One week after the Texodus.... and looking at it with some Rose Colored glasses

I found this in Ron Franscell's Blog (of the Beaumont Enterprise)

"Glaser also offers a marvelous word our headline writers will kick themselves for not thinking of first. To describe the massive evacuation of more than a million people, a flight that was ultimately fatal for some and frustrating for all, one blogger used the word: Texodus

Perfect."

Not only is Mr Franscell eloquent by telling a story on film-- he can write well. I've much appreciated his views since Rita's Rath whipped through Texas and LA like a spoiled brat.

No matter that she, (Rita) had the 3rd lowest milibars ever recorded... she didn't take the lives like that "bitch", Katrina, did. That's not my terminology-- it's from the folks that actually survived Camille and Rita both. They described Camille like a lady... well.. guess it's all debatable.. but- today when I called over to talk to lil' sister- one of the reception girls in her office answered the phone.. "this is Katrina, may I help you?" I almost burst out laughing at her- but, I'm sure she's gotten a lot of that this last month.

The news this evening is from Sabine County. Yes, the county seat may have power; but, the fact of the matter is it's going to take a couple more weeks to get to the nether reaches. So... schools will be out indefinitely; and the Monday-opening was just a hopeful optimism. That, and the realization that Sister's job may still not receive power gives me hope that they'll stick around a bit longer. It's been nice having breakfast with sis and I know she's enjoying getting to spend time with the 'rents. Now, that things are dire and full of what-ifs... I'm hoping she'll be able to relax a little more. Maybe-- we'll get to go for a bath and a rub in Hot Springs after all! That's my goal anyway!

Pictures came in this afternoon from Jill's trip from Houston over to Groves. There was our old house on WillowOak.. and all our WillowOaks splintered and laying on the ground. They all were tossed pretty soundly- but, the house itself was spared. A new roof will be needed as there are a lot of shingles gone- but, it stood! There's also a picture of Paul, Jill's daddy, in front of their house with another downed tree. Several more from up and down our block, out on Pure Atlantic highway to the Larry's (Judice's) Market where they had Byron's favorite boudain. Then, there were houses on Washington, and the worst was from the corner of Taft & Terrel where the roof was completely ripped off (and doesn't even appear) in the photo. I've heard reports that all the Pecan trees (which Groves is famous for) are all laid over as are the great old oaks in Port Neches park.

Some of the other local area tv, radio and news stations have carried interesting photos... for instance a picture from Sabine Pass of a shrimp boat blocking the highway. Interesting- the highway is a few miles inland from the port. There are pictures of the horrificly long gas lines-- miles upon miles of cars waiting for gas. One news article I read said that there was 10 gallons of free gas being pumped for each "customer" at a FEMA distribution point in one of the more hard-hit areas. City officials were going to "allow" residents of Pt Neches, Groves and Nederland back in for one day to check on homes, gather some belongings and empty fridges & freezers before they closed the area again. I know from reading that if you "know" the area and see a road-block ahead and traverse the lesser used thoroughfares you can get through- but, it's like a maze and the power lines are typically at chest level. Some photos show graphic devastation and tons and tons of debris while others show the humor that these folks (victims) still have. I liked the sign "HAVE BEER, NEED ICE!". Kinda sums up a lot of Texans and their priorities.

Rita won't keep Texas down. It sure didn't do much but stir the Texan spirit. It may disrupt football season- UIL and TEA have notices on their sites that for teams unable to play-- games won't be made up. If they have to, the execs will just declare conference champs to advance to district and state play-offs. I wonder how they'll do that for UIL Band contests. All the schools are encouraging folks not to sign their children up where ever they "landed"... I think they need to rethink that and realize that kids depend on a regular stable routine to gain some normalcy in their lives and not to be at "loose" ends. But- hey- I don't run the zoo!

That should be my subject tomorrow... "If I Ran the Zoo"... man! I'd make scrapbooking and stamping a full credit course in school!! That and Music Appreciation.. oh, that already is.. never mind!

New Season, New Fashions...

oh-- blessed Fall has finally come! It arrived here in Clark County with a wallop of a storm last night right after dark. The lightening was extravagant and the winds whistled-- the rain was most welcome and we didn't get any of the really rough stuff; broken limbs, downed lines or hail. Along with it came the best part! Cooler temps! My a/c hasn't been on a whole heck of a lot and it sure is nice!! It was a cool 60 when I got up; a real treat!

It got me to recalling how when we started school it was in September and since it was near the beginning of Fall; our new school clothes were always a little warmer than what was actually needed. And, so- a lot of times those new fashions would be set aside until the first good cold front would blow through and allow us to be really school girl chic! You know-- tartan plaid skirts, ruffled white blouses and saddle oxfords or Buster Brown's. My first year I even had a school satchel to match the skirt- man! I thought I was styling!!

Nowdays I'm staying at home year round and much of my wardrobe is year-round appropriate. Jeans & a pullover shirt. Since my computer and craft space is positioned over the a/c unit; I typically have on a sweater... so that won't change too much with the season. But- the colors that I choose WILL change. I like colors-- all combinations- so, in that respect I "change"!

With that in mind- it occurred to me that my Blog needed a change for the weather. So-- thought this one was appropriate. Hope you like it. I do!

In other news- well.. there really isn't any other news of interest! Same old, same old. I did talk to my littlest sister today- that was most pleasant! It's always a treat when she calls and we can just talk "sister" talk. Nothing important, nothing special- just sharing the typical day-to-day goings-ons of our lives. Sister, Robin- is still next door and waiting to hear that her home (or Dad's homes) have power so that they can go and start assessing the damage themselves. I know Mom is wanting to go, too- so, when they leave Wrigley-dog and I will be on companion-status for Mae and Sandy-dog. DS came by to see me and Samson yesterday-- and he seems good. It's a relief knowing he's in a safe place while he continues to do his "growing up" and I think he's paying attention to the responsibilities that he has. He did say that he'd run into one of the young men he'd graduated with who's been in Iraq. I think that young man gave him a perspective that may influence just which branch of the military he decides to join.

Enjoy the Fall weather! I'm going to-- it'll be back to hot and humid in no time!

Needing Inner Peace??

Dr. Phil proclaimed the way to achieve inner peace is to finish all the things you have started.

So I looked around my house to see things I started and hadn't finished; and, before leaving the house this morning I finished off a bottle of Merlot, a bottle of White Zinfandel, a bottle of Baileys, a bottle of Kahlua, a package of Oreos, the remainder of both Prozac and Valium prescriptions, the rest of the Cheesecake, some Saltines and a box of Chocolates.

You have no idea how freaking good I feel!!

Please pass this on to those you feel are in need of inner peace.



Now-- I did NOT pen that above piece... though I feel certain that I could have!! figuratively- not literally!! but you kwim?!

Let's see... if I were to have penned it what all would be around here that I'd need to finish.

Hmmm.... scrapbook lay-outs. Several albums worth.

Folding laundry.

Dishes. Again. Natchurally-- I go to bed with a clean kitchen and the little night elf comes in and every morning- it's back to dirty again. This is a hard fact of my life-- and it is every bit the truth. When you have a hubby that works the swing and the graveyard shifts- it's just the way it is. It could be worse- he could not even GO to work- so, I'll live with the dirty dishes.

Preparing packages for mail and actually transporting them to the Post Office and putting insurance and postage on 'em. I do have all but one of them sealed- so this might just happen!!

Okay-- let's think outside the house for other things. I guess I could include yard-work.. but, you have to actually START that in order to need to finish it... that ain't happening today- so, I guess I just don't have to stress about it!

Hmmm... how about really outside the "box" of life.... well- I guess I could say that if I were to actually finish my degree I would have that chapter of my life closed and complete. Not that I'm actually needing a degree for any particular reason other than the sheer joy of accomplishing it! At this point- I'm pretty sure I'd get an Art degree rather than the Business one I'd started towards. And, that really makes me happy to contemplate!!

I'm sure I could think of a whole lot more things to finish... I'll reflect on that as I finish tying up this package!

Roger. Over and Out.

Sipping Coffee and Waiting on News...

This morning has been a much more relaxed and leisurely morning than the past few!

Byron fired up his smoker and prepared his famous ribs for our evacuees. Enjoyed coffee with Mom, Mae, Sister and her tribe of dogs and boys! We are now only waiting on hearing confirmation that our Daddy in fact made it into Sabine County and is on his way back here to ARkansas. Yes- he's just that "driven" and drives us all near to distraction with all the "what if's" and risks he's taking.

The situation as it stands today is looking up for our Texas Rita folks.

Stephen drove into Port Arthur yesterday and found that his parent's home had only one tree on about a 4 foot corner of the house- so not a whole lot of damage there. NO flood in their home- even though their neighborhood was. As he was emptying out the freezer- he was challenged by a police officer. He was really pleased with that- cuz they are even protecting his Mama's steaks from looters!

His parent's who are staing at Robin & Stephen's have not been able to find any holes in Robin's roof- all the water that came in during the storm must have been blowing up under the shingles. They are using the gasoline from the bass boats to power the generator- and Stephen's sister, Christy, actually was able to drive over the 2 mile-bridge to Many LA for some supplies and got a call out, too! So, good news on that front. I'm sure they'll stay at Robin's home until they start to allow folks back into Port Arthur when the utilities are re-established.

Wayne, Stephen's Dad, was able to drive the 60 miles to (and back) to our 'rent's homes at River Bend. He reported that there were about 10 trees down (I'm sure he was only looking at the very closest part of the yards next to the houses) and none of them were on the houses! Not sure about the huge garages and all- but, that they houses were spared is encouraging to say the least! Dad's only BIG concern was emptying out the three freezers. Thus his "flying" trip today.

He and Robin had been discussing when would be the right time for them to go back home considering the utilities, the school, the lack of food and gas supplies and just the trecherous state of the roads. Hemphill proper has had their power restored- it may be quite some time before Robin's home in Fairmount and the much more remote communities have theirs. Hemphill ISD has announced that their schools will reopen next Monday- so, they must be expecting to have a lot more progress as far as the basic essentials in Sabine County. I don't really see how they can realistically expect that considering that they are still having MRE's served by the guard and the sheer fact that there is so much debris to be picked up and if the young men are in school they won't be able to help much in that effort- but, I'll quit editorializing and continue with the facts!

