Stopping By

It's pretty safe to say with kids: You never know what they will be doing next. It's always been like that.

Son Right Back stopped by the house this afternoon. He was taking his Sunday afternoon and doing something he considers worth doing. At this moment in time, it is back to the bicycle. I have proof that this was a passion many years ago. He would take off and ride for miles and miles. I, as his concerned parent, was always concerned until he arrived safely back home.

I have to admit that I smiled when the front door rang and he showed up after a ride. I didn't even know he had a bike, much less that he had been out riding. I am pleased to say that he is responsible and takes safety gear seriously. I wish he'd thought of that when he jumped out of the perfectly good plane.

I told him that I must have a picture of him with his bicycle stuff. So... he finally humored me a little and put on his helmet. He looks so serious here. I guess he is.... well... not really.

I think he is training for one of those long long rides with others that will take him out of the state and back. I hope when he tells me that he will be right back, that he means it. Of course he does!!!

Trying Ree's Perfect Pot Roast

Life is good!

First, my dear sweet Hubby (Mr.) brought me a camera that he had lying about the ranch house. I at least have a camera while I search for the perfect new one. I've gotten bitten by the Wantitis Bug. You know... the one that makes one spend more than they really should for things. I'm still trying to decide on a camera, but at least I have this one to fill in while I research and steel my nerves to spend money.

This.... dear readers, is what I cooked in that wonderful new pot... My Le Creuset pot that was a gift not long ago from a friend. I just had to take a picture of this as it came out of the oven. I hurried before Mr. got into it. It smelled soooooooo good. Mr. came in the back door and did a double take with his nose. It tasted as good as it smelled.

This recipe is one that I tried out of Ree's famous Pioneer Woman Cookbook. I absolutely had to join the ranks and have one. I have to admit that I usually sit a few pews behind her at church and marvel at all that has happened to her in the past couple of years. It is amazing. I've also been blessed with enjoying some of that wonderful food that she cooks... cinnamon rolls prepared by her own hands... so yummy. At any rate.. this is one of the recipes out of her cookbook. It uses some herbs that I don't usually use in preparing my roasts, and I did like these. I know... you must have the recipe. Therefore I have included the link to her recipe on her website. Go... cook roast... and enjoy. Perfect Pot Roast I also realize that she was just on Good Morning America talking about and cooking this roast. It is really flavorful. Yum.

Wallpaper Scraps

When I-Needa was little, her bedroom had one wall with wild panda bear wallpaper. There were cute pink and white curtains in the window to match the bear's noses. Cute!

I have always had the habit of saving a bit of wallpaper I use. I usually try to get an extra roll just in case something happens and I need to repair or replace part of it.

This paper has long ago disappeared, but it was cute at the time. I think I-Needa loved it and considered these little creatures her personal friends.


At some point, I-Needa managed to save a piece of the paper from her long ago room. She sent me this picture recently to show me what she has done with it.

I think it is rather a neat thing to preserve a memory like this. Just look how cute it looks with this one bear framed and hanging in her hallway. At least it is meaningful.

A relative of mine was quite talented in making ceramic pieces. She made a set of several little ceramic panda bears for I-Needa to match her room decor. I-Needa has set one on top of a candle and put it with the hall grouping.

Seeing this has made me look around my own home a bit to discover little things I have sitting about that remind me of my childhood or have some special meaning for me. What do you have in your home as reminders and remembrances?

Birth Of A Fisherman

I've been looking through some pictures that are in my iPhoto and ran onto these very old photos that I scanned and used in a scrapbook about my children when they were little.

This is Right Back when he was quite young. The picture was taken at my parent's house. My dad enjoyed fishing enough to have a little boat to take to our local lake. He kept it in the back yard, hidden from the street by some hedges. It was a place that would be very enticing to a little boy just looking at the possibilities in the world.

Right Back loved to spend time sitting in the boat playing that he was out there fishing. He loved playing that he was 'Doc', my dad's nickname. Dad was a dentist and lots of people fondly called him 'Doc'.

AH.. trying to start the motor.. Personally, I have always considered anything you had to start with a cord as an impossibility. Still, you know that Right Back has been with his grandfather and knows what should be done to get that engine purring.

After all, you've got to take some action here if you want any results. That may be a good thing to find out while you're young.

Don't you love the hat? I do believe he found this among Doc's yard clothes in the basement.

Ah, the basement is another story... lots of tools and other things to play with.



After you get the motor going, it's time to get serious about fishing. Who knows what you will catch when you really put your mind to it. Getting your hat out of your eyes might help a little too.

So, Dear Reader, what fond memories do you have of play in your childhood? Isn't using one's imagination a wonderful thing? Where would we be without this mysterious sense of imagination?

I can't say that I ever did much playing at fishing. I did try it in the boat at the lake when I was a child and my dad took me out with him. I remember going out early one morning before the sun came up, and we sat on the lake and fished and watched the night turn to day.... a lovely memory. I believe I liked the sunrise, but can't say much for the fishing.

Right Back still enjoys fishing when he has the opportunity. I guess his early play lit the spark somewhere in his being. Imagination. Ah, wonderful!

