copy-paste, copy-paste! Hey!!

Three friends from a local congregation were asked, 'when you're in your casket, and friends are mourning over you, what would you like them to say?


Artie said: 'I would like them to say I was a wonderful husband, a fine spiritual leader, and a great family man.'

Eugene commented: 'I would like them to say I was a wonderful teacher and a servant of God who made a huge difference in people's lives.'

Tom said: 'I'd like them to say, 'Look, he's moving!'
 
This was in some e-mail sent to me.  I am just so dang happy that I can copy and paste onto my blog now it is hard to tell what might show up here.  Look Out CoffeePot!
 

It has been great to be back in my little book store after our vacation.  Sometimes togetherness just gets to be a little much and you need some space.  But have to say the store has been pretty busy.  Don't know if its the cooler weather or what.  But I will take it!
Been working most of the day off and on to get my Oct. column done for the newspaper.  I read the trilogy by Steig Larsson this last month: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Girl who Played with Fire, and The Girl who Kicked the Hornet's Nest. That was quite a feat to get all three of them done on time.  What happened to the time I just read for the fun???
 
Thought for the day:
The reason Politicians try so hard to get re-elected is that they would 'hate' to have to make a living under the laws they've passed.

Out of the mouth of babes

Subject: Truth

I was eating lunch on the 20th of February with my 7 year-old granddaughter and I asked her, "What day is tomorrow?"

She said, "It's President's Day!" (She is a smart kid.)

I asked, "What does President's Day mean?" I was waiting for something about Washington or Lincoln... etc.

She replied, "President's Day is when President Obama steps out of the White House, and if he sees his shadow we have one more year of unemployment."


You know, it hurts when hot coffee spurts out your nose...

Wyoming trip

Been gone for a week.  Hubby and I took his sister with us on a trip to Wyoming.  We had a good cloudy day to start with, then second day headed north from Limon Co. and drove many miles in heavy fog and drizzle.  It was my turn to be driving.  Hubby didn't like me following a truck and I know he wanted me to go around but I liked following something to look at and not stare at that fog.  Anyway that was the only bad weather. Got to Saratoga on Thurs evening and stayed till Mon AM. 

The picture is of the Platte River at Saratoga.  On Sat. we did a float trip with a guide down 6 miles of the river, it was 37 degrees when we started.  Caught quite a few fish.  Hubby caught all German Brown Trout and I caught the Rainbows.  BUT, they were all over 16 inches so were released back to the river.  (POUT)  The guide said we might have to go to the lake to "kill" some fish.  We did try that the next day (twice) but only "killed" one nice big rainbow.  So didn't have to worry about how to get "all" the fish home.   We were watch by 4 young bald eagles as they circled above us, then we say a mature one in a tree with his beautiful white head.  I took some video but with my little camera it left alot to be desired.

We drove up into the Medicine Bow forest in the Snowy Mountain range east of Saratoga.  It is awesome up there.  It was a clear beautiful day.  I took this picture from up near the top.

I just did Blogger's update and I think I am liking it.  I see I can now add pictures in the middle of my text instead of all of them being stacked together.  Always wondered how other folks did that.  LOL
I don't think that you will find these heads in your local grocery store, unless you are in Wyoming!

We toured the museum at Encampment, south of Saratoga and were treated with this 2 story outhouse.

Of course the guy told the story of how it was used.  See when the snow gets deep in the winter they closed off the lower level, (after raising the seats). Then you had to go up the stairs and use the upper level.  Now how cleaver was that?                                                                                                      

Thought for the day:  The older we get, the fewer things seem worth waiting in line for.

Men!

Can't live with them, can't live without them. Right? At least that is how the old saying goes. Oh, I think the rest of it is that you can't shoot them either.

I think men really are from Mars. How can we say something and have it so distorted in their minds that what they end up thinking is not at all what we said or meant. An example that I can use is one of my own.

Me: Honey we are about out of milk.

He hears: Why didn't you buy milk today instead of sitting on your butt watching TV all day.

And the other thing, they are supposed to be so tough and macho. But if that is the case why do we have to be so careful about their feelings? We try to avoid saying things that might let them think they are not manly. My hubby thinks that only woosies take a nap. So he tries real hard to not take a "nap" when I am around. I try to tell him that at his age it is actually good for him to take a little nap after lunch. All the Dr. reports say it is. But he grew up tough and was taught that you didn't cry, nap, or let your shoes go unshined.

So tell me do men really come from Mars?

Who is blond?

My friend Llynn and I were doing some carpenter work on a Habitat for Humanity House.

Lynn was nailing down house siding, she would reach into her nail pouch, pull out a nail and either toss it over her shoulder or nail it in.

I figured this was worth looking into, so asked "why are you throwing those nails away?"

Lynn explained, "when I pull a nail out of my pouch, about half of them have the head on the wrong end and I throw them away." (dumb blond)

I got upset and yelled, "you moron! Those nails aren't defective? They're for the other side of the house!"

thought for the day: The statics on sanity in America is that 1 out of every 4 suffer from some form of mental illness. Think of your 3 best friends, if they are OK then it's YOU.

A good haul

Looks like we are finally going to get some cooler weather and maybe get into fall without dehydrating ourselves down to one of those dried apple people that you see in the fall.

