Wednesday, January 31, 2007
For some unaccountable reason, Haloscam (yes, I meant "m") has decided that I cannot comment on a few blogs.
http://noaccentyet.blogspot.com/
EDIT: for some odd reason, I got the icky comment of the century down below and since I cannot delete it (what's up with that???), I am hiding the comments for this post.
I sit here and clickclickclick and click again on the "comments" window, but nothing happens. It really p*sses me off. This woman is funny. Really funny. How about you go read the last several posts and then tell her I sent you. I'm really upset that I can't tell her how funny she is, but maybe you can tell her for me. Okay? Her name is Tiff.
http://noaccentyet.blogspot.com/
EDIT: for some odd reason, I got the icky comment of the century down below and since I cannot delete it (what's up with that???), I am hiding the comments for this post.
Labels: Rants/suggestions
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Come Onna My House ~ c. 1950
This is the house we lived in from the time I was 8 1/2 until I was almost 13. See that old Victorian lamp in the window? I still have it. Maybe I'll take a photo of it tomorrow and show you what it looks like up close. Many was the time I rode my bike into that garage and sprinted up the stone steps, taking two at a time. Once I was headed up those steps at my usual warp speed, and on a step I skipped (thankfully) was a bevy of tiny baby copperheads. There had to be at least 8-9 of them. Knowing that wherever the babies are, the mother is not far behind, I completed the rest of the trip up to the house at even faster speed than before. About a week later, my mom and I were coming in from the grocery store, and I was walking up the steps with 2 full brown paper bags of food hiding my view.
All of a sudden, mom hollered, "Judy, STOP! Don't move! Set your bags down! Then I saw on the sidewalk at the top of the steps, a full-grown, 3 foot long copperhead. She was lying in the groove of the walkway, enjoying a sun bath. Lucky for me, she was either too lazy from the heat of the sun to move, or maybe she just hadn't seen me yet. I ran back down the steps, and mom asked me to go around the side yard to our tool house, and get a hoe. I got it, and mom chopped off the head of the snake. Have you ever seen the severed head of a copperhead? The mouth opens and closes repeatedly. I was told that will go on until sundown on that day. I didn't stick around to prove that, and mom gathered up the head and the body and disposed of them in a trash can.
We had only a tiny front porch, but that was the scene for many a "show", put on by a group of my girlfriends. Mom had a trunk full of old clothes, hats, shoes, even curtains in the basement, and we made good use of them, playing dress-up to our heart's content in the lazy summer days. We would pretend to be Broadway chorus girls or movie stars. Carmen Miranda was a fun person for us to mimic back then.
I remember getting a new puppy, after my favorite dog, a black cocker spaniel named Pud, was killed by a car. The new puppy was so tiny and sweet and she helped me to forget the grief I had for Pud. One morning when she was about 9 weeks old, I opened the basement door and called for her, and she didn't appear at the foot of the stairs. When I went to investigate, I found her lying on her side, foaming at the mouth. The vet said she had been poisoned, and we never found out how - or who did it.
The year before we moved from that house, my strongest memory is of the 12" snowfall we had one night; school was cancelled and we spent the day making snow angels. Snow icecream was eaten by the bowlful, as quickly as mom could make it.
Addendum: There are two older posts written about the times I spent in this home. You can find them in the archives for 6-15-05 and 6-9-05.
Labels: Homes of the Past
Monday, January 29, 2007
Leg Cramps
Have you ever had leg cramps at night? Leg cramps so bad that you have to get out of bed and walk around to relieve them?
The People's Pharmacy (Joe Graedon, Ph. D.)
The People's Pharmacy (Joe Graedon, Ph. D.)
has an old wives cure for you. Several people have written him in support of placing a bar of soap under your bottom bedsheet, at the area where your calves lie when you are in bed. No reason has been given as to why this will work, but it does for some people.
The first time I tried it, I kept feeling the bar of soap and waking up. Several days ago I placed a smaller, thinner bar of soap (hotel soap) under the bedsheet, but also under my feather-bed topper. I have not had any foot or leg cramps since then, and because the bar of soap is thinner, it doesn't wake me when I turn over. I take potassium pills daily, but I am still prone to foot and leg cramping.
Since the FDA recently pulled all quinine over-the-counter preparations, I thought some of you might want to try this, if you are plagued with cramps.
Addendum: I did this 6 nights ago and I have only had a small cramp, and only that one, since.
Labels: Medicine/Health
Punch and Judy
Mr. kenju, circa 1944. I didn't know him then, but I was told by family members that he was a perfect little devil. Still is. Loves to tease (particularly females!)
Judy, circa 1942. Ever the ham. I appear to have been conducting the orchestra in the right pic. On the left, I was getting "ready for my close-up, Mr. DeMille"
I hadn't seen this one for a while, and I was surprised to see it was not a real horse. In my memory of this photo, the horse was real - and he was on it - not in a carriage. Funny how the mind plays tricks like that.
If you are not familiar with the terms "Punch and Judy", read about them here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Punch_and_Judy
I hadn't seen this one for a while, and I was surprised to see it was not a real horse. In my memory of this photo, the horse was real - and he was on it - not in a carriage. Funny how the mind plays tricks like that.If you are not familiar with the terms "Punch and Judy", read about them here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Punch_and_Judy
P.S. I had to go on a detour through hell to get here tonight. Google/Blogger still refuses to recognize me most of the time, even though I get into gmail with no problem - and the username and password are the same. Could you get your act together guys? If you let me into gmail I should have NO problem getting into the Blogger dashboard and Picasa, should I?
Labels: Photos
Sunday, January 28, 2007
My, Me, Meme ~ I've been tagged
by Ronni Bennett at http://www.timegoesby.net/ to do this short and simple meme. I have a sort of love/hate relationship with memes, and whether or not I enjoy doing one is dependant on my attitude at the time. Since this one is short - only three questions - here goes:
My: What would I give my right arm for?
Being rather used to having it (I am right-handed), I cannot imagine anything I'd willingly give up that arm for. If it would result in world peace forever, then maybe I could be convinced.
Me. What's one word that describes how you want people to see you?
There are many I could choose, but I think caring is a good one.
Meme: If you could be any blogger, which blogger would you be and why?
While there are many people whom I have come to know, admire and care for through blogging, I cannot think of anyone I'd rather be. There are many people who are worthwhile enough to emulate, but I fear leaving someone off the list, so I won't name them. How's that for chickening out?
Now, I’m supposed to pass this on to others. If you feel like doing it - be my guest!
My: What would I give my right arm for?
Being rather used to having it (I am right-handed), I cannot imagine anything I'd willingly give up that arm for. If it would result in world peace forever, then maybe I could be convinced.
Me. What's one word that describes how you want people to see you?
There are many I could choose, but I think caring is a good one.
Meme: If you could be any blogger, which blogger would you be and why?
While there are many people whom I have come to know, admire and care for through blogging, I cannot think of anyone I'd rather be. There are many people who are worthwhile enough to emulate, but I fear leaving someone off the list, so I won't name them. How's that for chickening out?
Now, I’m supposed to pass this on to others. If you feel like doing it - be my guest!
Labels: Computer Troubles, Memes
Post # 1,000 (yeah, really, it is)
As you slide down the banister of life, remember.....
Jim Baker and Jimmy Swaggert have written an impressive new book. It's called "Ministers Do More Than Lay People."
My mind works like lightning. One brilliant flash and it is gone.
The only time the world beats a path to your door is if you're in the bathroom.
I hate sex in the movies. Tried it once. The seat folded up, the drink spilled and that ice, well, it really chilled the mood.
It used to be only death and taxes were inevitable. Now, of course, there's shipping and handling, too.
A husband is someone who, after taking the trash out, gives the impression that he just cleaned the whole house. (a personal favorite!)
A blonde said, "I was worried that my mechanic might try to rip me off. I was relieved when he told me all I needed was turn signal fluid."
I'm so depressed. My doctor refused to write me a prescription for Viagra. He said it would be like putting a new flagpole on a condemned building.
My neighbor was bit by a stray rabid dog. I went to see how he was And found him writing frantically on a piece of paper. I told him rabies Could be treated, and he didn't have to worry about a will. He said,"Will? What Will? I'm making a list of the people I want to bite."
As you slide down the banister of life, may the splinters never point the wrong way.
Labels: Jokes/Funny Stories
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Well, Glory Be!
And glorious she is. Her name is Angie, and she writes at:
http://www.bigredcouch.com/journal
and she is a GENIUS! I sent her the saved template and she got it all back for me and I still cannot believe it!!
There were two good things about the other template: 1. I did like that color; sort of a pea soup green and 2. They had a drop-down menu for the blog archives, which I think improves the look of the page, immensely.
Maybe someday I can have that and still maintain my old links and badges. I am just so indebted to Angie, not only for her expertise, but also her willingness to help.
Other people who bent over backward in giving me advice were Claude, of : http://covonline.net/ and also Carmi, of: http://writteninc.blogspot.com/
The niceness of all you guys on the web and on blogs will never cease to amaze me. You have restored my faith in the milk of humankindness!
http://www.bigredcouch.com/journal
and she is a GENIUS! I sent her the saved template and she got it all back for me and I still cannot believe it!!
There were two good things about the other template: 1. I did like that color; sort of a pea soup green and 2. They had a drop-down menu for the blog archives, which I think improves the look of the page, immensely.
Maybe someday I can have that and still maintain my old links and badges. I am just so indebted to Angie, not only for her expertise, but also her willingness to help.
Other people who bent over backward in giving me advice were Claude, of : http://covonline.net/ and also Carmi, of: http://writteninc.blogspot.com/
The niceness of all you guys on the web and on blogs will never cease to amaze me. You have restored my faith in the milk of humankindness!
Labels: Computer Troubles
HELP!
This is the worst day of my life.....or.....blogger/google better listen up!
Yesterday, I joined the ranks of "new bloggers", as I mentioned in the "old switcheroo". I said I wasn't going to change the template, but I very foolishly did. If you are computer illiterate, you had better not change your template without expert help standing by.
I saved the old template, as I had been told I could always go back to it if I wanted. I WANT, damnit, I WANT - and they will not accept my saved version of the old template, no matter how nicely I beg. Not only have I lost my statcounter, my newish blogroll and all the little gimmicks I had in the sidebar, but they refuse to reinstate them.
