.  But I love every minute of it.  Says a lot for my mentality, doesn't it.  But I wouldn't have it any other way. 

If you want to get involved with this nut-house, just c'mn on up on Sunday September 4 and join the cook-out.  Be sure you are in good health as it could be over-whelming. 

I wonder what will be next.  Have a good day and God Bless.

THE SOAP OPERA NEVER ENDS ... AUGUST 17 2011......

Yesterday morning when I blogged, I thought (notice I did not say "knew") that everything was under control.

It was a beautiful day, so worked outside a while, then decided to clean house.  It would be nice for Jerry when he got home mid-afternoon to be clean.  This time of year, cleaning is, at the very best, a minimum.  So cleaned house.

The kids were scheduled to land in Pittsburgh at 1:00 p.m.  I knew they would be tired because they flew all night.

I just sat down, at about 1:30 when the phone rang.  Figured it was Jerry, letting me know they had landed safely. 

Hello.  "This is Alaska airlines, I need to speak with Gerald Dougherty".

He hasn't arrived at home yet, they just landed in Pittsburgh.  Can I help you?

"You sure can.  I am calling from O'Hare airport in Chicago. There are 4 boxes of fish sitting here, that are labeled "dry Ice" and we can't ship them on to Pittsburgh until we know how many pounds of dry ice are in each box."

Here I am, going back down the rabbit hole, again!

I told her I could call Jerry's cell, get the information and call her back.  She gave me the number in Chicago to call.

Called Jerry.  Told him about phone call.  Asked him about the dry ice.  He told me there was NO dry ice, the fish was flash frozen and packed in insulated boxes.  The dry ice labels were in error.  Great!!!

Told him I would get back to him.  Called Chicago.  Spoke with the nice, normal lady, told her about mis-labeling.  She said good.  The fish could be sent to Pittsburgh.  I asked her when it would arrive.  She told me the next flight to Pittsburgh would arrive in Pittsburgh at 6:40 p.m.  As soon as she had it confirmed she would call me with the air line, flight number, and arrival time.

Back to Jerry.  "What do you mean 6:40 p.m.  That's over 4 hours."  Like I had any control over this.  "I'll see what I can arrange here."

The freezer is up and running - I checked it and it is very very cold inside.  The house is clean.  The guys are in Pittsburgh.  The fish is in Chicago.  I wonder how long it will stay frozen?

About 3:30 p.m. Mike and Jerry walk in.  I asked about the fish.  The airport was going to deliver it as soon as it arrived.  If there were no more delays, it would still be frozen when it arrived.  There was a total of 4 boxes, 50# of fish in each box, two for Jerry and two for Mike.  No one knew if all 4 boxes would go to one address, or how it would be split up.

We might get all 4, Mike might get all 4, or each of them would get 2.  I think they were considering joining me in the rabbit hole.

So the waiting game began.  6:40 p.m. arrived, so assumed the fish was being picked up for delivery.  Should have it by 8:30 p.m.  8:30 came and went.  9:00 came and went.  9:30 came and went.  No fish.  No phone call.  Maybe we can't get telephone reception here in the rabbit hole.

Jerry started making phone calls - we could call out - was finally informed that our "lost luggage" had been picked up at 8:30, along with a lot of other lost luggage.  Total delivery time 2 - 4 hours.  What happened to the 6:40 arrival?

10:30 came and went.  11:00 came and went.  11:30 came and went.  We are pacing the floor.  Is the fish still frozen, or will we have to bury it in the woods somewhere?  At midnight - yes midnight - the delivery man came.  We were his last delivery of the night.

Now if you have 4 boxes handed to you, along with 18 (he told us that) pieces of lost luggage, and the 4 boxes were labeled 'PERISHABLE' wouldn't you deliver that first?  No we were the farthest from Pittsburgh, so we were last.

Now if it were me, I would do the farthest first - especially if marked perishable, and work my way back towards Pittsburgh.  Then I would have a shorter drive home (he told me he lived in Pittsburgh). 

We had called Mike that all 4 boxes were at our house, he said he would be over today to pick up his fish (at least some of it).

Now you have to do the math.  The Monday fishing trip came in at noon.  The fish had to be sent to the whatever for fileting, flash freezing and packing.  The first two days of fishing were already frozen.  They picked up the fish on their way to Anchorage, to catch the midnight flight to Pittsburgh.  We get the fish at midnight last night - it had been AT LEAST 24 plus hours since the last fish had been frozen. 

These are the containers that the fish were shipped in.  They are packed in the styrofoam, then packed in boxes, labeled in red PERISHABLE

I have to admit, their shipping containers DO work.  All the fish was still frozen.  Our freezer is full.  We will be eating high on the hog (high on the fish?) for sometime to come.  The guys said it was one of the best trips ever, Jerry even had a picture of a volcano spewing steam into the air.

Needless to say, neither Mike or Jerry went to work today. 

Our full freezer.  Mike's fish is in the large box, ours in grocery bags.  Makes it easier to get out just a few packages at a time and bring them upstairs to the refrigerator freezer.

Are we smart or what?????  Probably the "what"!

So, how was your day yesterday?  I hope I have seen the rabbit hole for the very last time. God Bless.

JUST CALL ME ----- DARNED IF I KNOW WHAT..AUGUST 16 2011


Genius?  Jack-of-all-trades?  Know-it-all? Can do anything?  Can't do anything?  Darned if I know!

I am sitting at home, just minding my own business yesterday afternoon when I receive this phone call.  I was half way expecting this call, figured one of the kids would touch base re their trip home.   I was right.