Now, that he jumped up and LEFT Robin this morning- means he'll be making a 2nd trip (probably on Saturday) to take her, the boys and perhaps the dogs back home. We'll wait and see.

The boys' other g-parents (Donald's folks) and uncle James tried to stay at their mobile home at Lowe's Creek. I understand that there is a tree on part of it- but, apparently it's not demolished... after one night- they returned to Donald's home because without power it was entirely too hot and miserable. I don't know that they've had any confirmation on the status of their homes in Port Arthur.

And, that's as up-to-date as we know from SE Texas.

Today's weather here is overcast and still a little muggy. I'm on a search for a kiddie-pool for the Labs. They prefer to sit in their water to drink and this ought to be a do-able accomodation for a little dog happiness! They are very sweet dogs- even though they are mighty big! All of them seem to have adapted to living inside and really provide quite a distraction to what we call "everyday" life! They especially prefer Mr Richard and all the attention he gives them! Our daddy! He should have been an animal trainer... oh- wait! He was! Band director, animal trainer.. same difference!

Silver Linings and the Search for Small Comforts

The internet is a wonderful thing! It can do much to soothe some jangled nerves... and just seeing that a beloved house from your past actually survived a Cat 3 hurricane is a really, really encouraging thing! Not that we are all that panic-stricken or anxious... the fact is-- a person just wants some physical reassurance that ALL is not destroyed.

sorry- blogger is being difficult this morning and won't allow uploads... see the pic here: http://www.angelfire.com/art2/arkyangel/hurricane_rita/

I was surfing around and lo and behold- found this picture from Groves, I believe it was from the Port Arthur News (paper) site. Though it is not labeled other than to say it IS in fact Groves- I'm pretty certain it's my grandmother's old house as she lived on one of those main thoroughfare streets and two blocks away from the church in which we were married. We actually celebrated the reception in this house- it's a small silver lining knowing that from this photo this house appears to be intact.

There were three trees with a lush, lovely fern bed (tutu style!) to the right of the garage and the left front door. This house actually had two front doors. What you can't see is the humongous magnolia tree that was behind the house. Looks to me as if it's no longer there. There were other trees further behind the house- that look pretty mangled.

But- small comforts are just that. And, this picture gives more hope that it wasn't as catastrophic as it could have been.

I just wish there were someone that had a satellite phone in Hemphill to take a picture of the lakehouses.

Where did it End??

NOT HERE!! Praise the Lord!

The good news is: Hurricane Rita did her dirty work (like predicted) to both port and starboard sides of the Sabine River. Ravaging Sabine Pass and Johnson's Bayou upon making landfall; she continued up the river taking ruthless aim at Pt. Arthur, Orange, Lake Charles and then periphery damage to: New Orleans (again), Beaumont, Galveston, the Houston metro-area, and the Big Piney Woods. The Big Thicket as we call it (and it IS BIG and THICK and full of trees of the same description) took a hard blow from the hurricane force winds all the way past San Augustine TX including: Hemphill, Jasper, Buna, Silsbee, Kirbyville, Woodville and more.

She was projected to sit (for several very long days) and dump 20-30 inches of rain accompanied by high winds further up the Texas-Louisiana border in the Arkla-Tex region. Here in SW Ark, we had been told to expect Century-flood type weather. As it turns out- she did dump some much needed rain on us (maybe about 4 inches locally) and got a move on and somehow or another (God's Divine Plan- I'd imagine!) kept moving and today- we have SUNSHINE and next to no winds! Yesteray, there were several tornadoes over the state and wind damage all over; but, for the most part- we ALL dodged a great BIG bullet!

Now, the "other side of the coin" of the good news. There is much damage to my former communities and plenty of logs for the sawmills. Sabine County is literally in the heart of the Sabine National Forest and is for the most part, impassable. Downed trees and power lines will have to be cleared before many of the folks that evacuated the coastal counties can get out and back down the road. Many of them were riding out the evacuation in their RV's and they have some horror stories to share. My sis's home has a hole in the roof; but, their large trees fell without damaging her house, vehicles or boats that dbil uses for his fishing/hunting guide business. The neighbors weren't so lucky. Dbil is leaving the Gulfport/Biloxi area today for Port Arthur and Beaumont (St. Elizabeth's hospital) to do first-responder construction repairs. One of the fellow guides has this business for the "off-season" of guiding. The schedule works pretty good- you have more hurricanes in the months with not such good fishing. He will check on his parent's and sister's home (in Jefferson County) and give damage reports before they try to make it back home from Sabine County.

Today, my sister will be picked up by our Dad because the fishing tournament she was working is finally over! She will join her sons and the three evacu-dogs here until it's safe to re-enter the county. My hope and prayers are for all their peace of minds, grace of spirit and a clear definite direction for them to follow in this situation of so many unknowns.

I can hardly WAIT to hug her neck! I just wish our baby sister and brother (and his fiance) were here to hug, too-- seems like in a time when you watch tv and literally see the neighborhoods of your childhood memories disintegrate photo by photo; you just need a hug. A big ole family group hug. Nan, if you're reading this- DON'T CRY-- unless it's just for the sheer joy that we can celebrate that we are alive and SAFE! As are our family's peripheral members (in-laws families) and our former neighbors.

Thank YOU, GOD that it's over!

Dimming of the Day & the Evacu-dogs

Dimming Of The Day
lyrics by: Richard Thompson

This old house is falling down around my ears
I'm drowning in a river of my tears
When all my will is gone you hold me sway
I need you at the dimming of the day

You pull me like the moon pulls on the tide
You know just where I keep my better side

What days have come to keep us far apart
A broken promise or a broken heart
Now all the bonnie birds have wheeled away
I need you at the dimming of the day

Come the night you're only what I want
Come the night you could be my confident

I see you on the street in company
Why don't you come and ease your mind with me
I'm living for the night we steal away
I need you at the dimming of the day
I need you at the dimming of the day

This song has been recorded by several great artists... the version I'm currently favoring is by the Neville Brothers. I guess that's rather poignant considering the fact that the Neville's are from New Orleans; and, that town is once again under water today thanks to Hurricane Rita on it's way to my beloved Texas coast.

She (Ragin' Rita) is taking a leisurely stroll through the Gulf of Mexico and is promising buckets upon buckets of rain for our drought parched earth here in Arkansas. BIL who is re-constructing in Biloxi MS has called in and said that they're seeing feeder bands. This storm is so wide that it is affecting both MS and Galveston at the same time. Crazy. Unheard of. And, we're all sitting here in the a/c watching the awful gridlock of the largest evacuation movement in the history of Texas on the tv. Well- actually I'm not currently watching-- I'm listening to some really great music on iTunes... this is quite coincidental; but, "Flood" by Jars of Clay just queued up- wow. Isn't that prophetic or what? When, I'm not juking, cutting stamps (yeah TAC.. got my order here for the looooong w/e) and flipping channels for hurricane coverage.. I'm going and visiting with all the doggies next door.

Oh! Funny thing! Our boss-dog, Wrigley, met all the evacu-dogs earlier today. It was rather comical as the first yellow Labrador, Josie Bell, headed out the door to greet him... she favors Sandy (next door dog) in color- but, Wrigs realized quickly that wasn't his friend! Then... it's Whiskey's turn to meet Wrigs. Whiskey is Stephen's number one duck dog, she's a black lab and smaller than Josie and even Shady Lady, the lab that we lost last Spring. So- Dad suggested that Wrigs must be thinking he's seeing a ghost or something!! Well- Wrigs had upon meeting Josie felt the need to mark a few blades of grass just to establish himself. By the time Whiskey has entered the scene, Wrigley is just sort of looking bewildered and not quite so intent on doing anything but the occasional sniff. THEN... out comes big Mr. Feisty! Whiskey's son, a large black lab, #2 in working order-- Wrigley's countenance just sort of registered a disbelief and after the briefest of a sniff he put himself on a down-stay and sat resignedly at my feet. Didn't even try to mark another blade of grass or greet those dogs. I almost felt sorry for him.. "his" Richard had been gone, returned and he'd been replaced! Dad did give him a treat-- but, you could tell he really REALLY wasn't all that interested. I brought him back home and he's just parked himself on his bed and doesn't even bother to snuffle my hands every time I return from visiting over there!

Well- that's what it's like preparing for Rita in ARkansas, 360 miles inland but expecting a deluge. I mean-- how do you prepare for that?? Uhh... go to Wal-Mart and get more chocolate I guess. Oh- and dog treats! :-)

God help us. Just hope we all weather this one.

Where to begin?

Can I just say... I'm tired of the weather? From one extreme to the next- and this time it's taking aim on my childhood memories.

After we moved from Arkansas we grew up on the Sabine River in Texas. First, Orange for eight years. Then, Groves. I only lived there for two years before becoming an Arkansan again. Dad worked in the Little Cypress-Mauriceville and Port Neches schools until he went to the Sabine Pass school. The family remained and as young adults often will- I referred to it as "home" because that was where my parents, grandmother and siblings were.

Just about everything we did was somewhere up or down that river. Going to a ball-game? the rival school may be across the river. Going out to eat? Cross the river and the restaurant is on piers on the river. Going sight-seeing and relaxing? Get on the river or one of the lakes that has been formed on it: for bird-watching, skiing or sailing.

Our communities livelihoods were based on river traffic of super-oil tankers to fishing fleets, oil & chemical plants.

Later on, the folks and one sister moved to Hemphill much further inland but still on the Sabine River; on the Toledo Bend Reservoir. My folks have since moved back to Arkansas while maintaining two lakehouses on Toledo Bend. Dad had actually been contacted earlier in the week by potential Houston evacuees for shelter at the homes- so, he'd driven down to open them up.

Sister is working this week at a tournament much further inland (Lake Fork) while her hubby is doing re-construction work (from hurricane Katrina) in Mississippi. Her boys, however, are currently in Hemphill with their dad & step-mom... problem is... the way Rita has shifted, the worst is looking as if it's going to go straight up the Sabine River starting at Sabine Pass and heading north. If you look at the map Hemphill/Jasper area is about the same distance inland as Hattiesburg in MS and we know what all kinds of damage they had. Dad says they'll keep watching it (Rita) make the turn; but, he may have to bring all bil's dogs (he's a duck/fishing guide) and the kids here. Sister and dbil will just have to rough it where they are (on opposite sides of the storm) - which is not a good thing if you know my sister and understand that it wasn't until just two years ago that she's ever EVER lived further than 30 miles from my parents.