Stopped at 2 garage sales this morning on way to store, after I made a trip to the recycle center to leave off all our "stuff". Got a new leather purse for $2. Then used a Walmart bag for the "fill your bag for $3" Got 2 pair of jeans, a new pair of cool shoes for grand daughter that are high top with lots of those silver studs all up the sides, plus 2 large items that I loved the color and will cut up for my crafting. So I think I did pretty dang good.

I will post a picture of what I do with alot of my fabric. I really enjoy making these bowls on the sewing machine. Must have about 30 of them now. When my sister tries to get me to quilt, I say I need projects where I get instant gratification. I am just that way!

Thought for the day: Our life is frittered away by detail..... Simplify, simplify--- Thoreau

I know you are there.

This is to Mystery Guy out there, I am following your blog, but I can't leave comments. Any suggestions, I tried twice. Anyway good luck to your college daze.

What the heck!

I was walking past a mental home today and heard them all shouting 13..13..13..13..13...... I wanted to know what was going on, so I looked through a hole in the fence, and some guy poked me in the eye and then they all started shouting 14..14..14..14.....!

Our privacy?

I wonder how others feel about their privacy on their blogs. I have tried over the years to maintain my privacy on this blog as far as saying names of family, where I really live and all that. Like maybe someone will stalk me and steal my computer or husband.
Is anything really safe when you put yourself out there on the internet in a blog site? Probably if someone really wanted my husband they could figure out who I was and come ring my door bell.
The reason I am pondering is that I have started another blog about my book store and want it to be open with all my info on it sort of to promote it. Other family members with a business seem to be doing it, complete with phone numbers, hours, specials, and all the rest.
So I am thinking I am just a tiny grain of sand in this big universe of internet jibberish and who really cares except the few who wonder my way and may find I have something interesting to say.
So there you are. Do you feel safe with putting yourself out THERE?

Small hands can move mountains

Within just a few minutes of this big horsefly hitting the window and knocking itself out this army of ants jumped into action and proceeded to carry it across the sidewalk and down into the rocks. It is amazing what their strength is when they all work together. Can't you just hear them?

Hey Charlie grab that wing and lets go! Come on guys keep up, lets get this hidden before that creature with the camera gets that big spray gun out again! Joe, run ahead and get a room cleared out for this mother!

Oh, it doesn't take much to entertain me! Maybe I need to wash that window.

A bird in the hand!

Isn't this a pretty little guy? I was sitting on my front porch having my morning coffee and this guy crashed into our living room window. He laid on his back for a bit, so I turned him over and went for the cell phone to take this picture. I left him sitting on the sidewalk for awhile and about an hour later I walked up to him and he flew off into the tree. So I guess he is ok. Tough little guy. The cardinal that hit one of the windows a couple weeks ago wasn't so lucky.

Looks like we might be getting some change in weather here in the midwest. Have had enough rain now that the lawn will need mowed again. Everyone is so ready for a cooler fall. To big brother in NC batten down the hatches! Hope you don't get to bad a hit from this hurricane coming your way.

Thought for the day: The moments of happiness we enjoy take us by surprise. Its not that we seize them, but that they seize us---Ashley Montague

Minor Miracle (is that an oxymoran?)

Boy, on Monday I was up to my armpits in books!! I was lucky enough to get a tip on an estate sale about 50 miles away. I ended up getting some pictures of a room full of books via the phone and made an offer, sight unseen. That was on Sat. So on Monday I wrangled the hubby to go with me with a two wheeler and his new knee to go haul books. Ended up we couldn't get them all in the small pickup, oh, I had added a bookcase on top too.

Since we were fairly close to my daughter we went over there, picking up burgers and frys on the way.After we had been there awhile, hubby noticed that he was missing his pocket knife. He had used it to cut a rope to tie down the book case. Well dang, it was old anyway, he had carried it for at least 50 years. Well you won't believe this but as we were admiring our load with the "kids" there was his knife, with blade open, laying on the back bumper!! We had driven 10 miles on a freeway, made several turns and a big bump at McDonalds. Isn't that something??

I went back down to get the rest of the books on Tue. and the "kids" met me at Dennys and fed me some eggs and coffee. Wasn't that sweet of them? They followed me to help with the books and the gal running the sale ended up donating a lift chair and some other handicapped equip to the ALS group that the "kids" are affiliated with. See he as ALS and they can all use the help and support they can get.

So its a beautiful world, don't care if the stock market is in the drink. Shouldn't have bought stock anyway, What Was I Thinking??

Thought for the day: Everyday people are straying away from church and going back to God--Lenny Bruce

Maybe we need this for a new flag

Today the government announced that it's changing the flag to a condom, because it more accurately reflects the governments political stance. A condom allows for inflation, halts production, destroys the next generation, protects a bunch of dicks, and gives you a sense of security while you're actually being screwed!

How do you spell relief??

Hey I'm from Iowa and I love the thunder! What a good show the other day and we were so hungry for some rain that I sat on the front porch and captured this. It has helped cool us down so that 90's sound pretty darn good. We got a little over 2 inches out of this rain and have had another 1/2 inch since. Our yard that was crunchy as cornflakes is greening up again.

