Can't sleep with zombies roaming the streets....

It's lovely Fall weather here in our little hamlet. The weather (while dry) is most pleasant and tonight I've even had to turn on the A/C just to freshen the house. Before I'd turned it on the windows had been open. But that was before the zombies took to the streets.

Invasion

Went to bed early last evening - even the dogs were tired. Not surprisingly, they woke me up around midnight. But, something really had them agitated... and the dogs across the street were, too. Not all that unusual since the deer and the foxes have been on the move with the nicer weather and the season change- so, I walked the dogs. When out of the darkness I hear shouting. That is a bit unusual for our street... but, HSU had their homecoming earlier today and the "natives" had been restless all week with their pre-bonfire parties and yesterday's unnatural holiday. But, this was a tad different.

This was angry.

I quickly headed for the house and for some reason the dogs shut up and I began to realize these guys were quarreling as they were strolling down the street. Strolling. Not running. Strolling and the conversation was heating up. Ohmi. I have no idea why the dogs remained quiet and I was very anxious to hie myself back inside.

Called 911

The cops (there were three cars full!) showed up within minutes- of course they never saw the guys I called about. But, they said that town was just crazy this weekend with lunatics. Yeah. NO kidding. And, now I can't sleep.

But, I did take some lovely photos of Fall in Arkadelphia earlier today. Talked Mae into a little ride (couldn't believe she agreed!) and we just enjoyed the sunshine, colors and her favorite cappuccino!

Byron exercised the dogs.

Pack the Emergency Kit Next Time, Ditz!

This past weekend was supposed to be a non-scrapping (shopping and taking in art ONLY) weekend Dallas getaway with our very good friend, Mshell, who moved to even further away Wichita Falls. My sister, Nancy, in Abilene was even able to join us since it was close enough for her to meet up and spend the night!!

And, do you KNOW what I ended up doing??
Scrapping in the motel room!! I even got Nancy busy on her own gift!!

THE STORY:

Nancy just found out she's expecting her first baby and suggested that I would make another trip out to TX to scrapbook her a baby book. She makes that comment to me as she's driving into D/FW and we are actually at a scrapbook store!! When it occurs to me that what I'm looking at would be just the PERFECT paper for a little mini- "Expectations" album! Grabbed embellishments! Ribbon, charms, yes-- even a stamp!
Do I even have a pair of scissors with me this weekend? NO! Nor adhesive! We GPS (yes! those units are good for other things besides Geocaching!!) the nearest Hobby Lobby and get some essential tools and I completed the album before the night was over!! And, can you believe it?? I forgot to pick up ink!! So, I didn't get to use the stamp after all-- I will have to drive all the way to Abilene just to put the final touch on it!!

My point in telling you all this??
To new scrappers and old-- always pack an emergency travel scrap-kit!

October Snow-Storm!

Weather in AR is crazy and unpredictable. But, even Ed, Tom and Joey didn't see this one coming!!




One evening last week I walked into the living room to discover this....




Could THIS sweet little thing be the culprit???


Reddie says... "What?? It's only a little pillow! And, it was probably one of the cats that did it!!"


"I'm sorry... I'll never Never EVER do it again!"

Mind your own knitting!

I was sent on a mission by Mae.
Now, it used to be that this kind of mission meant a trip to LR.
Thank goodness, we have a new store on Main Street-- "Knit Unto Others"! Woohoo!! They sell all kinds of fibers for all types of needlecrafts- even some bamboo threads!! So cool!
It was such a feast for the eyes! I couldn't resist snapping some pics...

Christopher Columbus!

Gotta thank that guy... if he hadn't sailed over the ocean blue, we wouldn't be celebrating an semi-official holiday this coming Monday!! Most institutions nowdays don't even recognize it (except for the retail industry and of course the USPS!) and Deltic Timber!! Yippee!! Byron will have an extra day off!! PAID!!

So... in honor of good ole' Chris Columbus we celebrate the spirit of discovery!! Gotta wonder though... why didn't they name the New World after him? We could have been the United States of Columbus! It might have made a huge difference in our diets- for sure pasta and wine would be mandatory on all our menus, how very civilized!!

Go forth!
Discover something wonderful in the art realm!
Experience some great Italian cuisine!
Just don't try to send anything snail-mail!

Cut Pork Barrel $pending- Elect an Artist!

I got to thinking how creative types are good at cutting corners and making beautiful designs out of the leftovers.