Searching for a Camera

It looks like the hunt is on for a new camera. Mine died. I've been troubleshooting to see if there is a simple solution, but it looks like I'm just out of luck. I've checked lots of things, but so far do not find the problem.

So.... I've been on the Internet this morning looking for a new perfect camera. I've been using a Canon PowerShot A95 for several years. Of course, it is discontinued. I'm not sure I'm smart enough to get into the SLR cameras. I rather like the point and shoot approach, but want a really great picture. My current camera that is dead delivered pictures I really liked. I also loved the fact that it had a swivel LCD screen. Not many do. It protected the screen and also let me take pictures from very strange angles at times. I could hold it way above my head and tilt the screen down so I could still see what I was capturing. I really don't know why all cameras don't have this feature.

I beg you, my dear readers, if you have a camera you love... please let me know. I want to look around a bit before leaping into buying. I want to love my new camera... Just tell me under comments, and I'll be so grateful.

The Cat Report
I did manage to get antibiotics into Pumpkin's mouth this morning. I remembered to shake the medicine well... I put it back into the refrigerator. Actually getting the dropper full of medicine into the cat's mouth was a bit of a do. I looked deep into his eyes and begged cooperation. It didn't happen. I picked him up and snuggled him against me until I heard him purr. I figured he was less likely to do anything drastic to me if he was really happy. I'm such a wimp!!

I finally managed to get him by the scruff of the neck and tilt his head back far enough that he opened his mouth. I was ready... set... and got that medicine into his mouth in a flash. Oh... go me!!!

I just had to tack this little report onto my camera post as knew you were waiting anxiously to see how the cat thing went. Perhaps that is a stretch, but I hope you cared. I have to do this again tomorrow and the day after. I'm so looking forward to it.

Springing The Cat

I ran outside a bit ago to take a picture of Pumpkin. Alas and woe, my camera seems to have quit on me! What a fix! I've done some trouble shooting with it, but it still refuses to cooperate and do its job of taking pictures. I've had it for a long time, and it has served me well. I'm not giving up on it yet, but close. In the meantime, we will have another pictureless post.

Pumpkin Saga Part III

I called the vet this morning to see the status of Pumpkin. The good news is that Pumpkin was ready to go home and is going to be fine. I'll confess that I whine a lot to the vet as am not a cat person and don't like dealing with feisty felines. I'm sure it is the sharp claws and teeth thing.

The bad news: There is more of that then good. First, I'm to give three more days of antibiotics. At that news, I pale and we begin instructions:

Me: 'How do I do that?'

Vet: 'It's easy.'

Me: 'How easy? Hey... I don't like cats... really'

Vet: 'Well... just take hold of him by the scruff (demonstrating in the air), and tilt his head back. His mouth will come open and you can get the dropper in.'

Me: 'Oh.. well... I don't know... maybe.'

Vet: 'Be sure and refrigerate the antibiotic'

Me: 'I can do that!'

Vet: 'Be sure to shake it well before you give it.'

Me: 'I can do that!'

Vet: 'Don't forget: Shake and refrigerate!'

Me: 'I know, I know... I'll remember... really.'

Vet: 'Bring him back in six days to get the stitches removed.'

Me: 'I can do that!'

At this point I hauled out my checkbook. Yep, there was more bad news. It was BAD news.

Receptionist: 'That will be $177.00.'

Me: 'How much?'

Receptionist: '$177.00.'

Me: 'Oh... wow... I'm sure glad I have a stray cat.'

I'm home with Pumpkin now. He is outside lying in the grass. I'm inside licking my wounds. I've talked to him sternly about his little fight with the squirrel. I let him know that he is in my debt, and I'm feeling rather poorly. I have less to play with in the old checking account... and he had better appreciate me. Moral of the story: I haven't a clue, but there should be one in there somewhere.

Recent Things I've Learned

Here is a short list of recent things I've learned:

1. Call a man on his cell phone while he is counting cattle, he won't answer. He will return your call.

2. Leaving a little beer in the bottom of a bottle is a sin. Suggesting it will cause great laughter. If anyone else hears you say that, they will laugh too... assuming they are men.

3. Cattlemen seem impressed that my hubby gave me a fencing tool for Christmas . I guess Mr. showed a great deal of love and affection with that gift... or at least their reactions seem to imply that.

4. Men really do want to be in possession of the remote control.

5. Vinegar on food makes it taste better.... yuck.

I will leave you at the moment with this very short list. I'm sure I need to expand on some in the very near future. It is early morning and I need to get around to be at church on time. I lead the adult Sunday School class... have for years. I love my Sunday mornings of fellowship and worship. It is part of the grounding in my life.

Dealing With Pumpkin

Part I

This is Pumpkin. I took this picture quite some time ago, and may even have used it here before. I hauled it out again as this is the topic of my stress today, and you, dear reader, must see this precious critter.

I noticed a couple of days ago that Pumpkin was favoring one of his front paws. It passed through my mind that I might have to gather him up and take him to the vet. I'm not a great fan of cats, but have been feeding this little stray for several years now. I've tried to give him away, but that hasn't seemed to happen. All cat lovers tell me that he is a wonderful sweet cat. They don't, however, load him up and give him a good home inside. I still have him, and he is living out in the wild.