Hope my little thunder show plays ok.

Thought for the day: The meek shall inherit the earth, but not the mineral rights---John Paul Getty

Can your heart feel sick?

This is a picture taken (2007) of part of our 20 acres little farm that we owned from 1989 to 1996 then again from 2005 to 2007. We put alot of money, heart, and soul into that place. The last time we sold it, we thought we had good buyers, so we floated their down payment, and they have been good to make their payments to us. But, (there is always a but) the couple separated last year and the wife has struggled to keep the place. This month she gave up and has put it back on the market to sell. She has to get enough to pay off the orig loan, pay us, plus the realtor. I don't think it will happen.

I went out to the place last nite to barter with her to buy a big floor loom that she has. She only wanted 200$ for it. I am getting a good deal, took 200$ off what she owes for this month. But(there is that But again) when I got there, my heart just broke. The place is so run down, the pasture ruined, hasn't been baled in 3 years. The yard is a mess, big holes in it where the 2 big dogs dig. The flower beds are just big weed patches. The garage is a mess, and the big loft above the garage is trashed up. That's where the loom is.

We go out Monday to get the loom and I hate for hubby to see the place. He took such pride in keeping the yard mowed and edged. Even mowed around the edge of the pasture fence. Now grass is growing up in the asphalt driveway. piles of firewood by the back door and the flower beds beside the deck have been plowed up by the dogs to be dusting beds for them.

I saw the pictures she put on the Internet and the inside looked pretty nice, but anyone without alot of imagination will not be able to see any potential there.

I am just sick, almost hard to find joy in finding the loom. Have been wanting a big floor loom for along time and this looks like a nice one. She had moved it from Nebraska last year after her great aunt died.

Of course now the worry we have is that we will have to fight to get our money from her now. Going to check with the realtor to see if she sells it for less to cover her bank mortgage are we just left with her owing us the loan we made. I know if she defaults on the loan (and that could happen) we set it up for us to have first option to pick up the loan and keep the farm to try to re-sell. But at our age we don't have it in us to clean that mess up. (I think) Besides we wouldn't be able to take over the high payments that they have.

So my hope is that someone will buy it.

Thought for the day: Out of my mind. Back in five minutes.

Super Slid

This picture "could" be my daughter at about this same age, doing this same thing. Sliding down a humongous slide on a gunny sack. I remember standing at the bottom (out of the way) where they let folks stand and I think she had that same look on her face. I probably scarred her for life. Probably she has blocked this event from her memory to avoid wanting to come looking for me some dark night to get revenge! LOL

Thought for the day: All Kookies aren't in a jar

The Journey

It is good to have an end to journey toward: but it is the journey that matters, in the end.
Ursula K. LeGuin

Catch of the day!

This is the smallest fish I have ever caught! It even swallowed the hook and worm, only the tip end of the hook was showing. It has blue in its mouth and the fins have a sort of prehistoric look as they fan out. We were told that in the lake where we fished these are the primary food source for the German Brown Trout.

I actually thought I caught a German Brown, as I was reeling in what felt like a pretty good size fish, hubby netted it for me and I saw the brown sides and was wow, I finally caught one. Well it turned out to be the biggest sucker fish I ever caught. So two for two!

We were at a lake about 75 miles from home. It was so good to leave early Sun. when the sky was cloudy and as we got deeper into the Ozarks we noticed that the outside temp was only climbing into the low to mid 80's and it was raining off to the east of us. We fished twice on Sunday from the marina dock at the resort where we stayed. It was so good to get sprinkled on and feel the cool breeze coming to us off the lake. Was worth the drive. At home it is still over 100 every day.
Only stayed the one night as we were sharing the resort with my brother and his wife, they came in later on Monday and stayed over till sometime on Tue. It was a little wedding gift to them that finally got used.

When we got home found that SIL was not feeling well, so got her a Dr. apt lined up and took her to get some lab done. At 86 she is doing pretty well but has some trouble with swallowing and feeling full way to soon. (she barely weighs 100 #) I know the Dr. will run a bunch of tests, but my diagnosis is stenosis of the esophagus but will wait and see as she also has a heart condition and high pressure in her lungs that could be causing it. She will just hate it if she has to have more medication.

Thought for the day: Everyone has a photographic memory----some just don't have film.

Two fish swam into a concrete wall. The one turns to the other and says "Dam!"

All any one wants to talk about here is the heat and the beetles. The heat we can't control, but hubby is waging war on the beetles. They are the small Japanese beetles. They love blooms and tender leaves. Especially fond of roses and crepe myrtle. Hubby makes several rounds a day with a spray bottle of insecticide and give them spritzes. Seems spraying the whole bush doesn't last very long. I made the rounds last pm and lost track after counting 120 on 6 bushes. Late evening is a good time to get a bunch.

Headed out to our timeshare this weekend. Wish we could know what the weather will be when I book these things. Have another booking in Sept. Maybe it will be cooler by then. Hope to fish early morning in the lake close to the resort. At least drown a worm or two.

Thought for the day: Patience is the ability to idle your motor when you feel like stripping your gears!

Creative totes

These are tote bags in Europe. I want some!! They must have a great sense of humor over there.

