just when you have seen it all . . .

A thought provoking cartoon this morning. I hope our school children have a chance to see it and think about life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Teaching begins at home. Makes you wonder what does go on behind some closed doors .

Water Skiing, impossible by plane, how do they do that? Four T6 Harvard Aircraft water ski across Klepdrift Dam near Johnannesburg, South Africa where they lay claim to having some of the best pilots.

The caption says it is done 'meticulously' . . . I bet!, and according to Arnie Meneghelli ,from Academy Brushware, who owns the aircrafts, it is a first. It is hard to imagine the precision and the tension that must go into planning and actually taking off in the roar of the motors and making it look easy. Talk about making trails , usually we see the white spirals of flume high in the sky so this was an amazing sight. I thank my friend who sent this along to educate me in the new and different things that are out there. He is an old Army mechanic and his love of planes has never wavered. He has sent some wonderful movies of dog fights and of pictures of the planes that he worked on back in World War II some sixty five years or better. At eighty-nine he has slowed down but only long enough to bask in the memories of the days when he was able to keep the planes in top condition so the pilots could do their job keeping America and its allies free. I am betting if he was offered a ride, he would be first in line to go water skiing in one of these.

So today, the last day of November 2010, make your seconds count. It is list time, you know, flour, sugar, butter, vanilla . . . cookie time. . . gather around a table with friends and family and make batches of cookies of all sizes and have a tasting party, don't forget the sprinkles. Hugs to all.

Grass is Greener!

Now you have to admit that this is a cute picture. I got such a kick out of it as the two cats seem to think the each others food was tastier. Like we humans, the grass seems always greener on the other side of the fence, but I think we have found over the years that's not true. When we take time to appreciate what we have life becomes more peaceful and serene.

Yep, that old Maxine is full of shopping wisdom these days. I'd love to have a clip on her views of Black Friday. There was a lady spouting her views on the television and I had a good laugh as she looked close to my age and was thinking thoughts. similar to mine, on what has been done to all of our holidays. It seems we are to worry ourselves sick over how to spend every cent we have to celebrate them . . . Valentines in January; Easter candy before Spring has a chance to show a bud or two; Halloween before the kids get back to school; Fall begins with pumpkins and turkey advertisements before November and now the stores open on Thanksgiving Day to tell us that we need to be out there shopping for Christmas . A world gone crazy to keep up with whom???? Wall Street???

I could write a thousand words about changing and turning the holidays around to more sane and fun filled affairs either by following very old and sane family traditions or starting some new ones to make them all worth while. It is so sad to hear, and even to feel, that the holidays are coming and we fear them because we cannot live up to the expectations of the money crowd. It takes courage of your convictions and no excuses as to why you have changed your mind about following the world of advertisements that create the holiday moods.

So, today, Monday the start of your brand new week, relax and promise yourself you will not shop for Christmas until you have sat down and made out a list and then follow it with a gift in mind that has meaning as you show those you love just how much you do care. It can be home made from your creative mind and hands, or a gift from the kitchen which is always so welcomed. It can be kind words and a hug added to your small package and believe me you will feel the difference. All we need is courage to get our holidays back. So work on being courageous this year. . . how's that for a New Year's resolution? Now if I can convince myself to practice bravery all next year, I may just set a good example . . . well thoughts are there, just remember Christmas does come before the New Year! Oh, to practice what I preach!!!! Hugs to all.

Best Intentions

News from son John has been a little sparse in coming over the holiday and today his e-mail told me to check out his blog to see some of the pictures he has posted along with a bit of news of the adventure he and his brave companion, Joellen, survived. Well, when you are up in the wilds of Alaska survival is a necessary evil as the weather, this time of year, can change in the blink of an eye. They were to make an hours flight to Coldfoot Camp but a storm came in and plans were changed to a road trip, only a seven hour drive away. They went along what John called "haul roads" and stopped at the Arctic Circle stop and on to Coldfoot Camp. They met up with a tour group and hitched a ride with a couple to Fairbanks to catch their flight. Meanwhile I am waiting patiently for a conversation with son John to find out exactly what went on as I am unsure if they had a rental car or not. Sounds like it to me. Anyway, the pictures are a story unto themselves. Pristine beauty at its best. Imagine the cold, the quiet, a full blue moon to see, friendly folks and games to play to keep you from being bored. So they will have to go back another time to see the Aurora Borealis, and now they know if you are driving in winter to always carry a shovel in case you get to close to a snow bank. I can't wait to hear the story on that stop.

They got back safe and sound to Anchorage and each one has a plane to catch today . . . no rest for weary travelers as they head out in different directions, John on to Houston and Jo to Delaware, each with a mind and heart filled with their adventure and plans to continue as soon as they can find some more down time. I am hoping for a Christmas visit so I can hear all about their Alaskan adventures.

So today, the start of your new week . . . yeah Monday does come up fast . . . the sun is out here, although there are some clouds hovering over. It is colder than usual and very quiet around the neighborhood this morning, not a dog walker in sight. Pat is returning home today and can't get back soon enough to please me . . . yeah, I missed her. Go about your business and smile. For those recuperating from a bug, or from a mini operation, take good care and mend fast. To those who are starting the shopping spree remember 'less is more' and Christmas cakes and cookies keep the wolves from the door . . . maybe I should rephrase that as the 'eating' wolves I know would devour the goodies before you went out the door. So . . . bake some more! Have fun in whatever you choose to do. Hugs to all.