So... we wait. And, wait. And, watch the poor folks evacuating stuck in 14 hour lines of traffic jam trying to leave the place. Word from Dad is that the traffic in Hemphill is now bumper to bumper... it's lovely primitive countryside with nothing but two lanes (no shoulders even!) for roadways. I can't imagine how LONG a day it is for the folks in those vehicles. I just thought it was tough on us waiting... it's going to be worse when she lands and sits for two-three days on top of east Texas and dumps upto two feet of water. Ugh...

Maybe the title should read: When does it end?

Harsh Realities

The cold hard truth of the matter is: I am obese and I need to loose 100+ pounds. In light of all the other medical complications- one kidney, blood clots and high blood pressure to name a few- the obese factor could be life-threatening.

How I got to this point and what happened is all relative. Pun intended.

My plan to address this predicament I've put myself in- is also dependent on the relatives- family that is.

Neither of those statements are made to point blame- but, rather to define how vital my dependence on them actually is.

Now, the options.

Traditional diet programs. Traditional in the sense that it's primarily an individual odyssey with me doing all the counting and the counseling on my own and finding the inner will for the necessary exercise. Considering that self-discipline and meal-planning aren't exactly my strong suit.

Planned weight-loss programs. This would include: Weight Watchers (which I had success with back in the 80's); Jenny Craig, Nutrasystems, etc. Might be an option if I commit to going to the once a week meetings and follow the guidelines- I don't know what effect their foods and or supplements might have on the kidney.

The Supervised Weight Loss Program like the one offered by UAMS that Governor Huckabee (see his book at the above link); and now his cousin, Sandy, is in that is so successful. This program is combined with weekly blood panels being drawn and monitored with counselors and classes. The success rate and the rapid loss that the majority of participants experience is impressive. The reality is it is hard on the kidneys. I could very well not be a candidate for this program.

I've got some tough choices ahead of me. And, some tough pounds. Prayers requested.

Two bills, Three catalogs, One letter from the bank..

...saying I'm their favorite customer (yeah- RIGHT)... and no stamps and/or scrappy stuff.

Not a good mail day. Send mail. I think my mailbox is broken. No joyful wishes of happy days. No art in a 'vope. Heavy sigh.

Today is a cloudy kinda overcast morn... which is a good thing, actually. But, it's gonna be hot again- and still no signs of rain. Whasup with that? Used to be- if it was County Fair Week- you could COUNT on a deluge and slopping through the mud to go to watch piggies frolicking in the slop under the livestock sheds and the anticipation of some really good mud-slinging rodeo rides. Now.. it's just dusty and makes you want to sneeze. And- it IS Fair Week. Which reminds of hot, sticky wool band uniforms and marching in the Fair Parade to throngs and throngs of proud community members out to get in the mood for celebration.

Another thing has changed and I don't think it has anything to do with the weather. The only folks that go to the parades now are the family members of the folks that are required to BE in the parade... I don't think that the real community SPIRIT is there- at least if it is... I'm not feeling it. I don't really choose to put myself out there and cheer on the loosing team and all the vapid little wanna be pop-tarts starting at age 3. What ARE these moms thinking?? Used to be they were proud members of the 4-H club... now, they are members of the "I'm dressed just half-as-sexy as MTV sluts" fan club and raising daughters and sons to embrace the same ideals. Oh. Yah. I remember now-- it's a beauty contest for the Fair Queen pageant. Wonder why they don't have it based on Jam & Jelly preserving and quilting and an art contest?

wow. did I just write that? No wonder Kid is so darned negative-- he must get it from me!

Okay-- I guess if it were just BANDS that were in the parade I might go-- but, only if they promise not to have drill teams and color guards writhing to the Vegas music. Which is in fact, the theme this year for our local high school and while I enjoy a lot of the music that is associated with those venues... it just seems really WRONG to me to have high-schoolers wearing the very suggestive mantra "What happens in Vegas... " well... you get the drift?

I may be a real prude- but, until a couple of years ago I wasn't interested in going to Vegas. I mean- I don't gamble. The only cards I play are Canasta and Gin Rummy. Putting money into a slot machine hoping to get some paltry pocket change seems ridiculous when I can hand over the same amount to a stamp or scrapbook store and be infinitely more gratified with what I get in return. But- then... I got intrigued with the "behind the scenes" shows on the Travel Channel and the lovely, lovely themed art venues and famous mini-locals that the casinos have recreated. I mean- the Bellagio is so on my list of places I'd like to see- cuz they've got all kinds of museum collections. Trouble is-- the focus on family friendly was last decade. My sister tells me that when they had their "renaissance" it was advertised as being more benign and the emphasis was less on the seedy side of life. But- that really doesn't make money- so, things have gone back to the more traditional risque adult pleasantries and truly- what happens in Vegas.. should STAY in Vegas. So- guess I won't go to see the art after all.

harmump. don't know what so got me so dog-goned grouchy this morning.

But- on a postive note.... I'm in the mood to SCRAP! and- so- I go now to put some page kits together in anticipation of creating dozens upon dozens of lovely memories. yeah. Right. As if.

Or maybe I should go get another cup of coffe and try to change this attitude.

In the meantime, send mail. I really think my mailbox is broken.

Another Texas-Cajun casualty on a National Day of Memorial

This news comes on the date that will always be remembered in American history as a very dark day. Our hats off to the heroes from 9/11.

Though I don't think I could have identified Mr Brown per se- his musical style is what I remember from growing up in Orange. That and Saturday afternoons watching the honky-tonkin' Cajuns on tv, a few songs by a local upstart band: ZZTop; and the guitar strains of "Proud Mary Keep on Burning" played by senior high kids on the band busses as well as a rich background in liturgical, Baroque, and "longhair" music to the other far edges of showtunes and circus music. What a grand and wide ranging scope my parents exposed us to! Many Thanks to Dad and Mom!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Gatemouth" Brown dies Saturday
By Keith Spera, Music writer NOLA Times/Picayune website 11/9/2005

Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown, the guitarist, fiddler, vocalist and composer who wove threads of blues, big band swing, Cajun and country into his own unique, self-described tapestry of "American music," died Saturday. He was 81.

Mr. Brown had been in declining health for months, as he battled emphysema, heart disease and lung cancer. As Hurricane Katrina approached, he fled from his home on a Slidell bayou to Orange, Texas, the town where he grew up. His Slidell house was subsequently destroyed by the storm.

His fans included Eric Clapton, ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons and scores of music lovers who reveled in his effortless command of multiple idioms. He released his first blues 'n boogie single, "Okie Dokie Stomp," more than 50 years ago. His music clearly drew on the sounds of southeast Texas and southwest Louisiana.

After a stretch of relative obscurity, Mr. Brown relaunched his career in the 1990s with a series of acclaimed albums, including "Gate Swings" and "American Music, Texas Style." He and his band, Gate's Express, toured all over the world, from South Africa to China. He won a Grammy, numerous Handy Awards and scores of other accolades.
Clapton invited Mr. Brown to sit in during a special appearance at the House of Blues in New Orleans in the mid-1990s. Mr. Brown immediately took over the show, calling out songs as he relegated a grinning Clapton to the role of sideman, Clapton subsequently enlisted Mr. Brown as the opening act for arena tours in Europe and America.

Mr. Brown rejected the label of "bluesman," preferring to think of his music as more broad-minded, complex and celebratory. He conjured lean, concise solos that depended more on fleet progressions of precise notes than on showy displays. He was equally at home arranging songs for his Gate's Express ensemble or the swinging, horn-heavy big band with which he sometimes recorded and performed.

A colorful, outspoken character, Mr. Brown did not hesitate to offer up less than complimentary assessments of other, better-known musicians. When not on the road, he often piloted his vintage black Cadillac from Slidell to New Orleans for nighttime excursions. Outfitted with an honorary sheriff's badge and a pistol, he'd make the rounds of music clubs, holding court at every stop. The House of Blues restaurant honored him with his own dedicated booth,to which he had exclusive rights.

When he was diagnosed with lung cancer last fall, Mr. Brown opted to forgo treatment; neither did he give up his omnipresent pipe. He resolved to play music as long as possible.

He continued to tour on a limited basis, traveling and performing with a portable oxygen tank at his side. In March, his ailments left him bedridden for weeks; he struggled to autograph an allotment of souvenir New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival posters bearing his likeness.

But as he had so many times before, he rallied to make brief appearances in New Orleans clubs, often sitting in with keyboardist Joe Krown, a longtime member of Gate's Express. Mr. Brown expressed his determination to honor his commitment to the 2005 Jazzfest.

He succeeded in that ambition. Occupying the slot just before B.B. King, Mr. Brown rendered a triumphant set to an enormous crowd at the Fair Grounds. Decked out in his trademark Western shirt, boots and cowboy hat, he led Gate's Express in a spirited show. Seated center stage, he sang, introduced songs and switched off on guitar and fiddle, all without the assistance of oxygen.

Afterward, he was exhausted but exultant, posing for a picture with King and signing autographs at the festival's record tent. Mr. Brown continued to perform locally after Jazzfest, but his stamina waned as summer wore on. The hurried Katrina evacuation to his boyhood home in Texas proved to be his final tour.

He reportedly died at his brother's home in Orange. Survivors include three daughters and a son.

Happy Endings and Rose Colored Glasses ~ a tribute to Gary

I love Happy Endings.

If I'm going to read a book- it had better have a happy ending. If I'm going to watch a movie-- it, too- had better have a happy ending... if you find out I'm fixing to watch one without the desired ending PLEASE WARN ME! I just don't even like to contemplate life with anything other than happy endings.

When faced with real life situations (oftentimes dire and horrific) I will seek the silver lining and wrap myself in the little bit of comfort. Knowing full well that the majority of the problem is overwhelming and truly uncomfortable to contemplate- I cling to that little bright spot. So, call me Pollyana- it's better than Polyester (lol).

II Timothy 4:6,7 says: "For I am now ready to be offered, an the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith."

This week our pastor, Brother Gary, died. He has been battling leukemia for two years and had undergone the painful bone marrow transplant with his sister's donated marrow. He leaves behind his wife, two boys, two sisters, a brother, a church congregation and a host of friends. Almost literally- the whole town knew Bro. Gary. Many in our state knew him as well. Particularly, the folks "in need" knew Bro. Gary and that they could count on him to come through with whatever material goods they were short in that day. But, Bro. Gary came through with the spiritual goods (salvation and the message of Christ) to a great many more.