Patriotic Sunday

This is the view off my front porch this last weekend. What a beautiful day. Of course it got up to 100 by 1pm. But the mornings are wonderful.

Refrigerator Pickles

Wow 2 posts in one day. But wanted to share this really good, really easy pickle receipt for those who have cucumbers coming out their ears by now.

6 cups sliced cucumbers
2 cups sliced onions
Layer these in a big crock or glass bowl
Mix:
1 1/2 cups vinegar (apple cider type)
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 t. salt
1/2 t. celery seed
1/2 t. mustard seed
1/2 t. tumeric
Bring to boil then pour over cucumbers and onions. Let cool, then cover and store in refrigerator.
The biggest problem is to try not to eat any for at least one week.
They are crisp and yummy and keep well in the refrig unless of course you eat them up to fast, then you just have to make more.
I have a freezer receipt I will have to find and it is really good and works wonderfully even though you can't imagine making pickles in the freezer.

Thought for the day: A sign I saw once: If idiots were airplanes, this would be an airport!

It is so Hot, How hot is it?

Its so hot the squirrels are handling their nuts with pot holders!

The picture is of a humming bird moth that was lunching on my flowers in front of my store. You may have to click on it to enlarge it and also turn your head sideways. Heck while you are at it you may as well just stand on your head! What do you expect from a cheap camera phone?

Heat:: No end in site for now, I feel sorry for any one who may not have air conditioning, and what about all the people who have to work outside? It must be brutal. Volunteers are still coming into Joplin to help with cleaning up the debris. They say that about 60% has been hauled to land fills. They hope to have all cleared up by the first of Aug. Some are rebuilding homes, the city is working hard to try to plan things out, as this is an opportunity to make changes, like more parks, sidewalks, wider streets, and such. I noticed that Home Depot has a humongous tent up that they are working out of as they start to build the new store.

Well better go, got other fish to fry, may try the sidewalk with a little pam sprayed on first.

Thought for the day: Its so hot I discovered that it only takes 2 fingers to drive the car.

Shouldn't have been surprised!

For our amusement (I think) hubby put cracked corn in the yellow tub for the deer. Since they come up to drink from the bird bath and now are nibbling on the tomato vines. Why not lure them further by putting a tub out for them.

Well it didn't take but a couple hours before a squirrel decided it was his private stash. Boy was he in heaven, well tub. I tried several times to post a video clip here (wouldn't work) as it was so much fun watching the squirrel pop his head up and eat from his paws then disappear down in the tub. He kept it up for at least 30 min. But now at nite the tub is knocked over and I spotted a raccoon one nite after dark, so the tub will have to go.

You know when you get old and bored you do nutty things. Like when we lived out on our little farm a few years ago we were washing off the big propane tank and found that the big horse flys liked to land on the wet tank. Since we had horses and they were pestered by the dang flys, we started wetting the tank in the evening and stood by with our fly swatters. Bet the neighbors thought we were nuts.

Thought for the day:

A smile- is a sign of joy.

A hug- is a sign of love.

A laugh- is a sign of happiness.

And a friend like me??

Heck...that's just a sign of good taste!!

Not so wild

Took this pic from my bedroom window, so sorry about the screen. Hubby has been putting extra cracked corn in our back driveway for the deer. We have one nursing Momma that is real thin and are glad to feed her. But this pair has been showing up lately just to get a drink from the bird bath. That is a young doe to the right at the bird bath, and on the left is a pretty little buck with forked horns that are in velvet. That is a black rubber pan on the ground for them to drink from. But the little girl just drained the birdbath. That is my little city garden that I hope they stay out of. I hung some old cd's on the tomato racks but they have nipped the tops off.
Wish I could get a pic of the "FAT" squirrels that love the deer corn too. Pretty soon they won't be able to climb the tree.

Update on the house wren that is nesting in the gourd off the deck. They have been carrying little bugs and worms into that nest for several weeks. Well it seems like it. Hubby thinks that the Mrs. is to lazy and Mr. is just feeding her. I say they have teenagers that won't leave home.

Thought for the day. HAPPY 4TH OF JULY TO EVERYONE. BE SAFE!

Great Grand Daughter has a new Daddy

Here they are headed to the church to get ready for the wedding and start their new lives together as a family.

I know I wasn't going to write anymore about the tornado, but the paper is so full of stories every day and it is hard to still not be attuned to all of it. I just read that 18,000 cars were destroyed! 18,000! When we were in Joplin last week we saw several really battered autos on the streets. I sort of felt like driving them was a badge of courage for those folks. I don't think I would get body work done if it still ran! There was a picture of a van (couldn't tell from the pic) They were thinking of keeping it somewhere where they are collecting stuff to form a sort of museum to show what damage a tornado can do. The guy had just bought it and didn't have insurance transferred yet. Went into Walmart to shop and was lucky he was alive!

There was also a long article about the areas hardest hit and destroyed that had been some of the oldest historic part of the city. So with the loss of these buildings goes the loss of alot of Joplin's history.

Thought for the day:: Good things are worth taking care of!