I did take him to the vet a couple of years ago when he had an injury. It seemed like a good time as any to have him 'fixed' and also get a wonderful battery of shots. All this for my stray cat!

As Pumpkin came for his breakfast today, I noticed that he was walking much better. I sighed a little sigh as figured I was not going to have to get him into a carrier and haul him to the vet. Then I noticed that the upper part of one of his front legs has an open wound. Oh, good grief! What now??

I then had to deal with what to do about Pumpkin. I have a hard time thinking of a wounded animal not getting attention. I figured that I was really going to have to deal with getting him into a carrier and getting him to the vet. I came inside to think that over a bit and get up my courage to deal with it. I went back outside to check things out again, then saw something I really didn't like. There, lying under a window in my flower bed, was a dead and rather mangled squirrel. Yuck!!! There wasn't much denying now that Pumpkin had tangled with a squirrel. The squirrel had definitely gotten the worse end of the deal, but now that sense of having to deal with this whole thing was even stronger.

I hate to admit that I'm squeamish, but I am. There is not much about me that is a nurse, and that extends to caring for critters. My plan was simple.... call Right Back. I figured I'd given birth to him... He owed me.

So... I rang him on his cell phone:

RB: 'Hi'

Me: 'Hi.... I'm having a little problem. I just wondered if you are working at the moment.'

RB: 'Yes, I'm working. Why? What do you need?'

Me: 'Well.... I just noticed that Pumpkin has a wound on his leg and there is a dead squirrel in the yard under the window. That poor squirrel is mangled. I know Pumpkin did it.

RB: 'Call the vet.'

Me: 'I know... that's what I need to do. I just thought maybe you could come give me some moral support if you aren't busy.'

RB: 'I'm giving you moral support, Mom. Call the vet.'

Me: 'I know. I'm going to call the vet. I just thought maybe you could come be with me.'

RB: 'You want me to come be with you to call the vet? Listen... just call the vet.'

Me: 'Well... I knew that. I just hope I don't have to bag up that squirrel. I thought maybe you could do that...'

RB: (silence)

Me: 'Okay... you've been a lot of help... I'm going to call the vet. I knew to do that in the first place. Thank you, have a good day.'

The awful part of this is the sheer lack of courage demonstrated by me, myself, and I. I've been known to give advise to others about what to do. I should take my own advice. So.... I called the vet. I was told that I didn't have to bring in the squirrel. Yea!!!

At this point of the writing, I coaxed Pumpkin into a carrier and have delivered him to the vet. I left instructions to do whatever shots he needs and call me when he is ready to be picked up. So, for now, I'm just waiting.... I'll write Part II when I know more.

Part II

I heard from the vet. It seems she is going to have to 'knock him out'. I'd figured that out on my own. After all, who would want to try to do something to a big wound on a cat that was awake and could see what you were doing. I'm at least that bright.

The good news.... she is going to keep him this weekend. Yea!!! She wasn't sure that she will be able to stitch him up.... wound too big... not enough skin there... must be cleaned though. Sorry, I'm not going to get too graphic. You can thank me that I didn't try to take a picture of it to post. I'm not into that kind of thing, although I know it is on CSI. I avert my eyes.

So... she will clean him up, give him antibiotics, and whatever else he needs. I imagine he will have shots. I'll probably go get him on Monday. I'd best take my checkbook with me. Tah Dah.

Oh... that dead squirrel that is lying in the back yard under my window. I believe I'll point that out to Mr. when he gets home. Perhaps he will offer to dispose of or bury the critter. With my luck, he will probably tell me that he will watch me and offer moral support while I dig.

If you are curious about other stories about Pumpkin, be sure and check the 'Pumpkin' link on the website.

Crown of Thorns Plant

I took this picture in Jamaica simply because I thought this was very pretty. I was showing off my December event scrapbook to friends, and one remarked that it looked like a Crown of Thorns plant.

That was news to me, but I was happy to find out what it is. I am terrible with plants, unless it is a really common one known to everyone. I know grass when I see it... Okay, so I'm getting a little carried away here. I do have the kind of association with plants that is best known as 'kill em while you can'. I've tried at times, but just don't have that proverbial green thumb. If the plant is healthy and beautiful, I'd best leave it alone.

So.... I did a little online research to see if this is a Crown of Thorns plant. It seems it is also called the Christ Plant, or Christ Thorn . It is also poisonous... every part of it... so no touchy. At best, touch with caution... do gloves.

I have no intention of taking my blog reading friends though any kind of how to care for this plant. I've already told you what I do to plants. Any information from me is not worthy to follow. I will tell you that I still think it is pretty and offer it for your looking pleasure. If you feel so inclined, do a little Google searching and find out more about this plant.

Guilty As Charged

I see someone has been in the dirt. This is the face of one who is 'facing the music' following a romp of joy.

Look at those sad eyes so full of repentance. Doesn't that just tug at your heartstrings? I think it was meant to! I believe I've seen the look before... practiced to perfection, I'd say. 'Come on, Mom... it was SO much fun! Really.'