Our church's history is the stereotypical "pulled up from the bootstraps"... from the "wrong" side of the tracks... kind of people. Started as a tent-revival by some Ouachita students for locals living literally- on the other side of the railroad tracks from the larger 1st and 2nd Baptist churches- Third Street Baptist Church (TSBC) had very humble beginnings. By the time Gary was called to preach- the church was a cinder-block building with under fifty members. It's now one of the largest churches in our town and has had lots of impact on many folks from all walks of life including: a tape ministry that is delivered nation-wide; an AWANA scripture memorization program that is a family outreach in the community; an athletics organization; an after-school program; and hosts countless other civic and community efforts such as tax-prep and disaster relief.

Our church history is so inexplicably tied with Gary Turner's that it's often hard to separate one from the other. He served TSBC for 25 years. He served God a lot longer than that- because Bro. Gary felt and answered the call to preach as a teenager. Gary's legacy includes the Christmas Store- a charity run by volunteers with donated goods so that financially strapped individuals could shop "for free" for their families. That one single institution provided an awful lot of happy endings. Gary opened the doors of our very damaged church to the tornado victims of 1997 when a good quarter of our town was devastated and one nursing home was destroyed. The residents were moved to our church first- and then relocated from there. Meals and water were distributed from there as repairs were taking place literally overhead and a funeral service held for three of the six victims. Gary gave his participation and blessing to so many activities in our community.

Gary ministered to our family and friends through so many ways- he baptized me in 1984. He baptized Jess when he was but five years old- on an Easter Sunday. He recognized that Byron had the gift of Biblical languages and coached and proctored him through his New Testament Greek courses from Moody Bible Institute. He gave Byron his first opportunity to fill his pulpit and later appointed him to be the AWANA Commander. He married many of our friends. He buried many of our family and friends. He counseled many of our friends. He served on the local schoolboard and still took a great interest in a Christian School that we (and many of our friends) formed yet didn't take over the leadership position; but, rather provided space when we needed it and often spoke to our students.

He rejoiced when another soul professed Christ as their Savior. He sat with the families of the bereaved and the grieving and reminded them of a private conversation he had had with their family member and told them of that event. He always found just the right words to uplift people in the midst of troubled time; and prayed diligently for them. Gary's final message to us was recorded two days before his death.

"To the greatest church that God ever gave a preacher, Third Street Baptist Church:

There is no church in history that I know of, that would do what this church has done for me. And, I don't deserve it, but, I'm glad they're doing it. I know that Job Chapter five says that God will preserve our every way. If it's fiery darts of the battlefield or going out like this, to suffocate one breath at a time, that's irrelevant. How you go is not important, it's where you go. You don't have to be a Methodist, or a Baptist, or Presbyterian, or any other group to get to heaven. God showed you, you don't have to have the right color, you don't have to have the right amount of money, you just have to love Him.

And, I love you. And, God bless you. And stick to the Word of God. Don't fight. Don't air your dirty laundry. Don't fight. There's a better way."


Gary IS a Happy Ending. He's in Heaven with Our Lord- and that's as happy as it gets. No need to look for the rose colored glasses.

Praise God!

Gadzooks! a PINK cat??!!

When Philip and Joan Worth's cat Brumas went out for a walk last Friday near his Devon, England, home, he was the same shade of white he'd always been.

When he came back later that day, the 9-year-old male was a delicate shade of pink.

"He was pink — Barbie pink," Joan Worth told the BBC. "His head, ears and right down his body, although not underneath, had gone a quite brilliant pink."

The next day, Brumas was taken to the vet, who found nothing wrong with him and also said the color was nothing toxic.

"We have thought about everything as to how this happened, from him being covered in some form of cow treatment to children's poster paints," said Philip Worth.

It doesn't seem to be paint, as Brumas' fur isn't matted. None of the Worths' five other cats have been affected.

"He seems fine, he's eating well," observed Joan Worth, "and the other cats aren't terribly bothered."

--from the FoxNews.com site.

Now, this leads to some interesting speculation. WHAT could that cat have gotten himself into? a Pepto-Bismol factory? a cotton candy mixer? I know-- he musta met up with some Mary Kay consultants! or... perhaps he's decided to take a pro-active stand in the fight against breast cancer? That's a pretty noble effort- for a cat. I'm glad he chose that color.

But, honestly! How DID he become that color?? especially if it's not paint? chalk? inks? Send your ideas to me-- address them to the Pink Panther....

So much to ponder.

Just say NO! No, no, New Orleans....

Walking to New Orleans...
lyrics by: Bobby Charles; inspired by and sung by: Fats Domino

This time I'm walking to New Orleans
I'm walking to New Orleans
I'm walking to New Orleans
I'm gonna need two pairs of shes
when I get through walking me blues
when I get back to New Orleans
I've got my suitcase in my hand
now ain't that a shame.
I'm leaving here today
yes
I'm going back home to stay.
Yes
I'm walking to New Orleans
You used to be my honey
till you spent all my money.
No use for you to cry
I see you buy and buy
'cause I`m walking to New Orleans
I've got no time for talking.
I've got to keep on walking.
New Orleans is my home
that's the reason while I'm gone
yes
I`m walking to New Orleans
I'm walking to New Orleans
I'm walking to New Orleans


Today in the news- it was reported that Antonio "Fats" Domino had been both rescued and evacuated following the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and the total destruction of New Orleans from the subsequent levy breaks that flooded the "bowl" as predicted by so many doomsayers. I often think of this gifted man as I catch myself humming this little ditty... it will remain poignant even more so now as the great Crescent City will never be the same. And- now- I read these words and reflect on how many of those poor refugees left town (finally) with no shoes and only the shirts on their backs.

I hope that both Fats and the people of New Orleans will be able to look back and also look forward and sing this song proudly. They may also want to sing another of his famous songs: "Blueberry Hill" a catchy tune and clever lyrics that is actually a little town not far from New Orleans. I'm not sure how it fared in the tragedy. It's also coincidental to note that Fats recorded: "Blue Monday" and "Let the Four Winds Blow"... more appropriate words haven't been written in regards to this tragedy.

Regardless-- it's easier to sleep now (almost five days after the beginning of the end) knowing that one of New Orleans' great sons is alive and well.

I hope you are loved this much...

This morning my dear husband had a profound memory. The kind that comes from within the depths of childhood recollections so deep that when experienced- it caught him by surprise and brought a catch to his breath.

His mother was deeply, deeply loved. She was brought up by her mother and surrounded by a bevy of doting paternal aunts while her father was away during the War. Byron knew most of these aunts and was cherished by these same women. The memory is of one of the aunts, Choxie- and the revelation to Byron of true and unconditional love through a mostly benign incident.

One day while he was out mowing in her yard, he got some debris in his eye. During the course of cleaning his eye- Aunt Choxie was peering into his eyes and commented to him that "your eyes are the same as your mama's." But, what Byron saw was deeper and into her very soul- and he knew then and there how much she loved his mother.

What prompted all this was a casual conversation of a movie we saw recently that had a character that was remarkably like Aunt Choxie in her mannerisms. And, though this woman was a little rough around the edges- she had a heart and love more valuable than gold.

I hope that you are loved (and that you love) to this degree. So much so that when someone remembers you years later- they remember the depth of that emotion.

Fly me to the moon.....

What a bunch of air-heads!!

or...

Out of this world investments!

or....

What to get for the person that has everything!!

A homestead on the moon!?? Well, sure-- why not! Sign me up, Scotty! I want a piece of the action... a little sliver of green cheese on my face... since I'm married and I share everything with dear ole' hubby- then, I guess he'll be my man in the moon! Whatya bet Jackie Gleason bought some and sent Alice to the moon?? And, I'm sure Frank Sinatra invested-- especially since he was always getting flown up there! I'll have good neighbors anyway!

To get yours before the land run is all gobbled up, visit:

http://www.planetaryinvestments.com/

See ya there!

Had enough??

Mimi used to say... "We just sit here and watch all the violence on the 24 hour news channel and when we've had enough we change over to the Animal Channel and watch little critters eat one another."

Boy. Ain't that the truth. An online friend wrote recently of their two pet hamsters (a father and son no less) that were brought home and the son preceeded to mature and canibalize his father. Well. It happens. Call it too much testostrone. Or- survival of the fittest. If you've got more than one male in the environment (contrived or natural)- then, there's gonna be a fuss. That's just the way of it.

Consider this. Even TURTLES are territorial.

With that having been said- it's been a "relatively" smooth last couple of weeks with both of the males in my household being "home" at the same time. PTL. No mountain goats displaying major head-butting sessions; no King o' the Mountain bravado and posturing and no major theatrics.

Just lots of smoking and hot air. And- I mean that LITERALLY not figuratively! The double-barrelled Big Baby (and his master) have smoked at least four briskets, as many racks of ribs, too many chickens to count and one fabulous pork loin. Yum. It's also been the hottest this week- I wouldn't care to have to sit and mind the fire; but, some peeps don't seem to mind it! And, we've eaten well around here. I was even persuaded to make some of Aunt Ruth's famous bbq sauce; I stayed in the a/c with a fan on me, mind you! My personal opinion is that the Man should buy the local Bar-B-Q joint and cook to his heart's content; and/or set up a metal fabrication shop and build the smokers to sell. But- that's just my "dreaming" as it's called around here.

I can only hope that what we've experienced is not like the middle-Eastern peace (traumatic, unsteady and most assuredly gonna fail) as it looks as if the Son will be living here awhile longer yet.

So... it's my turn for some time off. I've scheduled two crop weekends in September and November and a Keyton girls' weekend event with the sisters and the new lil' sil2b in Dallas. Oh, boy! Serious girl time!

C'est la vie!

ahhh...David

I thought this photo was appropriate for today. It is so very VERY hot. A person could wilt just sitting next to the windows.

Stay cool.

It's Not Easy Being Green....

It's not that easy being green;
Having to spend each day the color of the leaves.
When I think it could be nicer being red, or yellow or gold...
or something much more colorful like that.

It's not easy being green.
It seems you blend in with so many other ord'nary things.
And people tend to pass you over 'cause you're
not standing out like flashy sparkles in the water
or stars in the sky.

But green's the color of Spring.
And green can be cool and friendly-like.
And green can be big like an ocean, or important like a mountain,
or tall like a tree.

