Beat- Never!

I bet you had this thought more than once. That is quite a cartoon. You can feel the sarcasm. Weather is the one thing we wait on when we have to make a decision on how to dress, whether to go or stay, or accept it for what it is and get on with the day.

This picture has been on the computer more than once and I had to laugh when I saw it today. We have a friend who is a hunter and gets out there very early in the morning to find his deer. Some mornings he should just stay at home with his 'dear'. . . Sometimes he is lucky and can store up his supplies for good eating but then he has days like this. Of course I will send this along; how else can I make his day. The early bird may catch the worm but this old bird missed by a mile.

The actor Ernest Borgnine is 94 years old and look at how wonderful he looks. He is about to get the Life Time Achievement Award and one I think well deserved. The television just showed "Marty" on, a film I've seen a dozen times in which he was great. Yet when I think of actors and roles, his role in "From Here to Eternity" is the one that comes to mind. The caption said something about his living through a lot of laughter and tears, my we all know that one and thanks to great actors and actresses we have been able to sit back and watch them play roles to make us laugh and cry.

I don't usually give up, have a stubborn streak a mile wide, but here is the beast that did me in. My friend Jo sent me a surprise puzzle from England where a topographical picture was taken of the area in which I live. A lovely surprise and I could hardly wait to start. I have to tell you I put that frame together dozens of times and found that each piece has to fit perfectly or it just doesn't fit. The frame stayed crooked, there was no more end pieces. I got this far in what I believe to be the ocean and it took a week. There seemed to be a piece missing, but more than one as there are just a couple of pieces of that color left to fill in and they just would not fit. My neighbor La Verne came over as she loves to help find the puzzle pieces and she couldn't find any pieces either.We pulled the frame apart one more time and still it didn't come together right. We measured according to what figures were on the box and it didn't match . . . aha. . . something was not right. . .that did it, away it went back in the box because it is a waste of time to try and put a jig saw puzzle together when pieces are missing . . . on to a new one!

So today, a day of rest which I hope you will take advantage of. We are at the end of January, a whole month gone of our brand new year. It didn't pass as quickly as some, but then we had weather to contend with and I think that slowed us all down. February may prove to be a lot better, if not, buy a box of chocolates in a big heart box and indulge to bulge and know that better weather is coming. Make your seconds count and find reasons to smile. Hugs to all.

The Masters

How lucky I am to have friends who accept me 'as is', and of course that is a two way street. I think we are lucky to have each other. Yesterday I received the most unusual e-mail. It was an attachment with pictures of famous paintings and it had alphabetized lists of the names and you could go in and check on each one to bring up their famous work. It was unbelievable and an awesome as well as educational. I chose a few to see what the artist name brought up, some familiar, others not.

The Tea Party by Mary Cassell. My our world has changed as we no longer wear the long aprons or bonnets, but we still drink tea and it is always a treat when a friend stops by to have a cup with me.

Sea Shells by Filippia Napoletano, isn't that a wonderful name . . . slides of the tongue and sounds intriguing so I pulled up her work and was delighted to see the sea shells. I used to have a couple just like that but lost them in one of the moves.

The Sloop by Homer Winslow. I know you have heard his name before. His work is masterful.

Another Cassell, with a mother reading to her daughter.
I like the feel of this one. The colors are perfect and the feeling of serenity comes through. I used to read to my children but mostly when they were in bed, calm and ready to listen. If I had them out in the yard they would have been chasing butterflies, the dog or each other.

Homer Winslow again. If I am not mistaken, this one was called "A Sunday Afternoon", I know a few friends who would like to spend a Sunday afternoon right there. Lakes can be a beautiful and peaceful location for a Sunday outing . . .

The Apple Tree by Camelle Pissarro, another lovely name and a beautiful painting. It reminded me of the poor farm where we used to go as young children to

pick apples. Of course they were off limits but that didn't seem to bother us as we climbed the trees and filled our bags with apples. Many times we were chased out of the area, but the temptation was always there and the apple turnovers to die for.

So today, I hope you received a copy of this wonderful attachment and spent some time looking at some of your favorite artists. We are so lucky to have some of this type of information coming over the 'waves' . I enjoy the numerous attachments that allow me to travel the world, or to see the sights of remarkable beauty under the sea, or from outer space. The computer is a remarkable tool for learning. So, my friends, thank you for making my world a brighter and happier place when you share the attachments. I send them on, and believe it or not I have not had one complaint . . . 'what's to complain about?" . . . nothing . . . and that is a good thing. Make your seconds count today as you start your Saturday off slowly with a cup of coffee in one hand and a big fat jelly donut in the other . . . well, toast isn't all bad . . . Hugs to all.

Moonshine

It looks like the moon was not ready to call it quits for the night. It made a lovely picture early in the morning when the sky was filled with streaks of color that made you feel good just looking at it. I was looking out my kitchen window last evening getting ready to close the curtains for the night and the sun was sinking in the west and the colors were deep with brilliant shades and I thought to go for my camera, but, I knew the scene would change before I could get out the back door to find a spot to take a picture. I'm not as quick as I 'used' to be.