More on the Joplin tornado

Down by that white car and on the right was a huge building where I worked for 8 years, for a large home health agency. Its all gone now. My friend still works "there". She said there is a huge beam across her old desk. Thank God the tornado happened on a Sun evening, and not a work day. They are displaced, like about 500 other businesses, working out of a church till an office building in another part of town can be renovated for them. The paper is still just full of the stories of survival. One that tugs your heart was a young girl (I think 11 years old) that was at the Home Depot where several people died. She got a piece of angle iron driven thru her body from her shoulder down to her lower spine. She is a miracle as she is recovering. The death toll is up to 156 now, as some of the injuries were so sever that they just can't make it.

We had to go to Joplin last Tue for a follow up apt on hubby's knee. 3 mo. and he is doing very well. Did drive by the hospital and to see it in person just makes your mouth hang open. All windows blown out, cars still in parking lot and are all beat up. Across the street all the medical buildings are leveled. They are working on removal now. A huge scale operation. It is amazing how people from all across the country are showing up to help clean up.

Thought for the day: A man should forget his mistakes, there's no use in two people remembering the same thing.

Went to Joplin last week

These are just a few pictures I took last week in Joplin. What is so horrifying is that these were neighborhoods. So when you see the flat ground those were ALL homes! I am just amazed that more didn't die. I think the death toll is 150 now.

Some other facts that came out in the paper the other day: 6,954 homes destroyed, 359 homes with major damage, 516 with minor damage, 300 businesses destroyed or terribly damaged.

Those numbers are just staggering. I think I heard that 1/3 of Joplin was destroyed or damaged. Major businesses were: 1 large hospital, 2 fire stations, at least 3 churches, Walmart Super Center, Home Depot, Acadamy Sports, the high school and 2 or 3 other schools, Toyota dealership, and a big Pepsi Distribution center. Then there was all the beauty shops, fabric store, small restaurants, Salvation Army, and Goodwill stores. So hard to wrap your brain around something that caused so much damage.

I just hope that all the money being raised is going to go to the right people who need it.

So just wanted to share this little bit from my part of the world.

Thought for the day: Whenever I hear a mother talk about wanting time away from her kids I can't help but think: just wait 'til the time comes when you'd do anything to be with then.. (I found that somewhere and think its worth some thought)

My daughter is an awesome driver!

The second picture is of our EMERGENCY FLASHERS that I wish we had Monday!

Bet that got your attention huh? Actually coming back from Texas in nearly 100 degree heat we had a right front tire blow out. My daughter was really awesome, in guiding the van to the shoulder like an old pro! It happened on a stretch of highway that was about as good as it gets for having to pull over and change a tire on a freeway. You would have thought someone would stop to help, what with a guy in a W/C sitting off the road and 2 women trying to change the tire. But she did it!! I only got a tiny smudge of grim on my white pants, so you know how much help I was to her. We went on into the next town and waited over 2 hrs and got 4 new tires put on! Not taking any chances! Then on safely home.

Oh, the Canton Tx. First Monday Sales is awesome, just don't go in 98 degree weather. You won't see it all in a day that's for sure. And take a wheeled cart or be ready to buy one for about 25$ there. Was great we had one and carried our small cooler and booty in it.

It was a great trip, great time with daughter, her hubby to be and the grand daughter. We are all ready to do another road trip when it gets cooler!

Thought for the day: Mistakes are a part of being human. Appreciate your mistakes for what they are: precious life lessons that can only be learned the hard way. Unless it's a fatal mistake, which at least, others can learn from.

YeeHaw look out Texas

If I see this guy I will for sure stop and give him a ride. He may have to sit on my lap as we may be a little crowded.

Dtr. and her family and I are taking a little trip for a few days to Canton Texas. The First Monday Trade Day. Always the first Monday of each month and the weekend preceding. It is the biggest flea market, craft show in the USA. Guess it is hard to see it all in one day. Go to
firstmondaycanton.com if you are interested in learning more. We were going to go the first of May, but there were so many storms brewing up that we chickened out. Now it will be good and hot and sunny. But looking forward to the family time.

Made some excellent book deals this week. One was at an estate sale and all the books were free. Got about 150 books in pretty good condition. Then today I stopped at a garage sale and paid 10$ for a big box of over 90 of these Love Inspired Romance novels that my older ladies just love. All nearly brand new. So Yeah for me.
(I almost feel guilty)

Thought for the day: Some people have such a talent for making the best of a bad situation that they go around creating bad situations so they can make the best of them. (makes sense to me)

Feeling numb

Been trying all week to think about what to write. My words mean very little in the wake of all the loss of lives and property in Joplin. Joplin is our "go to city" All our shopping and Dr. apts. are there. Plus our favorite restaurants. We have kept a phone book out and when we think of a business we look up to verify what street it was on. Many are all gone. Others so damaged they won't be open for a long time. The stories I hear and read in the paper just makes you wince. Then I get angry when I hear of the people who go up just to "LOOK" Stay away! Let the crews do their jobs. And if you are able to volunteer then do so, or donate something. We don't have to go up for about 3 weeks for a Dr. apt. and that will be soon enough for me. Of course the Dr. office is no longer there so will have to find out where he has relocated. But any inconvenience I experience will be less than a drop in the ocean!

mercy.net/joplin/stories-of-mercy/45-seconds copy and past this site if you want to read an account of the ER Doctor at St Johns hospital that was on duty when it hit.