More Art

Zhanna of St. Petersburg, Russia has a unique talent all of her own. She is a baker of cakes and the results are astounding, perfection at its best in the confection department and so clever as to knock your socks off. Ma had a treadle sewing machine just like the one shown here, hard to imagine it is an edible cake.

Every detail is perfect, lifelike and a work of art that makes you want to reach out and taste the hamburger and pick up the bottle and put some ketchup on it.

This one is striking and one can only imagine the work, the hours, the detail that went into this one. Every bit of it edible. I wonder how much one of her cakes costs. Worth every penny I bet.

This kitchen is perfect. I can't believe what I am looking at. Every detail to perfection. A masterpiece.

Don't you feel you can just pick up this bottle, open it and have a taste of its content? It must be Vodka and I bet it is very tasty. When I worked for the Federal Service many years ago in the Washington, D. C. area, I was the receptionist in the front office where people came in to buy the latest Government issues on all reports printed by the Government. There were two Russian librarians who came and were very friendly, often bringing me a small bottle of real true vodka that had a taste all its own. Once a rose, once a book on Moscow. One day two FBI men came in and played good cop, bad cop, asking me all kinds of questions as to why I was singled out by the Russians. . .the cold war was in its hey day....what do you talk about? I said I asked about their home, their children and their wives . . .hard to believe you could just be friendly especially when you didn't think of them as enemies. I had to laugh as the Russians had an escort to the report area and a charge account, no less, so they could buy any report they could find in the open files. I still have the book in my bookcase and often think of the words written in the fly leaf thanking me for being a very nice lady. I can live with that.

Now this computer is edible. Can't believe how well done it is. Imagine the work, the time, the talent that goes into each and every cake this lady bakes. There were dozens of more pictures but I chose the ones I thought that would be of interest, yet wish I had put them all on as each one is not only a work of art but perfection at its best. What a talent.



So today, your first Saturday morning after the fabulous dinners and deserts, to the dumb and obnoxious Black Friday, try and contain yourselves and make your Christmas gift list with love in mind. Know you do not have to go and spend your income for the next year paying for gifts; give from the heart, sometimes a visit or a hug beats anything wrapped in silver paper. Free the arms, lift up the face and smile, brighten the holiday for a friend, a neighbor and especially a family member. Go with God. Hugs to all.

Burp!!!!!

Good "Black" Friday morning, the day after the food binge of yesterday and what a binge it was. The delightful and beautiful picture was painted by my friend Sharon Guinn.

I was thinking this morning that I have probably missed only two, or maybe three, Thanksgiving days when I was free of kitchen duties. Baking and stuffing a turkey was what we did and when 'the' day came and family gathered it was such a wonderful feeling to see all the food disappear with a grateful sigh. In fact we fixed a complete turkey dinner for all three holidays and enjoyed every minute of it.

Yesterday, I joined Peat and Darlene for Thanksgiving dinner at O'Hallaran's restaurant and have to admit that it is not one of my favorite eating spots . . . but yesterday they proved me wrong as the special turkey dinner was everything it should be. The service was exceptional and nothing was missing from the traditional feast starting with a salad, hot bread, slices of thick juicy white turkey meat, mashed potatoes, fruit salad, candied sweet potatoes, green peas and tiny onions, dressing and cranberry sauce. The coffee cup stayed full and the choices of desert from pumpkin pie to assorted cheese cakes help to fill the little white take out box for lunch today. We had a relaxed dinner, not a dish to pick up, or clean, lots of good conversation and a water with lemon toast to our missing families. We agreed that with age comes wisdom . . . the wisdom to recognize that our hard working holiday cooking days are over for the most part and know that our grown children and grand children have traditions to fulfill which we taught them. Weather does not always permit them the luxury of a long trip filled with delays and problems as they try to get 'home' to hold to tradition . . . but . . . sometimes it is better they stay put, safe and content to fulfill their own duties as hosts to holiday friends and family. Do I like it? No, but, and there is always a but, I am content to reach the age of reason when I take time to relax and let my children take over the reigns. and go about creating traditions of their own. My telephone calls were the high light of my day with a few surprises from friends too. My neighbor came to collect her mince pie and brought me a box of left overs from her family dinner. I have much to look forward to today, a new coined 'black Friday' to rush out in the middle of the night to shop. You may be out there but not me, I am sitting here in my cozy home waiting for my coffee to be ready and figure out if I want to eat some of that left over turkey or be good and wait for lunch time. It is tempting. I am going back to the old ways and bake some wine cakes and cranberry breads . . . by the way, don't use crazens as it spoils the batter, use the real cranberries and enjoy. . . need the recipe, just say so. It is time to decorate! It is time to get your list ready! It is time to get ready for a bright and beautiful Christmas which will be here before we know it. One of my favorite holidays....how about you?

So today, exercise, walk around a lot and keep in mind that there are lot of folks hurting this year so don't be shy, donate to the food bank, drop an extra coat or jacket in a waiting box. Check out the trees with the cards that have the name and age of someone who will truly bless you for being generous and caring. It is just that time of year. A time of sharing and caring. So now let's get ready for the celebration of Christ's birthday, light a candle in celebration of the real reason for celebrating Christmas. It is not the expense of a gift that counts, but the thought behind it. Hugs to all.