Seeing the moon early in the morning reminded me of the poem I wrote about 'Moonbeams'

The sky begins to darken/as the sun goes down/the orange globe throws yellow and purple shadows/and the sky takes on a glow.
The clouds hover all around/turning colors to match the splendor of the evening shade.
Twilight turns to midnight/the sky is darker now/the moon has taken over/sending beams across the sky.
The ray of light is brilliant/reflecting in the clouds/a tinge of gray/some black/edging in the moon, changing shape/from full round/to a crescent moon.
watching out my window/nature's wondrous array/ I am sorry for the sleepyheads/missing this display. J.M.S.




How's that for four a.m. , don't fret I woke up at one thirty and made coffee, worked on the puzzle, then decided that I would spend some time with you. The sleeping patterns of the octogenarians are something to write about. I think we do our best thinking, worrying, stewing and fretting in the hours between midnight and six o'clock in the morning. If I ever slept through, the world would end, or at least mine would. I guess we don't need as much sleep as we 'used' to; we don't need a lot of things that we 'used' to . . . I'm content to read awhile or lay there in the middle of my bed with my feet up the wall . . . it is suppose to change the blood flow so hopefully that is a good thing. Now if someone would tell me how to get up gracefully, I'd appreciate it . . . better still, forget it because I am going back for a power nap.



So today, I cannot believe it is Friday already . . . another busy week behind us . . . I hope it was one filled with surprises and for those of you who have been out shoveling that white stuff, go carefully. I hear my friend Jo has been shoveling her car out of a couple of feet of snow and once she got it ready to go the plow came by and buried it all over again. I hope she stayed home for the day and rested from all that hard work. Hey Jo, it won't stay forever, honest. Hugs to all.

Views and Views

The World War II memorial, how I would like to see that. It took so long for the memorial to be built and the attachment I received today, written by a medical doctor in a V.A. hospital tells the sad story of the forgotten many.

The Battle of the Bulge was a tale a friend used to tell. He was there and his version was strong in the sights and sounds of a winter battle that was fought inch by inch by our American troops. He was extremely proud of the hardships they survived and wanted everyone to know the kind of men who fought for freedom. An age old story that goes on forever it seems, as we are eight years into a terrorist 'war' and our young men are still dying for the same cause. Freedom comes at a very high price.

Another view of the memorial. There were pictures of many of the men who are now octogenarians and spending time in the V.A. hospital. The doctor went on to say much about his views of the daily grind he had until he realized who these men were and what they had suffered for him just as well as for us. He changed his mind about his thoughts of the old men who were struggling and became their hero as he wrote a letter and called our attention to these men who have been forgotten. Some folks in our world do not even know of World War II or about the battles they fought. He felt it was time we were reminded and he is right.

Morning Skies. I looked out the window to see a red sky and grabbed the camera and went out to see if I could catch the beautiful skies.

Reflection of the rising sun in my neighbors windows. That's my ocean view from my back porch you are looking at. I have hope that the trees will be cut back one of these days.

Sailor's Warning

Warnings come/warnings go/ a sailor chalks the sky/ for morning light/blood red at sight/sends waves thundering to shore./ The seagulls count a dozen score/but when the waves are high/they fly and wheel and sight their meal/tiny fish are floating by./ They dive and seem to multiply. The winds are strong/the air seems cold/the sky descending light/shades of pink to garnet red/a sailor's true delight. J.M.S.





So today, Thursday already, January all but gone . . . is that a sigh of relief? I bet it is as you have suffered through a long winter with still a bit more to go. Hang in there, it cannot last forever . . . think Spring . . . just don't waste your seconds bemoaning the weather. You know it will change, it always does. Keep in mind the veterans of our wars and say a prayer for them, both those that are still heading for the Garden Gate and for those that have already passed through it. Didn't you hear that doctor on television the other night saying 'hugs' are necessary for your health . . . well get out there and HUG. Hugs to all.

Hump Day

Another warm day for us, unusual, but welcome. We are to go up to sixty-five today and that is not to brag, just to inform you that living in the banana belt of Oregon isn't all bad. We have our weeks, even months of rain and fog and gray days which we are used to, so when the sun shines you can believe we are out and about.



The two men working under the house replacing the insulation will be glad for the warmth of the weather today. It is a really miserable job to have to crawl under a house in winter where it is wet and close quarters. One area is so tight that it is difficult to replace the insulation but Kevin did tell me they did get it in and he will be very happy to see the end of this job. I baked some chocolate chip cookies yesterday so shared a hot one out of the oven to the delight of the men. I sent them home with some just to show my appreciation for their hard work. They get good money for the job and after watching them work for the past two days, I would say they earn every penny of it. They didn't need supervision and I certainly couldn't be of any help, so when friend Marcia came and invited me out to lunch you know where I went . . . right out the door. I forgot to take my camera to take pictures of the new hotel that the Lucky Seven folks are building. It is coming right along and we are all waiting for an invitation to the opening. It should be beautiful with all of it's Indian decor. The new restaurant is much bigger but the lay out isn't as good for the workers as they have much more space to cover. Well, they didn't ask me!! Someone was not thinking of the waiters as they have to walk back to the kitchen area to get the food and come out with it in a covered dish . . . that should tell you that the food can get cold on the way. I noticed they are not getting the crowds they use to, maybe because it takes longer to get the food to the tables. Oh well, life is not perfect.