Yes, Gigi was busy while her person, I-Needa, had her back turned. It was meant to be a quick little piddle time in the back yard. However, there seemed to be a hole that needed digging, and some leaves that needed to be pushed around. Somehow the whole hole thing just got out of control.

Somehow looking at this this poor little pooch, who knows well that a good scrubbing is coming, reminds me that I'd best be careful of my own hole digging....

I've been trying to be careful and not give in to chocoholic ways. Actually, I've been on a fling with food and need to do something about it before it is too late. I sometimes feel just like Gigi looks... repentant after the fact, but knowing I had a good time as well.

This is day four of counting Weight Watcher's points again. I'm focused and working to get back to my skinny self. Hopefully, my time in the garden getting mud on my face... so to speak... is over, and I'll be back on track and forgiven soon....figuratively speaking, of course.

I don't want to have to post my own picture with a caption reading 'Guilty as Charged!'

Fish Eye Level

During our day on Grand Cayman, we took a little sight seeing trip in a semi submarine. The lower level was below water and had nice little windows that you could look out and view what was in all that water.

I rather liked this whole thing as had lots of elbow room and still could see very well. I didn't even have to hold my breath or get wet.

I turned off the flash on my camera and set the scene to 'Underwater'... then snapped what I could see. You, my dear blog reader, are going to get to see some of these average camera pictures taken without advantage of fancy photographic equipment. Still... I like them. We have just passed the sea turtle. See.... I wonder how old he is and how long he has been swimming around happily in the ocean.

One must have a ship wreck. These are bound to happen, and I'm sure there are lots to see. Of course, I don't remember exactly what ship this is, but know it is from long long ago.

We actually passed over two ship wrecks, so will tell you that all that history was a bit much for me to remember while I endeavored to snap pictures and hope I got something.





I haven't had a call yet from National Geographic to go to work for them. I just don't understand that at all. They just don't know what they are missing....



Yep...more ship wreck. You figured that out, I'm sure.





When I was a child, I actually thought I might like to be a marine biologist. Now, why I even let that one pass through my head is a total mystery to me now. I think it was all the pretty sea shells that I collected. They gave the ocean a mystery that seemed appealing at the time. I'm glad I came to my senses. I don't think I want to have anything to do with swimming around in the ocean, or handling scaly things, or mapping the ocean. I was perfectly content to just snap pictures from the comfort and safety of this semi
submarine. That will do for me nicely.


One of the men on board put on his gear and went into the water to feed the fish for us. He made a couple of passes completely around the boat. I'm sure one of these little finny fellows gave the 'dinner cry' and everyone came running.

For the tourist in me sake, I was delighted that he did this. Photo opp! Snap snap!






Here he is again.... a little closer to my window and encrusted in fish... of different sizes.


Aren't they cute? Or pretty? I wonder how they feel when he touches them.... bare arms. I wonder how he feels? I imagine they are friends by now if he does this several times a day.








Here come more fish... and you can see the coral reef below them.

Actually, this was a nice tour, and I really did enjoy the calmness of the water and all the fish swimming around.

I'm one of those who loves to look at salt water aquariums. There is something calming about them.





Another of my favorite pictures.. National Geographic, eat your heart out!! Just kidding.

So, my dear blog readers, this is the best selection of photos I took on this tour. I did enjoy it and would happily have spent more time on this. Unfortunately, they have a schedule and time was up... so back to land.

Welcome to Hell

My mind has been wandering back to our December get-away cruise. Most of my life has been a pictureless time. I had no camera. I took no pictures. What was I thinking??

I got serious about wagging a camera along after I retired and started going on more trips. I figured if I was going to go, I might as well take pictures so I could remember what I did. Otherwise, you forget. It's natural. That's why I like to take pictures and put everything into scrapbooks, being sure to journal about the events. Then I can look back and relive all the fun I had.

I took the above picture of our ship from the dock at Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands. It was the first time that I could get far enough away from the ship to get a full picture of it. It was my first cruise, and I was truly amazed at the size of everything. It truly is a city on the water. I'll not even start carrying on about the food on this blog... oh, the food.

Our second of three foreign ports was Grand Cayman in the Cayman Islands. Since the ships can't actually dock there, they 'tender' the passengers. When I saw that little statement in the brochure, I asked questions. Just what did that mean and just what did they do, and just what kind of thing would we be put on to be tendered. I certainly can ask a lot of questions when I'm unsure of what someone is going to do that will involve me.

It really wasn't bad at all. I took this picture later when we back on board our ship. I loved having a balcony with our cabin as could stand out there and take more interesting pictures. So... this is the boats they used to 'tender' us. It was fine... no rowing or anything like that.

See... nice comfortable seats..

It was fine... really.




Here is a little slice of downtown with people just milling around. I don't see anyone carrying bags of goodies bought as souvenirs. Personally, I'm not a big shopper. I've been trying to get rid of stuff... don't want more, so didn't do much for their economy in the shopping department myself.







Now look at this nice little pirate looking ship docked and waiting. I do believe they have a tour available complete with pirates doing their pirate thing.