Happy Thanksgiving

U.S.A. (this bird is free.)

On my calendar today, Maxine is sitting in her easy chair surrounded by all the trimmings of a huge turkey dinner, holding a glass of wine and says " I always serve the same thing at Thanksgiving dinner. Notice to the relatives to shut up during the game."

Soon the table will be covered with a beautiful table cloth, flowers on the table, the best dishes that have to be hand washed will be placed on it, and the cloth napkins will be taken out of the drawer to be used, well they have to have an outing at least once or twice a year. The door bell will ring, happy voices will be heard and soon each of you will be sitting down to a family meal of favorite delectable dishes. I love to hear the different choices in each household. Traditional meals with a flavor of the generations that went before us. The sights and sounds that make us a Universal Family.

So today, Thanksgiving Day, count your blessing large and small. Keep your faith, be kind and loving to each other and toast each other in good health, a little wealth and smile with your eyes . . . the windows of your soul . . . and let your family, your friends and maybe a special guest, enjoy the wonderful you I know. Make this Thanksgiving Day memorable and for heavens sake stay away from those Black Friday gimmicks. I cannot think of one item I would buy at midnight or two a.m., or even five a.m. Relax, enjoy the game, don't forget the Macy parade . . .that is where I am heading right now.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE . LOVE AND HUGS TO ALL.

Troubles and Woe

I'm late, I'm late for a very important date. . . . here it is almost lunch time and I am finally getting to blog. I found myself without computer access yesterday, all day, and then today it was still not up. There was a little box to the left of the bottom of my screen that told me that there was 'connection 2, unplugged' . . . now I have no idea what that is and if the truth be known, I really do not want to know. All I do know is that I want my computer to be up and running as it is my connection to my outside world. I am not happy when I call "Charter" to ask when they are going to have the computer connection fixed and my computer back on line. I got one of those pre-recorded voices that you can respond to. It was something I didn't know existed and didn't know if my responses were heard or not. I was ignored for the most part and my frustration was taking on high notes until I heard that if you use the word 'agent' then you could actually speak with someone. Never let it be said that I cannot say 'agent' and I did and I got a real live person. Her name was different, her tone was sharp and we went around the horn several times before she understood I was computer illiterate and had no one around to do her bidding and until I did, there was nothing she could do to get me back on line. She said, "I can send you a technician who will solve the problem". "Oh, that's great." says I . . . . "It will be Monday" . . . then the lid blew. . . Monday was not acceptable, I wanted and needed help today. It was not my doing, but their doing that shut me down and I want my computer up and running. I told her, nicely, that I was not angry with her but with the system and would try and find someone to help me and I'd call back. I went out to where there are a lot of little and big boxes with wires coming out of them. I noticed the lights were on today as they were not on yesterday so it had to be connected. I did the only thing I could think of and that was to shut it off and put it back on immediately. Now maybe that did the trick, or maybe the clerk really felt sorry for me, but I am back on line and have no idea how. I am thankful for miracles no matter where they come from.

So today, I hope your computer is up and running and you are not running into a raving octogenarian with frayed edges. I hope you are sending out lovely cards and notes to those you love and wishing them a wonderful Thanksgiving Day. Feast and enjoy even the little things in life as they all add up to be big things and give us remarkable joy. Just think you almost had a day off from my ramblings . . . but then you would have missed me . . . I know! Hugs to all.

Ho Hum!!

Ho Hum, my foot, it took all week to get this finished but it really was fun to do. I couldn't do justice with Pat's camera as I don't really know how to use it. She suggested I stand on a chair to get the full view but I decided that was not smart as I would have struggled to get up onto the chair but how would I have gotten back down.....at this age height is anything over a foot.


With all the stormy weather this week taking pictures is out of the question, so you will have to bear with me until I can get out and about with a working camera on hand and a bit of sunshine as it leaves the clouds behind. I had e-mails yesterday but none with pictures or stories I wanted to share . . . well, I cannot tell ALL my business.


We rode over to Crescent City and had brunch at The Harvest Cafe. one of our favorite restaurants. They had closed their doors and moved without warning. When we rode to town and couldn't find them you could feel our disappointment. It was a relief to see their sign on a new older building on the major highway so we made a bee line to have brunch there. When you go up the wood ramp towards the double doors it does not seem very hospitable but once you open the doors . . . aah. . . three rooms in one because of the design of the interior, the same familiar chairs and tables made out of tree limbs, polished and fitted with cushions to keep you comfortable. Smiling and very friendly faces as the ladies seat you and have your coffee poured before you finish saying hello. The menu is filled with healthy food choices, and, I found to my dismay they do not serve sausage biscuits and gravy every day, only on weekends. I actually had a hankering for a good piece of ham and from what the waitress told us they get their ham from a special farm and it is really 'out of this world'. I don't know if you have priced ham in the stores but I tell you it has been so high that I haven't bought any in months. I am hoping that they have some specials for the holiday season as they bring out the spirals and all the lean tender cuts for special occasions. That ten dollar coupon in our newspaper tells me that it is going to be very pricey. Well, I just had my taste for the season so I won't worry about ham, but will start to poke around those fat turkeys for Christmas dinner.