When green is all there is to be
It could make you wonder why, but why wonder why?
Wonder, I am green and it'll do fine, it's beautiful!
And I think it's what I want to be.

From "The Sesame Street Book and Record". 'Green' is (c)1970 Jonico Music, Inc.

I love these lyrics... they seem to apply to someone special I know. *wink* here's looking at you!

DEEP THOUGHTS

Save the whales. Collect the whole set.

A day without sunshine is like... night.

And on the other hand, you have different fingers.

99 percent of lawyers give the rest a bad name.

Honk if you love peace and quiet.

Depression is merely anger without enthusiasm.

Support bacteria. They're the only culture some people have.

A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory Plan to be spontaneous tomorrow.

How many of you believe in psycho-kinesis? Raise my hand...

OK, so what's the speed of dark?

How do you tell when you're out of invisible ink?

If everything seems to be going well, you have obviously overlooked something.

When everything is coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.

How much deeper would the ocean be without sponges?

What happens if you get scared half to death twice?

I couldn't repair your brakes, so I made your horn louder.

Inside every older person is a younger person wondering what happened.

Worst Writers Welcome... gives a whole new meaning to WWW

ahhh... you always wondered didn't you?

Well- the truth is this. Worst Writers Welcome!

My newest favorite site is http://www.bulwer-lytton.com/

Visit it for hilarity and some fine writing faux-pas... it's the worst fiction contest for panjandrums. Yes! That's a really obscure word for "holier than thou high muckety mucks!" or pretentious wordsmiths (just the way I like it!)

You may be acquainted with this beginning line "It was a dark and stormy night..." ? The fine author of this prose is none other than Edward George Bulwer-Lytton, Paul Clifford (1830). I have always loved to parody this line (as many others have and will continue to do so). Now, there is a contest for the worst writing! And, I missed it! Darn. Gives me a whole year at least to work on some really bad prose, huh??

so- with that tongue in cheek attitude and a goal to attain; I must go to work. And, you dear readers will have to endure it! In the meantime- feel free to peruse the above mentioned site and perhaps write some of your own!

Ta-ta for now... I'm off to journal and weave some awful adjectives and nouns!

The Story Behind the Ingalls Dolls

This is from the Dedication Page of the Ingalls' Album...

When Robin was a 5th grader at Little Cypress Elementary school she was given an English assignment by Mrs Fuller; a book report and a creative project to illustrate the characters. Robin chose the Laura Ingalls Wilder books and made the doll family. She hated the project and wasn’t really thrilled with the dolls.

Fast forward twenty-eight years. Robin grew up and had two boys. The dolls were left in our parent’s attic & survived several moves... Pa Ingalls is eventually discovered by our little sister, Nancy, as they made yet another move- this time to Arkansas. However, Ma (Caroline), Mary and Laura are not packed with Pa and it is a mystery as to where they might be. Pa was admired by the family and since it was near Christmas; and pranks are always a part of our traditions- a plot was hatched. Robin’s Christmas gift was to be a gift certificate for some leopard print bedding (our father had actually shopped all over Little Rock for these items and had not been successful!) Sister, Sally, decorated a Velveeta box (with some papers that looked like our childhood bedroom curtains and leopard prints) to resemble a miniature bed; and upon displaying it- it was found to be just the right scale for Pa! So, he was tucked into the package with the bed and the gift certificate. Come Christmas Day- Robin opened her package and was most pleased with the gift and rather surprised to be reunited with Pa. There was quite a bit of laughter of her memories of the sad little art project and her eventual distaste of the 70’s era bed-linens!

But, Nancy would not let the issue of the missing Ingalls women die. Every time she visited home she would rummage through more boxes and crates in her search. Finally-- in July they were found!! But, where was Pa? Well- of course- he’d gone back to Texas with Robin! After considerable giggling- a plan was concocted to surprise Robin with yet another truly wonderful “gift” for Christmas. And, wouldn’t it be funny if we were to take the “girls” to various favorite childhood places and take pictures of them? After a drive up to the Dwiggins Peach Orchards in Amity- the plot had thickened and included a hilarious story of just why the girls were traveling. Mae and Mother helped to embellish the story and thus the journeys began!

Nancy had a diving trip planned to Cozumel and she would whisk them off to the Mexican Caribbean and snap some more pics. In the style of “Flat Stanley” or “The Traveling Gnome”. The real fun had begun! Nancy and I thought of several scrapbook friends and acquaintances that would be willing to “host” the girls, take a few pictures and send them on their journeys.

We emailed pictures and snail-mailed the dolls back and forth across the nation to our buddies, then Nancy’s office manager decided to visit her family in England and agreed to take the girls on their second big overseas adventure! In the meantime- we collaborated on the scrapbook for Robin. The logistics on this weren’t the easiest- I made the “base” pages and penned some of the “diary” narration. Through email and parcel shipments - we completed the biggest part of the album. Nancy laid-out the pages and edited the narration. At one point- Robin came home for a visit and I invited her to scrapbook with me- well- she wasn’t thrilled! But- she agreed to help cut out dies with the Sizzix machine- thus, even Robin’s handiwork was included in the album.

As Christmas neared- I called Robin’s husband, Stephen, and though he had been blissfully “out of the loop” as far as all the shenanigans- he quickly agreed to be an accomplice in the great scheme. He and Robin’s son, Christopher, snatched Pa off of Robin’s bedroom dresser, packed him up and mailed him to us without her knowledge. Now, almost the whole family was in on the joke! Pa arrived in Arkadelphia and was reunited with his wife and girls and was set in a place of honor next to the Christmas tree.

Our father could not stand to be left out of the action and in typical Keyton merriment, would email us pictures that he had concocted of the Ingalls family (see his journaling on the previous blog entry). They were seated at the breakfast table; in front of the crèche and were the source of a lot of laughter as we anticipated the holiday visit. One night as the family slept- a great ruckus occurred. It seems that the cats, Mama Jenny and Purrscilla-Priscilla, had taken a fancy to the dolls as they were sitting in one of the chairs they pre"furred" to sleep in. The next morning the Ingalls family were all strewn about and Ma Ingalls had been dragged off down the hallway- attacked by a wild panther-ack!! Just to show you that truth can be stranger than fiction!

Robin’s Ingalls dolls were destined for lots of adventures and travels! We had a wonderful time “mock-umenting” a few of these escapades and hope that Robin and her family continue to have many more delightful journeys.

Best Wishes, Sister-- and Many Happy Days! We love you--and don’t forget... we GOTCHA one more time!!

The Ingalls Album is now online.... and here's the Diary Journaling!

Well-- it is finally finished! I know you have been waiting patiently!! At least it didn't take as long as a Harry Potter release!... and now, without further ado...I present-

The Ingalls Family Album...

otherwise known as: "Laura's Travels"... from Little Houses to the World Tour
or...
"The Ingalls Girls Search for Pa"...

Thanks to: Nancy & Derral; Caroline; Simone; Mary, Cameron and Cole; Doralisa and Phil; Stephen & Christopher; Richard, Cindy & Mae; and many others!!

See the album here:
http://www.angelfire.com/art2/arkyangel/Ingalls/

Read the journaling here:

July 21, 2004
Dear Diary,
We began our search for Pa near where we last saw him. We know he likes peaches so we went to Amity. The peaches were great, and these nice women, Cindy, Sally and Nancy offered us a Coke (and a smile) and the matriarch of the family, a very sweet lady named Mae, even made us a peach cobbler. They were quite entertaining, and would start fits of giggling for no real reason. Reminds me a lot of the happy times spent listening to Ma and the aunts. They told us that they had seen Pa, and all they knew was that he was headed for Texas. So we leave again in the morning. Ma found us a nice little red convertible car- it's got plenty of horse power- I'm sure Pa would appreciate that!

August 8, 2004
Dear Diary-
We’ve arrived at a “Little Town on the Prairie”, Abilene, Texas. No hot leads for Pa yet, but we’ve stumbled on to quite a few adventures. We got stuck in a cactus patch, which I was not too happy about. Ma and Mary didn’t seem to mind so much, they pretty much smile about every pickle they get into. We did get a horse ride, stopped at Senior Day at the Fair and Rodeo, met a nice man named Derral; flirted with a cowboy or two and ate some good BBQ and a deep fried Snickers bar. At least these West Texas folks know how to eat. The scenery around here reminds me somewhat of being “By the Shores of Silver Lake” what with all the railroads and all. Wish Pa could have been with us- he would like West Texas.

August 23, 2004
Dear Diary-
We headed to south Texas to look for Pa, and somehow ended up in the Mexican Caribbean- that’s Ma’s navigation for you. But while we’re here we searched high and low for Pa anyway- he could have made the same mistake traveling. We didn’t find him floating in the sea, but we did find one nice conch shell for a souvenir. You can even hear the ocean when you hold it up to your ear! I have to say that I could get used to this beach resort life. Maybe once we find Pa, he will come back and enjoy this on vacation- buenos noches.

September 1, 2004
Dear Diary-
We were headed back for Texas, but veered off course again. Ma and Mary should let me read the map. I told them to take a right at Albuquerque, but they didn’t listen. So, we ended up in Santa Fe, New Mexico. While there, we visited the Indian market at the Governor’s Palace and found some incredible deals on turquoise jewelry. You know Mae- she just goes bananas over the stuff- kinda reminded me of the excitement of our Saturday market days.

We ended up spending the night at the Baca B&B- a lovely home at the base of the Sandia Mountains in New Mexico. Our hostess, Carolyn, her husband Fernando and children, Gabriel and Daniella, served us melt-in-your-mouth enchiladas with green chilies and we all enjoyed margaritas by the pool. You can literally see forever up here- Pa is missing a great view. Looking west, it’s almost like the view from our “Little House on the Prairie”.

September 27, 2004
Dear Diary-
Well we’ve not made it back to Texas yet. Ma and Mary had a hunch that Pa may have tried to go back north to the Great Plains. So we set out and ended up back in familiar country-Wisconsin- that’s a super long drive! We are staying in the Hauser House; a boarding house run by a nice scrapbooking lady and her family. Mr and Mrs Dave (Mary) are very nice hosts. Fortunately, we’ were well fed as this is cheese and bratwurst country- there are 3 cheese companies in Sheboyhan County- Borden, Sargento and Sartori, as well as Johnsonville Sausage. We met Elsie''s cousin and then the Hauser boys, Cameron and Cole, took us to the lighthouse on Lake Michigan to look for Pa to get a better look. It’s lovely here, a little nippy- but, not as cold as "The Long Winter" and still no sign of Pa. Next, we’re going to head west to find him.