After going on a tour which involved a submarine, we wandered around town awhile. We found lots of people offering little private tours around the area, so decided to hop on one and head out to see more of the island. We were told right away that one of our stops would be Hell.

It amuses me, and yet states something about us as humans that we grab onto almost anything to promote whatever needs promoting. I can just imagine how someone ended up calling this place Hell.

You see... or I am just trying to see how it happened. Someone must have been standing gazing at this rock formation area.... perhaps scratching their head... trying to see what they could see in this small area of rocks. From the recesses of someone's mind, the thought must have crept slowly forward that this stark rugged look might compare in some way to the look of Hell. Who knows?

So... the idea took flame (pun), and as dollars and cents came into focus to use these rocks to grab a piece of the tourist pie, Hell was born. Now tourist guides take great effort to welcome everyone to Hell... They laugh and tell the tourists that if they don't pay for the tour now, they will leave them in Hell! Funny!

Of course, I did what tourists are suppose to do. I posed on the bridge with those craggy rocks behind me and figured 'What the heck, I'll have my picture taken in Hell.'



So you see... they have a Post Office there to prove that it is a real place. I'm afraid I didn't go so far as to purchase post cards and mail them to any of my friends. It just didn't mean that much to me.

However, there it is... you can see it... a little tourist 'catch em while you can'. After all, the tourist dollar is important. It is... really.

Oops... I didn't do my part. However, I did take pictures. So I guess I'm not completely immune to this kind of thing. Here it is on my blog, so what does that say? Humm...







Of course, pirates and islands must go together. So... we have our pirate standing outside. Someone is playing hide and seek with me behind the pirate statue.

You know there is a souvenir area... of course you do. I've already confessed that I didn't spend my money here... just took a few pictures and got outta Hell.


You've got one more picture coming, which probably was my favorite, or almost my favorite on Grand Cayman...








I LOVE this post office box. Note: Grand Cayman is still British. Just look at that cute drop box. Well... there is the crown and everything. I think that is just too cute.


We did have a good time on the island. It is always nice to get away from home and see a little slice of life that is different from our daily fare. We have a desire to know and see... something beyond what we do on a daily basis. It makes us more in touch with the bigger world picture, and that's a good thing. It even makes coming home again to the comforts of our own little world wonderful.

An added perk to our trip was the fact that we left in snow and ice. Here we had a much better time with the weather. No coats, just warm weather clothing. Worked for me. Tah Dah.

Valentine Thoughts

Alas, that special day has come and gone. I managed to come out of the weekend with some chocolate still left in the heart shaped box. Mr. didn't eat it all, and neither did I. I will admit telling on him when the opportunity presented itself. (If you don't know what I'm talking about, read the previous story of his dastardly deed.)

I think he felt a little remorseful as gave me a Valentine Day card on Saturday. Of course, it still wasn't Valentine's Day. Again, he insisted that I open it immediately... shades of the candy episode the night before.

I decided that he just wanted to keep the celebration going and was spreading out the joy. He did take me to a wonderful candlelight dinner that was being sponsored by his church. It was very nice and special. We had a good time, and I'll admit that it did set the mood for those lovey feelings that I think might be lurking somewhere amid the Valentine trappings.

By the way, I did give him a special Valentine Day card. I even managed to give it to him on Valentine's Day. I also bought him a little present that was something useful that he needed. (Pat on the back for me!... smile... smile) I must admit that I gave it to him the day before Valentine's Day. You see.. he is rubbing off on me. I just couldn't wait to give him his present.

I think I'm going to have to work up to the next Valentine's Day and see if I can't plan better for it. I have to admit that I probably wasn't as into the whole thing as I should have been. I can site Mr. for some of his deeds, but think I'll have to own up to a lack of organization of my own on this one. I think I'm glad it's over and I'll look forward to it again. Tah Dah.

What Happened to Sentiment?

It isn't Valentine's Day yet. That's really tomorrow. So? Why is my box of candy opened with missing pieces?

I warned this man that his actions were major blog fodder, but he didn't care. He did it anyway.

I was busy working on my scrapbook last night, putting the final pictures in and labeling them. I noticed that Mr. went out the back door without saying anything, but I figured he would be back in a moment from whatever mission he was on.

Shortly, the back door opened and Mr. came in with one hand behind his back. He said that he just had to do something tonight and it just couldn't wait. Actually, I believe he said that HE just couldn't wait. I believe the whole thing went something like this:

Mr.: (Standing with his hand behind his back) 'I know this isn't the day, but I just have to do this now. I just can't wait' (Laughing)

(Bringing arm around front reveling a box of Russell Stover chocolates... the kind I love) 'Open them now... please.... I just have to have one.... NOW...' (More laughing)

Me: (Looking at this man who has been my husband for two months and considering the possibility of a chocoholic intervention) 'You've got to be kidding me! You are SO romantic! Well, if that doesn't beat all.'

At this point, I believe I offered to let him open them. I guess propriety kicked in somewhere in the back of his brain and he found the good grace to insist that I be the one to open the candy.