It is strange not to be up to my elbows in flour and all the activity of putting on a Thanksgiving dinner. I think I missed about three in my lifetime. It is both a blessing and a curse to get 'old' and travel the road of 'acceptance' as slowly and surely changes come about that one has not prepared themselves for, nor feel they are ready for, but the truth is that time takes care of it all and all one has to do is relax and enjoy the ride. Now all I have to do is to convince myself that one mince pie is enough to share after a dinner out with friends this year, a thank you for good company and companionship . . . do you think they will mind that I took one slice . . . nah . . . they will laugh and go home and have desert. . . come to think of it I might just make two pies and spend the rest of the holiday week munching out.



So today, count your blessings, share yourself with those you love and even some you don't. Make your seconds count. Hugs to all.


AND, I have been wanting to say hello to Rustic Lady and now, a new follower . . . Fanny; welcome to my words. I wish I could get through to your page but the computer has me joining my own blog and wont let me 'talk' to you.

A Story of Principles

Congressional Medal of Honor and a few dozen other medals over a life time of service.

Van T. Barfoot (6-15-19 - )


A caption that should say "I earned the right"

As a young man Van T. Barfoot spent his time in Carano, Italy after enlisting in the U.S. Army in May of 1944. A man of principle that stood him in good stead for his entire life time. He was sent out to flank German machine gun positions, advanced through a mine field and took out three machine gun positions and returned with seventeen prisoners of war. He served in Korea, Vietnam with equal distinction and at ninety took on the local neighborhood association. According to the rules flags should be flown on house mounted brackets only. His 21 foot flag pole was denied a permit, but this feisty veteran put up his flag pole and posted the colors with pride. It made the national news and the association rethought their position. I love stories like this. You may have already read about it or even seen the e-mail attachment that is going around, but I felt such pride in this veteran I wanted to talk about him. I hope he has written his memoirs and publishes them for us to read. I wish he were my next door neighbor so I could go over and visit him and bring him some homemade cookies and a hug for being a man of principles.

So today, when you are off starting a brand new week, doing all of the chores, or work, or gardening think about the things that are meaningful in your life and make up your mind to stand by your principles . . . be strong . . . be decisive and 'stick to your guns' knowing you are going to go out and buy some very holy Christmas cards to send this year and place a flag on the wreath on your door. Go . . . have fun and don't forget to smile. Hugs to all.

New and Old

Well thunder roared and the rains teemed and darkness prevailed within the walls of my house all day yesterday, but, within the walls there are lamps to light and a jig saw puzzle waited patiently for attention. This one is a lighthouse along with a Colonial house that looks like a scene from Jamestown, Va., with bushes of every color, sand and rocks and water, another one of those that should be glued and framed. If I did that some one would miss out on a lot of fun and frustration . Finding those illusive little devils hidden in the carpet or hitch a ride on your sweater and land on the bedroom floor is always such a surprise as you discover the piece you searched for every where but where it should be. I wonder if I am responsible for giving you a small nudge in the jig saw craze of yesteryear. I notice the cost of the puzzles have gone sky high, why friend Paula actually paid out nineteen dollars and change for a puzzle that was extremely hard to do and when it was finished I had the satisfaction of sending it right to her doorstep. After all it is only fair that she suffer the same as me. She knows I love puzzles and she always participated when she came to visit her Aunt Gerry and we would enjoy all of the laughter and really hard work of putting a difficult puzzle together. We had one of those Americana ones and Gerry made a whole area of bits and pieces of people and called it her bone yard. So, in doing puzzles I am treated to some very loving memories of friends who were just as crazy about completing a jig saw puzzle as I do. It does cut into my winter reading but it is a good change and it does bring about some camaraderie with whoever walks in the front door. My neighbor, La Verne, came without her glasses and promptly went out the door to go and get them. She was not about to let me find all the pieces.

Here is the new classy 789, custom built, no two alike take off with 1957, 1958 and 1959 Chevy features . . . what a beauty . . . can't you see yourself tootling down the highway in that. The company is called 'No Two Alike" and gave it the name '789' in honor of the years Chevrolet was King of the Hill. I had a Chevy Malibu, bet the spelling is wrong on that, but it was light tan in shading and a dream to drive. I think they still make that model and I am not surprised as it was a 'dream' car. It has been thirty years since I have been behind the wheel . . . nope, take that back, it was probably fifteen years ago when Pat let me drive on one of the mountain curvy roads and held her breath for at least ten miles. I did fine, just didn't go fast enough for her and she had to admit, a bit later, that I really did good as it was the curviest area of the entire trip. Do you think she was testing me? or was she just being brave letting me get behind the wheel after along absence. I was always an overly cautious driver. . . but I thought a good one. I just couldn't afford to buy and pay for a car and its upkeep so I used 'mare's shanks' and enjoyed walking and really seeing the sights around. Do you ever notice when you are out walking that if you look at a person coming towards you and smile they respond immediately. I love the surprise look on the faces of the young ones who really do not expect you to greet them. One young fellow wasn't sure I was greeting him the other day when I was getting my mail. It took him a second and then he grinned and smiled.

So today, Sunday, you are probably resting up at home and wont have much of a chance to go on a greeting walk, but if you do experiment a little , you may be surprised at the kind of results you get when you smile. You know what is said . . . a smile is God's gift to the weary"; and so easy to share. Fill your day with a little silliness and show off those pearly whites that is what they are for. Go, 'grin and bear it' and enjoy. Hugs to all.