"How easy and delightful life might be if...when we had attained the position we wished, we might rest on our oars and watch the ripples on the stream of life."
--Laura Ingalls Wilder

October 10, 2004
Dear Diary,
Well we were headed out west, but with all the hassles at the airport, somehow we found ourselves in merry old England. The big expanse of water we flew over was so much bigger than a view from "On the Banks of Plum Creek"- at first I thot it was a river- then realized it was just a big pond. A very nice British expatriate named Simone is serving as our travel guide. So we’'re staying for a few days to enjoy the countryside here and the palace gaurds look like so many little toy soldiers! Stonehenge is nearby to the village we’re staying in. We’ll check it out before going stateside again. Pa used to call me "Half-Pint" when I was younger-- over here all the pints in the pubs are full-pints and kept at room temperature.

November 8, 2004
After another flight delay- Ma got us some extra frequent flyer miles and we are finally back in the U.S.... and, on the west coast! We’'ve arrived in Portland Oregon, and Pa'’s not here either. Another scrapbooking lady- Doralisa Palomares, has generously offered to look for him. We'’ve searched the market, and boy do they have some funky looking cows here- not at all like in Texas or Wisconsin. I don’t think I’ll try the BBQ or the cheese here, but you know Ma and Mary are still saying that I need to lighten up. We even checked the Oregon Vietnam Veterans Living Monument - Pa feels really strongly about patriotism. Doralisa and her friend, Phil, drove us down to Stockton CA and back just to make sure that he Pa hadn't gone searching for gold in them thar hills. We drove behind the snowplows right thru the Pass and saw Mount Shasta. The camera began to have some "issues" so all our lovely pictures are like Mae's fond memories of the day at the World Fair-- well framed and probably the best she ever took... only to discover that there was no film in the camera. :(


Dec 10- We are headed back home to Arkansas, just hoping and praying that maybe Pa will be home by Christmas. My fondest dream is to find him playing some of our favorite tunes on his fiddle. Ma thinks I need to compile all my journal notes from my Big Chief pads into books and tell the story of "These Happy Golden Years". I may just have to do that- life hasn't all ways been a bed of roses--, it's like I've always said...

"...but, at long last, I am beginning to learn that it is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones after all...I believe we would be happier to go back to simpler living and more direct thinking. It is the simple things of life that make living worthwhile, the sweet fundamental things such as love and duty, work and rest and living close to nature. There are no hothouse blossoms that can compare in beauty and fragrance with my bouquet of wild flowers."
--Laura Ingalls Wilder; from "A Little House Sampler"

December 23, 2004
To Whom It May Concern:
From: Keyton’s Bar & Lodge, Mr Keyton- Proprieter

Now, the rest of the story:

The Ingalls family had gone to pay their taxes and had reserved a room in the Inn. When they arrived, the hotelier announced: "The Inn is over booked and all we have left is small cave out back." Now that they had gotten a raw deal on the hotel reservation and were in the outback, they just went ahead a cooked supper. This was the first OUTBACK Restaurant.

Now as why they are there by themselves, it is very simple. Mary and Joseph don't arrive for another two days.

Now that they have a couple of days to sightsee - they are talking about going to Hot Springs to take the baths. While there, they want to walk on Central and have a picture made in front of the National Park sign. They are planning to eat at Stubbies. No pork, you understand!

Some people are like Slinkys...

Some people are like Slinys...
Not really good for anything,
but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.

That is a direct quote from my sister. I only hope she didn't have me in mind when she said it!

In other news... we've had a little rain. Yeah. Even a little tiny bit of a shower is that much less I have to water the flowers.

In more other news... large parts of our family have had vactions. Which means they took pictures. Which means that they'd like them arranged in some sort of pictorial review. Which means I need to get with it and scrapbook. I may just have to play around with some lovely inks and stamps and make a few cards, too. Just cuz.

And... while I'm creating-- I'll watch a few movies. Up next on the dvd-reader... "The Terminal".. sounds kinda like a grand finish doesn't it? Well- it's just ole Tom Hanks up to his usual tricks in a great role that for a long part of the film has the same isolated feel as "Castaway". Kinda weird. To be in a large public facility and be so alone? I think that's a good commentary on a lot of American society.

Anyway- I can watch just about anything he's in. Traa-laa-la.

Off to stamp!

I'm a Mommy again!

Well-- no... not a new baby! But- my OLD baby came back... home that is!



My OLD baby is almost 19 years old and has finished his first year of college! And, now, has come home! Woohoo! I'm a mommy again! We've celebrated by catching up on all the news from campus, home and watched some CSI. We're going to go and watch "Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy" as soon as he's rested up!

Oh, delight! Oh, joy! I guess I can now look forward to KP duty! Hmm.... I wonder if I can remember how? or WHAT to cook?

Peace-out.

My son the Leprechaun.

Jess a Leprechaun? Who'd have thunk it?
He's a big ole strapping kid! but, when he showed up this week sporting his ragged hair and his RED beard- the first thing I thought of was a leprechaun. He's such a character! And, give him an opportunity and he'll strike a pose and you'd swear you just saw one of the elves of olde! He so reminds me of his daddy at that age! Though their stature and build aren't similar- nor their hair color.. the beard color is! Byron's built more like a traditional leprechaun myth we're familiar with- but, when he grew his beard- he was so stunning! Jess is following in his dad's steps in this respect- even though they are so different in so many other areas of their lives.

Cat scratch fevered...

Meoow! You hear that cat-er-walling? Uhhh... I don't. Nope. Not me! Even if I DID hear it- I'm not running out there to bust up a cat fight ever again- unless I use a water hose and a broom!

The other day, Thelonius (originally brother, Jeff's, cat) was attacked by a rogue bandit tom cat. He's been feeding over at our fine dining establisment for outdoor felines- but, apparently has extended his territory to include the neighbor's yards and cats. She was so loudly defending her self and Dad's precious bird feeders (yeah, RIGHT!) when Tuxedo Tom approached and started giving grief. When I heard the commotion, I naturally ran out and chased him off. Thinking that Thelonius would be more than happy with me and not thinking about how ultra-sensitive she can be (even in the best of situations) with being picked up- I thought to pick her up and comfort her and get her in the house. Suffice it so... BIG mistake.

She lit it into me and before I knew had chewed three big holes in both my hands and wasn't about to let go. Have ya heard the saying that they won't get 'til it thunders? ugh... there I was and there she was- and she wasn't letting go and I couldn't get free from her. It hurt so badly I promptly got sick at my stomach. Ugh. Not a good sign.

The nightmare was just beginning. It wasn't but just a few minutes and my hands were swollen and weren't going to quit bleeding anytime soon. With a cat-bite you really don't want to stop the blood- it's better to get it out and hope that some of those bad bacterias they carry flush on out, too. Another added bonus is that the worst time to get cat-bit is directly following a meal- their mouths generate enzymes to better break down their food. Think wild cats and the rodents they feed on. She did avoid piercing a tendon or a joint- so, to be honest- I've had a quick recovery.

After a week long round of antibiotics and keeping my hands elevated above my heart- I'm back to "normal"! Whew! What a relief!

Meoooowwwww! Tuxedo Tom better watch his back-side. I'm going to live-trap him and relocate him somewhere else soon.

Jody Evans is our Nashville Star!

Well, it's official. Erika Jo won the Nashville Star competition (first female for this title) over the two final contestants Jason and Jody!

No matter! Jody, Jason and Jayron have all got potential singing careers in front of them! As well as a summer tour!

But, Jody Evans is special because he's OURS! For starters... he's got this Elvis (Costello) thing going and is such a self-effacing young talent; even though he's got real talent- he always gives accolades to all the competitors. Just hope he's that way with all of his traffic violators! Yup. He's a policeman!

Which makes us wonder? Will all the folks he pulls over just BEG him for a ticket so that they can have his autograph? Hmm..... wonder if it's worth anything? Hmm.... wonder if I can find one that was written before he was on N/S? No! Not a ticket given to ME!! But, surely... somebody can give up a little scrap of paper? I'll go check eBay.

Yoddle-lah-he-hooooooo... we got us a singing po-leece-mahn.

http://music.yahoo.com/promos/nashvillestar/

http://www.usanetwork.com/nashvillestar/

An interesting piece of historical trivia re: Nashville Star... the first winner was Buddy Jewel with roots from Osceola, AR.

Whoooo-pig-sooooieee!!! Arkansas ROCKS! and... twangs!

Beam me up, Shorty... and the Bucky Balls.

My grandmother is a hoot.
She's also a very VERY well read woman.
She may be 95 years old-- but, her insatiable apetitie for reading is pretty much legendary. She starts off in the morning with the financial section, then she hits world news and finally the state section. She has subscriptions to Time, Newsweek, Atlantic Monthly, the New Yorker and Smithsonian just to name a few. On top of all that- she reads best sellers on both the fiction and the non-fiction lists AND whatever paperbacks happen to be laying around as well as all the shop at home catalogs that deluge the postal service.

As it so happened a few days ago- she was studying up on new scientific technologies. She's done that before. She knew about fuel-cell techno-geeky stuff LONG before the general masses were aware of it. The REASON she studies all that is for investment purposes.

Anyway, her question early one morning was "What's a Bucky Ball?" A few moments later after a quick internet search- we had the answer for her printed out. Just so you'll know what a Bucky Ball is... it is the roundest and most symmetrical large molecule known to man- something to do with carbon. Read about it here.. http://www.imbris.net/~jfromm/bucky/bucky.htm

Now, having HAD that recent conversation and knowing full-well that she'd not just pulled the topic from thin-air, I figured she'd already read across some information and was actually exposing the rest of us to some new tecnology venture she was fixing to invest in. But-- how many almost centenarians actually KNOW about this type of stuff? I mean-- the kind of women that weren't necessarily in the scientific field in their occupation (she was a history and English teacher) for Pete's sake! But- there it is. The fact is.. my grandmother is quite the know-it-all and has very broad interests.

So, when my mother was going through a box of novels she asked my grandmother if she'd like to read any. Mae promptly started going through and culling the ones she wasn't interested in... they were the science-fiction ones! When I asked why, she replied "I don't want to read any of those Beam Me Up, Shorty" stories!