I saw the look of desperation in his eyes and knew that he was, like me, a true chocoholic. Yep, I know the feeling. I will say that I'm not sure what he is going to have to do to make this up to me. I've seen the destruction of my Valentine Day candy and all illusions that sentiment is still alive and well.

He is taking me to a really nice Valentine Day dinner this evening. I'll give him points for that. However, I imagine I'll not be able to resist relating this story to others at the dinner. He is in for it. Yes, he is.

Well.... Hummmmm?

I was visiting I-Needa one day some time ago and saw this in front of us. I just happened to have my camera and thought this a little on the humorous side. It doesn't take much to entertain me, and this did it.

I see a big sign advertising Angus Beef.... and a sign below and to the left identifying the contents of the truck as fish. Hummm.... SO? I remember thinking that someone around was feeling a little conflicted.

I got an e-mail from a friend today saying that she was listening to a local radio show on her way into town. The DJ called people and asked a question... called three people while she was listening with the same question.

DJ's Question: 'How many beers are in a six pack?'

Caller 1: 'Twelve'

Caller 2: 'What brand of beer?'

DJ reply: 'It can be any brand, even a six pack of soft drink. So? How many cans in a six pack?'

Caller 3: 'No idea.'

My Friend: 'Can you believe that???? I'm not sure if that is funny or sad.'

Me: 'No! That's pretty hard to believe!! I'll vote for sad!'

I'm wondering about all that. Where is their sign?

By the way, if you don't know the answer to the question, don't tell anyone.

Whiskey

We had a visitor last night... Whiskey came to visit and brought his person.

This cute Corgi, who is about seven years old and still can act like a puppy, decided it was okay to spend a little time with us.

Just try to get a cute picture of pets. They move quickly, and by the time you press on the camera button to take a picture, they are off and doing something else.

I had the perfect pose here, until the shutter actually took the picture. Of course, at that very moment, Whiskey turned his head.

Isn't this a pretty pooch? Naturally, I managed to get a good up close picture of him from the side, only didn't quite get the tail end. If you are just dying to know about that, go back and check the above picture.

Anyway... running really late here this morning and must not linger too long at the computer. I just had to pop this up for you to see what a really nice visitor we had last night.

Oh... how do you like the little towel toy I made for him? His person hadn't brought a toy. By the time we played throw and chase with this a million times, it was quite wet. Whiskey can catch in mid air one hundred percent of the time. Amazing. I have a hard time catching a ball thrown at me, and sure couldn't catch it in my mouth. Well... that is really getting away from the subject. I'll leave you now as really must get running.... on all twos.

Pot Surprise

I was sitting here messing around on my computer yesterday rather than cleaning. You know what happens when you do that? Someone drops by or calls and tells you they are on their way. Thankfully, option two happened and I had time to wipe down the counters and hide a few things.

A friend arrived with a big bag in hand. She had told me that she was bringing over a 'wedding' present that she and her husband both thought I should have.

So... in she comes with a bag in hand and announces to me that if I don't like it, I can exchange it. Then she turns over a giant bag from Williams-Sonoma. 'Ohhhhh... this is going to be fun', I thought. I peeked into the sack, then started jumping up and down while making joyful noises...'Wheee.... whee.... oh, oh, oh...!' I guess she caught on that I liked it and wouldn't be wanting any exchanges! I immediately ran with the pot into the kitchen, dragging her behind me, and showed her how it goes with everything. In fact, this is the very one I'd have picked! Oh, my gosh! I've got to cook and quickly. It is just itching to happen.

I've always wanted one of these!!! It is that lovely Le Creuset cookware. Wonderful cast iron with enamel. I'm in heaven!!! She told me it would hold two chickens. Lovely. It will hold lots of things and I'm going to be using it asap.

I'm off to search the cookbooks... tra la la... Tah Dah!!! The sun is shining and all is well!

Warm and Tasty Memories

This is a scan of a very very old picture of my grandmother. (Born is 1885 and died in 1965)

I started thinking about her this morning after visiting Ree's blog.... you know... Pioneer Woman. She has posted today in her cooking page about making homemade donuts. She has wonderful pictures and a blow by blow account of how to make them. Recipe included, of course. You can go there in a bit and see what I mean.

The pictures of all those homemade donuts bought my Grandmother Clara Estelle instantly to my mind. She was a cook deluxe. Her parents both died when she was quite young, and she went to live with her grandmother... her Mother's mother... who was a seamstress. Clara learned to cook at an early age, but never learned to sew much. Clara took over the kitchen and became the great cook in the family.

I remember her visits when I was a kid. I'd go off to school in the morning and wonder what wonderful thing I'd find to eat when I walked back in the kitchen in the afternoon. I clearly remember the treat of finding roasting pans full of freshly made donuts and holes. What a treat! The smell and the taste of them still linger in the back of my mind. It was such a warm and tasty memory. My grandmother and those wonderful donuts made with love. On this cold cold winter morning, it warms my heart to think of it again.

I found this picture and turned it to black and white as some of the color was a bit aged now. This is I-Needa at her grandmother's house... my mom... I-Needa and Right Back call her Mimi. She was the cookie, pie, and cake baker. My kids laugh and sometimes make quite a point of the fact that I wasn't the one making cookies in their youth. I didn't need to... Mimi did it.