Today, blogger/google has decided (yet again) not to recognize me, except on special occasions - and I can't lock down when those are. It seems they have decided that they will recognize me by my gmail address and new password only once in a while. I had to try it 7-8 times before I got here this time, and now I can't remember how I did it, so I suspect that the next time I try to get into the dashboard, I will have the same trouble again. POOH!
I have read and clicked on every "fix" they mention in their help menus; nothing works. There is no email address (that I can find) to allow you to communicate directly with someone at Blogger/Google. Incidentally, don't you think they should change the name to Bloogle? I do.
I have tried to log on with the old blogger name and password, and I have tried it with the new google name and password (which has been changed) and they still will only allow access to the dashboard occasionally. I know I have the correct address and password, because they DO work part of the time.
One of the supposed perks of the "new blogger" was the quick edit button on the top bar. Well, my buttons don't work - no matter how many times I click them.
Here's what I hope will happen: 1. That Blogger will decide to use its own search feature and look for instances of the use of the name blogger or google, and discover my plea - or 2. One of you will know how to email them directly and will share the address with me.
Yesterday, I joined the ranks of "new bloggers", as I mentioned in the "old switcheroo". I said I wasn't going to change the template, but I very foolishly did. If you are computer illiterate, you had better not change your template without expert help standing by.
I saved the old template, as I had been told I could always go back to it if I wanted. I WANT, damnit, I WANT - and they will not accept my saved version of the old template, no matter how nicely I beg. Not only have I lost my statcounter, my newish blogroll and all the little gimmicks I had in the sidebar, but they refuse to reinstate them.
Today, blogger/google has decided (yet again) not to recognize me, except on special occasions - and I can't lock down when those are. It seems they have decided that they will recognize me by my gmail address and new password only once in a while. I had to try it 7-8 times before I got here this time, and now I can't remember how I did it, so I suspect that the next time I try to get into the dashboard, I will have the same trouble again. POOH!
I have read and clicked on every "fix" they mention in their help menus; nothing works. There is no email address (that I can find) to allow you to communicate directly with someone at Blogger/Google. Incidentally, don't you think they should change the name to Bloogle? I do.
I have tried to log on with the old blogger name and password, and I have tried it with the new google name and password (which has been changed) and they still will only allow access to the dashboard occasionally. I know I have the correct address and password, because they DO work part of the time.
One of the supposed perks of the "new blogger" was the quick edit button on the top bar. Well, my buttons don't work - no matter how many times I click them.
Here's what I hope will happen: 1. That Blogger will decide to use its own search feature and look for instances of the use of the name blogger or google, and discover my plea - or 2. One of you will know how to email them directly and will share the address with me.
Labels: Bad Day at Blackrock
Word Play
A Resume
1. My first job was working in an Orange Juice factory, but I got canned. I couldn't concentrate.
2. Then I worked in the woods as a Lumberjack, but I just couldn't hack it, so they gave me the axe.
3. After that, I tried to be a Tailor, but I just wasn't suited for it--mainly because it was a sew-sew job.
4. Next, I tried working in a Muffler Factory, but that was too exhausting.
5. Then, I tried to be a Chef - figured it would add a little spice to my life, but I just didn't have the thyme.
6. I attempted to be a Deli Worker, but any way I sliced it I couldn't cut the mustard.
7. My best job was a Musician, but eventually I found I wasn't noteworthy.
8. I studied a long time to become a Doctor, but I didn't have any patience.
9. Next was a job in a Shoe Factory, I tried but I just didn't fit in.
10. I became a Professional Fisherman, but discovered that I couldn't live on my net income.
11. I managed to get a good job working for a Pool Maintenance Company, but the work was just too draining.
12. So then I got a job in a health club, but they said I wasn't fit for the job.
13. After many years of trying to find steady work! , I finally got a job as a Historian - until I realized there was no future in it.
14. My last job was working in Starbucks, but I had to quit because it was always the same old grind.
15. SO, I TRIED RETIREMENT AND FOUND THAT I'M PERFECT FOR THE JOB!
(No, I didn't write it...LOL)
1. My first job was working in an Orange Juice factory, but I got canned. I couldn't concentrate.
2. Then I worked in the woods as a Lumberjack, but I just couldn't hack it, so they gave me the axe.
3. After that, I tried to be a Tailor, but I just wasn't suited for it--mainly because it was a sew-sew job.
4. Next, I tried working in a Muffler Factory, but that was too exhausting.
5. Then, I tried to be a Chef - figured it would add a little spice to my life, but I just didn't have the thyme.
6. I attempted to be a Deli Worker, but any way I sliced it I couldn't cut the mustard.
7. My best job was a Musician, but eventually I found I wasn't noteworthy.
8. I studied a long time to become a Doctor, but I didn't have any patience.
9. Next was a job in a Shoe Factory, I tried but I just didn't fit in.
10. I became a Professional Fisherman, but discovered that I couldn't live on my net income.
11. I managed to get a good job working for a Pool Maintenance Company, but the work was just too draining.
12. So then I got a job in a health club, but they said I wasn't fit for the job.
13. After many years of trying to find steady work! , I finally got a job as a Historian - until I realized there was no future in it.
14. My last job was working in Starbucks, but I had to quit because it was always the same old grind.
15. SO, I TRIED RETIREMENT AND FOUND THAT I'M PERFECT FOR THE JOB!
(No, I didn't write it...LOL)
Labels: Jokes/Funny Stories
Friday, January 26, 2007
An Important Rx for the Pharmacy
I had a prescription that needed a refill this week, so I called the pharmacy and ordered it through voice-mail. I picked it up Wednesday afternoon, along with a few other items. When I got home and opened the bag, I saw immediately that the pills I had been given were not the ones I ordered; at least, they didn't look like what I had been taking for a while. I read the medical information inserts, and the medication was definitely not something I needed.
I called the pharmacy and was first told that I might have been given a generic substitute, but she would let me speak to a pharmacist. The pharmacist admitted that their computer had messed up at least two voice-mail prescriptions that day. They requested that I return the pills and if I did so, they would give me a $20 gift card for my trouble.
Not being one to turn down a serendipitous offer (and needing my pills) - I returned those, got mine in return and they did indeed give me a gift card. Also, they didn't charge me the extra cost difference between the mistake Rx and my Rx. I think they were running scared, don't you?
Imagine if I had not noticed that the pills were different, and instead of medication for arthritis, I took pills for seizures. What if I had taken them - and they were contraindicated with my other medications. The pharmacy would have been in BIG trouble. However, I realize mistakes can happen and no harm came to me because of their mistake.
Here's the important part:
Whenever you pick up a prescription from a pharmacy, LOOK at it before you leave the premises. If it is a new prescription, speak to the parmacist about it, ask questions. If it is a refill, check to make certain it is the one you are supposed to have. If it looks different, ask about it. You will be safe, plus, you will save yourself some trouble in advance.
Labels: Medicine/Health
The Old Switcheroo
I finally did it! I changed to the new Blogger.
I am not going to change my template yet, but maybe soon I will play around with the idea. I have to confess that I am a bit leery of clicking that "change" button, not knowing what the options are until I do.
For any of you who have changed your templates? Was it horrifying? Or am I just being a ninny?
I am not going to change my template yet, but maybe soon I will play around with the idea. I have to confess that I am a bit leery of clicking that "change" button, not knowing what the options are until I do.
For any of you who have changed your templates? Was it horrifying? Or am I just being a ninny?
Labels: Info
Thursday, January 25, 2007
A Blast from the Past
Top: Two of MY babies, circa 1974. I loved it when little girls wore dresses, didn't you? The purple one with the white collar was always one of my favorites, and in time, it was passed down to her little sister, of course. She looked just as cute in it as her big sister did.
Daddy and me on the front steps, with naked baby and omnipresent teddy bear. Circa 1946. Note the beautiful sock and sandal look. That look has not come back for women, but now and again I see some grandpas sporting it!
My dog Kippy used to "stand guard" over the car bed, when my son was a newborn. I got Kippy when I was a junior in high school. When I moved away from home after college, Kippy remained with mom and dad, since she couldn't live with me at the time. She loved coming to visit me, but whenever she saw mom and dad getting their luggage ready for the return trip, Kippy was the first one into the car and she couldn't be coaxed out, even to say goodbye.
Kippy never had babies, but she showed her maternal instincts when she was near a baby. I would put the baby in his car bed, which was placed in our living room, so I could keep an eye out on him. Kippy would stand or sit beside the bed, her chin on the edge, and remain there for hours. She'd get a weary look on her face, but she took it as her duty to be on guard.Yours truly, all decked out for a dance. This was about the same time I got Kippy....11th grade. I was standing in front of a mural in a friend's home. Shopping for that emerald green satin cocktail dress was exhausting, as I recall. I never made any shopping trip easy; I had to try on everything in the store - and then like as not - I'd buy the first one I had tried on hours before. Then, I'd start the process all over looking for shoes. Luckily, I have outgrown those bad habits.
Labels: Photos
Top: My grandmother. The rear of the photo says, "C___hoeing in the garden, 1912. She would have been 24 years old at the time, but I'd swear she looks about 50, wouldn't you? This pic must be the oldest one I have. It is so faded that I had to darken it a little. It needs restoration, I know, and I ought to do that soon. It sure would be a shame to lose that image.
Mom and Dad
. I think this might have been their wedding day, October 1, 1935. They eloped, after dating for six weeks and mom was buried on their 50th anniversary.That's my dad in the middle. I think this trio looks like a gang from a movie; sort of like Bonnie and Clyde or Al Capone.
The man on the left appears to be wearing one of those trick glasses-big-nose-moustache things, but if he was, he wore it 24/7, because he appears in other photos with my dad too, looking just the same.....LOLYours truly at three months. I remember thinking....."What the heck is going on here?" Well, not really, of course, but don't I look like I might be a little concerned about what the photographer was going to do next?
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Are You Complaining?
Are you complaining about snow and ice in your vicinity this winter? Maybe after you see these photos, you won't!
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Antiques Roadshow ~
For some, it is the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
I watched last night as a man showed a painting his mother had been given sometime in the 30's by the painter, and I am sorry to say I don't remember his name. Both this man and the artist were from Pennsylvania.