ONLY my grandmother has such a wonderfully rounded sense of humor and the background to go with it! She should have been a comedian! Hmmm... is it any wonder that my mom and I have to struggle to stay "up to speed" when my grandmother and my father are in their element?

Oh- what fun!

I think I'd like to be beamed over to the house next door now-
Scotty!

Alligatoe and other information that's NOT so very useful--

hmm...... now you may just wonder about that word. Kellie and I did- for a moment at least.

Alligatoe. She was originally writting alligatoR and missed the "r" and went for the "e". I liked it immediately. What a charming little mistake. Alligatoe. She thought it sounded like a kid with a speech impediment. Me- I first thought of Allegra for the feet. But, on further reflection-- it could be a lot of things.

Alligatoe.

What if it meant.... a type of reptile with prominent scaley toes.?. turns out. It does.
Alligator is a genus of the Allijator idae family of crocodile -like reptiles. It includes two known species:

American Alligatoe ( Alligatir mississippiensis )
Chinese Alligqtor ( Alligstor sinensis )

Oh, well. What started out as a funny mistyped word- turns out it's for real. Now, had we had this discussion pre-internet age- I'd have never known that. But- who NEEDS or READS all this useless information anyway? Well. I guess that would be me.

Which brings to mind a clever little site that Pop ran across today. The name alone is intriguing.
http://www.sydnassloot.com/

Sydnas Sloot? Sheesh. What a monikor. Wouldn't you HATE having to through life with than name? haha. The joke's on us! Mom figured it out first-- flip it. Hysterical. But- if you're "into" old tools or knowing what Harvard trombonists do with all their free time-- check it out.

Well- enough for now- It's really chilly out- I'm thinking breakfast for supper oughta warm up a cold kitchen.

Reflections in a 42 year old mirror

One of the soldiers from our little town died in Iraq.

Even though the young man (and his family) was not known by me- nor very well thought of by DS (suffice it to say- he'd been one of those cliche-type jocks that liked to rough up the small and the weak)... it's still just a DAMN SHAME that one of "our" boys got skanked. Yeah- I know he's not the first. And, he won't be the last.

And... my kid is rethinking his plans of signing with the Navy and going in Marines.

All this has just served to make me do a lot of introspection.

For one- I love my kid. I can pick up the phone and call him just about any time I want. AND.. he doesn't mind. He just talks and carries on with whatever it was I interrupted- and just rattles on or listens to me. Landon's mama will never have that chance again. I'm really sad for her.

Two-- I'm nearing my 43 birthday. yes. Kim and I had to calculate that figure as we both are turning and neither of us remember these tiny details (like how OLD we are) since we passed the big 3-9. Why bother? It wastes too many precious brain cells trying to remember that inconsequential detail. But--- that figure of 43 is like MIDDLE AGE.... which relates back to those lyrics. Which means-- yikes. You know- I'm really probably WAY past middle age- cuz I don't expect to be one of those that lives to the ripe old age of a hundred. And, no- I don't mean that whiney-like. I mean, let's face it- folks with blood issues and living on blood thinners just don't usually make it to centenarian status.

So.... all that having been realized- I look at the death of that young man at 19 (and my own 18 year-old's hopes and aspirations) and think-- the quantity of days given to each individual is such an unknown-- don't waste it.

The article in the paper- describes all the travels this young man had already had- to Australia, to Thailand, Korea, the Philippines and Bali- I realize that in a "worldy" sense- he'd not wasted his life. And, in the patriotic sense- he's given the greatest of all gifts-self. He had experiences that a great many of us middle-agers will never have. And, in only 19 years.

in memorial of Landon Giles • 1985-2005

One Hundred Years

"I'm 15 for a moment
Caught in between 10 and 20
And I'm just dreaming
Counting the ways to where you are


I'm 22 for a moment
She feels better than ever
And we're on fire
Making our way back from Mars


15 there's still time for you
Time to buy and time to lose


15, there's never a wish better than this
When you only got a hundred years to live


I'm 33 for a moment
Still the man, but you see I'm a they
A kid on the way
A family on my mind


I'm 45 for a moment
The sea is high
And I'm heading into a crisis
Chasing the years of my life


15 there's still time for you
Time to buy, Time to lose yourself
Within a morning star


15 I'm all right with you
15, there's never a wish better than this
When you only got a hundred years to live


Half time goes by
Suddenly you’re wise
Another blink of an eye
67 is gone
The sun is getting high
We're moving on...


I'm 99 for a moment
Dying for just another moment
And I'm just dreaming
Counting the ways to where you are


15 there's still time for you
22 I feel her too
33 you’re on your way
Every day's a new day...


15 there's still time for you
Time to buy and time to choose
Hey 15, there's never a wish better than this
When you only got a hundred years to live."


John Ondrasik ~ Five for Fighting ~ One Hundred Years

For some reason these lyrics (and the tune as well) have just been a really bad ear worm today-- I think it's because one of the young men that graduated with DS this last May died in Iraq. He'd been there a week when his vehicle struck a roadside bomb placed there by cowardly evil "religious" minions.

Read about Landon here: http://www.siftingsherald.com/articles/2005/03/02/news/news1.txt

Shall we Dance?

Oh. Yes! Let's Dance!!

Mom and I were outside today admiring the early Spring weather and enjoying the warmth... when the neighbors music catches our ears and is so uplifting and cheery-- it compells us to dance. Yup. Right there in the open yard! Since they play fiddle (Aaron actually constructed it himself!) and all manner of other stringed instruments (their Mom plays the stand-up Bass)- it's not a loud stereo kind of noise! They were actually playing a catchy little beat that seemed just right for a do-si-do and a turn or two! So.. we did! And, enjoyed it greatly!

That's not the first time I've felt like dancing this week!

Kim just insisted that I order "Shall We Dance" since the DVD released this week. Oh- I'm glad she did! I absolutely LOVE the music in it- "Sway" and so many others! I've felt like doing the waltz and the jitterbug ever since! After having watched it-- twice or three times (I can't remember how many, actually) I sashayed over to Mom's to share a few of the really good scenes with her... and she got to remembering Mae's fond dance memories...

Well- who would have thunk it! But, my Grandmother's were BOTH quite the dancers! Even tho neither of my grandfathers were! The way I know this about my Grandmom, Nancy, is because one long road trip through Texas and all the "home" towns of my anscestors.. we crossed a bridge over the Sabine river (that one river has always run through my life- but, that's another story) and Dad commented that THAT bridge and THAT area of the river was where G-mom used to go with her friends to go dancing! I can only imagine them piling up in the old T-models and hauling their portable phonographs and going to the river to dance! I'll betcha she was light on her feet, too!

Mae's dancing happened while she was Dean of Women at the college in Magnolia. Seems as if one of the men proffesors didn't mind in the least that she was not only a married woman and a mother-- but, since they were having a dance and he needed a faculty partner-- he chose Mae! She said he was the smoothest dancer she ever saw and made her look like all she was doing was floating! Considering that it was the Waltz that they were performing and that Mae's posture and composure are most dignified and errect- I can well imagine that she WOWED the students and well carried off this image if he was really that great of a dancer!! I think it was a little later in the evening that the President of the college thought it was undignified for her as a matron and as dean of women to be such a "spectacle"... but, I'm sure if Mae was participating- it was all on the up and up. She did say she enjoyed it immensely and understanding that my grandfather was crippled and would never be able to be her partner-- she just took the opportuntity as it was there and probably considered that President a pompous old stuffed shirt!

Ohhhhh... to think of all the dance numbers my Dad has played and my mom always had to sit out. Can't very well dance with your partner if he's the one behind the music stand! Not that he'd want to dance anyway-- but, he has square danced.. so, I know he can! My father-in-law also has a dance past. The story goes that when he was around 40 he got inspired to take Ball Room Dancing. Drove all the way into to Little Rock for lessons at Arthur Murray studios! Now, that I would have LOVED to have seen! Or gone with him! Makes me wish I had enough left in these legs to do so... in the meantime- I'll be content to just sway with the beat and watch from the sidelines...

unless..... someone should ask... "Shall we Dance?"!

The Great Color Debate!

Now, you may be thinking that's since I'm interested in arts- that I'm going to discuss pigments and hues.

You'd be wrong.

Today as I was sipping coffee with my dear Grandmother, Mae, and her dear friend, Velma and my Mama; the subject of hair color came up. Velma had seen me out in the yard talking to my father- but, for some reason- had thought it wasn't me because my hair color wasn't "right". Now, truth be told- I have that kind of hair that has always changed in the sunlight- but, I don't think there was that much sun on that particular day. She continued to quiz me on my hair color. Naturally, I leaned over and showed her that my hair is going gray and to camaflouge it- I have it treated.

Now, the type of treament I'm using these days is actually "stripping" the color from the darker shades to more evenly blend with the grays... I'm keeping the grays. I've earned 'em. I'm proud of 'em. And, I'm not so superficial that I feel compelled to compete with the "Soccer Mom" image of middle-age female trying to look fifteen years younger. I FEEL old. So, what's the big deal of looking my age? I mean-- I'm not trying to look like a Haus Frau from the pre-80's decades either. I'm just trying to maintain ME and look presentable- but, NOT to the point that I'm going to color my hair the same shades it was back when I was in my "prime". Sheesh.

But, because the subject had been brought up- my Gmom had to voice her opinion, too. She thinks I should color it...auburn brown. She feels that no woman living in this day and age- should have to "go gray". Well- what's wrong with LOOKING my age- I ask? I guess I should allow HER to go to the beauty salon with me and choose the "bottle"... just to SEE her preference... but, I don't think I shall. The idea of "having" to maintain a steady schedule of coloring is as repulsive to me as primping and preening. Ugh.

Funny. My mother in law just brought up the subject of my hair color yesterday. WHAT is it? WHY now? Her opinion was that it just looked as if I' HAD something done to it- and she thought it looked particularly becoming that day. Now- WHERE on earth did THAT notion come from? I"m taking a good long hard look in the mirror- and it (the color) is three weeks overdue... the roots are just beginning to show (with this stripping process- I can get away with a lot more!) and the weight of my hair is about to drive my NUTZ. I HATE having my hair hanging around my collar and around my face. WHY all this conversation about my HAIR these days?

Why, why, why? I've been fighting that mop up there all this week- pin it up. I've been going for the more sophisticated combs and a little messy like the young investigator on "Cold Case Files" and my friend, Melanie, from Conway. I just see their hair as natural and not so fussy- but, up and a little romantic. Ahhh... yes- THAT's the look I'd like to achieve. And, after another look in the mirror and several more trys at getting the combs to hold... uhhh...

I'll be back later. I have a hair appointment. Beverly just happens to be able to fit me in this afternoon. Maybe SHE can create magic on my head. Whatever it is- I'm sure the Master won't approve. He wants it long. I don't know that he has a color preference- maybe I'll ask him before I leave.

Tata for now. Give me a call.. the number is Clairol #767. Hmm... I may just have to have a manicure and make an apptmt for the tanning bed, too. YIKES. That's a nightmare thought! Note to self... get some new makeup while you're at Merle Norman ;)

Nicholas Sparks' "The Notebook"... and why I journal...

Memories.
Treasured thoughts.
Trying times.
The joy of havnig survived adversity.
The passing down of family stories- both funny and poignant.
Mountain peak experiences... or even the plateaus of everyday life.
To keep them or not?

Well. I've said it before- and I'll say it again. It's in my genetic make-up to hang on to stuff. My granadparents did, their parents did-- and further back. I know this because I live with some of their "stuff". Not only did I get my mouth shape from Great-Grandma Katie- I think I got her overwhelming urge to document trifling things and somehow or 'nother -preserve them for later on. I have access to a great many of her pieces of furniture- which have all kinds of little hand-written notes about the bric-a-brac in the cabinets. When I handle these same little trinkets and the notes that she made- I feel at "home" with her-- even though I never knew her. Now, don't get me wrong-- I don't think I necessarily need baubles or treasures to make me feel that way. I think it's in the notes... or maybe the genes.

When Granddaddy died- and left Grandmother all alone with her Althzeimers- there wasn't any reason not to go through her personal belongings. Granddaddy had been really persnickety about us rifling through the house- except when he'd rifled through it and found something he felt was of significance and would show it... which always piqued my interest in seeing what ELSE there was... and let me just say! There was a huge houseful (and several barns) of stuff. Back to my rummaging-- I found the letters that G-dad had written to G-mom before they were married.

I was THRILLED! My parents not so. Not that there was anything wrong or indecent about the content.. but, because it was like reading a private diary. For me- to read these letters which included the daily grind kind of news as well as his hopes and dreams for their future together- made me appreciate just how very much he had loved her from the beginning all the way to the end- when he asked me if I would "take care of her" the morning he was dying.

My g-parents were married for over 60 years. I now know that they started out their realtionship as giddy romantics- as fresh as crocuses in Springtime. It didn't embarrass me to read of their wishes for happiness. Rather, it completed what I already knew of them. I have always assumed that they started out that way-- I knew that they had suffered through the lean times, struggled through the daily emotions, lived apart while she was in school, learned to tolerate their vast differences of opinions and food tastes- and yet, still deeply loved one another. Reading their hopes for their future from the beginning of their relationship and knowing that at the end- it was still as solid as when it began- provides a more complete understanding.

Watching Nicholas Sparks' "The Notebook" last night- brought so much of those emotions back. I know that my G-daddy loved G-mother just that much. I sobbed for them. I cried for myself- for having witnessed that kind of love and later by reading the letters. There won't be letters for my grandkids to rifle through- because at the time- I wasn't writting much and dh has rarely written. But there may be a notebook. And, though our relationship has it's times when I certainly wouldn't use the word "love" to describe it... it is. It's not romantic. It's not giddy. It's not necessarily something to write home about. It's just immutable and omnipresent... characteristics that can only come from someone who loved us more. Which is the same thing that my grandparents had and probably their parents before them-- and ultimately always returns full circle to our God the Father-- who issued it first.

Now, I consider writting our own history. Who knows-- maybe Byron will have to read it to me and hope that I, too- will remember!

Started a Yahoo Group! and finished my first Layout of the Year!

Whooopie!

Started a new Yahoo group for fellow Arkadelphia area (and friends, natch!) "Stamping71923".

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Stamping71923

Just a place to yak scramp! Plan for Scramp frolics (dontcha LOVE that word? it's quaint like the Amish!) and keep all our buds "in the know" about what all we know... and what all we can REMEMBER to tell one another! Along with the internet technology and all the advances in communication- comes the demon of "I thot I told you such and such"... when you may have actually given that information to the checkout boy at the grocery store-- but, not to your nearest and dearest stamp friends! AS IF- checkout boy is interested!!

Anyway-- it's a nice place for the locals to gather round the coffee pot... or tea kettle as the case may be... and forget about all the chores needing to be done and concentrate on the good stuff in life.... SCRAMPING our memories before they are all gone from us!

In other areas.. my studio was greatly enhanced today with the addition of new Twinkling h2o's a watercolor and mica product that is just as cool as it sounds... and some more new rubbah from the Queen of Rubbah herself-- Robin MaVinci! Woohooo... a banner day indeed when Mr Charley the mailman leaves goodies in the box!

Since I had all these new goodies--- well! I finished up my first l/o for the year! WHOA! First? Did I just say first? Oh- yes. I've been stamping and playing with scraps all these days since Jan 1-- but, havent' made a bona-fide lay-out this whole time! So... it was about time! view here... http://www.angelfire.com/art2/arkyangel/SallyScraps/

Am still waiting on yet another Janet Evanovich audio book to arrive so I'll have the complete set of the Stephanie Plum novels. Sister Nancy, (no she's not a NUN! but we do call her Nuncy sometimes!) lent me the first three in the series...Now, I'm hooked! And, I'm stuck! I have ALL but book SEVEN titled aptly enough "Seven Up" and I can NOT listen to them out of order! Why! I even got the Christmas novella entitled "Visions of Sugar Plums".... I mean- WHO could resist? Not me! Kim took the first three home to listen to on her commute-- hope she enjoys them as much as Nancy and I have! Oops. I just remembered something! I was supposed to have given her the Amish books by Beverly Lewis... oh- well.. another reason to get to see Kim! But, I'll sure be glad to see Mr Charley agan when he has THAT package in his mail jeep!

I actually have gotten to SPEAK to my little sister this week. She spends so much time out of the office and out to lunch-- that's it's a wonder I can ever find her there... but, most times I do actually... find her at work or on her way there. When she has free time tho- she takes Louie to the hospital and I can only hope that little Capio is getting better rather than worse with her little cold. Byron is sick (AND at home!) with bronchitis. YUCK. He called me in there earlier to let me know that I could sleep somewhere else! Guess he thinks I'll catch it. Hmmm... come to think of it-- I may just stay on the couch! Too cold to go start a fire in the front of the house and sleep in the guest room tonight!

All the more to contemplate! Well- keep your fingers inky and your heart merry!

If we have much more rain.... and the story of Wrigley

I may have to take the canoe next door to my 'rents. Actually- I sloshed all the way over here this morning for my coffee- so, maybe it's not that bad after all.

It has finally stopped raining... but, looks pretty gray out. The groundhog could not have seen his shadow here-- so that means what? We prolly have six more months of winter. Oh. No. THAT could never happen here in the south. Besides-- it's an early Easter year- so.. that has to figure in there somewhere, right?

It's still cold and my main goal in life these days seems to be... "let the dog out, let the cat in... let the dog in, let another cat in... let one cat and dog out, go out and chase dog so he won't bite the mailman." What a domestically challenged life I lead!

Didn't always used to be that way... I used to have some pretty intense deadlines. Now, I prefer the "when's supper" deadline... and "what's for lunch" debate. My standard answer is "chocolate". It's a vegetable and it's highly new-tricious. It's also highly addictive- but, I'll deal with that when it becomes life-threatening.

My subject today shall be: Wrigley. My very favorite black and white hound-mix dog. He's my constant companion... and worry (besides KID).

Wrigley came to us in a very unique way. We had been driving along the interstate and I began to ask DH, "Barn", for a canine. I didn't want just any kind either. I wanted an Airedale. His response was naturally- NOT happening. We'd had dogs before-- and tho we've been very successful with our felines- the dogs had not fared well with us. Two we'd given away (for various reasons) and Elsa's, the dachsund, demise had been tragic. So- No. No more dogs. Okay. Fine. Forty five minutes later- KID throws his gum out the window and it sticks to my brand new truck-- so we pull over to the side of the road and lo and behold! There's a puppy in the ditch! To make a long story short- I insulted "Barn" about not being able to catch the puppy and he proceeded to chase him for about 150 yards in the slop til at last the puppy half-hid his front self and "Barn" was able to nab him.

Whew! This was a really stinky puppy- but, he was sooooo cute! We had to get to TX- so, we piled puppy between us on the front seat and fed him a potato log and he promptly fell asleep. He was dirty, turns out he had two kinds of mange and was emmaciated. Vet later said another couple of days and this pup would have been a goner. We cleaned him up as soon as we got to TX and offered him to the family there. They were of course, enamoured- but, didn't think that they wanted him.

Their loss turned into our gain! After a day or two- it was pretty obvious that we were gonna keep the puppy. KID adored him. Barn adored him. I adored him- even if he wasn't a fancy dog. Named him Wrigley in honor of the gum. It really wasn't "Wrigley" that KID was chewing at the time-- but, "Bubble Tape" would not have had the same ring.

Thus is the story of Wrigley. He has striking black markings that I call "pat patches" and has an engaging personality. He tries his best to listen and reply to human conversations. He absolutely worships my POP, and is always there to guard me at nights. He knows to bark like crazy when I call home and "Barn's" asleep and I need him to pick up the phone! Such a smarty!

When folks ask what kind of dog he is-- I always tell them- he's 100% Ditch. Talk about your funny looks! But- it's the truth. Wrigs is from a ditch... AND.. Wrigs is very apprehensive about certain things. He is scared of trash bags. He get's neurotic if I cook lamb. I think that his first few tough weeks of life- and probably the demise of his mama (hence the reaction to smells and the unknown; as well as his own awful smell at the beginning) had a lot of impact on him.

He's been with us for almost ten years now- and he's a much better choice than the Airedale I just KNEW I'd wanted.



My thots on life now tend to be-- it's not all about what you THINK you want in life. It's about how you live it when you get handed a stinky pup in the middle of a long road trip and the real blessings you can receive just by shutting up and going along for the rest of the ride. Who knows? You might end up liking it!

Have a WONDERFUL Wednesday!