Mimi also took her responsibility of passing on a few cooking skills to I-Needa. I know there is a picture somewhere of I-Needa with a few smudges of flour on her face... and everywhere else. I'm going to have to dig for that one.



You know that old saying about the way to a man's heart is through his stomach. I-Needa is a little older here, but still at it in the cooking department. She is on the counter again as still isn't tall enough to reach the counter top. Besides, what good cook doesn't sit on the counter top to cook? Just kidding.

I-Needa has gotten Right Back to join her this time and he just needs to stick that finger into the bowl and have a little taste. I'll bet it's cookies.


Somewhere in I-Needa's mind, there must be a thought or two of her Mimi's kitchen smells and tastes. I think her grandmother passed down a few things to her.


Here she is again... in Mimi's kitchen. She is Miss Organization in the kitchen and is still happily doing her thing. Mimi is older now and needs a bit of help getting things done. Family get-togethers and lots of doings are a bit much for her. I-Needa is the just the gal for the job. She flies around the kitchen with ease. That's the same place that she use to sit on the counter.

Hummmmmm.... I think I'm going to mention home made donuts to her and see if she is up for the challenge.

Same Old Thing

I'm trying to follow the idea of my blog and find some humor in all this winter stuff. I'm having a bit of a struggle with it. It's been far too long since we have seen any evidence that the sun still shines in the sky. I know it is there, but can't prove it by looking.

I-Needa sent me a picture of Gigi hiding under the table. She told me that Gigi wasn't at all happy being stuck inside. I agree. I have empathy with the pooch. I remember the days when I could get out and play and bask in the sunshine. I'm feeling the pain.

I'm going to try to think some happy thoughts and see if I can't come up with a more humorous take on this whole winter event. I'll post this little thing to let you know I'm still thinking about you. I'll be back soon... with something on the lighter sign. Oh... there is that word again.

Then and Now

I-Needa sent me these photos of her little back yard. I almost hesitate to call it a yard, but it is what is outside her back door. She gardens like a mad woman when it's gardening season. Look at all the lovely foliage. It grew like weeds under I-Need's loving care this past spring and summer. It was a happy little nook.

Looking at this picture made me feel all warm and cozy. I love the green leaves and flowers. It's happy! I'm sharing this with you for the same reason I-Needa shared it with me. It's green. It's growing. It's not white.

So that was then....

Of course, you are going to see the now.



I have to admit that, in my youth, fall was a depressing signal to me that winter blahs were on their way. I knew those beautiful fall leaves meant that the green of spring and summer would soon be gone and replaced with stark reality.

I've grown out of that and learned to see some beauty in every season. Fall is one of my favorite seasons as love everything about the colors. I've even learned to look at the naked branches of winter with a bit of artist eye. They can be quite interesting.

I have learned to accept that we must have the cold of winter. The green will be back. I'm sure it will, as have noticed it happening before. Remember, this is temporary, no matter how distressing or inconvenient. It will pass. In just a few months, I-Needa will be planting again like crazy, or watching for things to come up again. That will be a super good day. Spring fever will hit with a vengeance and those who garden will emerge from their dens and dash to the gardening centers.

In the meantime, we wait and practice a bit of patience.

All this talk of green things and planting just reminded me.... oh dear.... Mr. wants me to learn to can green beans. He loves to garden. He will be one of those out planting when the snow is gone. He has a big garden... big... with all kinds of vegetables. He is going to want me to take care of all this stuff.

You know... I think snow is a beautiful thing. I believe I might just love the cold winter. Spring and planting season is how far away? Perhaps I'd best find some articles on canning and pray that the snow lasts a little longer. Tah Dah

My Mess Today

This is what I'm doing this week. I put up a table in the living room and have been happily working on a album of all our December events, which include our wedding, Christmas, and a Caribbean cruise. It was a full month, and will be a big album.

I absolutely am sold on creating albums. I've done this for years. I-Needa got me started on this when she was a Creative Memories consultant. I had pictures thrown in drawers not doing me a bit of good. She helped me see the error of my ways and I started organizing them and getting them into albums. I soon saw that not only was I preserving all those nice pictures that I'd taken, but now I could enjoy looking at them. They are organized neatly into albums and actually tell a story.

I've taken several nice tours since retiring, and I'm happy to say I bought a camera and took tons of pictures. I've put them into books and can relive those wonderful trip experiences. I keep my albums where I can pick one up and look at it.... and I do. I enjoy them myself and have found that others do too.

I bought a nice ruby red coverset album from Creative Memories for our December doings. It has a poinsettia in the lower right corner. Perfect for December! I also had a stroke of genius, which is nice to have once in awhile. I put a few decorated pages in the book and had it at our wedding reception for people to sign and leave little notes. Those are now in with the wedding pictures, and I love it. I think all brides should do that... seriously. I think it is much better than having a separate book to sign that will sit isolated by itself in some remote place in the house. People signed it and left little notes of well wishes. Love that. I'll get pictures of that and show soon.... ohhhh you have something to look forward to...