So today, bundle up if you are on the east coast. I hear the temperature is below the below and there is more snow to contend with. I miss seeing the first snow fall in all its beauty, but I can assure you I do not miss the cold blustery winter days when it turns to slush and ice. I have enough of a heating bill right here. Go about carefully, don't forget your smile and for heavens sake eat a healthy lunch in your favorite place be it a Taco Bell or a Big Mac, or a sandwich made at home with a good friend. Enjoy your seconds and share a hug. Hugs to all.

Faith, Hope and Charity

I knew there was a lot of different types of cancer, but had no idea there were as many. This picture shows sixteen types of cancer and each one of us knows some one person with one of them. My friend, Tanie, was diagnosed several years ago with lung cancer and she was told she did not have, or could not expect, a lot of time . . . time, which we sometimes waste does become a a prime factor on how we spend our seconds. Tanie is a fighter and she started treatments of radiation and chemotherapy. She has been through four complete sessions and gained five more years, and hopefully many more. The treatments have kept the cancer from spreading rapidly, but it has not cured it but has left her feeling weaker and slower so she has recently moved into assisted living. She didn't want to stay alone, or depend on daily help from her family. She wants her Independence and she wants to be around people so she can share her wonderful sense of being. Her sister used to tease her about who was the cutest . . . well I think she proved she is.

the candle is to remind us to keep our prayers and thoughts for all of those suffering from one type of cancer or the other. It reminds us of the light it brings into our world and it helps us to remember that each one needs the light to show them the way.

So today, a chilly Tuesday back east where the temperatures have gone below the below zero and it is difficult to be outdoors when the chill factor bites your very nose. Go carefully, and don't go if you can stay put withing the warmth of your home. You can find better things to do than slip and slide outdoors in the cold. Find a candle and light it and say a small prayer for the cancer victims and ask for a big miracle. . . a cure. When I light my candles this month, I will remember to ask for winter to leave . . .

"Winter is leaving, slowly it seems/trees still naked, gray and stark,/benches free, not a soul in the park/ familiar roads turning and twisting/high rocks of granite/sunshine glistening/ box elder with burls, old and gnarled/ standing gray and bent, getting ready to bloom/ as the sap runs up from winter gloom.

Winds are shifting,up high in the sky/clouds thready patterns please the eye/winter is leaving, slowly it seems/the sap is running to the top of the trees, buds are forming, soon leaves will abound/slowly and surely spring comes around." J.M.S.

The cartoon for the day . . . like the poem about winter leaving, the events of the day are changing. Watch, and wait. . . soon there will be good news, after all election time will be coming around and it always seems to bring some changes with it. Let us hope and pray for some good ones as we all need a boost to our morale.

So today, make it the best you can no matter if you are inside or out. Know that you are pretty well off in comparison to a lot of folks in your abilities to get ahead in your world both physically and mentally. So be thankful you are healthy, wealthy and wise and share the hugs as they are only good for what ails you. Hugs to all.

Sharon's Latest

My friend, Sharon Guinn, has been down with a flu bug over the holidays and was not about to lay abed and wish herself better, but got out her paints and did six new paintings which she will be entering in shows this spring. She called the 'girls', "Winter Faces" , and we all know just how they feel. It has been along hard winter with freezing temperatures and, for those of you who live in the snow country, you certainly got more than your share. Speaking of snow, granddaughter Erin is up in the snow country snow boarding along with her students and a few other faculty members. They are having a ball and are enjoying every minute on the mountain tops. I am waiting patiently of news of the trip. It will be interesting to find out how the girls did and how many have been snow boarding before. I also wonder if it is easier than using skies. Back in our days we were lucky we had a Flexible Flyer and a hill to slide down. I did go down a mountain side once on a big inner tube and that was exciting with only the body to steer.

How about the "Giraffe with Blue Eyes"? What a whimsy and what a personality. Sharon has a wonderful sense of whimsy which shows in her 'not serious, art work. There is a lot of thought and talent to bring out this whimsical side of her, remember the fisherman which was on an older blog not too long ago? He was something else again. If I need a smile I know where to go.

So today, find a reason to smile. I'm off to make my coffee and wake up. It is Monday . . . the very first day of your new week. I wonder what challenges you will face . . . another snow storm, well you know how to handle that . . . just know that you can handle anything that comes your way, after all, you have faith, hope and charity, so keep that in mind and have a tony the tiger greeeeaattt day! Hugs to all.