Thought for the day: Hug your love ones every chance you get.

Sister's dream

Got in a little walk this morning with my sister, and she told me about her vivid dream. So while I can remember it I just have to put it down here as it was pretty funny. It amazing how we incorporate our personal life into our dreams with world events.

In the dream she said her husband announced to her that Michelle Bachmann had died suddenly and since she (my sister) looked exactly like her (no she doesn't, lol) she should step into her place and run for president. My sister insisted that she had to finish her quilt before she could do anything else. See she is working on a handmade quilt for her grand daughter's wedding this fall. But her husband insisted that it would be awesome as she could preside as president and quilt at the same time. Then he quoted a sign that she has hanging in her sewing room that says: Just One More Row. Then he said, well are you going to run for president or quilt?? Then she woke up.

I think he watches too much Fox and she quilts too much. LOL

Thought for the day: "We could certainly slow the aging process down if it had to work its way thru Congress" --- Will Rogers

Funny phone call

I just got a call from someone asking to speak to the person who handles the ATT&T account. I told her I don't have ATT&T. She asked who we have and I said that we have a monopoly, and she about cracked up on the phone and thanked me and said Bye.

See we have one of those small town phone companies that actually do have a monopoly on us as we don't have a choice. Guess they were pretty darn smart years ago to run all their own lines and such.

Thought for the day: I have to walk early in the morning, before my brain figures out what I'm doing.

Another sign of spring

In my morning walks around town, I have been passing this little pasture. For several weeks there was a little (and I mean little) stallion that was pacing the fence, I could see into the front of this little barn and could see another small horse in there. I figured she was ready to have her baby. Well yesterday when I walked by, the stallion was penned up and lo and behold there were 3 mares in the pasture with 2 of the cuties little colts. Don't know if they are small Shetlands or miniature horses. Looks like they might come up to my waist on the shoulder. Aren't the cute little critters? Makes me miss our little farm, well at least for a few minutes. We enjoyed all our critters but it was alot of work and expense. big sigh!

Thought for today: Good questions outrank easy answers. Now think that one over a bit.

My number 2 pet peeve: Lack of Pride

After that silly post a couple days ago about the "crack" it got me to thinking. ( I know I have to be careful of that activity) But what ever happened to our pride? Do people just wake up and decide they will wear pants that show their crack to the world. Or did we just sort of slide into this pattern of "who cares"? I know when I worked in the prison I felt the pants riding on God knows what, was mostly a way for them to show disrespect, but I digress.

We live in a country of excess. And what do we do with our excess? Why we throw it out the window as we drive down the road, of course! How silly of me to think that we should have some pride in our self and our environment. As I was taking my walk this morning I met up with a sweet older couple that I see alot. They park by the little city park every morning and she takes off walking a few blocks while her husband walks slowly with his bucket and a pair of those pick up tong things. They are well up in their 80's but they set such a wonderful example of the small things we can and should do to keep our space free of all the trash. I told her the other day that she is my inspiration. She was just beaming!

I know people aren't going to stop throwing out their drink cups and pop cans, but maybe "we" can set examples for them by being sensitive enough to take a min. to pick up when we can. So I will start carrying a plastic bag in my back pocket and at least pick up the cans as I walk. (we used to do that when we fished around a lake and pick up fishing line to keep the critters from getting hung up in it)

I just noticed that the picture I chose to illustrate a trash can really isn't want I wanted, but I can't figure out how to delete it. It sort of shows a homeless man and I don't mean to say that a homeless person would have to pride. So forgive me if you think I meant that.

OK that is Pet Peeve no. 2, now when I can remember what no. 1 is I will write about it later.

Thought for the day:We don't receive wisdom: we must discover it for ourselves.

I don't think Walmart has enough spackle to fill this crack!

This was sent to me in an e-mail with alot of similar "ugly" pictures of people shopping at Walmart. You know Sat. I went to Walmart in the evening. Let me tell you that is a bad time to shop. But I did notice some pretty gross people. I am pretty forgiving, and understand that alot of folks don't have much money, but give me a break, stuff like this picture is not an accident. I did catch myself staring at a guy as I was leaving the check out stand. He was rather large and (excuse me) ugly. He had his head shaved except for this circle on top that was about the size of a cereal bowl and the hair was about 2 inches long and sort of curled nicely under at the edges. Ugh! I am sure the Honey he had at his side thought he was a darling.

Thought for the day: Guess its true, there IS someone for everyone. Just have to look or maybe just go to Walmart.

Happy Mr. Wren

Hope this will play OK, it is my first try at posting a video. The wrens were back this morning and adding to their furniture. Just wanted to share their happy song!

Spring is here, birds are doing their thing!

I just hung the Gourd bird house 2 days ago. About died laughing last pm watching Mr. Wren try to carry twigs into the small opening. I thought he had it when he got on the railing and kept working on the twig, it was about 10 in. long. He finally had ahold of the end so I thought he had it as he hopped up and kept trying to thread it into the hole, but then he dropped it. Next twig was much smaller and fit. This morning early we heard alot of chitter/chatter going on and I stood again at the window and here is what I heard:

Pop: Well Honey, what do you think of the new house I found?

Mom: Well it looks pretty good Tweet Thing, but it is awful close to that big house.