I'll be working on this again today. It is nice to have something fun to do inside on such a bleak, wet, cold day. I'm doing something constructive, and I'm going to love the results. Go me!

Well...Look at That!

I-Needa has been having fun with her new iPhone. She spent awhile trying to convince herself that she really needed it.... remember her name... I need a (fill in the blank)

I'm not really chiding I-Needa. I just know her very well, since she is a copy of me. You know that old 'I've become my mother' saying. It's true.

It took I-Needa awhile to convince herself that the iPhone is a necessity in her life, but she managed to get the job done. Actually, I'm having a little envy battle, but I just can't come up with a good enough list of reasons that I'd need one.

I-Needa was driving along minding her own business the other day when she came upon the above. That isn't something you see every day on the street. I believe it is a Red Bull can... I took some time and scrubbed out the license plate number as want to be a responsible blogger.

Since I-Needa had this wonderful new toy (excuse me... necessary item) with her, she just snapped a picture and e-mailed it to me. The e-mail has a little 'sent from my iPhone' at the bottom. Isn't that just wonderful? I submit this to you today and wonder if you've seen anything this strange on your drive to or from work.

Driving Instructions Part 2

The melting has been going on now for awhile, and I may be able to get my own vehicle out and drive around today. It will be nice to be free again to go do a few errands at will.

I will admit first that this picture was taken by I-Needa on a previous snowy day this winter. It looks just like this again. I didn't have my camera! What was I thinking??! So, I will borrow her picture and promise it is looking the same here now.

I've confessed earlier my failings in the bravery department when it comes to negotiating my steep alley when it is slick. Mr. has no cares about getting out on ice or snow and doing what he would do anyway. I guess you would have to develop that kind of thinking if you have an occupation that demands it. Ranchers have to be out and doing. Cattle want feed and water. Therefore, Mr. has many years of bravery built up, and he certainly didn't see my alley as something he couldn't conquer.

I let him put his manly protective instincts and his bravery together on Sunday and take me to church. Actually, I'm not sure about those protective instincts. As I was writing that, I was thinking that his idea of protecting me is to train me to do things myself. I have a little different slant to my thinking. That might best be discussed in a later blog.

We were out and about on Sunday, and Mr. needed to go to the country to feed the dog and cats. They like food too. He asked if I wanted to go, and I thought it would be a nice change of scenery. So.. off we went. I always love crossing the creek that is pictured here. I have this thing about slowing down on the little bridge and looking up and down the stream. I really want to look at it and take pictures. It just seems to be a peaceful place.

The dog and cats being fed, Mr. decided that it would be a good time for that four wheel drive driving lesson. He asked if I wanted to drive back into town. At least he gave me a choice, which is a good thing. Let me be perfectly clear here.... I've driven on snow and ice many many times in my life. I'm not a novice at that. I just haven't experienced driving it with four wheel drive. I wanted to know about the feel of traction, etc. I wanted to know how it would behave on my alley, which is steep and even has a few rolls in it in places. That is what I wanted to know.

Mr. shifted into his instructional mode. Oh, gussie! I really don't like that mode as it is all business (a man thing) and he assumes I know nothing. I figured I was going to have to put up with it awhile if I was going to experience the feel of the vehicle with four wheel drive.

The country roads were still packed with snow. I will tell you now that I did like the traction of the vehicle and I'm sold on four wheel drive where it is needed. I tried to ignore the lecture on how to stop a vehicle or how to approach a curve in snow. It wasn't that I was doing it wrong, but Mr. feels he must instruct from A-Z if he is in instructional mode. Anyway... I did survive the instruction. I did enjoy driving the vehicle, and I loved the way it came right up my alley without one slip. I'm thinking I will enjoy this freedom of being able to negotiate the alley when it is slick. Thank you, Mr.

Picture On the Move

I've noticed something strange going on since Mr. was added to my life. It happens once in awhile, but not on a regular schedule.

I noticed one day that the duck picture in the bathroom over a certain facility in the house kept tilting. Strange... phenomenon.

You see, I'm one of those visual people who like to have all the pictures straight, level, etc. I'm one who has to resist urges to straighten pictures in homes of others if they are crooked. It is sometimes a real effort not to take my finger and just scooch them up or down a bit.

Anyway... I've noticed this picture on a tilt. It was an obvious tilt, and I know there has to be a reasonable explanation for it. I suspected it has something to do with Mr., but I wasn't sure of the reason behind it. I figured I'd wait him out, and he would shed some light on the strange phenomenon.

At last he said it... he couldn't stand it anymore. He confessed. Sure enough, it was simple, if not reasonable...

Mr.: (emerging from the bathroom) 'I'm training the ducks to walk uphill.'
Me: (rolling my eyes and considering his reasoning) 'Oh.'
Mr.: 'Yes, they need to learn to walk uphill.'
Me: (quiet meditation on the humor of mankind)

For myself and all those visuals among us, I couldn't leave you with a crooked picture in your head. Who knows how your day could be affected. I took my finger and scooched the picture to a more level look. I took a picture to share as want to end this on a positive note. Who knows, you may want to go tilt pictures in your house and find a silly reason for it. It helps to have a little humor in your life, no matter where you have to look to find it.