The man related how his wife didn't like the painting and would not let him hang it in his living room, so it had been relegated to the basement for the last 30 years or so that the man had owned it. The art expert told a little bit about the history of the artist and the genre of the painting, and then said, "Maybe your wife will let you bring it out of the basement when I tell you that this painting, at auction, would bring between $80 and $120K!!
The man looked as though he might fall over dead from surprise and said "You're not kidding, are you?" "No", she answered. After a few more seconds of disbelief, he again said, "You're NOT kidding, are you?" Finally, it appeared to sink in.
Wouldn't you love to have been a fly on the wall when that guy went home and told his wife?
Labels: Info
Monday, January 22, 2007
Top: My great-grandparents, on the day of their 71st Anniversary. That's me in the middle, squinting against the light, as usual. I was such a ham, and I ran to join them when I saw the photographer setting up his camera. My mom yelled at me to get out of there, but my sweet great-grandma Augusta (Gus)
, told mom it was fine for me to be in the picture. Of course, they took another one later, sans Judy. I have written about them before and I will put up the link, if I can find the post. Can you imagine being married for 71 years?! (here you can read a little more about them:
http://justaskjudy.blogspot.com/2005/08/golden-oldies.html
2nd: My Aunt and her husband Joe. Joe was from Ohio, of Italian ancestry, and he was always laughing and up for a good time. I loved going to visit them, which we did every summer. She was an excellent cook and the aroma of mouth-watering pizza or spaghetti would always greet us as we arrived. Joe was very debonair, and when he went out for a nice evening, he was always dressed to the nines, as they used to say. Anyone know where that saying came from?
3rd: Yours truly. Can anyone tell me why I posed (on garbage day, no less) in mom's old felt hat and what looks like dusting mittens?
Scroll down for another post, and open comments.
2nd: My Aunt and her husband Joe. Joe was from Ohio, of Italian ancestry, and he was always laughing and up for a good time. I loved going to visit them, which we did every summer. She was an excellent cook and the aroma of mouth-watering pizza or spaghetti would always greet us as we arrived. Joe was very debonair, and when he went out for a nice evening, he was always dressed to the nines, as they used to say. Anyone know where that saying came from?
3rd: Yours truly. Can anyone tell me why I posed (on garbage day, no less) in mom's old felt hat and what looks like dusting mittens?
Scroll down for another post, and open comments.
Labels: Photos
Top: In high school, I had a pen-pal from Germany, named Christa Dietz. That's Christa on the left. I have not heard from her since about 1959. Wouldn't it be wild if someone who reads this blog knows her? If you do, or if you know someone who might, let me know, please. Edit: that is NOT me in the picture with Christa. That is another German girlfriend of hers. I never met Christa; we just exchanged letter for a few years. Her intent was to perfect her use of English, and mine was to get to know someone from another country. I really wish I had the foresight to have kept her letters. That's about all I have ever thrown out....LOL
2nd: My grandmother, middle front, and her husband back row, left. Buckey, as we called him, was a judge and at one time, he was the mayor of Charleston, WV. He used to read the comics to me when I was 3-4-5, and he called them the "funny papers". Anytime I was in their home and he came in from work, he would stomp through the house saying "Fee-fi-fo-fum, I smell the blood of an Englishman. Be he live or be he dead, I'll grind his bones to make my bread." That was my clue to come screaming out of whatever hiding place I had secreted myself. I think his choice of poems was a little rough for a small girl, but it never harmed me on a lasting basis that I'm aware of.....LOL. The only other person I know in that photo is the woman on the right in the front row. Her name was Thelma, and I called her Aunt Tillie, though she was not related. Tillie was about 4'11" tall and wore size 4 women's shoes. Her shoes fit me perfectly at the time I was 8-9, and I loved going to her place and "dressing up" in her clothes and shoes.
Mom, dad and me, circa 1944-5, with my usual "Judy squint, head askew".
Daddy in the 1930's. Do you see how much he looked like Randolph Scott? If you are too young to know who Randolph Scott was - google it!
2nd: My grandmother, middle front, and her husband back row, left. Buckey, as we called him, was a judge and at one time, he was the mayor of Charleston, WV. He used to read the comics to me when I was 3-4-5, and he called them the "funny papers". Anytime I was in their home and he came in from work, he would stomp through the house saying "Fee-fi-fo-fum, I smell the blood of an Englishman. Be he live or be he dead, I'll grind his bones to make my bread." That was my clue to come screaming out of whatever hiding place I had secreted myself. I think his choice of poems was a little rough for a small girl, but it never harmed me on a lasting basis that I'm aware of.....LOL. The only other person I know in that photo is the woman on the right in the front row. Her name was Thelma, and I called her Aunt Tillie, though she was not related. Tillie was about 4'11" tall and wore size 4 women's shoes. Her shoes fit me perfectly at the time I was 8-9, and I loved going to her place and "dressing up" in her clothes and shoes.
Mom, dad and me, circa 1944-5, with my usual "Judy squint, head askew".
Daddy in the 1930's. Do you see how much he looked like Randolph Scott? If you are too young to know who Randolph Scott was - google it!
Labels: Photos
Maya Angelou's Best Poem Ever
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ....Enough money within her control to move out And rent a place of her own even if she never wants to or needs to...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ....Something perfect to wear if the employer or date of her dreams wants to See Her in an hour...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...A youth she's content to leave behind....
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ....A past juicy enough that she's looking forward to retelling it in her Old Age....
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .A set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ....One friend who always makes her laugh...And one Who lets her cry...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ....A good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in her Family...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ....Eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems, And a recipe for a meal that will make her guests feel Honored...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ....A feeling of control over her destiny...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...How to fall in love without losing herself..
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...HOW TO QUIT A JOB, BREAK UP WITH A LOVER, AND CONFRONT A FRIEND WITHOUT RUINING THE FRIENDSHIP...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...When to try harder...And WHEN TO WALK AWAY...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW... That she can't change the length of her calves, The width of her hips, or the nature of her parents..
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...That her childhood may not have been perfect...But it's over...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...What she would and wouldn't do for love or more...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...How to live alone...Even if she doesn't like it...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...Whom she can trust, Whom she can't, And why she shouldn't take it personally...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...Where to go...Be it to her best friend's kitchen table...Or a charming inn in the woods...When her soul needs soothing...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...What she can and can't accomplish in a day...A month...And a year...
And now it's your turn: what would you add to this?
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ....Something perfect to wear if the employer or date of her dreams wants to See Her in an hour...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...A youth she's content to leave behind....
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ....A past juicy enough that she's looking forward to retelling it in her Old Age....
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .A set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ....One friend who always makes her laugh...And one Who lets her cry...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ....A good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in her Family...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ....Eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems, And a recipe for a meal that will make her guests feel Honored...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ....A feeling of control over her destiny...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...How to fall in love without losing herself..
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...HOW TO QUIT A JOB, BREAK UP WITH A LOVER, AND CONFRONT A FRIEND WITHOUT RUINING THE FRIENDSHIP...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...When to try harder...And WHEN TO WALK AWAY...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW... That she can't change the length of her calves, The width of her hips, or the nature of her parents..
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...That her childhood may not have been perfect...But it's over...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...What she would and wouldn't do for love or more...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...How to live alone...Even if she doesn't like it...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...Whom she can trust, Whom she can't, And why she shouldn't take it personally...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...Where to go...Be it to her best friend's kitchen table...Or a charming inn in the woods...When her soul needs soothing...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...What she can and can't accomplish in a day...A month...And a year...
And now it's your turn: what would you add to this?
Labels: Inspirational
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Top: Four generations: the man standing on the left
is my mother's father. His father is seated. The man on the right is mom's brother and the baby is his first-born son. That son is someone I have only seen about twice in my life. He is about 10 years older than I am, so this photo was taken around 1931-2, I think.My mother's father was a farmer, with cattle, sheep, pigs, chickens and a full complement of crops. He also taught school in a one-room schoolhouse; most of his children were his pupils at some point.
The 2nd time I saw that baby, I was about 26 or 27, back home visiting my family with my first child. This guy was visiting from California, and the main thing I remember was his description of the last earthquake he experienced. He said he and his wife were in bed early one morning, and he heard one of his children screaming in fright. When he jumped out of bed to run down the hall, the floor of the hallway began to heave and he said it looked like waves rolling on shore from the ocean. He compared it to the fun house at the state fair, or walking on an old swinging bridge that someone is violently shaking. (Note to self: ask Californians how they can risk going through that?)
Second pic: The policeman is another of my mother's brothers, with his family. That young boy was killed in a motorcycle accident when I was 5 (1946) and some of you may remember reading the post where I talked about him. His daughter was sort of on the fringes of the family for years, and she was another person I hardly knew. He was already divorced from this wife by the time I was born, so I barely knew her either.
3rd: this cute little guy is the son of
the man standing on the right in the top pic, and younger brother to the baby. I found his obit in my hometown paper 2 weeks ago. He was 63. I had not seen him or his brothers since my father's funeral.This is Hawk's Nest State Park Overlook, in southern West Virginia. This pic was taken sometime in the 1930's. This park was little more than an hour away from my hometown, and my parents used to drive there on Sunday afternoons at least twice a year. Somewhere I have some more recent photos of this view, and it might be nice to see what changes have occurred.
Here is a more recent photo of Hawk's Nest:
Labels: Photos
Saturday, January 20, 2007
A Wedding in Greenwich
In the early days of our marriage, mr. kenju and I were invited to the wedding of a college classmate of his, which was being held in Greenwich, Connecticut. It promised to be a terrific party, and there was no way we would miss it. We would go to NYC, stay with his parents and then drive to the wedding on Sat. morning.
We couldn't leave Norfolk until Friday after work, so we set out late that afternoon in our 1963 Volkswagen Beetle, pearl white with apple red interior. As we approached New Jersey, it began to snow; small flurries at first and then ever larger and larger flakes. New York is really beautiful in the throes of a snowstorm, especially at night. We arrived at his parent's home about 11 pm and soon went to sleep, being very tired from the trip but nonetheless excited about the party coming up.
Awaking the next morning early, we were greeted by the sight of snow at least 12" deep. Undaunted (as the young often are), we never considered not going northward to the wedding, so Mr. kenju put the wedding gift in the trunk of the car (which, as you'll remember, is in the front), and we set out a little early, to allow extra time in the snow.
We had to cross the Throg's Neck Bridge, which was icy, since the cars travelling over it earlier in the day had packed the snow down hard. It was also very windy up on the bridge; it is very high, which allows boats to travel under it easily. You may read about this bridge here:
As we began our ascent up the bridge, the wind blew open the trunk hood of the Volks, flattening it back against the windshield, which, by some miracle, was not broken. Mr. kenju stopped the car, and attempted to get out so he could secure the hood. The bridge was icy and the wind was so fierce, that he could hardly get out of the car to begin with, and almost fell on the ice several times before he made it to the front of the car. Adding to the aggravation, his hat blew off. Retrieving it was a real pain. Pulling the hood down against the wind was a feat fit for Superman, but he eventually got it down. Since the hood had been bent, he had to tie it down to the grill. Eventually, we got on our way again.
We arrived in Greenwich late, of course. The wedding had already started, and so we decided to go on to the reception site and wait for the party to begin.
I know this is a very long post - but there is more to the story. If you'd care to read on, go here:
Labels: Memories
More of the Distant Past
Top: Miss kenju in a stroller, 1941
. I wish that stroller was among the many things my mom kept. It would be worth a small fortune nowadays.2nd: unknown child, with what looks like a very large eyeball.
Creepy.3rd: my cousin "P"
. Wasn't she a cutie? She married young and made her mom a grandmother at the age of 38!An unknown boy, I wish I could read the playbills behind him).
Scroll down for more photos and open comments.
Friday, January 19, 2007
Betcha didn't know I knew Charlie chaplin and Clark Gable!
These pics were taken in LA back in the late 80's or early 90's. I was there for The Special Event convention, staying at the Hotel Westin Bonaventure.
We were taken on a tour of Universal Studios, and that is where I "met" Charlie. He was uncannily like the real thing.
"Clark" came to one of our gala events, and made the rounds, taking photos with all the women (and few of the men)
. When we boarded a chartered bus at the hotel, on our way to one of theoff-premise events, Marilyn Monroe was on our bus, and she entertained us during the trip by singing songs from "Some Like it Hot".
There were many celebrity look-alikes hired for this convention, but these are all I can remember now. I think that is a very good job to have, if you look like someone famous.
Bloggers Who Leave Us Hanging
Periodically I check my "closed blogs" file. In that file are those people who have gone on hiatus and stopped posting for a while. Recently I checked it and clicked a few names and found to my dismay that one of the people I used to really enjoy reading has left us for good. She was Arethusa of "No Stalkers Allowed". Edit: I am sorry to have confused anyone. I don't mean she is dead; she has decided to quit blogging!
I was very sad to see that she was leaving us for good; the only explanation given was that a family member had hi-jacked her blog. Since her writing was not intensely personal, I wondered why that was a problem - but I suppose I shouldn't second-guess a person's decision not to write anymore.
Arethusa, you will be missed. Definitely missed. Your posts on art and literature belied your tender years, and I learned from you and was led to see things from your viewpoint that I would never have noticed on my own.
Since you didn't allow comments on your last post, I am writing this here, and I sincerely hope you'll come back to see this. Wherever your life takes you (and I've no doubt it will be far) I wish you luck and much love.
And now - a note to the rest of you:
If you decide to quit writing your blog, please put up a last post. I won't insist that you explain why you are quitting, unless you really want to. But for those of us who might have some parting words, please allow comments on that last post - even if you have no desire or intent to ever go back and read them. I hate being left hanging, with something to say and no one to say it to.
Labels: Info
The Distant Past
I am on the right in the top photo, probably about 3 at the time. I have no idea who the other child is, but I think she lived in my aunt's neighborhood. My curly hair persisted until I was about 9.In the ocean on a rock - I wonder how they got back to shore without getting drenched? I think this is my mother's sister. Isn't that an interesting place to be when you are all dressed up, with hats even?
In this one, my mom and my aunt are with two men I don't know. That must have been pre-Daddy. I don't recognize the location either.
This is my dad's brother and his father. I posted the father as a young newlywed several days ago. This was probably in the late 30's. Thursday, January 18, 2007
Will Wonders Never Cease? :-/
I have been having a horrible time with my computer - and Blogger - and Haloscan - etc. for about 3 weeks now. I didn't connect it with anything in particular for a while, but then I read on someone's blog about how he had downloaded Internet Explorer 7 and what a pain it is. I think he removed it and that solved his problem. I had already downloaded it and I've been experiencing excruciating wait times for comment windows to pop open, and a few other problems as well. I had begun to think I had a virus, worm or adware.
There was at least one good thing about IE7, at that is it allows you to have open up to 4 windows at one time (with supposedly no degradation of speed). That way, I could open my blog, gmail, Bloglines and Michele all at the same time, and it was fairly easy to click from one to another. However, IE7 also provides a "phishing filter" which is supposed to weed out sites that do something bad (I can't remember what phishing is). When I loaded a blog or some site that I had not been to before, it took absolutely forever (well, it seemed like forever) to load. The little window across the bottom of the screen had a small square window with green waves going across it, to indicate that they were checking for "phishing". Well, Microsoft ought to get all the bugs out of it before it releases a new software, don't you think?? So, I wanted to get rid of this piece of crapola, but I was not clear on how to do it.
There is one more little thing, though, and I'm hoping one of you can help me. For the last 2-3 days, nearly everytime I get on the computer, I check to see if my firewall is on, and everytime it is OFF! Even though I have set it to be on and clicked okay. What is happening? Is it possible I could have a virus or worm or cookie that turns my firewall off? Would you advise me to turn off my computer every night, instead of leaving it on? HELP!
Labels: Info
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
More Golden Oldies
The top pic is my mother's sister about about age 16 (wasn't she a biiiiiig girl?) but I don't know the two children. They couldn't be her brothers, because she was older than all but one of them and that one would have been older than these two. I have posted a picture of her before and if I can find it, I'll put a link to it here. She slimmed down a little in her later years....LOLThe next one is my dad's step-mom and my mother. She would have been in her 20's when this was taken.
I don't know who these two guys are. It appears that one has no arms and the other has only one. The one on the right is giving the glad-eye to the other guy. Either he thought he was going to get lucky later in the day - or he had designs on the guy. I have other photos taken on the same day (and they were with women). Who knows.
I love old cars like that. I used to ride in a 1928 Pontiac when I was in high school in the late 50's. It was kind of like being in a SUV now; you sit up high off the road. I like being able to see everything so easily.To leave comments, scroll down under the next post.
I hate to admit it, but the top photo is my grandmother on the farm where she grew up. She could be a poster child for grumpy women (at least in this one) but in life, she was a warm, loving and always smiling person.
The next one is my mom leaning up against the tree. She wasn't a "tree-hugger" that I knew of....LOL.
This is such a "spotty" photo, it is almost a primer of how not to do it, right?The flapper dresses could be pretty, but the print on this one should have been a no-no, especially for a big woman.Last, you see my Girl Scout troop in 1950 or 51. I know it will not be easy to see, since the newsprint has bled a little. Darn those "magnetic" photo albums of the 60's! I am seated next to the table; second from the left.
Click to "embiggen", as Carmi would say!
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Since I posted the last crop of photos, I decided it was time to make good on my threats to get organized - at least where pictures are concerned. For the last 2-3 days, I have sorted, labelled and dated
over 1,000 photos, and I am not done yet. (Can anyone tell me how the typeface can change like that when I did nothing to make it happen? What an aggravation that is!)The top photo is another unknown - but what happy little cuties they were. And look at the filagree border around the pic. Isn't it great? Years ago there was a restaurant here in Raleigh named Ragamuffins. Their logo was three such kids, and I suspect had they seen this photo, they would have used it. I did note something even funnier in it. There is a saying: "You must be a red-neck if you have upholstered furniture on your porch". I guess they did it in the 20's and 30's too....LOL.
The picnic looks like fun, and again, I have no clue as to the identity of anyone in the pic. You have to laugh at the guy in the three-piece-suit, complete with tie and hat. Did they always dress up for picnics back in the day? It must have been nice sitting in a field of daisies.
The handsome guy below is my paternal grandfather (adoptive). Love the hair parted in the middle (not). My mom always said that men who parted their hair down the middle looked like "Ned in the First Reader". That was her elementary school book, and Ned was the main character. Too bad she didn't keep a copy of that!
This is the flip side of the portrait. I am always fascinated by the calligraphy and graphics used in those days. Certainly nothing current is even remotely as attractive.
During the next several weeks, I will be posting more of these, and I hope you will enjoy them. I might even sneak in an old pic or two of me (which I'm sure you're dying to see....LOL).
Tuesday, January 16th is also a special day: this is my second blogiversary! Little did I know two years ago that I would still be doing this everyday, and I certainly didn't know how much fun I would be having doing it! It must be rewarding; this is post # 977!
At the risk of being repetitive, I'll say yet again how much pleasure you bring me daily. I hope it never has to stop. Thank you for all the visits and comments, and thank you for your writings, which are interesting, humorous, educational and compelling enough to keep me coming back. Here's hoping for all of us a wonderful and productive year in 2007.
Labels: Info
Monday, January 15, 2007
The Year of the Blonde
January - Took new scarf back to store because it was too tight
February - Fired from pharmacy job for failing to print labels. (Helllloooo!!!... bottles won't fit in typewriter!!!)
March - Got really excited; finished jigsaw puzzle in 6 months.. (Box said "2-4 years!")
April - Trapped on escalator for hours...( power went out)
May - Tried to make Kool-Aid... wrong instructions. (8 cups of water won't fit into those little packets!)
June - Tried to go water skiing... (couldn't find a lake with a slope).
July - Lost breast stroke swimming competition... (Learned later, the other swimmers cheated, they used their arms!!!)
August- Got locked out of my car in rain storm... (car swamped because soft-top was open.)
September- The capital of California is "C"... isn't it?
October- Hate M&M's... (they are so hard to peel.)
November- Baked turkey for 4 1/2 days... (instructions said 1 hour per pound and I weigh 108!!!)
December- Couldn't call 911... "duh"... (there's no "eleven" button on the stupid phone!)
Labels: Jokes/Funny Stories
MONDAY, JANUARY 15th IS.....
A very special day... SRP... from Melange is having a birthday today! Please go to:
http://melange1.blogspot.com
and wish her a Happy Birthday. Tell her Judy sent you!
Would you believe this is post # 975?
Labels: Birthdays
Sunday, January 14, 2007
A woman came home, screeching her car into the driveway, and ran into the house. She slammed the door and shouted at the top of her lungs, "Honey, pack your bags. I won the lottery!" The husband said, "Oh my God! What should I pack, beach stuff or mountain stuff?"
"Doesn't matter," she said. "Just get the hell out." ***********************************************
Marriage is a relationship in which one person is always right, and the other is a husband.
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I prepared this post several days ago when I was sick and mr. kenju was persona non grata around here. Since then, he has settled down and I have almost recovered from whatever it was that laid me low. But this was too much fun to delete, so here you have it.
Labels: Jokes/Funny Stories
Saturday, January 13, 2007
I have no idea who the child is in this picture; it looks like a girl (with long, sausage curls and an odd-looking hair bow) but the child is dressed in a boy's suit and black boots.
This picture, which had been applied to the back of the postcard you see above, was in the possession of my grandmother. It was found after her death, so no one knows for certain who this child is.The postcard is clearly postmarked Sep 1913, from Moundsville, West Virginia. The photo was glued to the top of an old postcard, which has flowers painted on it. You can see some of them at the top rim, and as the photo has come loose on the bottom, I can see clusters of violets underneath. I'd love to see the whole card, but I don't dare try to remove the photo because I am sure it would tear. Unfortunately, someone in the past cut off part of the postcard which makes the message almost impossible to decipher, and removed the signature. I suspect they were trying to make it fit an album sleeve. Shame on whomever that was!
You'll note the one-cent stamp. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we still had postage that low?
This is an example of the type of stuff I cannot bear to throw away - even though I have no idea who it is - the card and photo are 94 years old!! I think it is amazing that it still exists at all.
Labels: Golden Oldies, Photos
Fluffer ~ Circa 1959
I got Fluffer when he was a tiny ball of buff brick-colored fur. We had him for 14 years, and so he was definitely a member of the family. Mom took this pic of him in our backyard, looking intently at something rustling in the ivy. He kept our area mouse-free and probably rid it of a few other varmints too.Fluffer was "the brother" to my female dog Kippy, and although Fluffer was there first, he was gracious enough to the small pup that invaded his territory. Kippy wanted to play, you see, and Fluffer was already an adult cat who had chores to do and things to see about. He didn't have time to play with an upstart pup everyday; especially one that nipped at his tail and barked in his ears. It was fun to watch them interact, and sometimes I had to intervene and hold Kippy back when it was obvious that one more swat or bark would elicit an attack from Fluffer, one that Kippy would need band-aids after.
Eventually, Kippy grew up and while they still played together, it was a more stylized form of play and not hurtful. I recall them on the living room floor in front of the fireplace. Fluffer would "attack" Kippy (who was lying on her back with paws up") and after biting for a few moments on the underside of Kippy's tender neck, Fluffer would begin to lick the area he had bitten. Then they would curl up together, in front of the fire, and sleep. It was too cute.
At the age of 14, Fluffer was almost totally deaf in one ear, but he was still active and playful. The day before he died, he played with a small wad of paper tied to the line of a fishing pole. He chased it for an hour, as active and determined as any young cat to catch it. He never lost interest in it, and would have continued had we not gotten tired of the game ourselves.
The next day, on one of his daily jaunts around the neighborhood, he was hit by a car which approached on his deaf side. The driver knew him, and brought his lifeless body to my mom. We were all devastated. I couldn't even go to school the next day, and so I skipped classes to mourn for my constant companion.
This cat is the one I think of when someone says "cat". I have had many, many cats in the years since Fluffer died, but this one spells cat to me. I still miss him.
Labels: Animals, Golden Oldies
Friday, January 12, 2007
The Dynamic Duo
They are now ages 11 and 12, with birthdays rapidly approaching, but back when this was taken, they were indeed the dynamic duo.The first of my six bio grandchildren, they loved coming to grandma's house because it meant they would be together. She followed him everywhere then, and it has not changed much.
Note his tongue sticking out. That looks just like his grandfather when he was about to shoot a basket during a game. The concentration they were each giving to the organ playing was admirable; one could only hope that they would apply as much focus to their schoolwork. They do. Both of them are good students and both of them play sports. His forte is baseball and hers is basketball (like their daddies and granddaddies before them). They have both brought a lot of love into my life - and they get it all back.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
The Boy Chorister
Back in the early 1950's, before his voice "got the goslings", mr. kenju was a "boy chorister" at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York
.
Do you know what "getting the goslings" means? It is that squeaky, high-low voice that boys get when they are going into puberty.
Can you guess which one he is?* Check out the kid whose neck is bent over so far to the side it looks like he could keel over any minute. As children, he and I had the same affliction: eyes too sensitive to bright sunlight. There are very few photos of me as a kid with my face straight on and my eyes open. I am happy to report that we have both outgrown that, and now our photos are somewhat better. At least our heads are on straight (most of the time).
* 2nd row, third from left. Photo taken atop The RCA Building, Rockefeller Center.
.Do you know what "getting the goslings" means? It is that squeaky, high-low voice that boys get when they are going into puberty.
Can you guess which one he is?* Check out the kid whose neck is bent over so far to the side it looks like he could keel over any minute. As children, he and I had the same affliction: eyes too sensitive to bright sunlight. There are very few photos of me as a kid with my face straight on and my eyes open. I am happy to report that we have both outgrown that, and now our photos are somewhat better. At least our heads are on straight (most of the time).
* 2nd row, third from left. Photo taken atop The RCA Building, Rockefeller Center.
Now scroll down for a polar opposite!
"Pretty Things"
I watched a show on HBO Wednesday night called "Pretty Things", about old-time burlesque strippers. The show was written by Liz Goldwyn, who also appeared in it. They had clips from performances, old and new interviews with the dancers and some musicians who played for the burlesque shows. It was very interesting to see some of their old costumes and be shown how they worked with various outfits. Some of them talked about how they got ideas for their acts, or that they were determined to be perceived as "ladies" and not to be considered tacky. That amused me, since one of them used a snake in her act and simulated having s*x relations with it.
One of the most interesting facets of the show was learning some of the women's personal histories, which were sad, for the most part. Many of them were orphans; either by death or by abandonment, and most of them started stripping by the time they were fourteen. That was not by choice, most explained, but they were forced into it by family members, or because they had no other skills.
If you are interested in reading about these women, check out this link:
and if you have access to HBO, I highly recommend this show.
Notice anything new?
I stumbled and bumbled around in Bloglines this morning, and after 4 tries, I was successful in putting my blogroll on here. Afterward, I checked some of them to make sure they loaded correctly, and a few didn't - so I don't know why or how to correct the problems.
I stumbled and bumbled around in Bloglines this morning, and after 4 tries, I was successful in putting my blogroll on here. Afterward, I checked some of them to make sure they loaded correctly, and a few didn't - so I don't know why or how to correct the problems.
Granny Annie asked me this morning in a comment about how to use Bloglines, and the best I can tell anyone is to go to that site and click all the links and try to figure it out. That's what I did. If you download the "subscribe with Bloglines" button and put it in your favorites file, you can click on that link while any blog is on the page, and it will automatically load it into a file for you. Then when you click on that file in your favorites list, up pops a list of all the blogs you have entered, and the ones that have new posts will be in bold face type. I should mention that sometimes the bold face will show up on a link I have already read, and I don't know why that happens. But in general, it has really helped me to have it and cuts down on the amount of time it takes to read all the new posts each day. I hope that helps a little.
As far as my blogroll is concerned, some of those links were added yesterday, and I often will "favorite" a link until I have had time to check it out and then it may or may not go into the final list. If you don't see your blog, and you would like to be on the list - email me.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Odds and Ends ~ and a Thank You
If y'all aren't reading this, you ought to:
http://www.shubertalleyshephard.blogspot.com/
The January 9th post is especially good. He mentions seeing Carrie Fisher's one-woman show, which she calls "Wishful Drinking". During the show, she said, "Imagine what I'm leaving out". Isn't that a great title for a blog??!! I left a comment for Shephard that if I ever start a new blog, that's what I'm naming it - so you're forewarned everyone - that line is MINE! You can go and read the rest of it, though.
***********************************************
I had so much trouble with Blogger today. I decided they were punishing me for not switching to Beta or the *new* one they're touting now. So I made the decision to switch - and guess what - they won't let me. Seems I can't switch because one of my blogs has changed. I only wrote one post for All Blog Stars, but I am considered a member of it. For some reason I don't understand, they won't let me change because that one already did.
I tried to delete it from the list of blogs at my dashboard, but there doesn't seem to be a way to do it. I changed my profile, but that didn't make any difference either. What am I doing wrong?
http://www.shubertalleyshephard.blogspot.com/
The January 9th post is especially good. He mentions seeing Carrie Fisher's one-woman show, which she calls "Wishful Drinking". During the show, she said, "Imagine what I'm leaving out". Isn't that a great title for a blog??!! I left a comment for Shephard that if I ever start a new blog, that's what I'm naming it - so you're forewarned everyone - that line is MINE! You can go and read the rest of it, though.
***********************************************
I had so much trouble with Blogger today. I decided they were punishing me for not switching to Beta or the *new* one they're touting now. So I made the decision to switch - and guess what - they won't let me. Seems I can't switch because one of my blogs has changed. I only wrote one post for All Blog Stars, but I am considered a member of it. For some reason I don't understand, they won't let me change because that one already did.
I tried to delete it from the list of blogs at my dashboard, but there doesn't seem to be a way to do it. I changed my profile, but that didn't make any difference either. What am I doing wrong?
Seems like nearly everyone mentioned having trouble commenting; even Hal*scan was preventing me from opening some comment boxes. I don't know what I ever did to them!
***********************************************
A Lick and a Promise
EDIT: Welcome to all of you and especially to those of you who visit because Michele suggested it! It is indeed an honor to be Michele's Site-of-the-Day, and even more so the second time around. I hope you enjoy what you see here. www.micheleagnew.com
I am trying hard not to be royally pi**ed at Blogger today. It will not let me comment on some blogs and at first try, it wouldn't let me into my dashboard either. If you didn't get a comment from me today, blame Blogger, because I have been to every blog that showed up on Bloglines as new!
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I got this in an email. Some of you may enjoy - and even add to the list. Are there any of these you are not familiar with?
A Lick and A Promise
"I'll just give this a lick and a promise," my mother said as she quickly mopped up a spill on the floor without moving any of the furniture.
"What is that supposed to mean," I asked as in my young mind I envisioned someone licking the floor with his or her tongue.
"It means that I'm in a hurry and I'm busy canning tomatoes so I am going to just give it a lick with the mop and promise to come back and do the job right later.
"A lick and a promise" was just one of the many old phrases that I remember my mother, grandmother, and others using that they probably heard from the generations before them. With the passing of time, many old phrases become obsolete or even disappear. This is unfortunate because some of them are very appropriate and humorous.
Here is a list that I came up with that I remember my parents and grandparents using that we don't hear much anymore. Perhaps you have some memorable old phrases of your own that you could add to the list:
· A Bone to Pick (someone who wants to discuss a disagreement)
· An Axe to Grind (Someone who has a hidden motive. This phrase is said to have originated from Benjamin Franklin who told a story about a devious man who asked how a
grinding wheel worked. He ended up walking away with his axe sharpened free of charge)
· A bad apple spoils the whole barrel (one corrupt person can cause all the others to go bad if you don't remove the bad one)
· At sea (lost or not understanding something)
· Bad Egg (Someone who was not a good person)
· Barking at a knot (meaning that your efforts were as useless as a dog barking at a knot.)
· Bee in your bonnet (To have an idea that won't let loose)
· Been through the mill (had a rough time of it)
· Between hay and grass (Not a child or an adult)
· Blinky (Between sweet and sour as in milk)
· Calaboose (a jail)
· Cattywampus (Something that sits crooked such as a piece of furniture sitting at an angle)
· Dicker (To barter or trade)
· Feather In Your Cap (to accomplish a goal. This came from years ago in wartime when warriors might receive a feather they would put in their cap for defeating an enemy)
· Hold your horses (Be patient!)
· I reckon (I suppose)
· Jawing (Talking or arguing)
· Kit and caboodle (The whole thing)
· Madder than an old wet hen (really angry)
· Needs taken down a notch or two (like notches in a belt usually a young person who thinks too highly of himself and needs a lesson)
· No Spring Chicken (Not young anymore)
· Persnickety (overly particular or snobbish)
· Pert-near (short for pretty near)
· Pretty is as pretty does (your actions are more important than your looks)
· Scalawag (a rascal or unprincipled person)
· Scarce as hen's teeth (something difficult to obtain)
· Skedaddle (Get out of here quickly)
· Sparking (courting)
· Straight From the Horse's Mouth (privileged information from the one concerned)
· Stringing around, gallivanting around, or piddling (Not doing anything of value)
· Sunday go to meetin' dress (The best dress you had)
· We wash up real fine (is another goodie)
· Tie the Knot (to get married)
· Too many irons in the fire (to be involved in too many things)
· Tuckered out (tired and all worn out)
· Under the weather (not feeling well this term came from going below deck on ships due to sea sickness thus you go below or under the weather)
· Wearing your "best bib and tucker" (Being all dressed up)
· You ain't the only duck in the pond (It's not all about you)
Well, if you hold your horses, I reckon I'll get this whole kit and caboodle done and sent off to you. Please don't be too persnickety and get a bee in your bonnet because I've been pretty tuckered out and at sea lately because I'm no spring chicken. I haven't been just stringin' around and I know I'm not the only duck in the pond, but I do have too many irons in the fire. I might just be barking at a knot, but I have tried to give this article more than just a lick and a promise.
Monday, January 08, 2007
I had to go to the dentist this morning, even though I have a cold. I called early, to give the dental hygienist the opportunity to tell me to stay home, but she assured me that she has taken all sorts of precautions not to get sick, and preferred that I keep the appointment. So I cleaned up and dragged my poor tired butt out to the car.
She started checking my teeth and said "Wow, they look great! What have you been doing differently? Your teeth have less than half the stains they had last time you were here (4 months ago)." I knew immediately what it must be; I tried a new type of toothpaste about 4 weeks ago and even though I really didn't like the taste of it, I had to use it until I could remember to buy a tube of my old type. So for at least 3 weeks, I've been using Crest "Pro Health", the one they are now hyping all over TV and print ads. I guess it really works.
Over the years, I have had a lot of trouble with my gums. My teeth don't get cavities anymore, but you know the old joke: "Your teeth are fine, but the gums have to go". I've had surgery after surgery, and finally I gave an ultimatum to the oral surgeon and my dentist of many years: "I will never again submit to oral surgery. If I keep my teeth, it will be through the combined efforts of my regular dentist and myself, and no one else. If I lose my teeth - so be it!"
That was about 17 years ago and I haven't lost any yet. So now that my gums are sort of under control, I discover a toothpaste that really does remove coffee stains and I hate, hate, hate the taste! What am I to do? Maybe I should write a letter to Crest, and tell them that if high sales of this new product are not sustained after a few more months, they should change the formula and add something that will make it taste good.
Most of you are too young to remember, but when I was a child there was a toothpaste called "Ipana". I can still conjure up the taste and smell of that product; I loved it then and I really do wish it was still available today. Maybe Crest ought to buy the formula from the old Ipana and combine the taste of one with the effectiveness of the other. By golly, that's the ticket! I'll keep you posted if they go for it.
(Scroll down for an Ipana ad)
Labels: Medicine/Health
Wha'da ya' think? Should I bite?
Is there anyone stupid enough to fall for this email?
Dear Friend,
I am Barrister Peter Van Smith, a solicitor at law. I was the personal attorney to Eng, John McPherson, a national of your country who used to work with an oil servicing company here in Amsterdam-Netherlands after which be referred to as my client. Eng, John McPherson 62 years of age made a fixed deposit of fund valued atUSD$18,500,000 (Eighteen Million,Five Hundred Thousand United States Dollars Only)with a Security Company/Finance Firm here in Europe and unfortunately lost his life in an Egyptian charter plane Boeing 737 which crashed into the RedSea early on January 3 shortly after taking off from the resort of Sharm el-Sheikh,killing all the 135 passengers and 13 crew members aboard,
He left no clear beneficiary as Next of Kin except some vital documents related to the deposit still in my possession. Recently, the governing body of the Security Company/Finance Firm contacted me on this matter, requesting that I should notify the next of kin of my late client to claim the funds and I am yet to provide the Next of Kin to lay claims to the Fund. I know that my client had no living next of kin but I went ahead and made several inquiries to your embassy to locate any of my late clients extended relatives but this has proved unsuccessful. Under a clear and legitimate agreement with you, I seek your consent to present you as the next so that my late client's fund will not be confiscated by the Security Company.You and I can share the money, you will be entitled to 50% of the total fund for your role as the relative and next of kin of my late client, 40%for me while 10% is to be marked out for any expenses that will be incurred during the clearance or process risk involved as all necessary legal documents that will be used to back you up as the legal beneficiaryand next of kin of my late client will be procured.
All I require is your sincerity, honesty, co-operation and utmost good faiths to enable us see this deal through. I guarantee that this will be executed under a legitimate arrangement that will protect you from any breach of the law. Kindly, get in touch with me by my e-mail or telephone to enable us discuss further.You may also send your telephone number so that I can call you. Do not forget that a transaction of this magnitude requires utmost confidentiality and sincerity. I look forward to your urgent response.Thank you,Peter Van Smith
There was contact information with this email, but I deleted it. Surely there can't be anyone dumb enough (or greedy enough) to fall for this, can there?
Dear Friend,
I am Barrister Peter Van Smith, a solicitor at law. I was the personal attorney to Eng, John McPherson, a national of your country who used to work with an oil servicing company here in Amsterdam-Netherlands after which be referred to as my client. Eng, John McPherson 62 years of age made a fixed deposit of fund valued atUSD$18,500,000 (Eighteen Million,Five Hundred Thousand United States Dollars Only)with a Security Company/Finance Firm here in Europe and unfortunately lost his life in an Egyptian charter plane Boeing 737 which crashed into the RedSea early on January 3 shortly after taking off from the resort of Sharm el-Sheikh,killing all the 135 passengers and 13 crew members aboard,
He left no clear beneficiary as Next of Kin except some vital documents related to the deposit still in my possession. Recently, the governing body of the Security Company/Finance Firm contacted me on this matter, requesting that I should notify the next of kin of my late client to claim the funds and I am yet to provide the Next of Kin to lay claims to the Fund. I know that my client had no living next of kin but I went ahead and made several inquiries to your embassy to locate any of my late clients extended relatives but this has proved unsuccessful. Under a clear and legitimate agreement with you, I seek your consent to present you as the next so that my late client's fund will not be confiscated by the Security Company.You and I can share the money, you will be entitled to 50% of the total fund for your role as the relative and next of kin of my late client, 40%for me while 10% is to be marked out for any expenses that will be incurred during the clearance or process risk involved as all necessary legal documents that will be used to back you up as the legal beneficiaryand next of kin of my late client will be procured.
All I require is your sincerity, honesty, co-operation and utmost good faiths to enable us see this deal through. I guarantee that this will be executed under a legitimate arrangement that will protect you from any breach of the law. Kindly, get in touch with me by my e-mail or telephone to enable us discuss further.You may also send your telephone number so that I can call you. Do not forget that a transaction of this magnitude requires utmost confidentiality and sincerity. I look forward to your urgent response.Thank you,Peter Van Smith
There was contact information with this email, but I deleted it. Surely there can't be anyone dumb enough (or greedy enough) to fall for this, can there?
Sunday, January 07, 2007
Remember my cat Storm? When I was finishing up cleaning out the garage on Saturday, I put some stuff into my van to take to Goodwill on Monday morning. The tailgate was open for quite a while, and when I finished loading, I shut it without taking note of the cat's whereabouts. What a mistake that was!
I missed her about 3pm, but I thought she was asleep under a bed somewhere. When she hadn't surfaced by dinnertime, I began to worry. I opened all the closet doors and kitchen cabinets (where she sometimes goes) but no cat. When I got up this morning, I asked mr. kenju if he had seen her and he answered by asking me if I had looked in the closets. Suddenly it dawned on me where she might be - so I asked him to take my car keys and go look. Sure enough, she was, he reported, sitting on the back seat looking all forlorn.
When she came into the house, her first stop was to the food and water bowls. After she ate, I tried to pet her, but she was clearly showing me her displeasure, since she walked away, snubbing me. As the morning wore on, she relented and decided that my warm, blanket-covered lap was too inviting not to give in.
I have been under the weather today; mr. kenju's cold has finally caught up with me and I couldn't ignore it any longer. I have spent most of the day in my recliner, and the cats have loved every minute of it - at least Clipsie did. Storm took a while to warm up. She didn't want me to know that she was going to forgive me until I had been properly punished for my lack of attention yesterday.
Feeling crappy has prevented me from going outside to check out the van. I am afraid that Storm might have gone to the "bathroom" in it - and since there is no litter pan there - I am worried about what I may find tomorrow. Another cat of ours peed in my daughter's car years ago and it took five years for the smell to disappear - no matter what was done to get rid of it.
Update, Monday noon: Storm deserves a special treat today! My van is clean and apparently she didn't use it as a toilet. YAY!
The Sunday Smorgasbord
1. Bloglines is the way to go! Thanks to all who recommended it. I had to set it up again since it had been so long since I went there, they had forgotten me. It took 2-3 hours to get everyone in (would have been shorter if I had remembered my sub with bloglines button....lol), but now I am with the program and it is SA-WEET! (An addition: I forgot to say that I have 115 feeds in Bloglines, and that doesn't cover all of the blogs I read. Apparently some of them don't allow RSS feeds). Now you know why it took me sooooooo long to read everything!
2. You've heard me rant about magazines before. I used to subscribe to about 15 of them, and I seldom had time or interest in reading more than the captions on the photos. All that has changed. I let all my subscriptions expire, and spent several magazine-free months going through withdrawal. (How could I ever get through the week without looking at the photos in the latest Veranda or Traditional Home?) Know what? I discovered that I can do without them easily, and if I get a hankering, I can either go to the library and look at their copies - or browse a bookstore's magazine racks.
Then I received an offer to convert airline miles to free magazine subscriptions. That sounded like a fair exchange to me, even if the list of available magazines was not completely to my liking. So I filled in the little boxes, mailed off the requests and soon began receiving Smithsonian, Gourmet, and Atlantic Monthly. I thought (rather vacuously) they'd look good on the coffee table, even if I never read anything in them. But guess what? I love Smithsonian and I've discovered that Atlantic Monthly, far from being too intellectual (as I had thought), is chock full of interesting articles. I place it in the bathroom and read snippets all during the day as the opportunity arises. I was surprised to discover that I had read the whole magazine, cover to cover. That has probably never happened before, except when I was a teenager reading Seventeen.
1. Bloglines is the way to go! Thanks to all who recommended it. I had to set it up again since it had been so long since I went there, they had forgotten me. It took 2-3 hours to get everyone in (would have been shorter if I had remembered my sub with bloglines button....lol), but now I am with the program and it is SA-WEET! (An addition: I forgot to say that I have 115 feeds in Bloglines, and that doesn't cover all of the blogs I read. Apparently some of them don't allow RSS feeds). Now you know why it took me sooooooo long to read everything!
2. You've heard me rant about magazines before. I used to subscribe to about 15 of them, and I seldom had time or interest in reading more than the captions on the photos. All that has changed. I let all my subscriptions expire, and spent several magazine-free months going through withdrawal. (How could I ever get through the week without looking at the photos in the latest Veranda or Traditional Home?) Know what? I discovered that I can do without them easily, and if I get a hankering, I can either go to the library and look at their copies - or browse a bookstore's magazine racks.
Then I received an offer to convert airline miles to free magazine subscriptions. That sounded like a fair exchange to me, even if the list of available magazines was not completely to my liking. So I filled in the little boxes, mailed off the requests and soon began receiving Smithsonian, Gourmet, and Atlantic Monthly. I thought (rather vacuously) they'd look good on the coffee table, even if I never read anything in them. But guess what? I love Smithsonian and I've discovered that Atlantic Monthly, far from being too intellectual (as I had thought), is chock full of interesting articles. I place it in the bathroom and read snippets all during the day as the opportunity arises. I was surprised to discover that I had read the whole magazine, cover to cover. That has probably never happened before, except when I was a teenager reading Seventeen.
For instance, in the September 2006 issue, I read all about global warming, the inequality of salaries, Rudy Giulani's hope to be president, the foibles of Homeland Security, past-presidential doodles, Wikipedia: it's beginnings and future, and the burgeoning billionaire service industry, which is a revelation to me and most interesting. As someone once said, "The rich: they are not like you and me" (or something like that). It seems that once you are filthy rich, you need people to take care of all your acquisitions; homes, autos, antiques, jewelry, stocks/bonds/accounts, etc., as never before. So you hire someone (Super-Jeeves, they call him) who has been specially trained to be at your beck and call, and always do it with the utmost grace, gentility and subservience. And you pay them through the nose. I'm in the wrong business, maybe. But then, I have never been good at brown-nosing or gentility, or subserviance either, for that matter.
Gourmet magazine is probably a waste of time for me, but I do pass it on to a friend who is aspiring to be an even better gourmet cook. I read and drool over the recipes, but that is about as far as it gets. So far, I have not been moved to make anything from the magazine. Maybe I can get her to cook something for me...LOL...as payment. Say, that's the ticket!
3. I learned something yesterday: don't go to the county dump on Saturday unless you want to idle in a long line. Having cleaned out the garage and a storage closet, I had a great load of cardboard boxes and their plastic and styrofoam inserts to get rid of. I packed it all in the van and drove to the dump, which is only about 5 miles from my home (at least until 2008, when they say it will be filled).
Rounding the corner into the street approaching the dump, I was instantly sorry I had made the trip, as I saw a long line of cars waiting their turns at the recycle bins. I veered into the right lane so I could drop off the boxes first; they go to another section. When I got out of the car, I was met by a man who asked me "Do you know where the boxes go, young lady?" I said "Yes, they go into that contraption, there", pointing to a large metal bin which collapses the boxes and mashes them into a much smaller pile of cardboard. He smiled as though he was pleased at my reply and hauled the boxes away for me. I got back in the car and drove away, thinking to myself that once men start calling you "Young Lady" you must be looking very old! Perhaps my decision to let my hair grow out to it's natural color was premature?
Rounding the corner into the street approaching the dump, I was instantly sorry I had made the trip, as I saw a long line of cars waiting their turns at the recycle bins. I veered into the right lane so I could drop off the boxes first; they go to another section. When I got out of the car, I was met by a man who asked me "Do you know where the boxes go, young lady?" I said "Yes, they go into that contraption, there", pointing to a large metal bin which collapses the boxes and mashes them into a much smaller pile of cardboard. He smiled as though he was pleased at my reply and hauled the boxes away for me. I got back in the car and drove away, thinking to myself that once men start calling you "Young Lady" you must be looking very old! Perhaps my decision to let my hair grow out to it's natural color was premature?
Saturday, January 06, 2007
Quotes of Note
"The butterfly counts not years but moments and has time enough".
Rabindranath Tagore, poet, philosopher, author, songwriter, painter, educator, composer, Nobel laureate (1861-1941)
(Yes, I know it's a Luna moth)
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And here is a very good one....pay attention:
"It seems fitting that someone with the same name as Rome's founder, Romulous, presided over the empire's end. (Imagine if America's demise were to occur under a president named George.)"
Cullen Murphy in "The Road from Ravenna", an article in the September 2006 issue of The Atlantic Monthly.
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Want to chuckle a little? go here:
http://www.thewvsr.com/eharmony.htm
Friday, January 05, 2007
Your 2007 Contract:
After serious & cautious consideration.....your contract of friendship has been renewed for the New Year 2007! It was a very hard decision to make. So try not to screw it up!!!
My Wish for You in 2007:
May peace break into your house and may thieves come to steal your debts.
May the pockets of your jeans become a magnet of $200 bills.
May love stick to your face like Vaseline and may laughter assault your lips!
May your clothes smell of success like smoking tires and may happiness slap you across the face and may your tears be that of joy.
May the problems you had forget your home address!
In simple words ............ May 2007 be the best year of your life!!
Another email piece.
After serious & cautious consideration.....your contract of friendship has been renewed for the New Year 2007! It was a very hard decision to make. So try not to screw it up!!!
My Wish for You in 2007:
May peace break into your house and may thieves come to steal your debts.
May the pockets of your jeans become a magnet of $200 bills.
May love stick to your face like Vaseline and may laughter assault your lips!
May your clothes smell of success like smoking tires and may happiness slap you across the face and may your tears be that of joy.
May the problems you had forget your home address!
In simple words ............ May 2007 be the best year of your life!!
Another email piece.
Thursday, January 04, 2007
I Thank You
Thanks to all of you who weighed in with opinions and shared your own family situations in support of telling this guy that he has a sister. I think he should know, but Mr. kenju is still unsure. He has read all your comments, and he will discuss it with the only other family member who knows about it, and then he will make his decision whether to tell or not.
The people involved are getting on in years; the woman who had the out-of-wedlock baby girl is surely deceased, and we don't know the name or whereabouts of the half-sister - or indeed if she is alive. If she is not, as someone pointed out, it might be best not to tell.
Each of you brought up some points we had not considered, as I knew you would. I am blown away by the thoughtful kindness you show every day, but especially at times like this. Again, thanks for your willingness to help.
Now please scroll down for a post that might be just a little bit more jolly!
The people involved are getting on in years; the woman who had the out-of-wedlock baby girl is surely deceased, and we don't know the name or whereabouts of the half-sister - or indeed if she is alive. If she is not, as someone pointed out, it might be best not to tell.
Each of you brought up some points we had not considered, as I knew you would. I am blown away by the thoughtful kindness you show every day, but especially at times like this. Again, thanks for your willingness to help.
Now please scroll down for a post that might be just a little bit more jolly!
The Ditto Post (edited below)
You know...... the one where I say some things I have said before?
Yes, well, I AM going to say it again. People, you have to STOP!
(all semi-bans on exclamation points shall be suspended for this post)
"Stop what?", you say coyly, looking curious, and mildly amused.