Time Goes By

Granddaughter Erin is about to celebrate a birthday and her mother is joining her for fun and festivities in the big city. I would love to be a part of the celebration but grandmother's have a way of slowing down and the fun is to sit back and participate in an easy chair while they do all the walking and the hiking up those hills of San Francisco, besides it is alone time for them . . . to build memories for the next generation.

Pauline asked about our beaches after my little soiree with the sneaker wave. This is a scene at the port and if you notice there are people walking along the edge of the hard sand nearest the water and a child behind them in the surf. This is a prime example of how a sneaker wave can pull a child in or older folks as well as the surf is thunderous and the sneaker waves come in without warning. I go to watch the water and look for whales passing by, and often have to leave the area as I see the children playing and the parents far away from them. I cannot stand the feeling that something tragic could happen and I want to stand up and yell.

This is a picture of my granddaughter when she was three years old. Her mother took her to a small band concert in a park and the musicians had set up and started the beat of the drum and Erin's feet went right along. Pat took the pictures and later I cut them out and put them into a collage showing Erin hearing the music, heading for center stage and dancing to the beat of the music. She hasn't changed much and now with this new year coming on she is still dancing and making a big difference in her world.

Aah . . . beauty at its best. Son John and his friend Jo are about to embark on a trip to Fairbanks, Alaska and hopefully see the display that nature puts on in the northern skies. I was invited to join them but, again, age is catching up with the legs and the ability to walk around or climb or just get up out of a chair is a task and a half. I'm not complaining as it took many years to get to this point and I've done my best to wear out the body slowly but surely, yet, the heart and minds says 'you can do it' and I probably could make the effort but at the expense of holding the others back from having the time of their lives. I am entering a new phase of 'octogenarism' and it is an interesting one. So I will live vicariously through the travelers and enjoy the words and pictures as they unfold and swear under my breath for getting so old . . . um . . . better not say that out loud as it sure beats the alternative.

So today, the wonderful Saturday of your week with a Sunday following and no work. . . not even in the yard as the weather changes to winter wonderlands. Harry Potter movie is playing and that should be something to see. I'm going to wait for the DVD but you don't have to...GO....enjoy and spend a Saturday afternoon in the movies with the biggest box of popcorn you can buy. Hugs to all.

Expressions

Well, last night was a birthday celebration and we met at O'Hallorans, a restaurant of renown, and the food is always well presented, rich, tasty. It was more than a surprise when we walked in the door to find the entire place decorated for Christmas. There was not one inch of space that did not have a light, a stuffed replica of Santa as a bear, or a poinsettia, or garlands strung with lights from one part of the ceiling to the walls and I am surprised they didn't think of something for the floors. Talk about over done. Well, the food was tasty and our birthday lady enjoyed being celebrated. As you know, my camera is lost to the watery grave of the sneaker wave and I have no pictures to show you today. A new lady, named Sue, joined us and is a welcome addition to the group. Dee, our lady with a marvelous sense of humor was not with us as she was washing the tea pots over atThe Tea Room restaurant. It is a job they have to do twice a year and it takes days to take down and wash hundreds of tea pots. One of these days I must remember to take a camera and take pictures of all the pots so you can see them. It is a quaint restaurant and one we like to go to for lunch on occasion . . . any occasion as we just love to lunch out. Our birthday lady showed off her gifts and one was a special bottle of perfume which she was more than willing to share. She gave us each a spray of the essence and I promptly offered Peat a whiff and he immediately started to sneeze; well, I didn't know he didn't like perfume or that he was allergic to it. Live and learn . . . poor Peat and I thought he was being given a treat and not a treatment.....Yeah!!! I'm bad.





I did find a very tiny picture of the Shore Acres "Festival of Lights" which I have never seen. It is down in the Charleston area about a hundred miles from here. Up around the Coos Bay area north of us. Every year they decorate the entire estate where the rose garden is spectacular and not one is left undone. The trees and the old homestead are decorated and people come for miles to see the spectacular show. Maybe, if I am lucky, I will get to see it this year. Pat and I are plotting and planning a trip up to Coos Bay in early December so a side trip is a possibility. Don't worry, she has a camera and I'm sure she will download a picture or two for me to share.



So today, Friday . . . all day . . . and then the blessed weekend to rest up, and hopefully you will change your pace and make good use of your seconds. Do some one thing you have been wanting to do and 'let the devil take the hindmost' . . . wonder where that old adage came from; go, enjoy quality time with those you love. Hope the weather cooperates and you are not digging out of a foot of snow, or splashing in some puddles as you make your way about. AND, do not let all the early Christmas decoratons get to you, after all you haven't had your turkey dinner yet, and there really isn't any reason to rush our seasons . . . well I guess if you are selling 'stuff' it means you want to rush things . . . but hold off, don't participate in the Black Fridays planned for you, enjoy one holiday at a time, after all it will be another whole year before they come around again. Hugs to all.

And Now the Food

I received an e-mail this morning from a friend who is one of the most creative individuals I have ever met. She is involved in so many meaningful venues in our town and seems to have the energy of a twenty year old. I admire her greatly and am always glad to read her e-mails as she defends the cause, or looks for volunteers to help her with the many events that bring about good deeds and a smile for all of us. The e-mail today was a serious one as she introduced the Senate Bill S.510, which I had not heard about and with all that is going on up there on the 'hill' we most likely wont hear about until it is passed and done with. According to what the bill does is to 'war on grandma' and that is to shut down all of the organic garden growers and not allow them to sell their products in the small markets that have sprung up all over the country. We have a Wednesday and a Saturday market here in Brookings and it is a pleasure to be able to pick up some fresh fruits and vegetables that do not wilt the minute you bring them home or rot in a days time.