Sometimes not even having the pennies to $pend on real domestic necessities-- and certainly not frivolous art supplies. We're always pinching pennies with our stash. Many of us will try to figure how to get one more piece of art out of that little scrap of ______________________ (fill in the blank) thus making the initial investment go that much further.

It's called economy.

When it occurred to me that artists would make great government leaders-- especially, in regards to the debt crisis.

So.... any nominations for the most frugal artist?? How about the most colorful???

I don't know why the colors on this image (when first uploaded) were so wonky and even my crayola went missing! I've corrected it... this is the wrong version (below)! Isn't that wEiRd?? If any of you CS3 geniuses can tell me WHY that happens sometimes- I'd be appreciative! ~S

Friday FURtograph

Samson...
sunning on the kitchen stool.

He's most at peace with the world when he's nearby to whatever I'm doing. This day, I've been working on finishing decorating the kitchen. It's only taken TWO YEARS!!!

I chose the colors, had new flooring installed, ordered the recliners (at the time they were to sit in the area between the eating area and my art room) and then life handed us several curve balls. After all the flip-flops (even a couple that were over 15 miles away) the chairs are now in a whole 'nother room of the house but the colors and ephemera I'd been collecting for well over 20 years just sat around waiting.

The time finally arrived! With dh outta town during the weeks- I've been able to wreak total havoc on the domestic bliss and I'm almost through! With the kitchen anyway!! The rest of the house still has some work to be completed (and he thinks I'll start all over when I finish anyway!)... but, progress is being made!!

I'll take some "glamour shots" of the kitchen when I've nailed everything down!! But, it IS sassy green!! And, contrasts very nicely with "Orange-Man Sam" dontcha think??

In the meantime... I've also learned that I hadn't forgotten how to cook a roast!! Yeah!!!

Tomorrow- I look forward to spending some quality time with the Singer as the special foot required to perform free-motion quilting has arrived and B will more than likely be you-tubing on the computer. We spend a lot of our together time in my art-room nowdays; but in office chairs!! If I'd been asked to predict the future and define tranquility in August of 2006- I wouldn't have guessed that this would be where we find ourselves!!

And, with all that is dear to us intact. He is so gracious to His little children.

Yes... Sam has it right. Hanging out nearby to those who love you is happiness, indeed!

Celebrity Artisan- Friday

Inspiration note: a while back I added the sidebar feed for Vincent's art and the bottom of the page feed for "image of the day". These have been really valuable and it occurred to me to dedicate Friday's posts to celebrity artisans. Obviously- Vincent is my main man! So, I must start with him. But in doing some research for images-- I rediscovered this site. Very useful! You'll be seeing images from there and the best part?? They are copy-right free!! Woohoo!! Load it into PS, edit, manipulate, alter, print and use in more art pieces!!

Without further ado-- on with the show!

Vincent VanGogh

Starry Night over the Rhone 1888
Oil on Canvas, 28 x 36 Inches (approx)
The painting is currently displayed at the Musée d'Orsay in Paris.

About the Starry Night over the Rhone Painting

One of several night scenes painted by the famous Dutch master. Van Gogh's star filled sky in Arles was done after his ealier success of the Cafe Terrace at Night and before the more famous "Starry Night" painting that now hangs in the New York Museum of Modern Art.

In a letter to his sister Wilhelmina, Van Gogh said "At present I absolutely want to paint a starry sky. It often seems to me that night is still more richly coloured than the day; having hues of the most intense violets, blues and greens. If only you pay attention to it you will see that certain stars are lemon-yellow, others pink or a green, blue and forget-me-not brilliance. And without my expatiating on this theme it is obvious that putting little white dots on the blue-black is not enough to paint a starry sky."

"Gourd"geous Thursday

How often does you get told to do the very thing you love to do??

My dh, Byron, told me to go shopping!! Who am I to refuse him??

Shop I did. He wanted jeans and he wanted them yesterday. He wears THE most popular size in the world (cuz they rarely have but two pairs) and I drove off to Little Rock to fix him up. Can you believe it?? They didn't have even ONE pair in his size! Of course... they were having a sale- but, this was the FIRST day of the sale! Thankfully-- they can order them and ship them to me, so- that part of my mission was accomplished!

