TODAY IS MUCH BETTER.....MARCH 07 2012.....

Yesterday was just yucky.  All over yucky.  Slept most of the day, figured I wouldn't sleep last night, but did.  Guess I needed some slowing down time and this was the only way I was going to slow down.  Didn't just slow down, came to a complete halt.

We all need to stop and take a break.  For some it is hard.  For some it is easy.  Me - sometimes I have to be forced into taking the break.  That was yesterday.  Today is today.  Feel good, getting back into the groove.

Didn't really know what I was going to talk about today, finally got around to reading the Church monthly newsletter so here I go.......

There is always something worthwhile to read in the newsletter, and I am going to share a portion with you now.

If someone put a piece of paper and art supplies in front of you and asked you to draw a picture of joy, what would you do?

The article went on to say most folks usually ended up with a picture of a  happy person, just how do you draw joy?

I am going in another direction.  I would draw a dog, or a cat.  Mostly a dog. 

True joy - when you come home.  Maybe you have only been gone a few minutes.  Maybe hours.  The joy on the dog's face when you arrive, tail wagging, body wiggling, grinning from ear to ear.  The sadness on the dog's face when you are leaving, or they are waiting for you to come home.

How do you draw a picture of that? 

The cat that jumps on your lap and purrs up a storm.  That is another sort of joy.  

They know when you are sad and try to comfort you in their little animal ways.  They know when you are happy, their entire body expresses that happiness along with you.  They will give their lives to protect you.  Even when they have been mis-treated.

Their love is unconditional.  Doesn't matter if you are rich or poor, sad or happy, live in a mansion or a shack, they don't care as long as they are a part of your life.  They only ask that you care for them as they care for you.

To me, that happiness they show when you come home is pure joy.  No where on earth will you find such unconditional love, without judgement.  That is joy.  Only in heaven does that unconditional love exist, for us.  The questions today are "why" and "what"?

What picture would you draw if you had to depict "joy"?  What would be the reason why?

Have a good day and God Bless.

A LITTLE OF THIS.....MARCH 05 2012......

First, going to share some pics taken on the Sleepy Hollow trip last October. 

And then a little of that.  Just completed the Covered Bridge festival application, which is held in a local Washington County park - where there are, of course, 2 covered bridges.

Mingo Creek Park is a great place, especially for something like a festival.  The CB festival is held in 2 locations within the park, and several other locations outside the park, but where there are covered bridges.  I have been at the Ebenezer Bridge festival site for well over 20 years, look forward to this festival every year.

The other site in the park is the ball park above the Henry Covered Bridge.

This is the last application that I have been expecting.  It is going in the mail today.  And now the waiting game begins for real.  The first jury results are supposed to be released sometime in March, and, I believe the final ones will be released by the end of May. 

Will I get accepted?  Or rejected? Or ignored?  Who knows?  But this is the time of waiting.

About half of the festivals I apply for I am automatically accepted - after the first official jurying process, unless you change your format or some such thing, and they like your display, you are in.  There is a committee that visits all booths each year, just checking.  But if you pass muster, you can skip the jurying process the next year. 

So I automatically know each year when completing applications (still have to do that, and pay my fee/fees) I know that a good 50% of the festivals I enjoy doing I will be in.  This year I have applied for 2 new festivals.  If I get accepted in just one it will be a plus for me.  Time will tell.

I will be off line a couple of different times this month, as Nancy and I have places to go and things to do.  Will not clue you in yet, got to keep you wondering so you keep reading.  But should be interesting, and, of course, will have new pics to show.  Lucky you.  I will let you know the day before I go off line. 

And then March will be done, again.  Today it is cold, snowing, yucky.  By Thursday the temp is supposed to be 60 degrees. 

Looking forward to getting my Pampered Chef stuff and my Tastefully Simple stuff.  It is fun to be watching for those special packages, not that they are anything huge and fantastic, but something to look forward to, and use, and enjoy.  It was all for worthy causes, so I feel it was money well-spent.

Well, have things to do so better get going.  Drive safely if you are on the road, stay warm if indoors, and God Bless.
  

THE DAY AFTER THE DAY BEFORE....MARCH 04 2012.....

And I am tired.  I mean really tired. 

Thoroughly enjoy the high school play Grease last night.  Grandson Coleman (a senior) and granddaughter Shelby (a junior) were both in the play, it lasted until slightly after 10 p.m., was close to midnight when we finally got home.

By then, after such a full day, was too tired to unwind, so read for about an hour.  That always helps me to relax, and finally sometime after 1 a.m. I crashed.  Literally.