Our food chain has been compromised and we are at the mercy of 'imports' the bill talks about the bunny rabbit peeing on the lettuce, but does not mention the manure used by some foreign countries. All I can think about after reading this e-mail and the attachment explaining the big companies that are big donors to our representatives and command attention or else. . . we are being led down the path for Government to tell us what we can and cannot eat . . . control our food and you control us . . . so today, check on your computer and find out just what this bill says and if you do not agree with the contents, take time to write your representative and let him or her know just how you feel.

I would hate to think that our gardens are passe. It would be terrible not to be able to grow our own foods, and if we cannot, then putting the kibosh on those who do have gardens and bring their produce to us in the small markets. Most of us grew up on home grown foods and know the work and the love that goes into the planting of the food we love to eat.


So today, put on your thinking cap and read up on the Senate Bill S.510 and make up your mind if you want this bill to pass, and if you do not, then pick up a pen or better still get on your computer and let the big boys know how you feel. Be calm, cool and collected and tell them off in style. Hugs to all.

Misadventure

I heard that "Joy of Cooking" celebrated 75 years as 'the' cookbook used and loved, and the fact is I did own one at one time and used it often. There was a special birthday cake recipe that was easy to make with no sink hole in the center. Betty Crocker cook books have been around for a very long time, not sure how long, but there are many different ones out and if I am not mistaken, a new one almost every year. I have one I wouldn't part with as it has my favorite molasses cookie recipe and a lot of other wonderful easy recipes. I remember being highly insulted when, as a new bride, someone asked if I needed a cook book. The fact was I probably really truly did as I came up with directions from a pinch and snip cook and I couldn't boil water, so my first cook book became my friend indeed, or should I say in need. Both of my daughters are cook book collectors, a hobby taken up most likely to ward off all of those casserole dishes they had to eat and which they now classify as 'comfort foods'. There are some beautiful cook books out there and some wonderful reading within.

Maxine is right on the money this morning. I can rise, thank God, and have a new day to enjoy. Yesterday, my friend Marge and I had a date to go for a walk on the beach and collect flat beach stones. The weather was beautiful and the ocean was wild with four or five huge waves thundering in with hardly breathing space between them. We were not sure for a minute if the tide was coming in or going out but we soon learned it was coming in. We went down a cement ramp onto the sand and hiked over to the water's edge. The stones were too big in the softer sand so we went to where there were hundreds shining from their place when the water recedes and leaves fancy patterns on the hard sand. I had plastic bags to fill and my camera and watched as Marge seem to challenge the waves as she looked for special stones. I thought she was not paying enough attention as the waves were coming in closer to where she was standing and I thought of that sneaker wave that could catch her unawares. I moved down closer to where she was and was about to tell her of my concern. I wasn't more than ten feet away from her and I had looked at the ocean but did not see any wave cresting close in. They seemed to be moving in slowly as they built and crested heading to the shore. I bent to pick up a stone and without warning I am covered by a sneaker wave which brought me down. I have never felt such strength in waves. Marge was knee deep in the water and saw me go down so rushed over to help me get up. Not an easy task as I am trying to find my camera. My poor ruined camera with those lovely pictures of the big waves was ruined, soaked through, just wouldn't work. How sad as I love my camera and all the pictures I get to take with it. It was not easy to get up out of the water and the muscles were strained and I am hobbling but I am here. I have heard of sneaker waves. I have worried about the little children playing near the breaking waves. I have heard about the people who were caught in one and drowned. Now I truly know what a sneaker wave can do and my future hunt for the treasures of the sea will be done a lot closer to the softer sands. The Oregon beaches are nothing like the beaches on the East Coast. They are different in that we have so many rivers running to the sea and the forests above sending down huge trees creating beaches of drift wood. The currents are strong and the rip tides waiting, and as I understand it, about every thirteenth wave is a sneaker, the one with tremendous power and one to be very wary of.

Here's Marge, who didn't know whether to laugh or cry as she saw me down and very wet from my chin to my feet. My shoes are filled with newspaper to absorb the wetness and my clothing in the wash ready to be made new again. What a mess and the water didn't even feel cold. Our lunch date was called off so we could get home and dry out, but she worried and came over to make sure I was okay. In the picture she is wearing one of her creations so you can see why we go hunting for flat beach stones. We did get some beauties yesterday so I can hardly wait to see what she does with them. I know she said she had the tumbler going so you know they will be glowing as they make up into lovely necklaces. So Marge, if you are reading my blog this morning, thanks for the use of your arm . . . I hope it isn't pulled out of the socket. I am 'stiff as a board' but up and moving and still cannot believe that a sneaker wave came in that fast and furious. So we live to go 'agate' hunting again. The storms are moving in for a few days and then the sun will come out and show us where the pretty stones are at the edge of the water, just don't go without me.

So today, keep in mind things happen in seconds and your life can change. Make today a good one and go carefully about your business. Stop and think about those seconds in your life and make good use of them. Hugs to all.

Second Try

Well I tried to blog this morning and did a nice one, I thought, on windmill homes in Holland but the computer had other ideas and my blog went to that far away place in computer land that is like a fairy land far away where you can't find it. I have no idea where my blog went. I have no idea what happened. All I can tell you is that I shut the computer down completely and went off to have my breakfast and sulk.