Onto the more FUN part of the day., stimulating the economy... or more commonly known as trolling for gifts and art projects! Surprise! I am completely CURED of the "oh-mi-gosh do you see that CUTE scrapbook paper, I gotta have it" syndrome. I came home without ONE SHEET of paper!! Naturally-- I'd made a list of the hard to come by items (even paper fasteners are hard to find in our town) and for the most part I stuck to it! I did score big at Hobby Lobby as some of the tools of the trade (paintbrushes and such) were 1/2 off-- yippeee!! I also used my 40% coupon on a Somerset magazine- such inspiration in those things.

I did discover some really swell coffee mugs in my favorite melon color and the finish reminds me of the anodized metal drinking cups, yet they are ceramic and a good size. Just right for the kitchen redecorate project. Picked up some much favored treats for Mae and a few Christmas stocking trinkets.

Then, I got stuck in 5 o'clock Little Rock traffic. Somebody said a bunch of ouches and I saw the banged up cars that had us all sitting stock still at the eight-lane part of the interstate. It was backed up for MILES. But.. it put my arrival to the home exit at the lovely time of twilight that is magical for taking pictures. I stopped at the Caddo Nursery and did just that.

Here are a few more images from the day.





Earlier this week I had spotted this line up of scarecrows at the nursery. They are so fun!

I'm a FURtogrpaher, ok???

Somedays... life finally reveals itself crystal clear. Like when I gaze deeply into Reddies eyes.... I finally "get it". The meaning of life. And, what it is that makes me tick.

Plain and simple.

I'm a "FUR"tographer... not just a photographer.

I also keep stumbling across like minded individuals like, Judy and their blogs... thanks to message boards and groups.

Without further ado- I submit the FURtograph of the Day.


Subject: Lil' Miss Reddie
Favorite Treat: anything really (not picky)
Favorite Toys: newspapers & squeaky toys
Favorite No-No: getting on Mom's bed
Favorite 4 legger: That's a toss up between Wrigley and Tabby Tom
Not-So-Favorite: strangers

News from Hemphill & all the smiling!!

This is an excerpt from sister, Robin, 's email.

Last Wednesday, Stephen competed in the final Stren Series event of the season, on the Red River out of Natchitoches, Louisiana, and after three days of competition, made the cut to fish on Saturday. He was in the running for Angler of the Year and needed to make up 21 points on the leader going into this tournament. The other angler finished in 22nd place leaving the door open for Stephen. He would have to come in 2nd or better to claim the title.

On Saturday, the Bass N Bucks Championship began on Sam Rayburn. Stephen and Danny had been competing as partners in this team series all year and had qualified to compete in this final tournament. We all knew that if Stephen made the cut on the Red River, Danny would have to fish the first day on Sam Rayburn by himself and represent for the both of them.

Saturday arrived and everyone went to Natchitoches for the Stren weigh-in which began at 4 PM. About 2:30 PM, Danny called and informed me that “he caught ‘em” and did not elaborate anymore except to say that he would call back after he had weighed his fish in. When he called back minutes later, he had a total of over 34 pounds including one over ten pounds. He swore me to secrecy as he wanted to tell Stephen himself that he had put them in good position for the next day when Stephen would join him on Sam Rayburn.

By the time Stephen and the other finalists made it to Walmart for their weigh-in, no less than 14 people had called and left messages for him on his cell phone, and two other Stren anglers had already received calls from back home and reported the news, much to Stephen’s disbelief! In the Walmart parking lot, other spectators had also received calls and heard of “the kid who weighed in 34 pounds by himself” and all the talk turned to that. Needless to say, none of us were very focused on the Stren weigh-in any longer!

After another hour of tournament weigh-in watching, Stephen placed 5th in the Stren, losing Angler of the Year by four points, but collecting a nice check and excitedly heading home to talk strategy with his now famous partner.

One sleepless night later, and a gazillion phone messages urging Stephen to just get in the boat, sit down, shut up, and fish (AKA – leave Danny alone), they headed out to Sam Rayburn to complete the Bass N Bucks tournament. Their plan was to catch fifteen pounds to keep their lead. They caught eighteen. The next closest competitor was twelve pounds behind.

Finally, at the end of the day, Danny was out of the shadows of his fishing mentor and called to the stage to talk about how his day had gone on Saturday. Stephen watched from the back (with tears in eyes!) as Danny told the crowd of anglers, many of whom he has idolized for years, how he did it.