Poor dogs were bent out of shape as we weren't here at their bed-time (9 pm) when they go out, come in, go directly to their kennels without passing go, but they do get their doggie treats and they call it a night.

As  Jerry always says "they will survive", which they did very well, and were all waggly in the rear (that would be their tails) this morning, bright eyed and bushy tailed, and I am feeling my way around like it is the middle of the night.  Dumb dogs!!  Maybe dumb me?  Who knows.

Winter is back today.  Snowing.  Dumb weather.  This must be the month of dumbness.

My crocuses are blooming - dumb flowers.  Some of the trees are budding out - dumb trees.  And I am right in the middle of everything.  Dumb me.  But I think I already said that.

Anyway, back to the play.  It lasts 4 nights, last night was night 3.  Not only do the kids do the acting, they also help push the sets around, in the dark yet, so we audience sit around in the dark listening to them shoving things around.  Only the young!  I bought my mug (I have tried to get one at every play), gave it to Rebecca to put in her purse so I was hands-free to take the pics.  Guess what?  It is still in her purse.  I probably shouldn't use the word "dumb" again, should I?

Anyway am attaching 4 pics from the play last night, two of Shelby (even though she is younger, she is a girl and should be listed first) and two of Coleman.  Looking very handsome in his tux. Not that I like my grandkids or anything?

If Shelby is in the play next year, will be there again.  After that - no grandkids in school, no school plays. 

Well, better sign off and get ready for Church.  Don't get snowed in and God Bless.

 

TODAY I WAS "THE RICE LADY"...MARCH 03 2012.....

That is correct.  All morning I dipped rice.  Not cooked rice, raw rice.  Over and over again and again. 

Today was our community's I FED THE HUNGRY day.  Through the STOP HUNGER NOW organization.

Earlier this year the entire community, churches, organizations, private folks, worked, contributed, and raised enough money to  sponsor a Stop Hunger Now day.  Today was the day.

At 9 a.m. this morning there were 120 of us volunteers at our community center to  prepare bags of food, each bag would feed up to 6 people.  How can that be?  I know I wondered when I first got involved.

When I arrived there were huge bags of rice, bag of something called dried protein, dried vegetable flakes and small packages containing vitamins. 

There were work stations set up, divided into 4 categories.  Filling, weighing, sealing and packing.  This will be a thumb-nail version.

The filling station consisted of  a funnel on a stand, empty plastic bags, about the size of a quart plastic bag, a box of packaged vitamins, a very large container full of dried vegetable flakes, another large container filled with the protein stuff, and a final large container filled with raw rice.  I got the rice bin.

There were approximately 6 work stations per table, and about 4 tables in use.  There were around 5  of us folks at each work station.  It was done as a production line.  Open plastic bag and drop in vitamin packet, place bag under funnel, hold said bag in place, dropping the measure of vegetable flakes, then the measure of protein, and lastly the measure of rice.  Said bags were placed in a bin that held 6-8 filled bags.  Then a "runner"would take that bin to the weighing station, replacing it with an empty bin to be refilled.

The weighing station weighed each individual bag and adjusted the weight, either adding or removing some rice until it reached the proper weight.  Then the sealing station sealed each bag, tossing said bag to the boxers, who placed the food into large shipping boxes, taped them shut, and other runners loaded them onto the truck parked just outside the door.

We had a lot of runners, constantly refilling the protein containers, rice containers, bringing more packets of vitamins, bags, whatever we needed.  No one ever stopped. 

I was one of the rice dippers.  It only took a few minutes to get into the rhythm of the thing.  In 1 hour and 45 minutes we had filled, sealed and packed 26 thousand - that is right, 26 - and each bag would feed up to 6 people. 

The contents of the bag would be added to boiling water, with any spices or seasonings that the person receiving the food wanted to add, and after cooking there would be enough for 6 meals.

These meals are shipped all over the world, wherever there is a need.  The area receiving the food would take it to their schools.  Why the schools?  Because to receive the food, the parents had to take the children to school. Not only were we feeding the children, but teaching them at the same time, and many times the parents remained and began to learn basic reading and writing.

If I am not mistaken, it only costs 25 cents to fill a bag.  Our community raised enough money to fill 26,000 bags.

From 9 a.m. until 10 a.m. we signed in, saw a video about this, and were given the proper instructions as to what had to be done and how.  We began filling bags at 10 a.m., completed our job at 11:45 a.m.  We were then fed a simple lunch, and a group picture was taken of all of us together.

And so if you were wondering why I was so late with my blog (I'm not always early anyway, but this is really late) I was dipping and dumping rice.  Ans so I was the rice lady.  We had a vegetable guy, a teen-aged girl as bag/funnel holder, another teen-aged girl as protein dipper, a young mother and another teen-ager doing the vitamins and helping with the funnel.

As they announced in the beginning, there were never too many helpers, and they always found a job for everyone.  Which they did.  Every age group was represented, and everyone had a job.

 Am now at home baking a couple of home-made apple pies to take to Rebecca's house, where we will be having supper before attending the high-school play GREASE.  Will be leaving here about 4 p.m, don't know what time we'll get home, but it has, and will be, a full day

Maybe I'll be on time tomorrow, or maybe I will have decided I like late blogging.  Only time will tell.  In the meantime, stay warm, as it is windy and cold outside, and God Bless.

GUESS WHAT?...MARCH 02 2012......

What is that strange silence out there?  It has been so long I can't remember.  Now what was it I was going to say?  Oh, right!  NO WIND.  Nada.  None. Calm. Nothing moving around (in our case blowing around).

Seems so strange to go outside and not get blown side-ways.  You can actually hear the birds singing.  No wind to drown them out.

Jerry had to re-attach the moulding around out garage walk-thru door last evening.  And why is that?  The wind blew it off.  Also blew one of his big round tubs (don't ask me what he and the guys use these tubs for, I don't really think you want to know) away from the small barn into the woods.

At least no new shingles have blown from the roof, and the one repaired seems to be hanging in there.

In addition to the calm we have sunshine.  Have to wear sunglasses.  How about that.

This a very busy week-end.  Tonight a Pampered Chef party - I don't need anything as I am down-sizing, but am thinking Christmas presents.  Right.  Christmas.  Presents.

Usually by the time my Christmas Club check arrives the beginning of November I have my shopping completed.  Guess where that money goes.  Into my travel fund, of course.

Then tomorrow night is the play GREASE that Coleman and Shelby are in.  (They are a couple of my grand-kids).  Also tomorrow morning am planning on helping with the packing of the food bags for the battle against hunger (don't ask me the official title) which should be interesting at least.

Sunday morning Church, then in the afternoon a - I think - Tastefully Simple party.  Some kind of party featuring food.  Can't miss that.

By then will need another week-end to recover from this week-end. 

Going to close today with a couple of pictures, that covers the two extremes in Amish country.  Both pictures were taken in Holmes County Ohio.  Neither subject was very far away from each other.  Just thought you would like to see them. 

In the meantime, enjoy the calm and sun and birds and stuff, remember the good times, forget the bad times, and God Bless.

NOTHING TO COMPLAIN ABOUT.....MARCH 01 2012......

Question - Do you know where this picture was taken.
Hint - it is within a 2-1/2 hour drive from West Alexander Pa.

That is correct.  How can we complain about the wind (which we have a lot of, but am still on top of my hill), the rain (which we haven't had as much of as some folks), and the snow (what snow?).

Looking at other parts of our country, we have absolutely nothing to complain about.  The latest hit was Branson Missouri.  Last year Joplin Missouri.  In fact my Church mission trip this year is to Joplin in April.  Will it be Branson next year?

We (my Church) can accommodate up to 20 folks on a mission trip.  Had more than 20 volunteers, not just from our Church, but the entire surrounding area.  What does that say about our community as a whole? 

Most of our local communities are just a fly-speck in the bigger picture, but, oh my!  What they can accomplish, with no fan-fare, beating of drums, TV cameras, look-at-us attitude.  They just step in and do what needs to be done.

How many of you out there are so privileged - yes it is definitely a privilege - to live in such a community?  How many of you out there wish you were here?

And today is March 1st.  The final month in the first quarter of the year.  Can anyone tell me what March is famous for?  January it is heralding in a brand new year.  February it is our famous groundhog giving his weather forecast.  And March is famous for ???  You guessed it, going back on to DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME. 

Wish they would just leave the clock alone.  I have at least 12 - that's right - 12 clocks that need to be reset. And somehow in the resetting process each one has a different time showing.  I'll admit it may only be a minute or 2, but different.  And then there are the three clocks that chime the hour.  At three different times. 

No wonder my brain is fried.  I can't even keep my clocks the same and in some sort of order, let alone with my life.

Oooops.  Forgot about the clock in the car (cars). 

Well, have a hair appointment today, that Ihad marked on one calendar (in the kitchen) for Friday at 11 a.m. and marked on the calendar in the computer room for Thursday (today) at 11 a.m.  Had to make an early morning phone call to see just which day I was supposed to be there.  It is today.  So off I go.  Hope I
don't forget where I am going and what for.

Try to stay out of trouble, don't blow away, get drenched or get lost, and God Bless.

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.