I hate it when I cannot get on line and write to whomever I want to or blog. I hate it when I cannot write and edit my stories. I guess I will have to change my attitude and try for more patience or get a new computer. . .um. now that has possibilities as Christmas is coming, wonder if I can talk Scrooge into updating this monster, well, I can try.


I will give you a break and let you have a day off from my rantings and ravings. Enjoy the sunshine and take a long walk when you can. I am going out the door shortly to go up to one of the beaches north of here and walk a pathway that is always interesting and maybe I'll be able to take a picture or two.


I'll be back tomorrow in a much better frame of mind. Make your day a good one, be patient, don't lose your temper and smile a lot. It is good advice and I intend to follow it. Know I am thinking of all of you. I am hoping today is your best day yet. Hugs to all.

History of blogs for Musings by Jean

All blogs are listed below

Musing by Jean Part 6

122 Posts, last published on Nov 15, 2010 – View Blog

Musing by Jean Part 5

98 Posts, last published on Jul 21, 2010 – View Blog

Musing by Jean Part 4

124 Posts, last published on May 6, 2010 – View Blog

Musing by Jean Part 3

108 Posts, last published on Jan 16, 2010 – View Blog

Musings by Jean Part 2

146 Posts, last published on Oct 17, 2009 – View Blog

Mid Month

One of the e -mail attachment I received yesterday showed new pictures made by the 'chalk man'. An artist of extreme talent, able to paint on the flat surface of a tile floor of a mall and come up with outstanding art work.

Here he is in action, making it look so easy. There was no story with it so I have no idea of his name or whereabouts. I would have to go back on the old blogs as I am sure I wrote about him once before. There were more pictures and each one a masterpiece. I would love to see his work in person and wish he would paint a picture in malls all over the country so we could see and touch his work.

It is too dark to open the new vertical blinds. I really like them as they give a sense of privacy and have a very neat look about them. The pattern on the curtains during the sunshine is different, not as art like but more of shadows. I haven't learned how to adjust the slats yet but I am working on it. My faded furniture is just that...faded...and nothing is going to bring back the beautiful colors of the material. I have two lovely 'throws' I can show off and cover up a multitude of faded glory.

Here is the latest sign to remind us to stand tall and keep prayer in our lives. We "God damn" often enough and "Sweet Jesus" even more often, so I don't think God is going to leave us anytime soon. I was thinking of such expressions when I used the new lavender honey mixture on my face the other night without reading the instructions first. Aah, live and learn. I am learning. I find that one tiny drop goes a very long way. It may never do the job it is suppose to do on my old leathery skin, but I bet I am going to attract a lot of honey bees this summer when I go out to weed the garden.

I cannot believe I am having the same old debate, with myself, about cooking a turkey. I am going to do it, maybe only a small breast, but a turkey . . . I love left overs. My mouth is already watering with thoughts of a turkey sandwich with dressing and cranberry and rye bread. Who knows who might drop in and share a sandwich or two, or even left over hot turkey. A breast . . . no . . .a small bird with legs and wings so I can chomp on them to my hearts content. I already have the makings of a mince pie. I have an invitation to dinner out but nothing says I cannot share the at home dinner for the entire weekend. Oh, you may have to eat in your lap as I started a new lighthouse puzzle, one that seems to hold together better and is a challenge but nothing like that bear I just finished. There is something about a jig saw puzzle that gives me piece of mind and if I can cover the table with newspaper so the puzzle will stay put until I want to work it again, so if you stop in I will be able to put a table cloth on and let you sit comfortably at the table. Just be sure to check your clothing before you leave the dining area in case one of those puzzle pieces gets loose.

So today, another new start, meetings to go to, some off to doctor visits, some starting the wash; Monday, wash day, I know a few folks who still wash on Monday, iron on Tuesday and follow the old rules of keeping house. I gave that regiment up a long time ago and do what I have to do as it is needed. Um. . . reminds me I have the dish washer to empty but not before I have my coffee. Make your Monday fresh, new, improved, and start thinking of what you are going to bring to the Thanksgiving table beside your appetite. Hugs to all.

Gray Day

The skies were really very beautiful at times yesterday. a rainy or I should say more of a misty Art Walk Saturday, with tiers of gray clouds and slits of a beautiful blue letting us know that the storm would pass and I found myself humming . . . "Blue Skies smiling at me, nothing but blue skies do I see" . . . well, bits and pieces showed so there is hope of clearing weather ahead. Don't get me wrong, I love the rain, the wind and the winter days of Oregon, but the sunshine and rainbows are a necessary balance to our lives.

The annual Christmas bazaar was well attended at the high school yesterday. The tables were set up to make a luncheon area on one end of the huge gym and wide aisles between booths gave us an opportunity to browse and see what the artisans had created for this particular show. I was surprised at all of the desert and home made breads that were available this year. I didn't buy any as I would have taken it home and eaten it rather than save it for the holidays. I know me, any desert is like a fish to a fisherman or a duck to a hunter . . . my aim never falters, although I passed up caramel corn, chunks of chocolate fudge, cookies and brownies that probably never would have made it to the car on the way home.