They won the tournament and claimed a brand new Ranger Boat for their efforts, beautiful (red/white), and no, we are NOT keeping it!, plus a big bass award, and bonus money for the Ranger Cup contingency award. Two people have already offered to buy the boat and the split will make a cozy nest egg for Danny, and a little cushion for the rest of us.

Today, Danny had to head back to Beaumont for college class, and literally could not stop smiling while gathering his stuff; neither could Stephen.

Does anyone recall what his graduation party announcement said??? “Determination, persistence, tenacity, and success”. He had told me earlier this week that he had just truly realized how much he wanted to fish well. I didn’t doubt him then, and no one doubts him now.

WOW! What a weekend!

To read the “official” version of the Bass N Bucks tournament, click on this link to fishingworld, and you can see the day one catch. Danny is helped to hold fish in the photo by David Concienne, tournament director, and his son, John David. Below are shots that I took from the Stren on Saturday and from Bass N Bucks on Sunday.

Notes from Abilene

This past weekend was the

Big Country Balloon Festival

and my sister, Nancy, her dh, Derral, and their dog, Diego, went!! I recall one of their early first dates in Las Cruces was a balloon ride! While I can't lay hands on those pics right away.... I do have these she snapped from this w/e and links from the events!




The photos from the two links above are enticement enough to make that trip next year for the event!

There was also a synchronized kite exhibit.... visit that site.

and.... a local band, Homer Hilccolm and the Rocket Boys were in concert!

Inspired by a spider lilly!

ahhh..... Fall!

This is the first time in years that I can recall that the leaves weren't already crispy when the solstice arrived.

It's also the first time in several months (or is it years) that I feel like all my family is in the right geographical location. Lo and behold- I also find myself alone!!

Don't get me wrong- I love them and miss them (the menfolk in my life); but, they tend to eclipse all my energy and passion for what's important to me.

I found this on the DIMW site and while I don't know who the poster WJC is- it os said almost perfectly. I substitute the words "making art" for photography in my own experience.

Life does sometimes get in the way of photography. We’ve had a few dramas and distractions here over the last month. Some of these are continuing but the end is, I think, in sight. The rest are resolved.

The thing is, some of these issues and the people involved have been quite emotionally draining. It is hard to get motivated for creativity sometimes when that is going on, though when you can make it happen the creativity really does help you to get past things. This is the key, somehow you have to make good, positive things happen and keep your focus on them. Eventually the other stuff doesn’t seem so importan

So-- I'm redefining passions. Resetting goals. Recommitting to vital issues that had been laid aside.

First- gotta address the weight loss. While I've not gained back quite half of the original loss- it can't go any further. The buck stops here. Or rather that should be- the muck stops here. No more junk food. Comfort food must be ingested in the smallest of portions and evaluation of just WHY comfort food is craved is to be dealt with in writing before a morsel can pass the lips. Whine, whine, whine instead of wine, wine, wine. And for the record-- I'm not a wine-o. *cheezy grin*

Second. Put the house in order... a domestic goddess must have domestic bliss!

Third. Focus, focus, focus on the art.

Find a great idea or inspiration? It goes immediately into the "Getcher Creative Juices Flowing Book". Yeah, I know.. sounds as if I'm on a wine binge!!

Start what will be finished. Finish what's been started. Order the stuffs to finish those things that are in the almost-but-not-quite stages

Make lists and more lists. If it's written down it's much more likely to be accomplished. That's why I'm starting it here. Putting it in public as it were...

Oh. Happiness. Oh, Joy! I do love the change of seasons... a fresh perspective on old opportunity.
Seasonal resolutions are much more attainable than yearly ones... or so it seems.

Beyond the Environment.... the front fell off...

I'm tired of politics. I'm tired of economic and financial swings and the Dow Jones being the news headline. I'm really not wanting to know about the weather-- if I venture to look sure as the world there will be another hurricane heading at us!

So... I surfed You-tube for a bright laff.
Ohmigoodness.
This guy took political correctness too far!!
Oh. Wait. He's playing a politician!!
Yikes!! I should just go shopping and stimulate the economy!!
Yeah. right.
Enjoy some Aussie humor.

Labor Day: The Art, the Feds and the Trends

Popular fashion etiquette dictates that white should not be worn after Labor Day.

Couture cops recommend:

blue (as in collars)-

or the ever popular (red-neck & women's favorite) sans collar.

See picture below.... of the hunk in undershirt.

This piece of art is by Lewis Hine, 1920. