This blog will no longer be quite as active as before! I won't have time to keep up with it like I used to have. Maybe a post here and there when I can get to it.

Hope your holidays were peaceful and everything you wished for came true! See below this post what I've received as gifts from my "online Santas"

Happy 2007!!!
signing off...........

I had a secret elf for the 12 days prior to Christmas...
Each day, I'd find a special little something in my stocking er....ummmm, email!
Thanks to my secret elf--you made my days oh so special!!
~<>~<>~<>~


I've had the most wonderful online-friendship holiday ever! Short from having family home for Christmas, my online family showered me with some lovely, precious gifts!


A group of ladies I belong to---friends that I have met, others still yet to meet; we've been online friends for several years...we decided to have a 'name drawing' for a 'secret santa' gift exchange. Hubby was the one who drew the names for us all. My name that I was to buy a gift for and send it along to her was Chilady!
My gift to Chilady is something I made. I crocheted her an angel centerpiece. Here is the gift---

Chilady has two views, front and back on her blog.

Norma made me this beautiful stat --it's just gorgeous!

[click here for 808x594 image]
Dear Wystful,
You bring a Bright light into peoples lives.
I am grateful for such a wonderful friend .
Hugs Norma

And a wonderful woman that has graced my online adventures for years, Karma, drew my name. Karma? Your gift is most cherished! Here is the adorable gift Karma sent me for Christmas--


I've dubbed him Sir Windsor of Mooseville
(Karma is from a town called, Windsor)

Then, there's Lady Lisa --She honored me by sending me a most treasured gift--the "how-to's" and equipment to make Denmark's own traditonal Danish Hearts. The traditional heart is done in red and white---Denmark's flag colors; filled with treats of all kinds, and hung along store windows, on Christmas trees and the like. I made several, and now I'm hooked! I love them, Lisa! And thanks. Here are a few of my finished hearts.




Then, last but not least of friends' gifts. Comes a surprise from Melli. But, there is a story behind this gift. A bit of fun actually. Yet, at the beginning she had me really going there!----You see, to make a long story short, she told me that she found 'flavored' linguine! And she was sure it would be a flavor I'd appreciate! Yes, she did have me going. Then, the package arrived...on the bubble envelope, Melli had written: "The pasta's here!" I opened the envelope, and sure enough there was this Linguine box!! But through the cellophane window I could see something wrapped in holiday paper. I opened the linguine and had fun with her for a while all over the 'net...making her follow my clues to get a joke, a poem, stuff like that. Really, fair play don't you think? Okay so, come this morning (after the linguine simmered under the tree for a couple of weeks) I opened the now scorched pasta!! Burnt pasta paste, indeed! (just joking!) They go so well with my newly 'styled' bedroom color!! Thank you so much Melli!! Look at these beauties!----



~<>~<>~And to all my online and blogging friends...~<>~<>~

LEMON MERINGUE DESSERT

1 large package of cook 'n' serve JELLO Lemon Pie Filling
homemade prepared pie crust (with some sugar added)
3 egg meringue

This is a long drawn out affair, but oh so scrumptious.
When I make a lemon meringue pie I always find that the pie filling is much more than can be held in a large pie pan, it always seems to overflow and then I can't seal the meringue like it should be to avoid watery filling.

So, I've remedied the dilemma by using a 13x9 oblong cake pan.

The pieces, after it's prepared, can be cut into squares and served as a dessert just like pie, but as a smaller portioned 'bar'.

And I'm not one much for the meringue itself, too sweet for me...so the 3 egg yolks used when following the boxed recipe, is thin and not 'bulky' and overpowering the tangy lemon.

Step by step with a few pictures of the process is below.

Prepare jello lemon pie filling as directed on package
(I use the microwave section, but can be stove top)









While cooking the filling mix to a boil, and cooling for 5 minutes (stirring twice) -- you prepare your own pie crust. (I add sugar to my pie crust mixing to add just a touch of cookie sweetness to the bar)



With damp hands, press the finished crust into the ungreased, oblong cake pan and set in preheated oven to brown lightly. (I never say oven temperatures because convention/convection ovens vary in heat processes AND cooking times-so, lightly browned) Meanwhile, stir your pie filling to keep it from lumping up as it cools.

Once your crust is browned to your tastes and preference, and flaky to the touch, remove from oven and cool.

After cooling, slowly pour the lemon filling on top of the crust, spreading evenly to coat the crust. Again, alow to cool while preparing the meringue.



On the back of the jello package, there are directions for meringue. Follow as shown and when peaks form on the whipped egg white/sugar mix, you're ready to top the filling/crust that has been cooling.




Pop the crust/filling/meringue filled pan back into a warm oven and brown the meringue (about 5 minutes or so, depending on the temperature you have set)

You get this as a result (of course more egg whites can be used to completely cover, but around our house, only hubby likes the meringue, so it's 50/50 for us!!)
REFRIGERATE at least 5 hours before cutting/serving

THURSDAY'S THOUGHTS

(also, if you'd like to join me and would like to use this graphic header you're more than welcome. Click here to save it.) And the link for the posting of your Thursday Thoughts URL is on my sidebar!!

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Have you ever realized you're thinking in words? In your brain--without actually speaking those words aloud? In turn, have you ever thought to yourself, how did language evolve?

Where and when, in history, did language actually become congnitive? Speech, such as forming sounds into words? How did the Neanderthals express their thoughts verbally? Where and when did the association of apple actually become the fruit as we know today --let alone the "forbidden fruit" being associated with the word apple; and there is no reference to apple in Genesis. It's simply 'translated in one "language" from another "language" as the fruit from the tree of knowledge'? Is green, the color, actually green as we know it--the shade of grass blades?

I have. Many times.

Humans have a brain functioning at high speed, tho we are reportedly only using a small percentage. And I'm sure that we humans of today's generation learned speech from our parents and they did and their parents...and so on. But going back to days of say---cavemen? How did the man of the house let his woman know he's hungry and wants her to cook? Was it a verbal grunt or two? Was it all hand signals?

I'm contented to visualize our vocal abilities have evolved along with our brains and brain size. Our physical apparatus with language and speaking has also evolved into a highly mechanized tool.

Was it a different movement of humans' vocal chords? Why now in our time do we choke more than past generations? Is our larnyx continuing to evolve?

When we visit foreign lands that the people of the visited land speak a strange language, what do we normally do to communicate? Is it from our instinct and our evolution to use sign language and point along with words?

Did we use signs, and motion of our hands and then find that our hands could make use of tools? And with those tools came a necessity to communicate verbally to allow us to continue working with our hands while 'talking'?

So facinating and yet at the time unanswerable. The study of evolution and language has always intrigued me. So many different languages and translations....all through the evolution of conversing/communicating in those different languages!!!

Should there be more of a universal language? If human evolution is correct, and man 'began' in what is now known as Africa, why then are there so many different species of humans? So many languages. In China, for example, the many hundreds of Chinese dialects differ so much even Chinese from the far eastern shores cannot understand the Chinese to the west?

Where and how did language evolve you wonder?

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

Not so wordless this week....
sending you this card from my house to yours--------





....you have everything you need, if you just believe!!!!

TWO FOR TUESDAY

What a difference a day makes.....



One day it's this.....




...the next day it's this!

It's foggy!! How I love fog!!
For me, it's one of the best of nature's glories!!
The sounds, how they carry, the whole feeling of dampness, and stillness all rolled into one----



From the front yard...looking down the street, can barely see homes.

From the back yard, over the fence...into an empty field...but it's NOT empty. They're building houses and there are large pieces of equipment sitting there...invisible this morning!

Dew on a climbing rose bush branch

I tried to get the dew - water drops AND a web with dewy mist interwoven.

[enlarge the photos for better views]

SUNDAY'S SNIPPET

Sunday's snippets is my original idea to share something a bit 'out of the ordinary'...yet, newsy without being of crimes, wars, hate and such that the media tends to over saturate the papers/tv/internet. I wanted Sunday to be a bit 'peaceful' and enjoyable with meaningless stature or perhaps something of an intersting-helpful value!!

Today's topic is Children -Children's Hospice Coalition to be exact.

This past two weeks, beginning December 4th and ending December 14th, the oh so talented man of my dreams, Johnny Depp, among other celebrites donated items to be auctioned off to raise funds for children in need. (Johnny Depp's "Today is a gift, have fun" bracelet you often see him wearing can be purchased to help with funds also)

To continue with the 'happy' story of charities from celebrities (this is always a feel-good for me, reading about such happenings)....Mr. Depp did a self portrait of his recurring role as Captain Jack Sparrow on a bowling ball. And this past ten days, it was auctioned off. The bids started at $75.00 (USA currency)...in ten days' time the top bid was $2,360.51 (USA)!!

I don't have my normal newsprint scanned this week, but I do have the photo from the auction here --



The winning bidder is Sheila! It's a treasure!

Also, among other items, were "A day with Melissa Gilbert" --top bid was $1225.00 (winning bid was from Stephen) - Lunch with Mandy Moore -- bidding topped close to $5 grand!! - FX's Nip and Tuck VIP passes bidding for over $6,000 - many many others!! The top item auctioned off this past week was Andy Warhol's "John Wayne" original screenprint going for over $34 grand!

All proceeds, 100%, goes to the benefit of the Children's Hospice!! All totalling nearly $60,000.00. Awesome...like I said, this particular item is a feel good story...when we're all so busy charging and purchasing gifts for our family and friends, the hard working celebrities and well-knowns have it in their hearts to give to the needy as we all should!!!

God Bless them, each and every one!!

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Your Elf Name Is...

Happy Sweet Cheeks

What's Your Elf Name?

I am shocked!!! 'sweet cheeks' is hubby's and my nicknames for each other!!! UN-be-LIEVABLE....*gulp* This is the first time anything has even come remotely close with these "name" quizzes. And she actually looks about how I feel.

SATURDAY PHOTO HUNT

Grab the Photo Hunt code.
Join the blogroll. Visit participants.


THIS WEEK'S THEME - - ANNOYING
Okay, not much in my life annoys me, so this was difficult for me since I've not left the house much this week. The first thing that came to mind was something on television...but since I've been sick, and haven't had a chance to get any pictures, nor any time to actually feel like sitting in front of a TV. This is usually on during dinner at our house, as we have the television going so we don't have to hear each other chewing! LOL

So, I kinda 'cheated' this week. ....gotta break the rules once in a while....that's what they're for, ya know? I went out on the 'net with my hunting this day----it's not clipart, but actually it's not a photo either---it's a very SHORT 13 second video. Yet, the true TV airing goes on and on and on and on....for at least a minute!!! And something about shoving this and where the sun don't shine, comes to mind!!!! Okay...here's the most annoying thing I could think of this morning.



(No, we don't have TIVO, and we don't need it actually. 'Cause most times the TV is used for DVD's)

VIRTUAL HOLIDAY COOKIE SWAP

Carol, being a gracious hostess that she is, is holding a 'cookie swap'. I've decided to add a recipe. Tho not a cookie per se, but the size you make these mouth watering 'pies' is totally up to you....I have made 'em about the size of the store manufactured moon pies. They're fantastic with a tall glass of icy cold milk!!

(and I use the bottled Marshmallow Creme for filling)



1/2 cup solid vegetable shortening
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 egg
1/4 cup cocoa
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup milk
Whoopie Pie Filling (see recipe below)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease baking sheets.

In a large bowl, cream together shortening, sugar, and egg. In another bowl, combine cocoa, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

In a small bowl, stir the vanilla extract into the milk. Add the dry ingredients to the shortening mixture, alternating with the milk mixture; beating until smooth.

Drop batter by the 1/4 cup (to make 18 cakes) onto prepared baking sheets. With the back of a spoon spread batter into 4-inch circles, leaving approximately 2 inches between each cake. Bake 15 minutes or until they are firm to the touch. Remove from oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.

Make Whoopie Pie Filling. When the cakes are completely cool, spread the flat side (bottom) of one chocolate cake with a generous amount of filling. Top with another cake, pressing down gently to distribute the filling evenly. Repeat with all cookies to make 9 pies. Wrap whoopie pies individually in plastic wrap, or place them in a single layer on a platter (do not stack them, as they tend to stick).

To freeze, wrap each whoopie pie in plastic wrap. Loosely pack them in a plastic freezer container and cover. To serve, defrost the wrapped whoopie pies in the refrigerator.

Makes 9 large whoopie pies.

Whoopie Pie Filling:
1 cup solid vegetable shortening*
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
2 cups Marshmallow Fluff**
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

* Butter may be substituted for all or part of the vegetable shortening, although traditional Whoopie Pies are made with vegetable shortening only

** Marshmallow Creme may be substituted.

In a medium bow, beat together shortening, sugar, and Marshmallow fluff; stir in vanilla extract until well blended.

....the best time of the year

....when Christmas comes to town!!

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Don't miss the virtual Blogs' Holiday Parade!! Won't you join? It'll be like a drive through the neighborhood with all the 'ooooooooo's and ahhhhhhhhhh's' of the beauty of the season!! Link above, on the top righthand corner...just click and join the fun!!

Ho, Ho, Ho!
Mer-r-r-r-y Christmas!!!













I'VE BEEN SO SICK I HAVEN'T HAD ANY COMPUTER TIME...
THESE ARE MORE PHOTOS OF SANTA RESIDING HERE IN OUR HOME that I have stored on the computer already---

TWO FOR TUESDAY

CROCHET & SHELLS

Well, today, this fine Tuesday -being a very busy time of year for me, I wanted to share a new project I will be starting for the winter days while hubby is watching his Super Bowl all day, etc. LOL (I always seem to want to start a new project around this time, 'cause if my favorite team isn't in the bowl--I ask now: "What is it with this new Rookie Quarterback for the D. Broncos?"--, it's a bit boring. Besides, there is way too much money wasted putting on the sports' show of shows. My humble opinion.)

Anyway, today, before I begin to start making some holiday treats that will last the month for us, without spoiling, or things I can freeze ahead of time, I'm going to show you TWO VIEWS of the one thing I want to try to make. Just hope I can find the right color I have in mind! I'm thinking a bright rich blue, or perhaps a misty lavendar...all colors for Spring. *smile*

It is labeled "advanced" for the pattern, so I will read through the directions more thoroughly before I even LOOK for thread. Just to see if I think I can understand it first. It's something totally beautiful in my estimation, and would look great with a simple pant suit of a dark color. If I choose the correct color of thread, I'd be able to wear it for casual wear with a nice pair of jeans AND going out in the evening for 'more fancy' dining.

The front and back views of my hopefully soon to be new project! It's soooooooooo, well, for lack of a better description, feminine and victorian-looking---




What's your opinion? Right now, for me it's "ACK!" I'm not sure 'bout this one...looks pretty, but still in my mind PRETTY difficult. We'll see. Then....

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My second entry is a photo of some shells. When I go walking on the beach I am equipped with my always present water bottle and a cloth shoulder bag. The water? For drinking. The bag? For shells!!

If I happen to get 'lucky' I can find some unbroken shells. Ya know---The beaches on Mustang Island vehicles are allowed to traverse over, and the shells are smashed to bits. The last month or so, a new section of the beach has finally been re-opened. For a couple of years, it's been cordoned off because of the county's construction....or I should say REconstruction of Packery Channel. The redredging of the channel is finally complete and once again that section is open to the beachcombers and fishermen!! Hubby and I went there for walking last week, and tho I've still not cleaned the shells up, I was lucky enough to find two sand dollars that were whole and one that it looks like the gulls pecked at....but I never the less grabbed 'em!! And from the photo, you can see what else I found....even a coconut shell washed up!! ---hmmmm, there are no coconut palms around here....it had to have washed ashore from floating across the gulf from the Caribbean somewhere. And it's a RARE treat to find any clam shells that are larger than a half dollar in size...the ones to the right of the coconut are approximately the size of a canning jar in circumference ---AND whole!!!

[click for larger view]

"But why's the RUM gone?"

~A HOLIDAY MEME~
"Just 'cause it tickles me!"


1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Most times, I do paper. But I HAVE done gift bags.

2. Real tree or artificial? We've had an artificial tree for decades! We're probably one of the first to like the concept. Why cut down a REAL one and kill it?---trees actually absorb the bad emissions we humans create, so the more trees living, the less pollution. (Funny story, on a dare once --something like a dare always gets me riled into showing 'em I can do it!--ONE year we used a HUGE tumbleweed---it was like 6 or 7 feet in height and very bushy. Spray painted it white then, flocked it with fake snow, and had it decorated with acrylic icicles and tinsel and white lights! -- It was actually VERY beautiful, in an artful sense!!)

3. When do you put up the tree? We usually put it up on Thanksgiving, after the big meal and while watching the Dallas Cowboys football. Has there EVER been a Thanksgiving that Dallas doesn't play? It's as traditional as the turkey feast I imagine--at least to us sports fans.

4. When do you take the tree down? I start taking most down the day after Christmas. My thinking is, the holiday is over, get back to normal living.

5. Do you like eggnog? Love it!!! Without booze most times! Lots of nutmeg.

6. Favorite gift received as a child? Golly, that's not an easy one. Our family wasn't much on gift giving....Just Santa. So, it'd have to be a doll that I rec'd from Santa. Other than that, it was more tradtional that we draw names after I grew up some, and Santa stopped visiting. It was much more fun to shop for the name I drew than receiving. Truly!! Actually, now that I think about it, it was the gathering of the huge group of family that was the best gift!!! And the most fun. Eating, card games, festive drinking, and more games and eating---all day long and into the late evening.

7. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes, one. Made of frosted glass.

8. Hardest person to buy for? Here at home, it's just the two of us. And to be honest, we buy each other stuff ALL year long...so it's not difficult. We know what each one likes. The other family members living away from us, we just send cards, money, or gift cards. Or perhaps for some, just a phone call to wish them the best of holidays and a happy new year. In our family that's more sensible. Money comes hard these days and why waste it on distant family members that feel obliged to reciprocate --- use the money on themselves instead of us. We don't need anything but our health and each other. And I state this with conviction.

9. Easiest person to buy for? As stated above in #8, nothing is difficult for the two of us. The 4 legged children are even easy to buy gifts for, to fill their stockings! Yes--you read that right, we do have tiny stockings for our kitties also. Oh don't get me wrong...it's nothing much, maybe a $1 cat toy or a bag of kitty snacks, something like that.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Both

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? None. I've always appreciated them all. But, I do know one I thought was the worst I've given!! A turkey to my nephew. What a joke that was, and I still feel badly I did such a thing. (mind you, it was cute, but something like that to a nephew just doesn't come across as too thoughtful, ya know?)

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Hands down, the most recent "The Polar Express"...it truly brought back a good childhood for me.

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Used to be, when the kids were small, all year long. If I saw something that I knew someone would like, it was purchased and packed away in a special drawer I had just for that purpose --or in a locked closet; or often, in the garage attic. That way, we'd not need to use credit cards for holiday shopping and ever go off the budget---no sense paying premium interest rates for a gift that ends up in the trash bin within a couple years' time!! But now....no need to even think of shopping for hubby 'til it gets closer to the season. Why, during the year he might buy something that I perhaps had in mind for a gift....so, I wait.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? No

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Shamefully, it's all mostly the sweet goodies. I make a double batch of Rice Krispie Treats to fill my huge Santa boot...and it's replenished throughout the month of December. Cookies. Popcorn Balls and then, good stuff, I always buy some bulk mixed nuts....but if you see me at the store near the bin, I'm usually picking through to get mostly pecans.

16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? It depends on the theme for the year. Sometimes, mixed colored lights, sometimes all white. This year, the theme is red. We have a monochromatic lighting on the tree...all red.

17. Favorite Christmas song? Depends. If it's Christmas Carols (to me, the tradtional carols should be only hymns!) you are wanting to know, it'd be "O Holy Night". I just love that song. Then, I have a few plain songs, that I wouldn't consider 'carols'---I do love "Christmas Eve in Saraejvo"(poor hubby is glad to know the holidays will soon be over ---I play this song daily I love it that much), "I'll be Home for Christmas", and the one Josh Groban sings ---"Believe". BUT!! There is no question here that asks what the LEAST favorite is? ---gotta tell you I detest "Gramma Got Run Over by a Reindeer"!!! That song, in my humble opinion, just irks me to no end. It degrades the whole concept of the reason for the season! It's stupidity.

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? We've done both. Travel and stay home. Now-a-days, it's stay home. We'd prefer this much better.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeers? Of course!! You need ask?

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Neither....it's usually an animated santa tree topper. This year tho, it's a blown red glass fixture.

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Morning!!! By all means.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? TRAFFIC!! And then coming in 2nd would be the shoppers that are in line to check out and they wait 'til all the purchases are scanned, then find they don't have the funds and we have to wait for them to go back through everything that they've purchased and take off items 'til they get the check down to their budgets, or credit card max!! Why do people do that?

23. Favorite ornament theme or color? Santas...always santas.

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Well, it's more of a late luncheon-early dinner type meal...we usually dine around 4 or 5pm, instead of our usual 7pm meal time...so we won't be overfilled still by 10pm and have to go to bed on a heavy stomach. We eat early, then always walk it off somewhere, and play board games like monopoly or trivial pursuit. Oh, you asked what's the favorite at our table? Ham, with mashed potatoes and gravy!!

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My very small Monday Memory today is one I thought of the other night, watching a video about the Islands. The Hawai'ian Islands to be exact.

Now, I've taken many trips aboard planes. For nearly 40 years, most always, we'd fly to our destination and then use a car rental to get around. I've flown in planes of all sizes, and tho we've flown to Mexico several times to different destinations and the intercontinental United States, it's always the, now more or less extinct, 727 jets. We've flown in 737's also.

But the one trip we took that we spent 3 weeks in Hawai'i, we flew from Denver's Stapleton (that too is no longer in Denver...they now have the new Denver International) to Los Angeles's LAX! We didn't have much of a layover time before we had to board to fly overseas. It was going to be a 6 hour flight. But, we got to the terminal---and people, people everywhere. I had seen huge planes on TV and movies...but not to board!!

This was a 747 two decker!! And looking out the window of the airport's gate, there was ours!!! My heart stopped!! There was this plane...and all I could see was the huge windshield and the upper deck of the plane!! Normally, when I board and look out the window of the airport, there is this fine sized, medium size 727! This plane was so damn big!! I turned around to hubby and said "Is this sucker gonna get off the ground?"

You had to be there....it was the first time in my life I flew in a 747 double decker! And ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh, what a joy ride that was!!

(Also, this was the first time in my life I got to see the live action of a volcano...when we started to descend into Oahu's International airport, the pilot pointed out the hot orange glow of the lava flows!!! It was just so awesome!!!)

[click for a much larger view]

Isn't this pretty? It's a gift I got, and opened BEFORE Christmas. I was supposed to check if anything was broken. The picture doesn't do justice to the beauty tho. It's absolutely stunning (at least I think so). And it's VERY large and heavy!! It's blown glass, and crystal clear except for around the spine area...that is green. About 8 to 10 inches high!

But, right now...bah humbug!! There hasn't been any sunlight filtering through the window the last two days...I can't wait to see it with the glow of sunshine!

(Since we've moved to the coast, I've slowly started a small collection of dolphins...small enough to have them all sitting on the window sill here in the office. But, this one will have a special place somewhere!)

SUNDAY'S SNIPPET

Sunday's snippets is my original idea to share something a bit 'out of the ordinary'...yet, newsy without being of crimes, wars, hate and such that the media tends to over saturate the papers/tv/internet. I wanted Sunday to be a bit 'peaceful' and enjoyable with meaningless stature or perhaps something of an intersting-helpful value!!

Today's topic is health. Associated with Cranberries!



Tho, a lot of research is an unexact science, and some 'findings' are not quite up to status quo on proven fact, more or less speculations, I found this quite interesting and will do some 'testing' myself. Not really---but I will consume more of the tart, bittersweet fruit! (I love to have dried cranberries in the car with me at all times), and when I need a snack, they're there, and much more healthy than candy or soda drinks!!

The ariticle itself states that consumption of cranberries may improve the cholesterol in your system by lowering the bad cholesterol - LDL and increase levels of the good - HDL! They also may prevent tumors from growing rapidly OR beginning at all. Extracts from the cranberry prevents breast cancer cells when tested in test tubes, but has yet to be experimented with on humans. Also, cranberries will prevent plaque forming on teeth and kills bacteria that will cause stomach cancer and ulcers. And of course already known to health avids, we know that drinking the juice of a cranberry will preven urinary infections.

The clip also goes on about research of the cranberry and effects of heart disease, yeast infections, stroke and viral infections!

DRINK Up, me mateys!!! Yo Ho!!!


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Hubby buys me lunch!!! The bet we had for yesterday was
(any deer decoration photo of a red-nosed reindeer[the red nose to be exact], Rudolph-style, but not clipart, like the kind you see in the malls that are animated --usually in shop windows or around Santa's Shack--where kids can sit on his lap and have photos taken? --Ya, that kinda photo of a red nosed reindeer)for the Photo Hunt!


He said it'd show up on the blogroll before noon, and I was to check each and every ONE of the sites on the blogroll. We didn't find him!!! Let's see.........hmmm, where do I choose to eat tomorrow? Dunno where just yet, but I do know it'll be seafood!! Hey! HE'S buying! *giggles* Oh, and I wish to thank each and everyone who DID NOT think of finding Rudolph and sharing with us yesterday on the blog hunt!!

SATURDAY PHOTO HUNT

THIS WEEK'S THEME - - RED

added note:[6:42 a.m. Central Time USA] Last night hubby and I were talking about the Photo Hunt, and he made a bet with me (who buys lunch all week next week). Now, I am to go thru the entire blogroll this week-all before NOON our time, and see if I can find what he thinks will show up for red! (and it has to be JUST the particular red, nothing other than the object that is red) I bet that it WON'T show up!! Wish me luck!!! And, tomorrow, I'll let you all know in my post for Sunday if I won or if I'm buying HIM lunch!!

Oh, I had so much difficulty coming up with red, hunting and hunting!!!------------NOT! I didn't even have to leave the house this week. Red, red everywhere this time of year 'round here. And after shopping, I'll see even MORE red come January's American Express statement! *wink*

So, here's a little game for you to play along. I think I kinda gave y'all a hint. Right? Can you guess what it is?



Click Here for a full view!

SATURDAY PHOTO HUNT

THIS WEEK'S THEME - - RED

added note:[6:42 a.m. Central Time USA] Last night hubby and I were talking about the Photo Hunt, and he made a bet with me (who buys lunch all week next week). Now, I am to go thru the entire blogroll this week-all before NOON our time, and see if I can find what he thinks will show up for red! (and it has to be JUST the particular red, nothing other than the object that is red) I bet that it WON'T show up!! Wish me luck!!! And, tomorrow, I'll let you all know in my post for Sunday if I won or if I'm buying HIM lunch!!

Oh, I had so much difficulty coming up with red, hunting and hunting!!!------------NOT! I didn't even have to leave the house this week. Red, red everywhere this time of year 'round here. And after shopping, I'll see even MORE red come January's American Express statement! *wink*

So, here's a little game for you to play along. I think I kinda gave y'all a hint. Right? Can you guess what it is?



Click Here for a full view!

SATURDAY PHOTO HUNT

THIS WEEK'S THEME - - RED

added note:[6:42 a.m. Central Time USA] Last night hubby and I were talking about the Photo Hunt, and he made a bet with me (who buys lunch all week next week). Now, I am to go thru the entire blogroll this week-all before NOON our time, and see if I can find what he thinks will show up for red! (and it has to be JUST the particular red, nothing other than the object that is red) I bet that it WON'T show up!! Wish me luck!!! And, tomorrow, I'll let you all know in my post for Sunday if I won or if I'm buying HIM lunch!!

Oh, I had so much difficulty coming up with red, hunting and hunting!!!------------NOT! I didn't even have to leave the house this week. Red, red everywhere this time of year 'round here. And after shopping, I'll see even MORE red come January's American Express statement! *wink*

So, here's a little game for you to play along. I think I kinda gave y'all a hint. Right? Can you guess what it is?



Click Here for a full view!

Hubby and I finally went back to the movies! Golly, it's been so long since we've been to one. Ya know, lately, the movies are either geared toward the very young or the plots are so insipid that there is just no interest for us.

I've waited quite a while to see this movie since we've seen the trailers first a few months ago. I thought it was going to be very good.

And it was.

Of course it takes place in Africa. And it's more or less a 'flashback' to 1999. And how diamond smugglers operate. Leonardo DiCaprio is the smuggler. Ms. Connelly is a reporter for an American company from New York covering the story and trying to find out how the big diamond industry is holding all the precious stones that are illegally bought on the black market from the smugglers. After purchasing the 'hot' diamonds, they keep them hidden in a vault --only to keep the 'displayed' diamonds at a premium price!

The story involves one man who finds a rare pink diamond at a slave camp...he hides it. And then the intriguing and thoughtful (tho quite graphic at times during the civil unrest there in Africa -- but nothing you wouldn't see on the 6 o'clock news) Anyway, the story evolves around the hidden diamond and the slave's family....and how he is used. Yet, still ending in a good way by the help of Mr. DiCaprio and Ms. Connelly!

I, personally, enjoyed the story, the script, the direction, the acting and the photography! (One section, just a minute or two of the film, has Archer -DiCaprio, lighting a cigarette and then there is a 'dead cigarette in his hand' --the editor or director should have caught that and cut it out). Other than that?---A movie bound for Oscar nomination, I'm sure.

Also, we do like to arrive early enough to be able to watch the movie previews for upcoming showings. One looked really cute...I believe it was called "Road Hogs" or something like that ---with Tim Allen and Bill Macy. Old 'codgers' who are bored with their lives and set to the road on Harleys!!! It looks very funny.

FRIDAY'S FEAST

Dine Here

Appetizer
Which language would you like to learn and why?
I can speak small amounts of several. I think once you learn a 'foreign' language, most others come easily. So, I suppose my answer would be learn the languages I already know more fluently. (Spanish most fluent, then French, German and I'm learning some Danish! Oh, and I learned sign language years ago to speak with my grandson)

Soup
What's the funniest thing you've heard or read so far this week?
I am one of those that still reads the newspaper daily if I can have time. Usually over lunch. (Hey, to us, it's a "senior thing"!) And I love to do the word puzzles in the cartoon section daily---after I read my favorite comic strips! So, tho I can't remember a particular one offhand, it'd have to be a comic. And, more than likely it'd be "Mother Goose and Grimm" ---that's my 1st one I read 'cause it's my most favorite.

Salad
Which movie was so bad you couldn't watch the whole thing?
That's easy! I even walked out on this one from the theater. In my estimation it was dumber, dumber, dumbest!! The newest version of King Kong! It just did NOT have the appeal of the old classics. Same storyline I guess---but so many different twists and computer graphics added it just did 'away' with the storyline!

Main Course
If there were a holiday in your honor that didn't use your actual name, what would the day be called?
_________ (no name) Day! In other words, I have no idea! I'm drawing a blank on this question! Get it? Blank? roflmao

Dessert
Name one movie which is coming out soon that you would like to see.
Well, I've been waiting to see the new Leo DiCaprio movie that opens today actually. And we'll be there at the first showing, I'm sure!! Blood Diamond. And another that will open around Christmas --with Ben Stiller, a comedy. The Night at the Museum And this goes without saying...ANYthing with Johnny Depp!
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Don't miss the virtual Blogs' Holiday Parade!! Won't you join? It'll be like a drive through the neighborhood with all the 'ooooooooo's and ahhhhhhhhhh's' of the beauty of the season!! Link above, on the top righthand corner...just click and join the fun!! And since last evening so many have been added-----what a wonderous way to share in the festive feelings of the season! I'm really enjoying everyone's participation. It brings joy to the world in a beautiful way...an unselfish way to show your feelings of the season, something that we all need to have this time of year as a reminder of the goodness on earth........all in one place!!!!
Or go here

THURSDAY'S THOUGHTS

(also, if you'd like to join me and would like to use this graphic header you're more than welcome. Click here to save it.) And the link for the posting of your Thursday Thoughts URL is on my sidebar!!

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Remember Pearl Harbor Day!
Yesterday, we had company(a 'co-worker' of my hubby's that is on his way to Miami for the holidays) arrive for two days, so as with yesterday, no doubt I won't be online much today either. He says that Colorado has been cold!! Hehehehehe, I know just how cold, too!!! I'm glad we're not living there anymore!!

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This week, I had some thoughts about discussing my feelings of how families are these days, and want to forego with that idea. Maybe some day I will, but not today. Today, for Thursday, my thoughts are taking me back years---back to my Colorado youth.

All week, I've felt a bit melancholy. Ya know, it's that time of year when you remember all the good times of family and things you've shared in the past, what you will share with those loved ones today and looking forward to the future holidays that you can spend with them.

Yet, my thoughts today are of my family that has left us. I so miss them, and if I could I would turn back the clock of times past so I could change some things, say things I've neglected to say and should have, do more things that are worthy of my family and treat my parents and grandparents with much more respect! Yes, melancholy has struck! Today, it struck hard.

This past week, I posted about the world in "Black and White" and how simple things were when there was no stress, with childhood. Everything was seen through rose colored glasses. The world was charming, fun and hopeful. While watching this flash video of days gone by, I happened upon the still of the TV program "The Real McCoys". There was an elderly man who played the grandfather on the program. At the time I was a child and watching this when I was around, I remember mentioning to my mother that "he looks a lot like grandpa"! And yes, he did! So close of a resemblance to my grandfather it was uncanny. As days and years passed, of course, my beloved grandfather left the physical world. He lived to be 97.

Then, I became a wild and crazy teenager. Busy with school, a part time job, hanging out with friends. Unaware of what lays ahead...yet anxious to grow up to adulthood.

One evening after school, and working part-time afterward, I was driving home in my car. As always, I had the radio on full blast....that's a teenage thing I think. But, for my own reason for not liking the group that was on one station, at a stoplight, I was fiddling around with the dial on the dashboard, and changed radio stations. I can recall this day still, so vividly. I stopped turning the dial when I came upon a country/western station. A song was just beginning to air. It had a nice 'western tinkle' to it. I stayed there on the station to listen. The light turned green, and I made it through the intersection, heading down the road---a few more miles to go yet before turning up the driveway at home. We lived in the country--many miles from the city, in the foothills.

The song was sung, actually it was really NOT singing, but more or less dialogue with music in the background. The man who was doing the song was the same man that played the grandfather on the Real McCoys!!! Walter Brennan. I recognized the voice right away....so really, I found myself listening to his words he was reciting.

By the time the song was finished I was bawling, literally. I still, to this day, do NOT know how I made it down the road without going off the shoulder and into the ditch or causing an accident....but I did make it safely home. I really don't know when it was first recorded, but that day was the first I heard it.

The song, the lyrics, the recording, reminded me of my grandfather!! Once again, my grandfather came to me through this song. Remember, I'm a teenager at this time, without a care in the world. Yet, that day, I know I grew up a bit. All because of a song!! It made me realize right then that life is way too precious!! I had an experience with that song, and it changed my life. From a rebellious twit to a human being with respect and awe of my elders.

Now, coming back to viewing the video the other day and seeing Mr. Brennan again ---looking at that picture, as I've aged throughout the years, the man NOW REMINDS ME OF MY LATE FATHER! And the song came back to me! I can recite the song from memory still. And once again, the tears flow!!

The song that has made me so melancholy is one I vividly remember on one particular day when mentally, I grew up!

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"Old Rivers"

HOW LONG HAS IT BEEN SINCE I FIRST SEEN OLD RIVERS?
WHY, I CAN'T REMEMBER WHEN HE WEREN'T AROUND.
WELL, THAT OLD MAN DID A HEAP OF WORK;
SPENT HIS WHOLE LIFE WALKING PLOWED GROUND.

HE HAD A ONE-ROOM SHACK NOT FAR FROM US,
AND WE WAS ABOUT AS POOR AS HIM.
HE HAD ONE OLD MULE HE CALLED "MIDNIGHT",
AND I'D TAG ALONG AFTER THEM.

HE'D PLOW THEM ROWS STRAIGHT AND DEEP
AND I'D TAG ALONG BEHIND,
BUSTIN' UP CLODS WITH MY OWN BARE FEET --
OLD RIVERS WAS A FRIEND OF MINE.

THAT SUN WOULD GET HIGH AND THAT MULE WOULD WORK
TILL OLD RIVERS'D SAY, "WHOA!"
THEN HE'D WIPE HIS BROW, LEAN BACK IN THE REINS,
AND TALK ABOUT A PLACE HE WAS GONNA GO.

ONE OF THESE DAYS I'M GONNA CLIMB THAT MOUNTAIN;
WALK UP THERE AMONG THEM CLOUDS,
WHERE THE COTTON'S HIGH AND THE CORN'S A-GROWIN',
AND THERE AIN'T NO FIELDS TO PLOW.

I GOT A LETTER FROM BACK HOME THE OTHER DAY --
THEY'RE ALL FINE, AND THE CROPS IS HIGH --
AND DOWN AT THE END MY MAMA SAID,
"YOU KNOW, OLD RIVERS DIED."

ONE OF THESE DAYS I'M GONNA CLIMB THAT MOUNTAIN;
WALK UP THERE AMONG THEM CLOUDS,
WHERE THE COTTON'S HIGH AND THE CORN'S A-GROWIN',
AND THERE AIN'T NO FIELDS TO PLOW.

I'M JUST SITTING HERE ON THIS NEW-PLOWED EARTH,
TRYIN' TO FIND ME A LITTLE SHADE.
AND WITH THE SUN BEATING DOWN, 'CROSS THE FIELD I SEE
THAT MULE, OLD RIVERS...AND ME

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

TWO FOR TUESDAY

TWO YEARS AGO...when we relocated to Texas from Arizona, I had hair long enough to sit on it when I sat at the desk. Usually, being very thick and heavy, I braided it.

Then, I had it cut. To about mid back. Still, it was heavy and with the humidity down here, it was more or less uncontrollable unless I DID braid it. I was busy each morning about an hour just braiding....and I loved to have it in the French Braid. But after a while, my arms would get tired. No, really...achy tired from working with it each day. A lot of times I would just brush through it and use the butterfly combs.

Then, about 9 months ago, I went in and had the braid cut off...and got a bob cut, about mid-nape! It felt good to have the weight off my head. But, again, the humidity in the air making it so unruly, and the head of hair being thick and heavy, the hair needs to be cut. My hair grows wildly fast! The other day, while washing and brushing it out, it was once again, below the neck line and hanging about 1 to 2 inches beyond my shoulder. So, that means it grew about 7 to 8 inches!!!

Each time I would roll over on my side at night, I'd get a mouthful of hair. Or I'd wake up to go to the john, and the hair was hanging over the face and I'd have to brush it aside to see in the dark to find the ladies room!!!---And by that time, I was wide awake. LOL

I've been thinking the unthinkable for a few weeks. Oh, I was determined to get it cut again, and styled. But, for me, the unthinkable was getting my hair colored!! I wanted a deep strawberry blond. But leave us not panic(especially directed to you, my dear sister)!!! I didn't do it. Everyone I know convinced me to stay natural. Afterall, my face DOES show my age, every wrinkle I'm proud of---with my life, I've worked hard for each little one! And having my hair without the gray wouldn't suit me, nor my personality, or for that matter, my facial wrinkled texture! The hair stylist at the salon gave me the right words to convince me of my otherwise, nosensical thoughts! She called my natural hair color NORDIC SILVER! Wow!!! That did it. No hair color for me, I like the idea of someone thinking my hair color is Nordic silver, hehehehe. But I did get it cut. And for today's TWO for TUESDAY---here are two views of my new do! (Remember yesterday at this time the hair length was beyond the shoulder by an inch --give or take!!)



--The back--




--The front--
And not intended to sound vain at all, I can even see my earrings without pulling my hair away from the ears!! YAY!!


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Don't miss the virtual Blogs' Holiday Parade!! Won't you join? It'll be like a drive through the neighborhood with all the 'ooooooooo's and ahhhhhhhhhh's' of the beauty of the season!! Link above, on the top righthand corner...just click and join the fun!! And since last evening so many have been added-----what a wonderous way to share in the festive feelings of the season! I'm really enjoying everyone's participation. It brings joy to the world in a beautiful way...an unselfish way to show your feelings of the season, something that we all need to have this time of year as a reminder of the goodness on earth........all in one place!!!!
Or go here

Linguine Happens!!!!

Wystful also included this message:
Melli, Melli...
What to do.
You had me going with your posting
on the board,
to me---from you!!

Mail came to me yesterday
I read your message
"Linguine's here"!
I thought and thought---
what flavor c-could it be?

No matter!!!....

I'd make a great sauce
it'll be good---
It comes from Melli,
TO ME!!

(more to come in another --hang tight my friend, dear Melli!!!)

He hehe hehehe hehehehe!!!

Before I sit down and write my blog for the day, I'd like to thank Wendy Ann for the most precious of gifts!! You filled my day with joy and courage to face the holiday season and 2007 with your wonderful words and thinking of me!! Thank you Wendy Ann!! The Gift

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In my own little world, there are times of reminiscing and wonderment. There are ancient times in history. There are historical times of "days of yore". There are the days of the most recent past - like our parents' generation. And then there are the "Good ol' days!!"----

An online friend over the years--a very sweet, downhome, Southern Texas belle, with illuminating charm; whom I was privileged to finally meet in person last month, informed me there was a site she tought I'd be interested in, 'cause it made her think of me with my blog of memories and always reminiscing of the 'good ol' days'.

I really appreciate the fact that someone took the time to make this flash piece on the net. My childhood memories of watching programs, that my father had on television, came back to me this weekend with a vivid recall. (He was the man of the house, the "king of his kingdom" --we watched what he said we'd watch! If we didn't want to watch these programs, then it was reading time or homework time for us! LOL And with the strict upbringing, we learned to respect the word of the elder!)

Anyway, I digress. This site has some great flashbacks of television when our world was Black and White! Ahhhhhhhh, what joy and bliss. Also, the poetic addition above each image tells it all!! Thanks Amber Star! You made my day!!

If you're all of my generation you will find you also appreciate going back in TV history. Some good music along with screeenshots of the old programming of our childhoods! If you're not of my generation, then you will get a kick out of our television 'upbringing'! Turn up your volume if you have speakers attached to your computer...sit back and enjoy by---> Clicking on the "TV" image below



(image borrowed to promote site)
No copyright infringement intended
12/4/06
Old Blue Web Designs©

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Don't miss the virtual Blogs' Holiday Parade!! Won't you join? It'll be like a drive through the neighborhood with all the 'ooooooooo's and ahhhhhhhhhh's' of the beauty of the season!! Link above, on the top righthand corner...just click and join the fun!!
Or go here

SUNDAY'S SNIPPET

Sunday's snippets is my original idea to share something a bit 'out of the ordinary'...yet, newsy without being of crimes, wars, hate and such that the media tends to over saturate the papers/tv/internet. I wanted Sunday to be a bit 'peaceful' and enjoyable with meaningless stature or perhaps something of an intersting value!!



A little over a month ago, this little ditty in our local newspaper announced the newest set of turtles that will be auctioned off to raise money and awareness of the species of turtle that is known to return to our coast annually, to nest and reproduce the endangered Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle.

Each year, in the Spring, the "lady of the Padre Island" returns and lays her eggs! The city of Corpus Christi and the Game and Fish Wildlife Preserve along with the National Seashore Park have studied and protected the female turtles, along with asking anyone to report the whereabouts of the ladies on the sandbars that are off the coast of the Coastal Bend here in Texas! The watching of the hatchlings and the Park Reservists/conservationists release the wee-ones back into the gulf when they are ready! All within the protected area in hopes of saving the dwindling populations of the particular species.

The art, tho the painting that is on this particular piece really caught my eye(*grin* --it's Capt'n Jack Sparrow), is a worth-while cause if you ask me. They are, the artworks themselves, becoming more and more poplular, like the cattle art and horse art - sculptures around the country.

If you're interested more in the hatchlings, the National Reserve on North Padre Island has a video cam, during the time of the active egg laying season. Click here and bookmark for the 2007 Spring nesting!!

And, here is more about the art work in progress. Read it here.

The Art Gallery web site

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Don't miss the virtual Blogs' Holiday Parade!! Won't you join? It'll be like a drive through the neighborhood with all the 'ooooooooo's and ahhhhhhhhhh's' of the beauty of the season!! Link above, on the top righthand corner...just click and join the fun!!
Or go here

SATURDAY PHOTO HUNT

Grab the Photo Hunt code.
Join the blogroll. Visit participants.


THIS WEEK'S THEME - - LIGHTS

The last of the sunLIGHT for the day!
(taken two days ago from our backyard, looking over the privacy fence---into the sunset---before the big cold front hit! When there is a weather pattern change, the sunsets are, for me anyway, the best photo opportunities. Seems that the colors and lighting are always more bold) Click photo for a much larger, clearer image!





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Don't miss the virtual Blogs' Holiday Parade!! Won't you join? It'll be like a drive through the neighborhood with all the 'ooooooooo's and ahhhhhhhhhh's' of the beauty of the season!! Link above, on the top righthand corner...just click and join the fun!!
Or go here

FRIDAY'S FEAST

Dine Here

Appetizer
Have you ever flown in a helicopter?
NO! Some days I dream of experiencing a ride in one...other days I think anyone is a fool to board one. LOL Yet, if anyone would tell me I have won a chance for helicopter flight lessons, I'd go for it, with much enthusiasm!!!

Soup
What color is your warmest coat or jacket?
I have several, but since you asked warmest:
My warmest coat is ankle length, black with white woolen flecks here and there. It's hard to describe. I really don't wear it but a couple of times each winter here---then, it's only the first few hours of early morn. Most times it's too 'hot' to have a heavy coat on by midday. And tho, I have several jackets, not one of them is very 'warm'...they're all lightweight. My two favorites are brown kid leather! Soft, comfortable.

Salad
What is your favorite rainy day activity?
I love to sit and watch a storm. And if there's a chance to stay dry during a storm, I will be outdoors (like on a porch) listening and drinking in the freshness of the air and parched earth!!

Main Course
Describe your hands.
Short, stubby fingers. Manicured nails, but kept trimmed very short with dark red polish today!
Small
Not adorned with jewelry/rings! Other than my wedding bands.

Dessert
If you could eat only one nut for the rest of your life, what nut would you pick?
Oh man....that would be difficult 'cause I have TWO that I crave, but never at the same time. If I want something salty, it'd most definitely be pistachio!!! I can eat a bag full of them in one sitting. Or if it'd have to be a choice of something not salted, I'd most definitely take pecans!!!! I can consume my weight in pecans!!!

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Don't miss the virtual Blogs' Holiday Parade!! Won't you join? It'll be like a drive through the neighborhood with all the 'ooooooooo's and ahhhhhhhhhh's' of the beauty of the season!! Link above, on the top righthand corner...just click and join the fun!!

I received this gift from Hailey "Hails" ---while she and I met at Carmen's Open Holiday Blog!!! Isn't it so sweet!!!!?!

Thanks! This is oh so fun, it's like Christmas Morn!!



Love it!!!


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And later in the day, I received this from Carmen--
What a hoot!!!



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I later received this from Darla--

THURSDAY'S THOUGHTS

(also, if you'd like to join me and would like to use this graphic header you're more than welcome. Click here to save it.) And the link for the posting of your Thursday Thoughts URL is on my sidebar!!

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Am I the only one that wonders about the homeless/panhandlers you see on street corners and a lot of times roaming around in parking lots of malls and grocery stores these days? Or if you're at a pro sports stadium/field there seems to be an influx of beggars wanting your money!

Most (like 99%) have tattered and worn clothes and are quite hygenically unkempt. By this I mean, they haven't cleaned their body for days perhaps weeks!! There are open doors at the YMCA's, some gas stations, homeless shelters, etc. to clean up.

Now some may question my motives here...but I'm not out for any kind of revenge, just thinking 'aloud' more or less as I type my Thursday's thought.

In the King James' version of the bible, Jesus is quoted: "Blessed are the poor, for yours is the kingdom of heaven." Luke 6.20. Personally, I'm having thoughts that this was/is NOT panhandlers we most commonly see today on street corners (again, today, probably 95% are not the innocent poor)...in ancient times there were 'innocent' poor--ones who were treated unjustly and lost properties, families; innocent of structural oppressions---maybe even in biblical proportions such as with whole communities taken away.

He also tells us in the book of Matthew that we should "Give to everyone who begs from you...."

But, have you ever given to a man who is holding up a cardboard sign that states on it something to the effect "Homeless - Hungry - Please Give"?!! He's wearing torn clothes, hair is matted and dirty, one may have worn gloves and a stocking cap. Sometimes a dog by his side on a leash, and perhaps a thermos or a brown paper bag beside the dog? Have you ever witnessed these people in a large city? I have. Many-a-times. At intersections, they could be found under an overpass? Stopping traffic, begging?

I think it was in Washington D.C. once where hubby and I were walking around the sights of historical interest, and about a block away from the capitol building was a panhandler. He would look you in the eye, and if you continued walking past him, vulgarities would spew forth from his mouth. That was one time I was glad we didn't share our own hard earned money. Someone like that, who was begging, and didn't receive as he thought he should, he'd slander innocent passers-by!

Then one time at a tourist attraction in a much smaller city, there was a beggar...same scenario with mismatched clothes, dog and you name it. Hubby acutally gave the man a five dollar bill. And of course, hubby was 'blessed' by the man! Then, by middle afternoon, we were in a bar getting a cold beer to quench our thirst, and the same man was in there drinking and drunk!!!

Also, I've always wondered with a few, maybe 45-50% of the street panhandlers --where do they get the money to always have a pack of cigarettes? Smoking away as they beg for money!!! And/or - what is actually in that paper bag by your dog?

- - -

Now, these days, as economy seems to fail even the biggest of corporations, it's difficult to just walk past some of the poor without doling out some of your own cash. Yet...

more and more, large cities are passing ordinances which some are banning panhandlers. Arresting them. Locking them up. Feeding them with the taxpayers' money and providing housing in county/city/state jailhouses. For both sides, it's a win win situation. Or is it lose lose? Depends on how you look at things in life.

- - -

I, for one, have come to the conclusion that it's better to give to REPUTABLE, charitable organizations(but then another thought is the FEMA and Red Cross organizations during and after the devastating hurricane Katrina---a lot of reported wrong doings within the inner core of the supposedly charities??!!?). Giving monetary donations to a homeless organization or my 'tossed aside' clothes to Goodwill or Salvation Army(one organization I tend to give willingly is the Ronald McDonald Houses ---they perhaps aren't for the 'poor' per se, but they DO help for families in need of a place to sleep and eat -closeness to children's hospitals when the need arises without having to worry about having money on hand to get a room a great distance away from their loved dying children in a hospital). And, donating money to groups that provide food for the poor. I won't give to street-corner panhandlers any more after the drunken beggar we witnessed. That one instance is keeping me from trusting any of them! Even tho pity and sadness prevails for me to see something like this most times, it's just doesn't feel right for me to give to the poor on the street any more.

It's sad to have these thoughts and feelings of distrust, but with all the fine organizations out there willing to help the poor, it just makes me feel more comfortable to give to a more visual means of seeing someone fed and clothed without spending the charitable money given to them for whiskey and smokes!! My trust for these people went out the window one day and I don't think they'll regain that trust from me again.

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Don't miss the virtual Blogs' Holiday Parade!! Won't you join? It'll be like a drive through the neighborhood with all the 'ooooooooo's and ahhhhhhhhhh's' of the beauty of the season!! Link above, on the top righthand corner...just click and join the fun!!

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

Color Meme

With an invitation to participate in this, here is my 'color chart'!!



RED
1. Closest red thing to you: A red poinsettia sitting in a red tissue covered flower pot!
2. Last thing to make you angry: SLOW DRIVERS CUTTING IN FRONT OF ME! Tho, I've never had 'road rage attacks' the inconsiderate drivers tend to throw me into a fizzy!!
3. Do you have a temper: Oops, now when I answerd the above part...about angry/anger, I can't NOT say I don't have a temper could I?
4. Are you a fan of romance: Depends, I like a good love story with a great ending, even if the ending isn't a happy one. In books (i.e., The Thorn Birds), and movies (i.e., Titanic-2004). A woman is entitled to fantasies of course, but in real life, when it comes to romance, I tend to live a life of realism instead of romance...there is MUCH MORE to life than living in a rose colored environment.

ORANGE
1. Closest orange thing to you: In my pen holder here on the desk --I have a pen that is topped with "Mater" from the movie, CARS---surrounding "Mater" is orange feathers.
2. Do you like to burn things: Hubby would think so! I've burned a few dinners in my time! I've learned to really like charred hot dogs cooked on an open fire!! Hmmmmm, wonder if that is why he took over the bbq-ing?!! But to actually burn for enjoyment, good lord no!!
3. Dress up for Halloween: For centuries!!! Afterall, I am one of the orignials of the pair of witches in arms!! The other one? Ya, she's still around too!!!
4. Are you usually a warm-hearted person: Some wouldn't think so, probably. When I talk logic to them or tell them I think otherwise.....but deep down, ya, I can find some warmth lingering here and there.
5. Do you have anything against redheaded people: ROFL!! What kind of question is this? Of course not. I personally think red hair is gorgeous....especially the frosty blond tinted red heads---and their green eyes!!
6. Are you usually full of energy: You betcha!! But, wait....let's back up a bit. At least for my age group. Some 10 year old wouldn't agree with me here. Altho, sometimes the metabolism runs slow....yet, a quick boost with an interest of any kind can get me going again!!!

YELLOW
1. Closest yellow thing: To my left, perched on my printer/scanner is a stuffed bee with little babes in her wings!! Cute!!! Tho, not ALL yellow of course.
2. The happiest time[s] of your life: Who really knows...I've had too many happy times to list. LIFE is happy. 99% of the time for me!!
3. Favorite holiday: I like holidays...I like decorating and creating things for holidays! ---I can't say I have a favorite per se---I like 'em all!! I think my least favorite would be New Year's Eve/New Years---there isn't much to the holiday. Just another year ahead.
4. Are you a coward: With some things. But generally, I can trek forth to the unknown without qualms.
5. Do you burn or tan: Tan if it's a little at a time...but if I'm out in the sun for hours at one time, I burn. By late evening tho, it's all tan again.

GREEN
1. Closest green thing to you: Not much...I have the poinsettia with green leaves, and the flower pot is sitting on a green/white/red silk scarf--how's that for green.
3. Are you jealous of anyone right now: Nah (crossing my fingers so that the lightning bolt doesn't come outta the sky!!) ---At least I don't feel jealous. No, really....it'd be a waste of precious life and time to be green with jealousy!!
4. Are you a lucky person: I have the air in my lungs, and the heart is pumping at a normal rate. I have a wonderful, sweet man growing old by my side. I have a lovely home. Food on the table...YES!! I consider myself VERY lucky indeed.
5. Do you always want what you can't have: Oh, I'd be lying to say I've never wanted a 10k diamond I saw in the jewelry store window, or an Audi--something way out of my league. But, when reality hits, I know I didn't need it. Material things are just that---material. But to answer the question I'd have to say NO I don't always want what I can't have.
6. Do you like being outdoors: Most definitely. I love being anywhere outdoors. Why I don't even mind stepping around in a cattle lot---outdoors is outdoors!! If anyone stays cooped up inside they don't know what they're missing. (Actually there is an advantage too, being outdoors helps build immunities)
7. Are you Irish: Most definitely. Even hubby. Yet there is 'mixed' blood in the genealogy, it's been traced to Northern Ireland to the 1600s

BLUE
1. Closest blue thing to you: My eyes!!
2. Are you good at calming people down: I think it's all up to the individual. A personal thing....they need to work things out by themselves. I was always 'taught' to look out for #1 --me! And when the time arises for anyone to calm down, it's up to the individual. Not anyone but the individual knows what's working inside. So, the answer, no. I think it's the person that needs to work on the calming.
3. Do you like the sea: Love it. I could sit for days, months, watching and listening to the sea. Love the view, love the smell, love all the sea has going for it.
4. What was the last thing that made you cry: A movie. I get so wrapped up in the storylines, I cry along with them.
5. Are you a logical thinker: Well......lordy!! The previous one would show me that I'm not too logical now, would it? Crying while watching movies....But, wait, that was a very logical response, don't you think?
6. Can you sleep easily: Most times, no. I need to read to even get drowsy. Then, I will remain awake thinking. It takes a long time for me to fall into a sound sleep.

PURPLE
1. Last purple thing you saw: The bathroom in the master bath --purple towels and wash cloths.
2. Like being treated to expensive things: Nah, not really. Again, this is more material, and I, unlike Madonna, am NOT a material girl!! In fact, if the computer goes kaputz on me, I'm not too sure I'd get a replacement.
3. Do you like mysterious things: Somewhat. Here again, it depends. The mysteries of my own life are far beyond my comprehension, so I've just given little thought to that lately. Yet a good mysterious phenomenonal new disease or discovery will intrigue me to read up about it. Science is a mystery that astounds me, always. Something in the lines of Agatha Christie type, no.
4. Favorite type of chocolate: Milk chocolate. I don't care for the bitter sweet dark chocolates. I have two faves...Cadbury's chocolate covered caramel and Stover's chocolate turtles (chocolate covered pecans and caramel)
5. Ever met anyone in royalty: No! Unless you'd consider living with myself. I can be a royal pain!! I think it'd be super fantastic to meet England's Royal Family. Even as far back as the 1500's!!!
6. Are you creative:
Most definitely. I love to create with my hands. Art, crafts, music on the piano--no, I no longer have my piano, but I still have my guitar!! Interior designing to MY taste is creative too, I think!

PINK
1. Closest pink thing to you: My kitty...Winston...his cute little pink nose.
2. Do you like sweet things: Candy, yes. Sweet fruits, no...I don't care for the sugary ones--tart is more my style/preference. I like sweet babies too. As long as I can stand back and admire them....having a babe in the house for me to be responsible for these days isn't for me! Oh, and the sweet fragrance of flowers...yes. Overly sweet smelling perfumes and colognes...NO!!! Sweet little puppies and kittens, surely do!! So, to answer the question, a stong definite yes and no.
3. Like play-fighting: Ummmmm, no. I don't care much at all for physical. Give me a good thoughtful debate that involves no arguing but respecting one's thoughts and I'm there!!!
4. Are you sensitive: Sure. To a point. I would look down at myself if I got overly sensitive about some things.
5. Do you like music: Love it!! ALL kinds. I can sit through a 2 hour playing of classical music that would normally put others to sleep---yet, I'm invigorated by it. The only music I still can't appreciate is hip hop and rap. I'll listen to it for a minute or two, then walk away or shut it off.

WHITE
1. Closest white thing to you: The white in the monitor here, as I create the post.
2. Would you say you’re innocent: No. At my age? How could I be? Only if I were in a bubble.....besides, white isn't a color. It's a 'hue'. And I see below -BLACK, it also isn't a color but a 'hue' ---shades of blacks and whites are NEVER on a color wheel --those hues are used to darken and lighten other colors found on the wheel. Ask anyone who works with arts. LOL See, I'm not even close to innocent!!
3. Good at keeping the peace: If there is some unrest, I more than likely walk away and let the other person resolve their own issues. To save my health and blood pressure. No use getting over worked trying to make peace when I know I'm right!!! ROFLMAO (And keeping peace through arguing and such ISN'T considered debates as mentioned above)
4. Do you like to play in the snow: Used to, when I was a kid. Now? Snow is nasty!! I don't like it one bit. ---Maybe in a photograph.
5. Are you afraid of going to the doctors or dentist: Doctors? No, I don't fear 'em --I've so many doctors and specialists the past decade, I feel comfortable with them! Dentists...well, that's a whole 'nother story. To me, dentist is a four letter word!! And I'm not the swearing type...so, tho not afraid---I still avoid!!

BLACK
1. Closest black thing to you: My mouse, it's black...in fact the entire computer is black.
2. Ever enjoy hurting people: Now, that's sadistic!! Of course not. Those kinds should be locked up!!
3. Are you sophisticated or silly: Oh my!--------I don't think I have a sophisticated cell in me! To me, sophistication is being 'stuffy' ---no. I'd much rather have fun with silly!!! Thank you very much!!
4. Would you like to go to space: Most definitely --- NOT!!!
5. Do you have a lot of secrets: *singing* "Listen, do you wanna know a secret---do you promise not to tell-l-l-l---whoa-o-o!" No. No BIG secrets at least. I'm a secret santa this year, but that's not gonna be a secret for long!
6. What is your favorite color: Actually, I have two that I more than likely tend to like as favorites. I can never choose one over the other...dark purple and deep forest green.
7. Does the color you wear affect your mood: Well, if you consider blue jeans a color ---no, I'd not be moody with my wardrobe---I like being comfy, not moody. Give me a pair of blue jeans, or when it's very hot --cut off blue jeans, and I'm me!! roflmao

TWO for TUESDAY

This plaque was my mother's! I really don't know just how long she had it before I was born, but it's been hanging on one wall or another since I can remember! When she passed away, I made sure I got it....it's a reminder of mom and how devout she was. She read her bible nightly! (I still have the bible also --but it's a bit tattered and torn...tho a perfect heirloom in my estimation!!) The plaque is now on my wall, adorned with my rosary beads and a couple of crosses that I collect now and then when they're too pretty to leave. :o)



This is a crucifix wood carving I begged my hubby to make for me. Our son, who ages ago was a great fan of the singing group "Guns and Roses" had a painting of a crucifix on one of their CDs/album --I actually think it was a album cover...maybe not. Anyway, he asked his dad (hubby) to carve one that resembled the cross. It turned out so beautiful, I did NOT want to ship it to him --at the time, he lived in Hawai'i. Needless to say it WAS shipped, but I got down on my knees and begged for the same for me. Hubby smiled, and in no time he was out in his workshed, carving away. (The insert is the close-up of the facial expression that still to this day astounds me!)

Just one maniac Monday today.

I just read a comment left for me asking me why my holiday blog here starts in the middle of the browser window...and it was stated that the visitor is using the new-improved version of Internet Explorer. IE-7!! Well, I had the computer updated with IE-7 weeks ago, but I've never been out there on that particular browser for some time. My preference of use is the super Firefox. It's a wonderful browser and more user friendly than any I've used. A friend of mine uses Opera, I know several that uses IE-6 and the more 'ancient' IE-5 even. But most I know uses and likes Firefox browser.

So, anyway, I went out and opened my IE-7 this morning, and sure 'nough!!---it DOES look like the blog opens and starts in the middle!! Why? Because my background is NOT opening/loading in the new '7' version of IE!!

I said, hmmmmmmmm. "This should be fixable". Right Wystful!! Nope!! Seems Microsoft has a huge bug in IE 7 and it's not expanding images---and in some cases text!! Nor did my background COLOR hex tag show in IE7!! So, I did get that ironed out, but the background image didn't show no matter what css I added!! And that's when I called in Google for help. I did some coding research and searches only to find out that I'm not the ONLY one that is frantic to find the 'cure' for Microsoft's petty excuse for a 'new-improved' browser!!

Once I did get the background color to show in Internet Explorer -after a couple of hours adding code, erasing code, moving code, etc. etc. etc. I'm gonna be satisfied with the holiday colors that show here in that browser. Again, Firefox is wonderous!!

Here's what I read and got a kick out of this:

"A lot of developers have been talking about it for months, so it is not with much fanfare we celebrate the news. Internet Explorer 7 has finally been released in its “polished” state for the general public to consume. There’s no telling when Windows XP will start automatically issuing the browser through its built-in Windows Update feature, but I’m guessing it might be soon. Meantime, web designers the world over are scrambling to make sure their sites perform as intended in IE7 (Talk bugs, hacks, and more at Zeldman.com). And it’s not just Microsoft that’s turning up the heat. Last Tuesday, the Internet Explorer team in Redmond sent a cake to the Firefox team at Mozilla to congratulate them on their Firefox 2.0 — this developer’s browser of choice — official release."

In all fairness, I must tell the visitor that I'm sorry my blog isn't showing correctly because of the fixed background and image size -- since IE will not recognize it for now 'til the bug is fixed.

Sometimes I do wish that all browsers were compatible, but that would make life boring!! *smiles*

SUNDAY'S SNIPPET

Sunday's snippets is my original idea to share something a bit 'out of the ordinary'...yet, newsy without being of crimes, wars, hate and such that the media tends to over saturate the papers/tv/internet. I wanted Sunday to be a bit 'peaceful' and enjoyable with meaningless stature or perhaps something of an intersting value!!

Recently, being of the hippie generation, I read something that really brought a bit of nostalgia to me....yet it brings life as we know it today. A snippet of interest ---



Cute, huh? It's very high-tech. The article states that in San Diego's Volkswagen Silicon Valley Research Lab, the iconic 'love bus' has been platformed with technologies of lithium batteries, surfboards lined with solar panels, and even an electronic bumper sticker! (view top right corner when picture is enlarged).

It's called the Chameleon. It was a year's project. Tho the VW van was often used for surfers and middle-class families for campers and travelers, it's now a sought after phenomenon! (today, a classic VW 'bus'* sells for $45,000.00 - USA currency - for collectors *without the high tech additons of course).

This Chameleon has many hidden features you don't see at first glance....
-Beneath the gas tank door is a palm recognition sensor (a fingerprint reader)
-No gas---it's all electronic!
-Where the horn should be is a touchpad sensor for you, where you can do music, navigation, and parking!
-Behind the front seats is a 60 inch projection screen.
In the middle of the van's rear bumper is an electronic bumper sticker where you can program your OWN...
-and more features to numerable to mention!!

(This lab has won several prestigious awards...including one $2 million prize for creating a driverless vehicle, Stanley, which won a race in the desert, in 1998.)

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I remember a friend of mine, Teri, had a little red VW beetle, and I loved to drive it. But boy was it tough getting up hills in the Colorado mountains!! LOL -- After minutes of climbing and over-working the little engine....WOWZERS could we ever whip around the moutainous curves going DOWN-hill!!! (I'm surprised we're still alive sometimes)

WOODSTOCK 2009 here I come!!!!

SATURDAY PHOTO HUNT

Grab the Photo Hunt code.
Join the blogroll. Visit participants.


THIS WEEK'S THEME - - TIME



IT'S almost CHRISTMAS TIME!!
(just 1 month from today)
This is "Father Time" as he's known in parts of the world

Sorry about the quality of the video. I'm still learning the technique and secrets of a digital camera. (In fact this is the 2nd one I've ever done -- the first one was by accident! I had clicked the mechanism too far over. Thought I was just taking a photo and before I knew it --the picture was moving!! roflmao)
(If you don't want to wait for it to load - it's a 20 second video of my animated tree top santa *which is NOT on top of our tree this year*, hehehehe)

MY PARADE ENTRY

My favorites are my santas! I'm a proud owner of over 200 santas...all shapes, all sizes!!

It all started about 40 years ago. Hubby, for our very first Christmas together bought me a couple of Old World Santas, made from decoupage that I was admiring in a store window one evening near the holidays. We loved to window shop when the 'old town square' had the buildings and shops decorated! Carolers would be all gathered on corners, the spirit of Christmas was for the present, and those yet to come!! Well, come Christmas morning was I surprised to find 'em both under the tree!! The two santas below, are the beginning of a grand relationship with the little ol' lively elf!!! And I knew in a moment, I'd cherish them so----



Then, over the years friends and family have given me more. I love each and every ONE of them equally. I have Santa cups, long stemmed glassware -that the 'stem' is Santas legs and boots...the glass itself is crystal clear but shaped like his bag of toys, an antique "Night Before Christmas Book", animated santas, wreaths with Santa, even tree lights in the shape of santa's head! You name it, I have it. Well, over 200. This one was bought last year at the beginning of the season---the proportions would be equal to 1/4 human size. It's big. And beautiful!!



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Don't miss the virtual Blogs' Holiday Parade!! Won't you join? It'll be like a drive through the neighborhood with all the 'ooooooooo's and ahhhhhhhhhh's' of the beauty of the season!! Link above, on the top righthand corner...just click and join the fun!!

HOLIDAY DECORATIONS PARADE!!

Here's where you put your link for your decorations parade!! In the comment section!
POST ONLY when you have the link to your decorations' entry ready! That way visitors won't have anything other than links/descriptions you add to follow in the comment section.

And in your own blog entry, add the link to this section! The url is found above, in your browser's address bar. The actual Blogs' Holiday Decoration Parade so others can share in the festivities!! I'm hoping for a virtual winter wonderland!! Spread the word!!!

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Don't miss the virtual Blogs' Holiday Parade!! Won't you join? It'll be like a drive through the neighborhood with all the 'ooooooooo's and ahhhhhhhhhh's' of the beauty of the season!! Link above, on the top righthand corner...just click and join the fun!!

FRIDAY'S FEAST

Dine Here

Appetizer
Have you ever changed a flat tire by yourself?
Well, LOL, ya I did-sorta!!!...but it wasn't "by" myself!! My mother happened to be with me....and we were getting ready to leave-so, we weren't anywhere but home still!! If only you woulda been there at the time.
We were getting ready to go shopping, and both left the house, only to find out that one tire was flat on my car.
I had watched dad do it so many times, I figured it was a snap! An easy feat. LOL...I opened the trunk, pulled out the spare tire--got the jack out and the lug wrench!! Easy as pie!!
Now the fun part...where the heck does the jack go? Oh ya, now I remember!! On the bumper under the chrome thingie!! I slipped in the lug wrench into the little slot thingie on the jack and started pumping....hmmmmm, it raises up when you start pumping it!!! Cool. No sweat!! Oops...wait. I forgot to put on the brake, and I've seen dad put a rock in front of the tire to keep the car from slipping....cool, I can do that too!! Got the car jacked up just to the point where the tire was to leave the ground....can't go any further just yet!! Gotta loosen the lug nuts!!! Simple as baking a pie!!!
Then I walk over and put the wrench on one of the nuts and........zap!! I broke a finger nail, and the hand slipped off and the wrench hit my knee!!! Oh bruise tomorrow!!!!
I prevailed!
After so many tries and two lug nuts loose of the 5 on the wheel...I was so P O'd I was to the point where I was giggling frantically and uncontrollably!!
No floor here....driveway...I was literally, rolling on the gravel!!! It was just so difficult to get the nuts loosened because they were on soooooooooooo darned tight, I giggled my way through this, crying with laughter!
It was a foothill community in Colorado, just at the base of the larger mountains, where I lived with my folks at the time, and neighbors helped, and knew one another...
Luckily, a cop drove by ---now, get this, he drove into the driveway, got out of the car....he too was laughing. I didn't care, it musta been an hilarious sight!!! Okay, so he finished with the changing of the tire....but, I did learn something...you can't change a tire through tears and bruises and laughter!! It just doesn't work!!! (You had to be there!! Really!! And now today, I'm thinking "It's a good thing they didn't have digital cameras back in the '60s" ---my mother and I would surely be on the 'net in YouTube.com's comedy section!!!)

Soup
Do you have an "innie" or an "outie" belly button?
Well, let's see!! *lifting my T-shirt up*....hmmmm, I seem to have an innie at the moment!! roflmao What do I win for that??!!! What? No prizes?!!

Salad
Name a new paint color and describe it.
LOL---I have no idea! How 'bout a paint that is frosty pink with a hint of metallic sparkle to it. And I'd call it Peppermint Schnapps. (Maybe Barbie Doll would like it, she loves pink right?)

Main Course
What is your favorite holiday tradition?
Depends on which holiday. We celebrate different holidays. I'm assuming the upcoming holiday?! We have so many different traditions through the month that I couldn't just name one-like one evening each year in the season, we drive around looking at yards that are lit up with 'awe and sparkles'..... all our traditions are a favorite at the time we're doing such tradition....let's just say celebrating!!! Period.

Dessert
If you were a cookie, what kind of cookie would you be, and why?
One of two...depending on my 'mood'. Either a SNICKERDOODLE...why? Because I love to laugh (snicker) and sketch(doodle) Get it? Snicker-doodle!! OR, a fudge mint (it's a local store's brand H*E*B's) and it's lucious!! I eat so many of them, if I could, and I'd turn into one huge chunk of chocolate with mint flavored skin!!! Well, you asked!! Now, aren't you sorry you asked? LOL

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RECIPE FOR SNICKERDOODLE COOKIES
(yes, there really are cookies by that name)

Snickerdoodle Cookies

* 1 1/2 cups Sugar
* 1 cup Shortening -- soft
* 2 each Eggs
* 2 3/4 cups Flour
* 2 teaspoons Cream of tartar
* 1 teaspoon Baking soda
* 1/2 teaspoon Salt
* 2 tablespoons Sugar
* 2 teaspoons Cinnamon


Preheat oven to 375F.
Mix 1 1/2 c. sugar, shortening and eggs. Stir in flour, cream of tartar, and soda. Chill dough. Roll dough into balls the size of walnuts. Combine 2 t. sugar and cinnamon. Roll cookies in this mixture.
Bake for 8-10 mins., cool completely on wire racks.

THURSDAY'S THOUGHTS

(Wordless Wednesday below this post I'm putting up early since I won't be online much tomorrow!!)


(also, if you'd like to join me and would like to use this graphic header you're more than welcome. Click here to save it.) And the link for the posting of your Thursday Thoughts URL is on my sidebar!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL AMERICANS!!! May your holiday be filled with peace.

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I'm confused! Ever since my heart problems, health-wise, I've tried to watch my intake of fatty foods and such. Eating more fruits and vegetables. Trying to stay away from foods that have 5% fat or higher per serving. Which isn't difficult really. I'd much rather prefer fruits for a snack. Either dried, canned, or fresh!! And most times, I try to find foods low in sodium and hopefully NO cholesterol.
Now, there are some foods out there that have cholesterol and fats that are essential, or at least not so harmful! Thinking right now...olives, the fatty substance is good for you (or so I've read)----------but!! They are LOADED with sodium!! I can't win for losing.
My ponderings today are just this. After spending hours upon hours of reading the back labels on food stuffs - I've learned mostly what to buy and what NOT to buy over the years. Yet, the fact still remains that I crave 'bad' foods every once in a while and need to have a tasty treat. Just for being a good girl.
I wanna know who the heck are these dieticians/scientists/labelists(the food and drug administration) that tell me in a 16 ounce bottle of the rich, sweet, egg nog, there are 4 servings? Come on, that's half a cup!! And in that one serving, there is your total intake of cholesterol limit for the day --25%!?!! Even in a 15 ounce can of bartlett pears there are 3.5 servings? (and in the can, once you drain the liquid off, there are-if you're lucky-5 pear halves? That isn't even 1 and half halves per serving!! Okay, pears are good for you, no fat, not cholesterol a bit of potassium and dietary fiber---but 3.5 servings in a can?
An 11 ounce can of mandarin oranges -2.5 servings. Again, who is coming up with the total servings? Have you seen how many orange slices are in these cans? The tiny can and the servings listed, you'd get a total of maybe 7 minute orange slices. That, if served by spoons-ful, would be a whole heaping tablespoon!!
A 6 ounce can of Chicken of the Sea Tuna in Water---again, 2.5 servings. And I'm supposed to feed my man a sandwich with a spoon full of tuna? And call it good?
An apple cinnamon granola bar about 3-4 inches long and about 1 inch wide---that's suppose to tie you over as a snack? Maybe 3 of them!!
When I want ice cream - Ben and Jerry's pints of ice cream has four servings?! Come on...I'm craving ice cream! I don't just want to wave the carton in front of me and take a sniff and call it good! I'd prefer the whole pint-ya, I could eat it all in one sitting, but I will settle for half a pint. Yet, if I stop at half a pint --I'm consuming my daily quota of fat intake just from that alone.
Potato chips? A serving-approximately 11 chips! Really? Hmmmm. But Lays brand of Fritos a serving you can splurge and get 32 chips per serving!! (I'd opt for the the Fritos thank you very much)
I don't care for them, but again I read labels these days. For instance, the FDA has laws written that servings sizes must be part of the valuable information on the boxes, bags or cans. I also question Pop Tarts. I tried them once and gagged...NO good! But, if you read the label, one tart is a serving. Yet there are two in each wrapper?
LOL---lifesavers candies? -- 1 piece is a serving!
One label, which I can't recall what brand it was, but it was a frozen pizza. The directions tell the consumer to bake and cut into 8 slices!---yet the box label says there are 9 servings!!!---The ninth person must have to chew the box it came in. Maybe licking the fatty substance from the inner core of the box?!! You decide.

There's more. I'm not done yet. LOL
Budweiser - there is no serving size.
No stick cooking spray...742 servings (that's about .25 seconds spraying action)
64 ounces of drink mixes have 16 servings! What the ....? I can make ours last for twice as long...maybe I'm using too much alcohol.
Question: How many Toilet tissue uses do you get from a roll? ---but wait! That would entail someone having a 'shitty' job doing research!! Still, somebody's gotta do it!! It happens, ya know?


And the food pyramid---
Five or more servings of vegetable and fruit daily. Okay, fine. I can do that with ease.
But again, here there seems to have things omitted!
What about Tofu? It's low in fat, protein and vital minerals...yet, in some cases, it's not considered a food! Huh?

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

TWO for TUESDAY

I borrowed this idea from Texas Trifles


Things I’ve done are to be shown in bold
(mine will be underlined)

1. Bought everyone in the bar a drink
2. Swam with wild dolphins
3. Climbed a mountain
(several mountains actually!)
4. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive
5. Been inside the Great Pyramid
6. Held a tarantula
7. Taken a candlelit bath with someone
8. Said “I love you’ and meant it!
9. Hugged a tree
10. Bungee jumped
11. Visited Paris
(I've been to Paris, Tx!! -somehow that wouldn't count, right?)
12. Watched a lightning storm at sea
13. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise
14. Seen the Northern Lights
(...once in Colorado and once in South Dakota)
15. Gone to a huge sports game
16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa
17. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
18. Touched an iceberg
19. Slept under the stars
20. Changed a baby’s diaper
21. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon --(kinda, but an hour adventure isn't a 'trip')
22. Watched a meteor shower
(purposely stayed up 'til 2a.m. once for this!)
23. Drank tequila
24. Given more than you can afford to charity
25. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
(still do, often!)
26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
27. Had a food fight
28. Bet on a winning horse
29. Asked out a stranger
30. Had a snowball fight
31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can
32. Held a lamb
33. Seen a total eclipse
34. Ridden a roller coaster
35. Scored a winning goal
36. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking
37. Adopted an accent for an entire day
38. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment
(most always!)
39. Visited all 5 continents
40. Taken care of someone who was drunk
41. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country
(In Mexico)
42. Watched wild whales
43. Stolen a sign
44. Backpacked
45. Taken a road-trip
46. Gone rock climbing
47. Midnight walk on the beach
45. Gone sky diving
49. Taken a train through Europe
50. Been heartbroken longer than you were actually in love
51. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger’s table, and had a meal with them
52. Milked a cow
53. Alphabetized your CDs (by vocalist, then title as well)
54. Sung karaoke
55. Lounged around in bed all day
56. Gone scuba diving
57. Kissed in the rain
58. Gone to a drive-in theatre
59. Started a business
60. Taken a martial arts class
61. Been in a movie
62. Crashed a party
63. Gone without food for 5 days
64. Gotten a tattoo
65. Got flowers for no reason
66. Performed on stage
67. Been to Las Vegas
(several times!)
68. Recorded music
69. Eaten shark
70. Buried one/both of your parents
71.Been on a cruise ship
(port city: Puerto Vallarta, Mexico)
72. Spoken more than one language fluently
(partially for two-French and German, I speak Spanish and can comprehend most if the people speak slowly enough)
73. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
74. Walked a famous bridge
(Yes...I really did. The highest expansion bridge. Royal Gorge -Canyon City Colorado)
75. Had plastic surgery
76. Survived an accident that you shouldn’t have survived
78. Wrote articles for a large publication
79. Tried to lose weight seriously
80. Piloted an airplane
(my brother's single engine Piper Cub)
80. Petted a stingray
(Here in Texas)
81. Broken someone’s heart
82. Broken a bone (small hair-line fracture - ring finger!)
83. Eaten sushi
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
(I still have it in my scrapbook)
85. Parasailed
86. Skipped all your school reunions
87. Shaved your head
88. Caused a car accident
89. Pretended to be “sick”
90. Swam in the Pacific Ocean
(I'm not a swimmer....does wading out a long way count?)
91. Saved someone’s life
92. Fainted
93. Been in the room while someone is giving birth
94. Hitchhiked
95. Adopted a child
96. Been caught daydreaming
97. Been to the Painted Desert
(*singing* Been to the desert on a horse with no name)
98. Called off a wedding engagement
99. Donated your blood
100. Had and out-of-body experience

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I borrowed this idea from Carol over at The Turning Point, she invited anyone to take part. So, I'm gonna do mine now, I mentioned I'd wait 'til after Thanksgiving, but what matters---it helps get me in the spirit---


1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate?I love both! I splurge for one time, and one time only and buy a quart of egg nog for myself. It's so full of not good things that one quart over a week's time is all let myself indulge in. With tons of nutmeg and brandy.

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? Always leaves with the gifts wrapped!!

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? Both...we have the icicle lights on the eaves of the house and around windows...the tree has clear lights --but they have santa caps surrounding them, so a bit of color. Also, I have the tiny circular lights that are colored around countertops and such.

4. Do you hang mistletoe? Nope! Don't need it.

5. When do you put up your decorations? During the big holiday football games! To some, that seems early in the season--but the stuff all comes down the day after Christmas. I've always done it this way. I like to decorate and get in the mood, but when the BIG day is over---it's over.

6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? Here is another time I let myself indulge -- gobs of mashed potatoes with oodles of greasy gravy.

7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child? At our house, we'd always have a LOT of people...then, it was gift exchanges and then eats, clean up, then games....loads of games!!

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? I guess I was about 9 or 10. I recognized the handwriting on the tag! And if I hadn't opened my big mouth, Santa would STILL be making stops at our house!!!

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? In fact we do! ONE...the rest sits under the tree 'til we're fully awake on Christmas morn.

10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree? A variety of ways. I have crates full of decorations....all an array of colors and such. But, mostly it's reds, reds and more reds. Usually red poinsettias with red ornaments, red ribbon and my aforementioned santa lights! AND I still use tinsel!!!! I love it. Nobody's gonna tell me it's dangerous --so is driving on the streets but I still do that too!

11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? Dread is NOT strong enough. I Detest it. When younger I lived winter nearly 8-9 months out of the year! That's why I'm in south Texas now!!

12. Can you ice skate? No...always wanted to learn tho. I DO have good balance and watched others with envy!!! *hint to those who do* I'm never too old to learn!!

13. Do you remember your favorite gift? An emerald diamond heart-shaped necklace. But actually that's selfish!! Honestly, my most favorite is having a husband to share the special day with me for nearly 40 years!!!!

14. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you? A quiet, peaceful day and evening!! I so enjoy that. We've started a new tradition just last year tho, we will watch "The Polar Express" which became an instant holiday classic for us!!!

15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? Oh man--I have to pick just ONE? *thinking hard* --I just can't name one....I love 'em all, and I bake plenty.

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Decorating!!! No doubt. I love the festive look around home. And then, baking!! I love to make holiday treats!!!

17. What tops your tree? For years, I've had an animated Santa -- he sways and lights up!! (Not too traditional in any 'normal' sense, but he's part of my Santa collection!)

18. Which do you prefer giving or receiving? Personally, both are fun! I can't deny receiving is just as fun as giving. So, equally. But I do enjoy the giving part---watching the opening of a special gift is exciting for me!

19. What is your favorite Christmas Song? Here again I love most all!! Some are extremely ill-fitting for the holidays tho. Like Grandma Got Run Over by the Reindeer--that song I think is most insipid. I love the spiritual more -- I sang solo at my church's choir one Christmas Eve---"Oh Holy Night" I still have the lyrics memorized and love to sing along when I hear this one. AND!! Another is 'recent' compared to the classics but, Christmas Eve in Sarajevo is SPIRITUALISTIC for me also!! It really makes my adrenalin flow in a good way!!!

20. Candy Canes? Maybe ONE for the season. That's plenty for me. I'd much prefer seeing them as tree decorations!!!

I remember way back in childhood my mom actually cleaning poultry!! Now, by this I mean picking out a bird, chopping the head off (yes, they do run 'wild' a short time after this --it's reflex!!). Then, in pre preparation, she'd have this humungous pail ready...with boiling water to pour in. After she poured the scalding water into the pail (just outside the back stoop --she called the enclosed porch a stoop) and grab the bird from the ground just beside her and the water...dunk the bird. The steam and odor from the wet feathers was something I never have forgotten. But, I never flinched at the sight of butchering. I grew up with it, when we'd be at grandma's house - on the farm. After the bird was saturated and the steaming vapors were settled, she'd pull the bird out by it's feet and then I'd get to help!! And pluck away we did!! The pin feathers were most difficult for my little hands. Now, as I no longer have mom beside me, I can sit back and recall my younger days---in a way, cleaning birds was a bonding moment for mom and daughter!! Anyway, sitting here thinking of our huge Thanksgiving meals reminded me not only of cleaning fowl, but of hunting for wild turkeys and Canadian Geese in Colorado when I was younger!!

My older brothers and father were the great white hunters!! Turkey season...they'd traipse out into the woods and call for the turkeys. The 'whistle' would sound like a wild turkey. There were actually 'hen' whistles (callers) and 'tom' callers!

Now, today, the turkey is depicted as dumb!! Personally, I don't think so! Not the wild turkeys anyway. They have very sharp instincts and hard to hunt ---many times we'd go hunting--being still and quiet was the hardest part for me if none were sighted in the vast fields--boredom would set in! Yet, being a "tomboy" --I enjoyed the times I could be with the big guys and see what they enjoyed so much. But, days would go by with no luck.

If you look up the word turkey in a dictionary or online, the definition for slang is 'turkey: dumb, dud'. Are they really dumb? I say no. Have you ever wondered why when you as the hunter, and use the hen caller---why do the tom turkeys circle around you and come in to investigate BEHIND you and your blind (a blind is a camouflaged area where you're supposed to be invisible!! LOL); the birds KNEW something wasn't right...they KNEW there was danger!!!




I think wild turkeys are beautiful. I couldn't go hunting for sport any longer like the 'good ol' days'!! Besides, wild turkey doesn't taste like the genetically inseminated birds from a poultry farm(they have a gamey taste...like sagebrush actually!)---today, I would do the hunting in a supermarket freezer section!

Along with memories of mom and I, cleaning birds and gutting them....ya, I can 'gut' them with the best of farmer's daughters!! But, to this day I cannot cut a whole chicken up as quickly and proficiently as my mom could!! She was a pro!!


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Turkey facts I learned as I grew up:

1)The part of 'skin' that grows OVER the beak is called a SNOOD
2)The part of 'skin' under the beak is called a WATTLE
3)The 'skin' CAN change color from shades of gray to bright reds or blues when the bird is stressed.
4)Having turkeys in your yard make great watch 'dogs'...their sense of hearing and keen sight is tops in the animal kingdom!
5)CARNUCLE is the throat skin
6)Turkey is derived from "TUKA" an Indian name for peacock (Indian as in West Indies)
7)Turkey eggs are called a CLUTCH

Oh, and one more thing --when at my grandma's farm, turkeys and chickens were loose, rarely penned up in cages---turkeys LOVE to kill snakes!!! Cool, huh? I've always had a snake phobia, poisonous or otherwise!!! So I say ---"Go you Turkeys!! Have at 'em!!!"

SUNDAY'S SNIPPET

On a given day, I love to peruse the local newspaper. Mostly hubby buys one to read while eating lunch together, and we talk about what things we're reading. Sometimes we get into a deep discussion that our lunch "hour" will turn into an extended conversation that lasts much longer. It keeps us informed, and gives a chance for the two of us to continue to grow together.

Yesterday, I read a most interesting article in our paper, The Caller Times, that just astounded me. The woman's talents are beyond anything I've ever seen.

While sitting here contemplating what to write about today, and still pertain to a memory...I thought that a weekly tidbit (one that is NOT typical media where you hear about crime, murder, mayhem, war, or economical woes of the country. Something GOOD!) I admit it may be a challenge to actually find something in the paper that isn't media-hype. But, I'm gonna give it a try.

So, with that in mind, I wanted to share this incredible story. Hoping that there may be a 'value' in reading it somehow.




A condensed version of the 2 page article, entitled "Walls are her Canvas" goes on to explain about Louise Udovich from Ohio who loves to paint. The home she had lived in for 16 years had white walls. Now her walls are her paintings!

She started by painting a vine and trellis above the front entry...from there it's escalated to murals. Her talents with the brush show 3-D images. (The jungles on the wall are her laundry room!!) The 'nautical' is her staircase to the basement. Her son wanted his bathroom to look like a castle. He got it.---walls 'aged' with paint to look like vine covered stones. (She even painted the vertical blinds with the image of a dragon when closed!) Oh, and ya--you guessed it!! She painted the "tongue in cheek" throne ornate chair around the toilet---a true throne!!

Amazing!!!

SATURDAY PHOTO HUNT

Grab the Photo Hunt code.
Join the blogroll. Visit participants.


THIS WEEK'S THEME - - PLUSH

Well, there are many different definitions of 'plush'. Either velvety, cushiony, swanky, luxurious, ritzy....

I'm going this week with 'swanky'!
Near San Diego, California, on Coronado Island, there is ONE swanky(plush!) hotel. And historical too. And tho old, it's just one beautiful hotel. A lot of dignitaries, celebrities and people with money-or master card *hehehehe* have stayed here! This hotel is where hubby told me he loved me! So, it's a place of sentimental memories for me! I give you Hotel del Coronado---


(top left to right: Dining room and glass chandelier)
(bottom left to right: part of the reception area - entrance)


(I'm looking from the private beach toward the private rooms)

FRIDAY'S FEAST

First, I want to congratulate Ammy for winning the contest from the last couple of weeks!! Way to go!!



Appetizer
Do you believe there is intelligent life on other planets?
Personally, I'm curious! I'd first have to question what is intelligent. Really---I'm not even sure there are intelligent people here on EARTH!! But sure, there are possibilities of intelligent life somewhere, and I'm more positive there are other planets other than the ones already discovered. Chances are pretty good that there is someone out there --perhaps watching us!! Learning from us or laughing at us--I'm not sure which.

Soup
What is one thing you said you'd never do, but you eventually did?
That's a hard one!! I usually don't set goals that I can't finish, whether it be said I will never do this or that..... Perhaps drive over a long bridge!!! I fear bridges. And yet I've driven over them when in the horizon far ahead of me I see it coming and I say..."I'm gonna stop here and let you drive!"....of course it was to my small children who couldn't see over the steering wheel!!!-----so, I eventually close my eyes and drive over the bridge to make it to the other side!!

(GOTCHA!!! I really don't close my eyes, but I sure as heck, hug the middle of the highway!!! And my heart races!!!)

Salad
Who is the teacher that influenced you the most in school?
I actually have three great teachers that from them I learned most how to delve into my interests! My 3 grade teacher---actually her name was Mrs. Beale. Then, Mr. Williams, and last but not least, Mrs. Sanderson. And respectively in order piqued my interest in reading and penmanship - English (grammar)- and Shakespeare, English Lit!!


Main Course
If you could trade places with anyone for one day, who would it be and why?
Vanessa Paradis. Any questions as to why I chose her? Click her name if you're curious.

Dessert
What is your favorite dish to prepare?
I love to cook. But, these days actually, it isn't quite as fun as it used to be--there are only two of us at home now. I still like to bake pies!! So, that will have to do for an answer.

Thursday's Thoughts

I thought it'd be kinda fun to do my own weekly Thursday 'meme' instead of the unbelieveably difficult Thursday Thirteen...first off, the Thursday 13 I was getting way too many hits (once, 80 or more)...I spent nearly an entire day just visiting ones who were kind enough to visit me on any particular Thursday, as I feel if someone leaves comments, I oblige them with the courtesy of visiting them. It got to be too much time-wise, and quite challenging to come up with a good and interesting subject for thirteen items on a list without being redundant week after week. So I bowed out. And I'm glad I did. (But don't get me wrong, I still enjoy reading blogs that participate in Thursday 13!!)

Anyway, my new weekly 'meme' is going to be a particular thought that has been running through my brain---hence, Thursday's Thoughts. Each week, I am going to take a subject for which I'd discuss my ponderings. So many times in my life I sit by my window and think of things. Very diversifed subjects. Many times, it's just wonderment, other times it's what I read or saw. Yet again, there are moments of life that makes me think of what it would have been if things were different at the time of that particular moment. And, if you care to join in on this idea...please, be my guest. But don't forget to let me know that you participated so I can drop by and partake in your personal whims or ideas or thoughts!!

I thought of beginning a blogroll...but again, too much time to upkeep and be proficient enough to keep every member happy. But if it goes well, I could start up a blog comment section for Thursday Thoughts where if you participate each week --we could all go sign up that we've posted a thought. Firstly, I'll see how this progresses. For now, if you wish to post a Thursday Thought...sign my comment section today and I'll be delighted to drop by and read your entry.


(also, if you'd like to join me and would like to use this graphic header you're more than welcome. Click here to save it.)

So, today, I'm gonna think aloud about the greenhouse effect, and a subject that I think is very pertinent on making the rise of burning off the earth's protective ozone layer. One idea that I've not read about from scientists' findings and I wonder just why....perhaps my thoughts on this is very far fetched because I'm no scientist by any means.

Okay...my thought is this. According to findings and research, the ozone layer is burning off at a higher rate in the last 50 years or so. Yes, they are positive it has a lot to do with exhaust from refineries, autos, buses, trucks, planes, etc. But they fail to mention what I think may be a factor, a big factor.

When you were a kid, did you ever have anyone show you what a sun ray and a magnifying glass will do to a piece of paper? If the sun's rays shine through a looking glass long enough and filters through to a piece of paper, the paper burns right? Heat. Heat rises and expands, yes? Now take into consideration the glass that is used all over the world! Thick glass, thin, reflective - mirrored window glass. Y'all have been in a room with sun shining through a glass window, and you feel warmed by the heat waves penetrating the room from the sun's heat.


Downtown Houston Texas

The more a city builds, the more heat is condensed around the area (if you've ever paid attention a large city is several degrees hotter than the wide open countryside just miles from the hub of downtown buildings, asphalt, autos, factories)---


Tampa Florida (I've read that nature's way of protection is also cloud formation--it too filters heat and sun rays. Now think about it tho. During the hottest seasons--if there is a lot of cloud-cover, isn't it hotter(muggier-more humid) for us, even with cloud cover? Why? Because the shade and protection from the sun by cloud formation is holding down the heat--we feel the difference)

Now, take into consideration that within the last 50 years or so the newer high rise office buildings and apartment complexes (and such) in large cities all over our globe -- and the newest phenomenon is to use the mirrored reflective glass windows! Oh, it's attractive to be sure, but at any given time, on a clear sunny day, the sun shines on these windows and the heat that would normally filter through clear glass --reflects back up into the atmosphere, burning off zillions of the atmospheric protective layered particles of our globe called ozone---which the ozone IS our means of surviving on Earth --is our protective shield against the sun's EXTREME heat.---again, heat rises and expands ---could it be possible that maybe this is another factor that scientists should consider?

What do you think on this subject ---could I possibly be on the right track for thought?

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

Fiddle-dee-dee!!

I received these wonderful animations last night from an online friend and I wanted to show them off permanently! And share them with others. This woman is so creatively talented with graphics, it's amazing. She knows how much I love Scarlett and Gone With the Wind, we've been online friends for several years(and I'd love to meet her in person *hint*). We both like the book and the movie. I have a small collection in our home in one particular room and she has told me that she likes GWTW also. I love these "star"lit tear drops Karma!!! Fantastic!!!

Karma has a fabulous website. Loaded with her finished works. If you have time, take a gander. You'll not be disappointed.

Thanks from the bottom of my heart dear friend. You made my day!!


Her beautiful site - Karma's Korner





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Speaking of my love of movies --- ---

Your Movie Buff Quotient: 94%

You are a movie buff of the most obsessive variety. If a movie exists, chances are that you've seen it. You're an expert on movie facts and trivia. It's hard to stump you with a question about film. Wystful notes: You got that right!!!

Are You a Movie Buff?

My husband's grandmother, her family born and bred in England, was deaf. At least when I met her for the first time. I'm not sure actually when she became deaf in her life, but she only read lips by the time I married her grandson.

She was very active throughout the time she lived. VERY active. She lived to be 103!!

Last night, while laying in bed in the dark, a poem came to my mind. Now it's just a poem you say---but, not for us in our family! This woman, my hubby's granny could recite this poem. Word for word! At her age. Never missing a beat! It all astounded us. I was just in awe!

Let's see, if my math is correct, I met her in 1968. She was born in 1890...so that would make her around 78 when the two of us first met. Okay, the woman was amazing! The most impressive, she walked miles a day...shopped, lived by herself in a home, took care of it, cleaned, read a great deal...and sewed!! She loved to make the sock monkeys for children!! (I have two of 'em still today...that she made both her great grandchildren). But okay, you get the idea how amazing she was. I've gone astray a bit....the poem. Yep, she could recite it, word for word!!! Not a reading recital, from memory.
And still today, I can't even begin to remember the words---but oh what memories of watching and listening to this aged woman in her prime when she would do her recital!!!

Slowly England's sun was setting oe'r the hilltops far away,
Filling all the land with beauty at the close of one sad day;
And its last rays kissed the forehead of a man and maiden fair,--
He with steps so slow and weary; she with sunny, floating hair;
He with bowed head, sad and thoughtful, she, with lips all cold and white,
Struggling to keep back the murmur, "Curfew must not ring to-night!"

"Sexton," Bessie's white lips faltered, pointing to the prison old,
With its walls tall and gloomy, moss-grown walls dark, damp and cold,--
"I've a lover in the prison, doomed this very night to die
At the ringing of the curfew, and no earthly help is nigh.
Cromwell will not come till sunset;" and her lips grew strangely white,
As she spoke in husky whispers, "Curfew must not ring to-night!"

"Bessie," calmly spoke the sexton (every word pierced her young heart
Like a gleaming death-winged arrow, like a deadly poisoned dart),
"Long, long years I've rung the curfew from that gloomy, shadowed tower;
Every evening, just at sunset, it has tolled the twilight hour.
I have done my duty ever, tried to do it just and right:
Now I'm old, I will not miss it. Curfew bell must ring to-night!"

Wild her eyes and pale her features, stern and white her thoughtful brow,
As within her secret bosom, Bessie made a solemn vow.
She had listened while the judges read, without a tear or sigh,
"At the ringing of the curfew, Basil Underwood must "die.
And her breath came fast and faster, and her eyes grew large and bright;
One low murmur, faintly spoken. "Curfew must not ring to-night!"

She with quick step bounded forward, sprang within the old church-door,
Left the old man coming slowly, paths he'd trod so oft before.
Not one moment paused the maiden, But with eye and cheek aglow,
Staggered up the gloomy tower, Where the bell swung to and fro;
As she climbed the slimy ladder, On which fell no ray of light,
Upward still, her pale lips saying, "Curfew shall not ring to-night!"

She has reached the topmost ladder, o'er her hangs the great dark bell;
Awful is the gloom beneath her, like the pathway down to hell.
See! the ponderous tongue is swinging; 'tis the hour of curfew now,
And the sight has chilled her bosom, stopped her breath, and paled her brow.
Shall she let it ring? No, never! Her eyes flash with sudden light,
As she springs, and grasps it firmly: "Curfew shall not ring to-night!"

Out she swung,-- far out. The city Seemed a speck of light below,--
There twixt heaven and earth suspended, As the bell swung to and fro.
And the sexton at the bell-rope, old and deaf, heard not the bell,
Sadly thought that twilight curfew rang young Basil's funeral knell.
"Still the maiden, clinging firmly, quivering lip and fair face white,
Stilled her frightened heart's wild throbbing: "Curfew shall not ring tonight!"

It was o'er, the bell ceased swaying; and the maiden stepped once more
Firmly on the damp old ladder, where, for hundred years before,
Human foot had not been planted. The brave deed that she had done
Should be told long ages after. As the rays of setting sun
Light the sky with golden beauty, aged sires, with heads of white,
Tell the children why the curfew did not ring that one sad night.

O'er the distant hills comes Cromwell. Bessie sees him; and her brow,
Lately white with sickening horror, has no anxious traces now.
At his feet she tells her story, shows her hands, all bruised and torn;
And her sweet young face, still hagggard, with the anguish it had worn,
Touched his heart with sudden pity, lit his eyes with misty light.
"Go! your lover lives," said Cromwell. "Curfew shall not ring to-night!"

Wide they flung the massive portals, led the prisoner forth to die,
All his bright young life before him. Neath the darkening English sky,
Bessie came, with flying footsteps, eyes aglow with lovelight sweet;
Kneeling on the turf beside him, laid his pardon at his feet.
In his brave, strong arms he clasped her, kissed the face upturned and white,
Whispered, "Darling, you have saved me, curfew will not ring to-night."

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