Pop: Oh, Fluffy Stuff, they won't bother us, but what about that strange red house with the tiny guys slurping up that juicy stuff.

Mom: I don't think they will be bad if they don't fight to much, I hear they are known for that, Sweetums.

Pop: Did you notice how we have our own perch on top to sit and watch over our estate, Sugar Beek?

Mom: Oh yes, and how nice it will be to have the babies swinging when the wind blows, (I think she was blushing)

Pop: Jumping up and down, so excited, he dropped the twig he was holding.

Sad Day

I just found out that my old blog site has finally shut down! I posted on it for 5 or 6 years. I liked the site as I could do photo albums that were cool and I had lots of pictures on it. I got a message that it was closing down a few months ago and really tried to activate it so I could transfer it to another location. But guess since I hadn't used it for over a year I was locked out and have moved and have a different e-mail that made it impossible to get in. So I am stuck here with this one which I have come to love. It has some great features. Wonder how many years I can write my drivel and it still be out there in cyber space?

So goodbye to my old site.

Isn't is silly to feel a loss over something like this when there is so much tragedy going on with all the tornadoes tearing up the country. But maybe we need to have some silliness to balance us.

Thought for the day: Ever wonder why it is that Conservatives are called the "right" and Liberals are called the "left"? This verse in the Bible explains: "The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of the fool to the left." Ecclesiastes 10:2 Amen

A picture is worth 1,000 words

I have mentioned before that my hubby hates to have his picture taken. This is an example of what I have to put up with when I try to take his picture. He moves real fast so it will be messed up. But while I am on the subject of pictures I want to share my thoughts about pictures.

Have you ever looked back at pictures of yourself, family and friends and wistfully wished that you still looked like that? I think we all do it. I used to be blond, for alot of years till about 4 years when I let it go natural to my "steel" gray. But when I see pictures of my blond hair I sort of wish it were still blond, then I realize that I am not that age either, so there lies the real wish I think.

I have recently been looking at pictures of my hubby when he was a young man and I didn't know him then. I feel that wistfulness that I wish I could have known him when he was young. But you know what I have come to realize? I do know him and he is right here beside me. We are all just the same as when we were young. Inside we are who we are no matter the age. We may have gray hair, sags, wrinkles, and weak legs but that's just on the outside. Inside we still have that smooth skin, strong muscles, and dance in our step.

Thought for the day: We all get heavier as we get older, because there's alot more information in our heads. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Good Days of Fishing

My hubby is pretty sneaky about letting me take his picture, so this is a favorite of him doing what he likes best. Sitting at a beautiful lake in Colorado catching trout. Now this is really the tough life, as we were able to just back the pickup right to the waters edge and use the tailgate to manage our bait. These were scrappy fish with pink meat like a salmon. This picture was almost 2 years ago. Maybe we will make it back there again one day. There is a great campground up in the trees. The top picture was taken from our camp site looking out to the lake late in the evening. Other than the cows that wondered thru camp in the evening it was very peaceful. We were in the open range area. Oh, and that scratching that I heard under the edge of the tent trailer that I was sure was a bear. Well it could have been!! You laugh like my husband!

Thought for the day: If you can't afford a doctor, go to an airport- you'll get a free x-ray and a pat down, and if you mention Al Queda, you get a colonoscopy.

Sad story

This is a touching story of two brothers seperated at birth, a story of life and death, and the cruel twist of fate. Happy Easter

I am more than just a number!

Ok, I forewarn you, this is a rant today!

Being in the medical profession for over 35 years I feel I have some perspective on health care. This week I had to have 2 procedures done and I get so dang mad at how medical care makes you feel like you are stupid or just a number.

The first apt. was to an ear specialist to have my ears cleaned, (I have to have this done every few years it seems) Anyway I have crappy insurance at the present as I carry a policy from retirement from another state. There are no preferred providers now in my area. The Doctors are about all OWNED by the hospitals and the hospital that was on my provider list dropped my ins. co. So being an honest person when I filled out my papers for the apt. I listed my insurance since they do pay 50% for services not in network. After my 5 min. procedure. I was told I owed $170. And they do not bill out of network ins. So I asked if the $170 was the cash amount since I had to pay the full amount and she said no, it was the insurance rate and since I do have insurance they are required to charge that amount. So I gritted my teeth and paid her, then asked for a receipt and she said she couldn't do that. It came from the hospital billing dept!!! I couldn't believe it. I said, "you mean I write you a check and you can't give me a receipt??? I bet you hate your job." And she said yes she did hate her job. When I told my sister that she said that when her husband went in to this same office they paid $135 for office call and told them they didn't have insurance. Even though they did, but knew it would not cover the services. This is just plain nuts!

Then I went for my repeat mammogram, (they saw a dark spot 6 mo. ago so had a repeat) So after waiting after the procedure, the tech came in with a slip of paper that told me to come back in 6 mo for my routine annual exam that they didn't need to do the ultra sound this time. That's it! After I got in the car, I thought dang how impersonal! I feel that the radiologist could have taken 5 minutes to review things with me, like did it go away? or was there no change? So guess I will wait till the Dr. gets a report and go get a copy and see what was said. Oh, and I don't have a Dr. He left the facility in Feb. and I haven't seen the other Dr. And you guessed it, they are affiliated with the Hospital and not on a preferred list now. So I have to pay out of pocket and bill ins. myself to see if I can get the 50% back.

Please tell me it will be easier when I get on medicare! Husband has medicare and a supplemental and it seems to be working well, so far.

OK on the more humble side, I am thankful to have clean ears and to have an OK mammogram.

Thought for the day: Walking can add minutes to your life. This enables you at 85 years old to spend an additional 5 months in a nursing home at $7000 per month.

Spring, oh beautiful spring

This is a little bird house I made yesterday from an old gourd that I had saved for several years. And the dogwood tree in the back yard is in full bloom. Getting spring fever to work in the flower beds and go buy lots of plants. Just have limited space to plant. Been digging up around my little book store and moving some plants there. Guess its the old Iowa farmer in me! They won't laugh when I am harvesting my corn!

This next thing was posted on my FB by my niece and I like it so much that I put it here to share:

Dear Congress, Last year I mismanaged my funds and this year I cannot decide on a budget. Until I have come to a unified decision that fits all of my needs and interests, I will have to shut down my checkbook and will no longer be able to pay my taxes. I'm sure you'll understand. Thank you very much for setting an example we can all follow.

Ain't it the truth? Guess that will be my thought for the day, unless you want to hear me grip about medical stuff. No? Well next time for sure.

Copy, paste

> ABOUT AS GOOD AS IT GETS FOR ME!
>
>

> Having arrived at the Gates of Heaven, Barrack Obama
> meets a man with a
> beard. 'Are you Mohammed?' he asks. 'No my son, I am
> St. Peter; Mohammed is higher up.' Peter then points to
> a ladder that rises into the clouds .
>
> Delighted that Mohammed should be higher than St. Peter,
> Obama climbs the
> ladder in great strides, climbs up through the clouds
> and comes into a
> room where he meets another bearded man. He asks again,
> 'Are you Mohammed?'
>
>
> 'Why no he answers, I am Moses; Mohammed is higher still
> .'
>
> Exhausted, but with a heart full of joy he climbs the
> ladder yet again,
> he discovers a larger room where he meets an angelic
> looking man with a
>
>
> beard. Full of hope, he asks again, 'Are you Mohammed?'
> 'No, I am Jesus, the Christ...you will find Mohammed
> higher up. '
>
> Mohammed higher than Jesus! Man, oh man! Obama can
> hardly contain his delight and climbs and climbs ever
> higher. Once again, he reaches an even larger room
> where he meets this truly magnificent looking man with a
> silver white beard and once again repeats his question:
>
> "Are you Mohammed?" he gasps as he is by now, totally
> out of breath from all his climbing. 'No, my son.... I
> am Almighty God, the Alpha and the Omega, but you look
> exhausted. Would you like a cup of coffee?"
>
> Obama says, "Yes please"! As God looks behind him, he
> claps his hands and yells out: "Hey Mohammed-two
> coffees!""
>
> Keep your trust in God...your president is an idiot...
>
>

Sweatin to the Oldies

Getting warm to early in the AM. Did my walk this morning and was rather sweaty when I got back. Dang I hate that! Sort of puts a new meaning to sweating to the oldies huh?

Hubby was able to ride the lawn mower yesterday and had all the front yard mowed by the time I got home. He is such a good hard working man. Guess I will keep him. Did I mention I built a planter in front of my store? Looks pretty darn good if I do say so myself. Already filled up with assorted plants from my home and from my sisters. I do one one that is questionable though. It was attached to some dutch Iris plants and looked so pretty I planted it all by itself. But now it is looking rather suspicious to me. Probably a weed. Will let it bloom and see. Maybe a pretty weed.

Daughter and significant other, (don't like that term, when it is much more than that) are at an ALS ralley today. Wish I could have been there to lend my support. Maybe next time. A terrible disease that needs stamped out!

Thought for the day: I know I got alot of exercise the last few years,...... just getting over the hill.

Aspire to Inspire

As I took my early morning walk in town this morning, (yes its spring and I have tried to start up again), I noticed many of the same buildings and such that I saw when I last walked in the fall, and I thought of how they looked a little more run down than before. Then I noticed that I was walking a little slower than I probably was last fall. Guess the winter has been hard on all things. But the tulips are blooming and grass growing, so it give me hope to pick up my step a little and find something to smile about.

Was anxious to get the paper this week and see my column that I did for April. Like I hadn't already read it 10 times before I sent it in. But there is just something about seeing it in print that makes you feel good.

The picture is of the huge Bradford Pear tree that was blooming a week ago in our front yard. Blooms all gone now but beautiful new green leaves. The mocking bird has found us along with the pair of brown thrush that I love to watch. The squirrels are driving us nuts. Such pigs! Then the ground hog has come out from under the tool shed and is chowing down on the green grass.

Took hubby to Dr. on Wed for his 4 week check up and an xray of his new knee. Beautiful. It is amazing what they can do and how well he as done in only 4 weeks. No cane most of the time and able to drive himself to his out patient PT. Next post I will put the pic on.

Thought for the day: I let go of resistance and accept this moment exactly as it is--Deepak Chopra