Jerry called.  They were just getting ready to leave Homer for their drive to Anchorage.  I asked how the fishing went.  He said fantastic, they did get to book a half day for fishing yesterday morning, and were coming home tired, but happy. 

I asked how much fish they caught.  Answer "Lots".  How much is "lots".  Fish were biting like crazy.  Lots means a lot.  Dumb me.

I asked if we were going to have enough room for all this frozen fish.  But before I get into that, I need to back up a little bit.  Well, maybe a big bit.

In our family room downstairs we have a refrigerator, next to it an upright freezer, and next to it, now, a small chest freezer.  The reason I say now is that the chest freezer used to be in another location, then after Bob moved out, we moved the chest freezer over beside the two other appliances.  We (meaning Jerry) cleaned out the chest freezer, and did not want to plug it in right away.  Then off to Alaska!  To catch fish!  Never mind that the upright freezer is full, almost to capacity.  Piece of cake. 


This is the view from the plane when crossing the Canadian Rockies.

So we have a refrigerator, full of soft (and some hard) drinks for the gang when everyone is here.  The fridge freezer is full of stuff.  Odds and ends.  A little bit of this and a little bit of that.

The upright freezer is our beef freezer, along with frozen vegetables, blackberries (that were picked on the farm and frozen) home-made frozen pies and other stuff.

The chest freezer is sitting there with it's top up, looking stupid.

And so I asked my dumb question, "are we going to have enough room for all this fish?"

Jerry said sure, all I had to do was go downstairs and plug in the chest freezer.  That would give plenty of time for it to cool down before he got home today.  Piece of cake.  Ha ha ha ha!

Number l - the closest electric outlet is between the refrigerator and upright freezer.  Thank goodness the refrigerator is plugged into another outlet further away.

No 2 - the upright freezer is soooo big I cannot reach the outlet on the wall.  There is just slightly an arm's width of space between the freezer and the fridge.  My arms are about 3 inches too short.  There are no other outlets closer.

No 3 - the chest freezer cord isn't long enough anyway to go behind the upright freezer and plug in.  It is like my arms, about 3 inches too short.

No 4 - don't know how many pounds of frozen fish is on its way to West Alexander.

Not to worry, I can do anything.  Right?

Mike is gone - and I was informed that some of his fish was coming to my house as he doesn't have enough room for all of it at his house.  I haven't seen Tim, not sure if he is home or not.  No way am I going to bother my neighbors, they have enough to shake their heads about as it is.

So being the genius that I am I started looking for power strips.  I finally found one that did not have a really long cord, but it was a very very very well insulated power cord, could probably stand up by itself. 

Getting hold of the cord, reaching as far as I could, I managed to get it aimed at the outlet, and with a little jiggling and pushing the prongs found the right holes.  It took some doing, but eventually I did get it plugged in.  When I pressed the on button, it lit up.  Be careful not to jiggle anything, and maybe it will stay plugged in.

Next I plugged the freezer plug into the power strip, and heard the freezer kick on.  So I am standing there holding this stuff, not knowing what to do with it.  Finally I decided to try laying the power strip, complete with cords on top of the upright freezer.  They just made it.  I didn't want to drop anything on to the floor, for fear it would come unplugged, for fear I would not be able to retrieve it to replug it, for fear I would be facing  boxes of fish with nowhere to put them.

So this morning I am playing the waiting game.  The freezer is cooling down.  Hopefully it will be cold enough.  The light is still on  for the power cord, so unless the light is lying to me, it is working. 

Isn't it great having a genius like me just loafing around at home, waiting for these weird phone calls, so I show everyone just how smart I am?

If you believe that one, I really feel sorry for you.  In the meantime, enjoy your calm serene day without having to worry about being buried by frozen fish, and God Bless.

UP's AND DOWN's........AUGUST 15 2011......................

I have a little bit of everything to talk about today.  First of all - today marks the halfway point to September.  I'm not ready for September.  I am still trying to get my June list under control.  Then there is my July list, and my August list.  Maybe I should just tear them up and start on my September list now, then maybe when October arrives my September stuff will be done.  Yeah, right!!!!!

When I got to Church yesterday morning, first thing Pastor Dan asked was if Mike was back from Alaska yet.  Told him no, he was scheduled to return Tuesday, provided he doesn't all off the boat.  Which was a distinct possibility yesterday

I had just walked in the house from Church when the phone rang.  It was Jerry, calling, of course, from Alaska.  No - no one fell of the boat.  But they did have to turn back yesterday morning as they began encountering up to 7 foot waves.  Nothing to fool with.  They were contemplating doing some fly fishing yesterday afternoon.  They are also trying to book a half day fishing trip today, before they start for Anchorage for their flight home late tonight.

I believe I have mentioned that in 2008 there were a group of us, family and friends, flying to Alaska, doing a week of touring, then a week of cruising back to Vancouver.


This was part of our group, from front to back, left to right:

Son Jerry, I don't know who that woman is, daughter-in-law Tammie, son Mike right behind Tammie, then daughter Linda and son-in-law Dave.

Jerry, Mike and Dave are three of the four in Alaska fishing this week.

This was in the Brooks Range in late July, yes that was snow on the ground.  Tammie, Mike and me looking down the valley where the Alaska Pipeline runs.

What an experience that was.

The next picture is of the beautiful water in Alaska.  Hopefully when the kids get back this week, I will be able to confiscate a few of Jerrry's pictures to share with you. 

Now back to yesterday.

We sang one of my favorite hymns this morning, and I just wanted to share the words with you here. 

The composer of this hymn is Natalie Sleeth, and it appears in the UMC hymnal.

In the bulb there is a flower; in the seed an apple tree.

In cocoons a hidden promise: butterflies will soon be free!

In the cold and snow of winter there's a spring that waits to be,
unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.

There's a song in every silence, seeking word and melody:
there's a dawn in every darkness bringing hope to you and me.

From the past will come the future; what it holds, a mystery
unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.

In our end is our beginning; in our time, infinity;
in our doubt there is believing; in our life eternity.

In our death, a resurrection; at the last a victory,
unrevealed until its season, something God Alone can see.

I hope no one is offended when I write of things like this, but it is so true, a wonderful way to look at life as a whole.

Later in the afternoon I had an e-mail from Judy in Cambridge.  Russ got another award this weekend.  I don't know any of the details, but am so excited for him.  His work is so awesome and unique, he works so very hard to create each work of art, all of which are originals, he deserves the recognition. 

I think this is a good time to share this picture of him receiving his award at the Y-Bridge festival a week ago.

He's the guy in the white shirt.

Our families have been friends for 30 plus years, we met at an art festival long long ago when we were both just getting started, and have been friends ever since.

So you can see it has been kind of a hodge-podge day, a little of this and a little of that.  I don't know what tomorrow will bring.  I really don't want to know, as that way every day is a surprise.  So look forward to your surprise tomorrow, and God Bless.

SOME MESSAGES ARE REALLY WORTH SHARING...AUGUST 14 2011.......

Sometimes when my mind is blank, like today, I happen across some little thing, and, how about that, it gives me something to talk about.

On yesterday's facebook page there was a "blurb" from a friend from my church.  After reading it I just had to share:

IN RESPONSE TO THE EMAILS ABOUT MY DOG: I am sick to death of receiving questions about my dog who mauled 6 illegals wearing Obama tee shirts, 4 Democrats wearing Pelosi tee shirts, 2 rappers, 10 PLAYDOM programmers, 5 phone operators who asked me to press #1 for English, 9 teenagers with pants hanging down past their cracks, 8 customer service desk people speaking in broken English, and 3 flag burners, . FOR THE LAST TIME...MY DOG IS NOT FOR SALE! :)

I would love to have a dog like that.  It seems the entire country has lost it completely.  What ever happened to the United States of America?  We certainly are not united, everyone is "entitled", spend spend spend, you name it, it is happening.  I am sure this was not in the game plan. 

Enough of that for now.  Don't get me started.  I WILL go on and on and on.

On a more funner note, the kids all arrived in Alaska safely on Thursday, fishing, Friday, Saturday and today, driving from Homer to Anchorage on Monday, getting to sight-see on the way, flying out of Anchorage about midnight Alaska time Monday, arriving in Pittsburgh about noon on Tuesday, our time.

They will be tired somebody's when they get home.  Wonder how much fish they will have with them this year?  Good eating down the road.


May in Salem Mass.


Got a lot accomplished Friday.   Was a good day to be working out.

Finished weeding my iris bed , looks a lot better.  I just can't believe how much yard work got shoved aside this year because of the weather.  Am so far behind I think I am first. 

Also got most of the yard mowed.  There is a little section yet that needs done, it will still be there when I get around to it.  All day yesterday it looked as if it were going to open up and rain any time, so played the waiting game.

The Steelers didn't do so well on Friday night, but they will improve.

Sailing ship Friendship Salem Mass

After all they only had one week of practice.  They played mostly their second, third and fourth string of players, all in all they did o.k. considering.

Hopefully it will be a different story when the "Real" season starts. 

Other than that nothing new or exciting happening on the home front.  I keep hoping Russ is having a good weekend at the Salt Fork Arts Festival.  I don't know what I miss the most, being at the festival, or visiting with Ted and Judy.  Today's weather forecast for this area is pretty bad.  I hope all the bad stuff moved through Cambridge last night, and that they will not have to tear down, and pack up in the rain.  That is the pits.  Especially when you have to bring home a wet tent, then set it up to dry out.  Been there, done that, don't want to do it anymore.
But it goes with the territory. 

Maybe by tomorrow I'll have something new, exciting, mind boggling, amazing, awesome, and wonderful to talk about.  But---don't hold your breath and God Bless.

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL??? AUGUST 13 2011..................

I think that is how they phrase it on TV.  I like football.  I watch football.  I guess I take after my Dad.  He loved football.

My Dad was a grade school principal and teacher.  When I was a kid teachers did not make very much money.  I grew up in Martins Ferry, Ohio, went to MFHS, and our football team were the Purple Riders (colors were purple and white, logo a rider riding a bucking horse, helmet with a purple horseshoe), therefore Purple Riders.  I would have liked to have seen the horse that was wearing the purple horseshoes.  Any how we were the Purple Riders.

My Dad wanted to see the games.  So my Dad volunteered to be a ticket-taker at one of the gates for all the home football games.  That way he got to watch the games for free.  But did I get into the games for free because he was the ticket-taker?  You've got to be kidding.  My Dad was scrupulously honest, a trait that I admired and respected. I had to pay just like everyone else.

When it came to college games, my Dad loved Ohio State.  I can't imagine why, we only lived in Ohio, but he loved the Buckeyes.   My Mother was NOT a football fan.  She just plain did not like football.  During college football season it sometimes got very interesting at our house.

First of all we did not have a TV until after I had graduated from high school, but we had radios.  In fact I think we had 2 - one in the living room, and I'm not sure where the other one was kept, but on Sunday afternoon this second radio mysteriously appeared so my Dad could listen to the football game.  My mother would usually take her "Sunday afternoon nap" while the football game was on.

I can remember many a Sunday dinner at noon after church, we would be sitting at the table eating, my Dad had the radio beside him, listening.  Well, trying to listen.  My Mother did not appreciate a football game with dinner.  She usually let us know that football was a bunch of foolishness.  Didn't phase my Dad in the least.  He just ignored her and kept his ear glued to the radio.

I guess that is where I got my love of football.  He must have rubbed off on me.

When we got a TV things got really interesting.  The more my Mother complained, the more my Dad ignored her.  He loved watching the football games, and when Ohio State happened to be in the Rose Bowl, watch out.  He would not miss that game.

My Dad never seemed to get ruffled.  He just let everything go in one ear and out the other, never got upset.  I can honestly say I NEVER EVER heard my Dad get mad.  Not at my Mother.  Not at my sisters and me.  Not at any one.  Even when correcting us girls he never raised his voice or threatened.  He knew Mother would take care of it if he didn't get through to us. 

Wish I could say the same for me.  Guess in that respect I have a little bit of my Mother in me.

So, ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL?  I know I am.  I love the Steelers.  Win or lose, they are my team.  Guess it is time to get all our Steeler stuff out of storage and re-decorate the living room.

Wonder what I'll blog about tomorrow.  Maybe I'll think of something.  In the meantime enjoy the weekend and God Bless. 

FEELING LEFT BEHIND......AUGUST 12 2011..........

Have you ever had that "left behind" feeling?  Feeling sorry for yourself?  There they go, here I stay?  The left behind blues?

That's me and the dogs today.  the "left behind blues".

Sons Mike and Jerry, and Phoenix's Son-in-law and Grandson, were on their way, yesterday, to Alaska --- again --- to go fishing.  Not that I want to go fishing - that is not my thing - but just to be in Alaska again.  I believe that is the only place I have ever visited that I could go back time after time.

Pile on top of that that this is the week-end of the Salt Fork Arts Festival held in Cambridge, Ohio every year at this time.  Bummer!  I have done that festival for more years than I can count, have won several awards, ribbons, and, yes, cash, over the years.  Russ and Kay went yesterday to get set up, and then continued on to Ted and Judy's, our home away from home. 

I have been left behind not only once, but twice, this weekend. 

This is how I feel - all topsy-turvey and bent out of shape. 

No, you are not seeing things.  I found this tree in the spring while at Canyon de Chelly in Arizona while visiting the kids.  It just caught my fancy, but the picture when printed was pretty blah! 

Can't have blah!  So played around.  Decided on it being black and white, then decided to print it as a mirage.  Voila!  I got my topsy-turvey bent-out-of-shape tree.

But then there is always tomorrow.  And tomorrow, and tomorrow.  Hopefully lots of them.

I do have two adventures planned for the next few weeks - then Jerry will be left behind, just him and the dogs. 

Hopefully those two adventures will give me something to blog about.  Only time will tell.  I am not going to tell you what is planned, keep you guessing.

In the meantime I have printed up some of the new pictures I took over the past weekend, and have printed and matted the order I received at Y-bridge for a 16 x 20 picture, to be shipped to a couple in Zanesville, Ohio.  They saw the 11 x 14 I had with me, but wanted larger.

This is the picture they wanted of one of the exhibits at the Chihuly Glass display at the Phipps Conservatory in Pittsburgh a few years ago. 

In addition to that, I have mowing to do, flower beds to work on, whatever.  It is not like I will just be sitting here twiddling my thumbs looking stupid (well maybe I will have the stupid look, which seems to be normal), talking to the dogs (which is better than talking to myself), and touching base with friends and family.  And trying to decide what my next blog will be about.  (That's what happens when you have a blank mind).

If they guy's fishing trip goes well, will probably have another 100# or so of flash frozen fish fillets coming home with them.  We have gone through last year's fish, and are looking forward to a new supply.  There is absolutely NO comparison to the fish they bring home and the fish you buy in the store.

In the meantime, the dogs and I will muddle through.  Always have Tammie, Mike is her husband, to talk to, Kay and Tim on the next farm, neighbors down the hill, family here and there, and friends there and here.  Sometimes I just enjoy being by myself, eating whenever I feel like it, and eating the stuff that I like, but Jerry doesn't, so I only eat it when he is away.

So enjoy your day, the sun is shining, the humidity has moved on, life is good, and God Bless.

ZANESVILLE's Y-BRIDGE......AUGUST 11 2011...............

Today is a history lesson.  It is about the famous Y-bridge located in Zanesville, Ohio. 

Zanesville, Ohio came into being when Colonel Ebenezer Zane convinced congress to build a road from Wheeling West Virginia to Maysville Kentucky.  Where Zanesville is there is the confluence (joining together for dummies like me) of two rivers, the Licking and the Muskingum.  Hence the Y-bridge.

You can see from this map the joining of the two rivers.  Route 40 (known as Zane's Trace and the National Road) crosses the River, and Linden Avenue branches off of the bridge.  This is what forms the "Y" of the bridge.

The first Y bridge was constructed of wooden trestles and stone with logs and planks bolted to the trestles  The center pier was made of limestone and above it stood the toll house. 

The bridge opened on November 16, 1814 and had the following tolls:

Each foot passenger - 3 cents
Each horse, mule, or ass - 4 cents
Each horse and rider - 12-1/2 cents
Each coach with four wheels and driver, drawn by four horses - 75 cents.

In 1818 this first Y-bridge was washed away by a flood.

Construction of the second Y-bridge began immediately and was opened in 1819.  Like the first bridge this one was wooden, with a toll house.

Twelve years later this bridge was declared unsafe because of heavy traffic.  So the third Y-bridge was constructed, also a wooden bridge, but this time a COVERED bridge.  (Wish I had a picture of that!)  This bridge was completed in 1832.

In 1868 the county commissioners bought the bridge and abolished the toll charge.  Eventually rumors began to spread that the bridge was unsafe and in 1900 it was voted to tear down the covered bridge and rebuild.

The fourth Y-bridge opened to traffic in 1902.    In the 1940's highway engineers spotted trouble with the bridge, but were ignored by local residents for another 30 years.  In 1983 construction began on the fifth Y-bridge, and completed in 1984, and it is this fifth bridge that I was on this past weekend.

This is an areal view of the bridge as it looks today courtesy of a web site about the bridge.  You can see the leg of the Y on the right hand side of the picture.  It was on this leg that the festival is held.

"GO TO THE MIDDLE OF THE BRIDGE AND TURN LEFT".

According to local legend, these are the directions a Zanesville man gave a confused traveler more than 100 years ago.  This phrase is still in use today.  It is also the only bridge that you cross a river and are still on the same side of the river.  Go figure!

The Y-bridge has received worldwide attention.  In the day when airplane pilots used landmarks for guidance, they always knew when they were over Zanesville.

I have heard of the Y-bridge all my adult life, but this was the first time I had ever seen it.  I wonder when bridge number six is going to be built?

I hope you enjoyed your history lesson today, that you weren't bored to tears.  The great thing about traveling is the getting to know about the things you see, things you did not know before.  As I tell folks during the festivals - "There is a story behind every picture".  And there is.

When you get a chance drive to Zanesville, for not only is the bridge amazing, their courthouse is beautiful, and some of the churches are awesome.  Take a day and take it all in, and God Bless.

AND THEN THE FUN BEGAN!!!...AUGUST 10 2011.....

All was quiet, not even a mouse stirring (I really don't think they have any mice, but just in case), we were sleeping soundly, when SUDDENLY, sirens are going off.  Very very loud sirens.  Talk about waking up already sitting up in bed, hair standing on end, covering your ears.  You would not believe. 

While I leave you hanging, I need to back up a little bit.

As mentioned, Ted and Judy retire to their cabin a lot of the time.  They were there that night.  When we arrived at the house after the closing of the festival, we found notes on the counter.  (We always find the neatest notes every time we come "home" telling us where this is, where that is at, help yourself, make yourself at home, etc.  Saturday night was no exception.

These 4 pages were laid out on the counter top.


They have an alarm system (they spend the winter in Florida).  According to the notes, the alarm had been mal-functoning on occasion, and these were the instructions on what to do, just in case.

Now you know!!!  The alarm system was blasting full speed ahead.  We're all in the kitchen reading the notes, Vicki goes to proper key pad and follows the instructions.  Still blasting.  Russ tries.  Still blasting.  I try.  Still blasting.  Vicki calls Ted (he had left the cabin number on the notes).  He would be there shortly.  In the meantime we are panicking, waiting for the police and firetrucks to arrive, we are NOT Ted and Judy, off to jail for breaking and entering, Ted and Judy having to come and bail us out.  Vicki decided to try one more time, and finally it was silent.  Called Ted back, told him all was well.

Now we are waiting for the other shoe to fall.  Who will arrive first, the police or Ted.

Ted got there.  And he started laughing and laughing and apologizing for the inconvenience.  Told him no problem.  He also told us until the company got the alarm system fixed, it was not connected to the police and fire departments.  What a relief.

The rest of the day was great, had a wonderful breakfast, then it was time to head out until the next time.  Russ, Kay and Vicki headed for home, I went, of course, on a photo shoot.  Found 6 new Mail Pouch Barns, 1 Covered bridge and several other things. 

This is the Mail Pouch barn.  I did not have a picture of this barn, so can add to my collection.

This is the Longaberger Basket Company's headquarters building near Dresden, Ohio.  Have you ever seen a basket building before?

The is the old railroad bridge that I could see from my tent on the bridge.

I arrived home about 8 p.m., tired (very little sleep for some reason) but feeling good about the weekend.  Frankly, I cannot even begin to imagine being bored.  My life is NEVER boring.


I hope you enjoyed my crazy weekend of bridges, sirens, and stuff.  Have a good day and God Bless.

I FEEL ALMOST HUMAN TODAY...AUGUST 09 2011......


We were up at 6 a.m. on Saturday.  It had rained during the night, and of course we were wondering if the tent leaked, or did we stay dry.  We had our breakfast, and headed out.

Did I mention that when we stay with Ted and Judy, part of the time they move into their cabin/cottage back in the woods, where they would stay before they had their house built.  They give us door keys, and off they go.  We get together in the evenings, sometimes in the mornings.

Everything was fine.  The tent crew already had the sides off, all we had to do was uncover, put the covers away, and we were ready for business.  The festival opening was 10 a.m., but we had browsers as early as 8:30.  So much for relaxing before the  10 o'clock rush!

It was hot.  It was humid.  We drank so much water it is a wonder we didn't
float away, but all was well. 

 This was the scene on Friday when we were setting up.

We were half way across the bridge, on the right hand side, where we had a view of the old railroad bridge, and the paddle boat Lorena, which took folks on river cruises.

We had a good steady crowd all day.

The festival was scheduled to close on Saturday night at 9 p.m.  A long
day.  This was the Lorena making one of her trips. 

We had a good steady crowd all day.  They must have been as nutty as we are to be out in the heat and humidity.  We got our water free, they had to buy theirs. 

The lamppost was at sunset Saturday night.  One of my favorite pictures.

By then we were wondering how tear down and load up was going to proceed.  We were told by the folks in charge that at 8:30 we could begin packing up non-essential items, completing our packing up beginning at 9 p.m.  As soon as we were completely packed, come to the end of the bridge, tell them your space and tent number, then go to the parking lot and get your vehicle.

By the time I returned with my van and they jockeyed me in to place at the end of the bridge, and I walked back to my spot. there were 2 volunteers already loading my stuff onto the carts.  1 - 2 - 3 and they were done, then they took the carts to my van and even helped to load.    By 9:30 I was done.  Amazing!

I'd like to keep those two young fellows for all my festivals.

I returned to the parking lot (so another car could get into my spot) and waited there until Russ and Vicki were finished and joined me.  By that time we had lightning all around us, a constant light show.  We hadn't been on the road returning to Ted and Judy's any time at all when the sky opened up and it rained.  And rained.  And rained.  We were very glad we did not have to drive home that night.

We arrived safely, had our showers, had our mid-night snack, sat and talked until after mid-night, as we were spending part of Sunday with our friends, to have breakfast, and just enjoy each other.  So we were not in any great hurry to go to bed.  After all, we could sleep a little later in the morning.

Little did we know!!!

I will keep you guessing until tomorrow.  In the meantime have a great day and God Bless.

RUNNING ON EMPTY!!!!! AUGUST 08 2011...........

The above says it all!  It was a fun, busy, hot, humid weekend, but I am not complaining - just stating the facts.

Left here early Friday morning, met Russ and Vicki in St. Clairsville, Ohio, then we all drove to Senecaville, Ohio to touch base with our friends there, leave our luggage, take a break, then on to Zanesville and the Y-BRIDGE festival. We had no clue what we were doing, or how we were going to do it, as this was our first time at that particular festival.  None of us had ever seen the Y-bridge.   We had never actually been to Zanesville, just drove through on the Interstate, and the bridge is now visible from there. 

When we arrived, the first thing we saw was the row of big white tents going across the bridge in the middle.  We were jockeyed into a spot at the end of the bridge - no vehicles allowed because of the tents - then signed in, got our tent and space assignment.  There were volunteers to help us unload.

My volunteer had a nice big 4-wheeled cart, we were able to unload the van and they wheeled the cart to my spot.  Only took one trip!  And I have a lot of stuff.  Everything unloaded in my 10 x 10 space, I returned to move my car to the reserved parking lot for vendors so that the next person in line could get unloaded.  It was hot!  It was muggy!  I am crazy!

The festival was scheduled to open late Friday afternoon until 9 p.m.  Vicki had asked me what we were going to do between setting up and the opening.  Told her not to worry, it took Russ and me hours to set up. 

First you have to decide how you want to configure your spot, as we have display panels that need to be put into place first, then where your tables are going to go.  Once that is done (and you can't just twitch your nose and wiggle your ears and bingo!) it is time to, in my and Russ' case, hang our art work, in Vicki's case, arrange her jewelry display.  Russ' mother-in-law and one of my good friends Kay,is always with us, she kind of supervises us, mothers us, and keeps us on the straight and narrow.

I think I have a permanent sign on my rear (back?) end that reads THIS BUS MAKES FREQUENT STOPS.  I work a while, take a break, work a while, take a break.  But I do get it done.  Once the art work is hung, then the unframed prints have to be arranged on the tables, plus you need a small work area (got to have room to put all that cash, checks, and charge slips) somewhere, plus what you are drinking - which was bottles and bottles of water, all supplied by the festival staff at regular intervals, and eating.  As every location is different, you always start from scratch.

Another thing that kind of slows you down, at a free outdoor festival like this, you have browsers (nibby noses, etc) wanting to look and see.  And talk.  And ask questions.  You can see why it takes time. 

We actually were ready to go with about an hour to spare before the official opening.  Time to make a pit-stop, change shirts, or whatever and get ready for the "mad rush" of folks to buy buy buy!  Friday evening is the after work group, and they did come to b. All three of us had a good evening.  The festival closed at 9 p.m., time to cover everything up (we all carry plastic with us, because of the weather), and head for our home away from home.

We were hot, tired, sweaty, probably smelly, left two of the vehicles in the parking lot in Zanesville, no sense taking three empty vehicles to the house.  Sometimes we really do think ahead.  Not often, but sometimes.  Never did a shower feel as good as it did Friday night.  We didn't even stop to eat our late night snack before bed until we were clean.  Then of course we had to sit up and talk.  And laugh.   Finally called it a day - a verrrry long day - and had to be up by 6 a.m. Saturday morning as we had to drive back to Zanesville, get everything uncovered and, if necessary, re-hung before opening at 10 a.m.

Never did a bed feel so good.

Tomorrow I will finish this saga, and add a few pictures.  Later this week I swill share the history of the Y-bridge with you.  It is quite a story.

In the meantime, enjoy your day and God bless.

ALWAYS REACHING...AUGUST 04 2011.............

You've all probably hear the saying "REACHING FOR THE STARS", I know I have. 

I have been reaching all my life.  I keep thinking that if I work a little harder, give a little more, laugh more than cry, I will get to where I am supposed to be.

But where am I supposed to be?  That is the question of the day.

I guess I am where I am supposed to be, otherwise what would I be doing?  I am busy all the time, have a great family, unbelievable friends (in every way), I get to do the things I enjoy doing, and I have folks to share with.  Would the stars be any better?  Somehow I don't think so.

I am beginning to think that "reaching for the stars" is actually being satisfied with your life, including all the ups and downs, good and bad, happy and sad, that this is actually our goal.  Not what if, should I have, but being satisfied with what is.  At that point in our life you have a handful of stars.

I am blessed.  Many times over.  I hope in some small way I am able to share my blessings with family, friends, people I meet.

Now for the important stuff.  Will spend most of today getting ready to leave for Zanesville first thing tomorrow morning.  Every year is a challenge.  What are folks going to be interested in this year.  It is always changing.  You are always trying to second guess what pictures will sell, what will sit.  And you are never right.  Well, maybe sometimes.

All my work is divided into the major categories.  Some years it is mostly one category, the next something entirely different. 

I am constantly taking pictures (I know you would never in a million years guessed this), but the majority of them never actually get into the business.  But I always have them available.  Just in case.

This is one of my oriental poppies in bloom this past spring. 

Right now can you guess what my most popular category is?  Lets see, covered bridges?  Lighthouses? Mail Pouch Barns? Landscapes?  Seascapes?

All wrong.  My most popular category at the present time is CHIHULY GLASS.

I will not go into details today, but this particular picture was part of the glass display at the Phipps Conservatory in Pittsburgh.  All the spires are hand-blown glass.

I have seen three of his exhibits, Pittsburgh, Columbus, Ohio and Phoenix Arizona.  All were fantastic, all were different. 

So right now this in  the IN stuff.  Next year, who knows.

Perhaps this explains why I take soooo mannnny pictures, of soooo mannnny things.

This is a Luna Moth, resting on one of my shrubs in my three tier flower bed. 

This moth was there for a couple of hours, then the next time I looked he had gone on his way.

But I have the picture, just in case.

This is another of my rainbow pictures as seen from my deck.

Again I have this picture, just in case.

Guess I'll sign off for now, lots to do before leaving early tomorrow morning.  I will not be blogging again until Monday.  Hope I have something interesting to talk about.  If not, guess I'll just have to make something up.

Have a good weekend and God Bless.

A LITTLE OF THIS and A LITTLE OF THAT......AUGUST 03 2011....

Nothing earth-shattering today.  It is raining, and we sorely need the rain.  Did get the front yard mowed yesterday, back yard going to have to wait.

I believe I mentioned my visitor yesterday.  This red squirrel came loping across my front yard right into the mulch in front of my deck.  There must have been something in the mulch that he liked, as he sat there for quite a while, pawing through the mulch, then sitting up and eating something.  He was either desperate, or didn't have clue as to what he was doing.

As you can see these pics were taken before I mowed.  Also photographing through a window is not the best procedure, but then, it was through the window or not at all. 

This shows him after he came up with whatever goodie he found.

Here he had jumped up onto the deck and was eating away.

I originally though he was a red squirrel with the sun shining on him, but now have half-way decided he is a gray squirrel.  Perhaps he is a mixture.

Anyway he just stood there, or sat there, or whatever it was he was doing, and ate away, seemingly to really enjoy whatever it was.  As far as I know there is nothing there except the mulch. 

I guess that tasted good, so was time to look for something else.  This went on for at least 15-20 minutes, then off he went, back across the yard and down into the woods.

I am also going to share with you today an e-mail I received from a grandson and his wife in Arizona this week.  I hope you like it.  It makes you realize there are times when it is better to keep your mough shut.

MAXINE's 1 DAY EMPLOYMENT

My 1 day employment. 

So after landing my new job as a Wal-Mart greeter, a good find for many retirees, I lasted less than a day.

About two hours into my first day on the job a very unattractive, mean acting woman walked into the store with her two kids, yelling obscenities at them all through the entrance.

I said pleasantly, "Good Morning and welcome to Wal Mart.  Nice children you have there.  Are they twins?"

The ugly woman stopped yelling just long enough to say "Hell no.  They ain't twins.  The oldest one's 9 and the young one's 7.  Why the hell would you think they're twins?.  Are you blind or stupid?"

So I replied:

I"m neither blind nor stupid, Ma'am, I just couldn't believe that anyone slept with you twice.  Have a good day and thank you for shopping at Wal Mart".

My supervisor said I probably wasn't cut out for this line of work.

There are things you can think, and there are things you can say, and a lot of times you can't do both.  But how many times have we spoken without thinking, and wish we could take it back. 

I guess I'll wrap up today's blog with one  final picture.  Saw this blimp flying over the farm while mowing, got to the house and took the picture just before it disappeared over the trees.  I know it is probably too small to read the words, but on the side of the blimp was DIRECT TV.  How direct can you be?

Everyone have a good day, and if it is raining where you are enjoy the coolness and freshness the rain bring to the air and God Bless.

WHAT DO YOU MEAN - ON A BRIDGE??? AUGUST 02 2011........

That says it all.  I am doing a new festival this coming weekend in Zanesville, Ohio, and the festival is held ON A BRIDGE.  Zanesville has the famous Y-Bridge, so each August One span of the "Y" is closed to vehicle traffic and their arts festival is held on the bridge.

This picture is from their web site.

The festival committee erects all the tents, and if I am reading the info correctly, we will be permitted to drive onto the bridge, unload our merchandise, then go to a designated parking lot.

And I have a problem with heights.  Go figure.

Each tent supposedly holds 4 vendors, Russ with his mother-in-law Kay, Vicki and I are all together in Tent #8. I feel sorry for the poor fourth vendor - little do they know!!!!  There are 18 tents listed on their web site with 4 vendors per tent. I really don't know what the three of us have gotten ourselves into this time.  At least we don't get bored.

Russ and I have done the Salt Fork Arts Festival in Cambridge Ohio for years, and we have great friends living near Cambridge that have asked us to stay with them for quite a while now.  What a wonderful weekend, doing the festival and staying with friends.  The best of both worlds.

When Ted and Judy learned we were doing Y-Bridge, they contacted us letting us know the house was waiting for us.  Vicki is new to the group in Ohio this year (she does not have a tent so does not apply for outdoor shows, unless tents are supplied) so she has never done Salt Fork.  Ted and Judy insisted that she also stay. 

We always look forward to our visits with them.  Their hospitality is beyond belief.  When do you find friends that will actually give you a key to the house, and on occasion move into their camping cabin on their property.  This was before they finished their downstairs family room.  Now they no longer have to move out so we can move in.  And the food - They buy everything they can think of for us to eat, both at the house and to pack lunches to take to the festivals with us, and always come to the festivals.

I don't know what we have done to deserve such friends, but are greatly blessed by their friendship.

Just had to take a quick break.  While sitting at the computer my window looks out onto the deck and front yard.  Just had a squirrel come right up to the deck, the onto the deck, nosing around.  Snapped a couple of quick pics and will share them with you tomorrow.

Now, back to Y-Bridge.  We will arrive at our friends' house around 10 a.m.on Saturday morning, to introduce Vicki and drop off our luggage.  Then on to Zanesville for set-up, from noon until 5 p.m.  The festival opens 6 p.m. until 9 p.m.

On Saturday the festival is 10 a.m. until 9 p.m., then pack up, load, and get off the bridge.  Will be spending Saturday night with Ted and Judy, and start for home some time Sunday.  What a weekend it will be.  Hopefully sales will match the hospitality, but even if they don't it will be a great weekend being with friends.

Mowing the front yard is on the schedule today.  Then weather permitting the back yard tomorrow.  Thursday will be grocery shopping, then loading the van.

I only have the one festival in August, as I am unable to do Salt Fork this year because that is the weekend Mike and Jerry are flying to Alaska to meet up with the guys from Arizona for another fishing trip.  Guess who gets to take care of the dogs?  But there is always next year, the Good Lord willing.  I am always looking forward, forget the past.  There is always something new and exciting just around the next bend in the road, and I am all for it.

So always look forward and God Bless.

KEEPING BUSY .... AUGUST 01 2011....................

I got up this morning and guess what ... It is August already.  Where has the summer gone.  Where has the year gone.  Fall is just around the corner. 

Jerry has kept my garden tilled for me, I have been pulling the weeds around the plants, and mounding the dirt around them, garden looks good.  Green beans about ready to start picking.  Lots of tomatoes, now if only they would turn red!

My potatoes have finished blooming and the plants are beginning to die back.  When I finish the last 10# bag of potatoes that I bought at the grocery, I can start digging new potatoes, one or two hills at a time, for eating purposes.  Nothing like you own new potatoes.

I don't do the major digging until mid September, or a little later.  They need time to stay in the ground after the plants die back, to give the skins a chance to toughen up to protect the potatoes.  When you dig them right away, you can actually rub the skins off with our fingers.  Not good if you are not going to use them right away.  I wonder how many I will get this year?

The kids were back a couple of times yesterday.  In the morning they, with their Mom were out back, up at Tim's corn, supposedly for his cows this winter, they were running and playing, in and out of the corn. Mom just watched, when she wasn't pulling the baby ears of corn off the stalks to eat.  Pretty soon into the hollow they went (the sanctuary). Time for their afternoon nap.

Later in the evening, they were back playing in the front yard again.  Doesn't seem to bother them a bit with us around. 

Had an interesting day a few days ago.  There was a dead ground hog where Tim had mowed the hay.  The "clean up" crew was out there, (turkey  buzzards) when three red-tailed hawks flew in.  As soon as they landed the buzzards scattered.  It looked so funny, the buzzards are twice the size of the hawks, there were about a dozen of them and three hawks.  Guess they knew something I didn't.

Anyhoo we watched for the longest time, the hawks really working hard on the clean up, you could almost see the buzzards drooling - hey, we were here first!

Every so often a braver buzzard would kind of mosy up, it only took one look from one hawk to send him scurrying back to the rest of his friends.

Even in nasty situations such as this, nature has her own way of doing the clean-up work.  By the next morning you would never have known anything was in the field.  Nary a sign.  But I'll just bet there were some hungry buzzards going to bed the night before.

Everything in nature is not a bed of roses.  Nature can be very forbidding, harsh, sometimes nasty, but there are also the wonderful days, the deer playing in the yard, running and jumping, just having a great time. 

We have such an abundance of nature at our place, there is never a day goes by that something isn't happening, whether it is the blurbirds feeding their young, the deer eating the corn, the hawks flying over, scouting, the coons peering through the trees at you, the coyotes loping across the hill-top, the rabbits playing in the yard, mama skunk, with her young following, off in the distance (just hope they keep their distance), the dogs laying at your feet.

I really don't think I could survive in the city.  I just hope when it is time to go to heaven, that I don't have to live the the city with streets paved with gold.  I would much rather just be in a peaceful meadow, watching the for-ever young creatures as they run and play. 

What would you prefer?  With this thought in mind, enjoy your day and God Bless.