I discovered The Lavender Lady from Bandon, a town some fifty miles from here. I have her card so that Pat and I can look up the lavender farm on our next trip up to Coos Bay. We always stop in Bandon for breakfast at our favorite restaurant where I order the 'Granny special', a scrambled egg along with two biscuits and gravy and great coffee. I bought some honey and lavender which is to make my skin rejuvenate, and last evening decided to try it. The instructions were clear . . . use a wash cloth, wet your face, put 1/2 teaspoon of honey lavender on your face and smooth it on . . . what the instructions did not say is that the honey lavender is thick with honey that sticks in your hair and although it makes your skin feel as smooth as silk, it doesn't do much for your hair do. Now that I have the hang of it I will be much more careful on how I put this miracle gel on to un-age my wrinkles . . . 'fat chance', but who knows I may become a raving beauty overnight. I should go look in the mirror but not before I have a shower and shampoo my hair and undo the clumps left behind.

I did do a little Christmas shopping as I found a couple of lovely small gifts. The lady who made jewelry out of the different types of stones is an artist in her own right. I almost bought one of the old fashioned aprons that I used to favor many years ago. You do not see many aprons that cover, more of them are just a fancy piece of material for show. The old fashioned ones used to cover our clothing and protect us from all the cooking spills. They just went out of style, probably because the younger generation do not cook as we did 'from scratch.' The younger generation can now buy a dinner prepackaged and not bother with 'the mess' but I wonder how many chemicals they are devouring that can't be good for the body. There was so many beautiful hand made items, a new knitted round that could be put over the ears on a cold day or used as a wrap around the neck to ward off the cold winds. Lovely wraps that one clever aritsan added a button hole so she could change the shaping of the wrap to make one look so glamorus. One artisan painted on tree oddities which she had a name for and I cannot recall what it is, much like the beryl but more of a fungus. Some were horns and antlers and well done. The new artistan in town this year was the candle maker. Beeswax candles in all sizes and shapes of animals and people as well. The color of honey and molded to perfection.

Here is my friend Angie and her niece. Angie was up to Anchorage on business so took advantage of her time to meet up with her niece from Fairbanks and see the sights. They looked up son John who squired them around Anchorage and they had lunch and a chance for a short visit.

I saw this wonderful shot made up by members of the armed forces showing that they remember 9-11 on Veterans Day (Armistice Day). Clever and well done.

So today, Sunday, a day of rest . . . hopefully that is just what you will do . . . rest! Kick back and treat yourself to a leisurely breakfast, take time to read the newspaper and don't forget the funnies. We all know laughter is the best medicine. I am going to 'unglue' and follow the instructions more carefully as I use the honey and lavender to make me ''shine", but if it doesn't work, can I put it in your stocking? It smells heavenly. Hugs to all.

Bits and Pieces

Maxine may feel that way this morning, but I am thinking just the opposite as I'd like to see you coming in to join me today. It is Saturday and Pat is driving up to Portland leaving me behind. I 'fuss' too much according to her as she heads for the M.S. clinic and wants to do it all by 'herself'. I've learned never to argue with 'city hall' but she is missing out as I make a pretty good navigator and a great lunch pal and I would even pick up the tab. Why I point out all the good places to stop but she has her own reasons of wanting to 'run away' and enjoy her own company and I can understand that. I may not like it, but I do understand it as I find things to do to keep me busy. Today I am going to the High School for the annual pre-Christmas bazaar with my neighbor La Verne. It is usually a pretty rinky dink affair but some of the crafts people make some unusual pieces out of materials from the ocean. The seaweed baskets are beautiful and there is a lot of beading going on this year.

An e-mail came in last evening with this picture of the 'next generation' tire. It was designed my Michlen and it sounds like a boon for the driver. It is airless, no valves, air, repairs needed or even a flat tire and less expensive. It sounds too good to be true . . . I wonder if there is a catch hidden somewhere. Even the police spikes will not work on these, and that may not be a good thing. Well, I hope, for all of you who drive it is a dream come true and the Michlen makes a billion dollars on the first tires sold. Maybe they wear out eventually as they must be made of rubber; a doubting Thomas as there has to be something hidden in the small print as I find it very hard to believe Michlen has turned into a fairy godparent.

So today, the start of your weekend, enjoy every minute of it. Find ways to relax your mind and your body and take a ride over to one of the tire stores and see if they have this new tire then let me know what the catch is . . . never a flat tire . . . that is hard to believe. Make all your seconds count as you catch up with yourself. As for me, I am going to call up a few folks and invite them over for a cup of tea and I think I'll make those "Helen" brownies with the raspberry topping, if your in the neighborhood stop in, I'll share. Hugs to all.

P.S. today. . . I mentioned the other day that we had a sink hole here in Brookings. It is 30 feet wide and 25 foot deep and is just in front of City Hall and the Police Station. It seems that a very old pipe burst underground and has been softening the dirt for some time, and last Sunday it gave way much too the surprise of our Brooking citizens. There are several street project on going which will now have to be put on hold as the city workers hurry to try and fix the pipes, not fix but replace, as the pipes were put in around 1936. Makes me wonder about the pipes around this street and that ditch in the back of the property which the experts tell me is for rain run off and is the responsibility of the home owners as it is is written in the original plot record as an easement and not a right of way, which as I take it from the honcho at city hall, the home owners are responsible for the upkeep . . . um . . . maybe there is another sink hole brewing in the depths of this Brooking area and there might be a way to 'sue' city hall . . . I can only hope.