Stop writing so well, stop posting so often, stop giving me new links to follow! I tell you, I'm drowning here, people. There are now so many links in my favorite blogs list that it takes me over 3 hours to click on everyone. I am thankful that some of you are lax about posting often, otherwise it would take 4-5 hours to get through it. See, the problem is that I have no self-control. Once I start going through the list, I feel guilty if I don't click to see if you have a new post. Maybe I shouldn't admit that I am insatiably nosy, but I am, and you might have written the post of a lifetime and I'd miss it - which would be a terrible thing. You may have found the secret to life - or you might have divulged some juicy family secret and I'd be out of the loop in future posts!
Yes, well, I AM going to say it again. People, you have to STOP!
(all semi-bans on exclamation points shall be suspended for this post)
"Stop what?", you say coyly, looking curious, and mildly amused.
Stop writing so well, stop posting so often, stop giving me new links to follow! I tell you, I'm drowning here, people. There are now so many links in my favorite blogs list that it takes me over 3 hours to click on everyone. I am thankful that some of you are lax about posting often, otherwise it would take 4-5 hours to get through it. See, the problem is that I have no self-control. Once I start going through the list, I feel guilty if I don't click to see if you have a new post. Maybe I shouldn't admit that I am insatiably nosy, but I am, and you might have written the post of a lifetime and I'd miss it - which would be a terrible thing. You may have found the secret to life - or you might have divulged some juicy family secret and I'd be out of the loop in future posts!
Then there is this little problem of you telling me about some blog you just found that is funny, or inspires you, or simply can't be missed....and what do I do? I go and click on it just like you said to, because what are friends for, really, if not to take your advice and enjoy what you like too? If I could stop there, it might not be so bad, but of course I click on "organize favorites" and add that one to my list too.
Another problem is that I am compelled to leave a comment nearly every time I visit. There are only a few blogs on which I lurk, and I usually don't lurk for long. The need to put in my 2 cents worth is overpowering, even though most of the time I am not saying anything earth-shaking; I'm just letting you know I was there.
I will admit that I do clean out the favorites file occasionally. If one of you decides to stop posting for weeks, I put you into a "closed blogs" file. Now and then I will go into that file, to see if you have resumed posting, and that takes time, and I am always disappointed to see that you haven't posted again (you know who you are).
Suppose I had a blogroll (which I promised I'd do last February, after Naomi so kindly sent me directions on how to do it. There's nothing like fear and procrastination, is there?). My blogroll would take up so much space in the sidebar that you'd sprain your finger scrolling down to the bottom of it! (Sometimes my forefinger rolls the scroll wheel so often that it feels sprained, but I thank technology for that scroll wheel and back buttons!)
You know I'm teasing, right? I don't really want you to stop posting or giving links. But I DO need to develop a plan for those times when I don't have 3+ hours to spare, or the nights I think sleep really IS necessary. Maybe I could click on every other blog in the list one night and then the rest of you the next night. How would you feel about that? Would you feel slighted if you didn't hear from me? (Break it to me gently, people, I couldn't take hearing that you wouldn't miss me).
One last item: does anyone have a solution to my spreading butt, caused by coubtless hours sitting here at the computer? After all, folks, you're the cause of it!
****Believe it or not, I do have Bloglines. I set it up over a year ago, and mainly I have it so that if I lose my favorites list, I have a backup to find most of you. Maybe I never learned how to use it properly, because I found it cumbersome. And it isn't up to date, because I haven't added a blog to it for at least 7-8 months. Since so many of you recommended it, I will re-visit Bloglines and see if that makes life a little easier. ****another addition: Uh-oh. I just went to Bloglines and they don't know me anymore. They say I am giving them the wrong email address, so I gave them all 3 and they still won't let me in. I guess I'll have to start from scratch (that willl only take a week, right?)
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
We'd like your opinion, please.... Would you want to know?
Mr. kenju told me something tonight about someone in his family that I never knew. In fact, only two people are still alive who know anything about it.
When an older relative of his was young, he had a child out of wedlock with a woman the family knew. He later dated another woman, and he told her that he had previously had a child, but he was not involved in that child's life. (We don't know if he supported that child financially). She accepted that and they married, staying together for decades until his death. She has since died too.
They had one child, a son. That son is now becoming interested in his family geneaology, and is asking all sorts of questions concerning them. Since Mr. kenju has been doing the family tree for years, he is the logical one to ask for information.
Mr. kenju is one of the people who know about this additional child, a half-sister to the son. As far as this son knows, he has no siblings, either half or whole. Mr. kenju asked me if I thought he should be told about her. I answered that if it were me, I would definitely want to know if I had a half-sibling. As an only child, I think he would want to know about her.
However, it stands to reason that if he finds out about his father having a child before wedlock, he will be perplexed and angry that his father never told him about the other child. It will besmirch his father's reputation, and he is no longer here to defend himself. Also, there is the chance that mr. kenju, as the "messenger" will have to take some heat if he is the one who spills the beans.
My answer to that is "tough noogies". The son should be told about his half-sister and if he responds negatively in relation to his father - he will have a lot of time to think about why his father did not tell him about the child. I happen to think that his father should have told him when he reached the age of 21.
Mr. kenju told me something tonight about someone in his family that I never knew. In fact, only two people are still alive who know anything about it.
When an older relative of his was young, he had a child out of wedlock with a woman the family knew. He later dated another woman, and he told her that he had previously had a child, but he was not involved in that child's life. (We don't know if he supported that child financially). She accepted that and they married, staying together for decades until his death. She has since died too.
They had one child, a son. That son is now becoming interested in his family geneaology, and is asking all sorts of questions concerning them. Since Mr. kenju has been doing the family tree for years, he is the logical one to ask for information.
Mr. kenju is one of the people who know about this additional child, a half-sister to the son. As far as this son knows, he has no siblings, either half or whole. Mr. kenju asked me if I thought he should be told about her. I answered that if it were me, I would definitely want to know if I had a half-sibling. As an only child, I think he would want to know about her.
However, it stands to reason that if he finds out about his father having a child before wedlock, he will be perplexed and angry that his father never told him about the other child. It will besmirch his father's reputation, and he is no longer here to defend himself. Also, there is the chance that mr. kenju, as the "messenger" will have to take some heat if he is the one who spills the beans.
My answer to that is "tough noogies". The son should be told about his half-sister and if he responds negatively in relation to his father - he will have a lot of time to think about why his father did not tell him about the child. I happen to think that his father should have told him when he reached the age of 21.
What do you think?
Should Mr. kenju tell this man about his half-sister? Or should he keep the secret forever?
Storm and Eclipse
Storm, in her favorite position. When my son saw this pic, he wanted to know why her head looked so small.
"Because it is, in comparison to her huge, fat body", I said.
Eclipse, who doesn't have many photos, due to her natural reticence to pose and her proclivity to move toward me whenever she sees me
.Another problem I have in trying to photograph Eclipse (called Clipsie) is that her fur is dense and very non-reflective, so pics of her tend to be a black blob. If I try to lighten them, the background of the photo is so out of whack it looks bad. The comforter she is laying on here is black with coral and red-orange flowers, and very little yellow-gold. Finally I got one in which you could see detail (plus her one white face hair (right cheek). This cat is the most affectionate one I have ever had. She follows me from room to room like a dog; but unlike a dog, she is patient and long-suffering with me until I have time for her.
Storm, on the other hand, follows me from room to room and meows quite plaintively until I stop and pet her, and if I don't respond, she licks my legs until I do.
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
A New Year's Eve Eve Wedding
This is what kept my boss (Mel Day of Dogwood Tree Floral) and all his crew busy last weekend; a large wedding at Duke Chapel and reception at the Washington-Duke Inn.
Each centerpiece was made on a framework of plywood and dowels, all covered with fresh sheet moss. Each one had 8 sprays of phaelenopsis orchids, with green hydrangea, corkscrew willow and salal (lemon leaf). They were approximately 7-8 feet tall, and we did 19 of them, plus 2 smaller arrangements. It was a lot of hard work (although fun) and we are glad it is over!
A Resolution!
I usually don't make them, because I know from past experience that I seldom keep a resolution, but I have noticed for some time now that I need to change at least one thing about myself (Mr. kenju would argue that there are many others.....but....I could say the same thing about him).
I use too many exclamation points. I almost put one at the end of that sentence and in truth, it deserves one, but since I am trying to quit - I will restrain myself.
I promise to stop using exclamation points after nearly every sentence, and to only use one when it really needs to be there, like now! If you catch me using one where it doesn't need to be, will you call me on it? Thanks! (lol)
I usually don't make them, because I know from past experience that I seldom keep a resolution, but I have noticed for some time now that I need to change at least one thing about myself (Mr. kenju would argue that there are many others.....but....I could say the same thing about him).
I use too many exclamation points. I almost put one at the end of that sentence and in truth, it deserves one, but since I am trying to quit - I will restrain myself.
I promise to stop using exclamation points after nearly every sentence, and to only use one when it really needs to be there, like now! If you catch me using one where it doesn't need to be, will you call me on it? Thanks! (lol)
Monday, January 01, 2007
Recipe for a Happy new Year
Take twelve whole months, clean them thoroughly of all bitterness, hate, and jealousy; make them just as fresh and clean as possible. Now cut each month into twenty-eight, thirty, or
thirty-one different parts, but don't make up the whole batch at once.
Prepare it one day at a time out of these ingredients. Mix well into each day one part of faith, one part of patience, one part of courage, and one part of work. Add to each day one part of hope, faithfulness, generosity, and kindness.
Blend with one part prayer, one part meditation, and one good deed. Season the whole with a dash of good spirits, a sprinkle of fun, a pinch of play, and a cupful of good humor. Pour all of this into a vessel of love.
Cook thoroughly over radiant joy, garnish with a smile, and serve with quietness, unselfishness, and cheerfulness. You're bound to have a happy new year.
Author Unknown
thirty-one different parts, but don't make up the whole batch at once.
Prepare it one day at a time out of these ingredients. Mix well into each day one part of faith, one part of patience, one part of courage, and one part of work. Add to each day one part of hope, faithfulness, generosity, and kindness.
Blend with one part prayer, one part meditation, and one good deed. Season the whole with a dash of good spirits, a sprinkle of fun, a pinch of play, and a cupful of good humor. Pour all of this into a vessel of love.
Cook thoroughly over radiant joy, garnish with a smile, and serve with quietness, unselfishness, and cheerfulness. You're bound to have a happy new year.
Author Unknown
And for a double dose of fun for the New Year, try Lauren and Lindsay. They are the twin nieces of my boss. Aren't they darling? 
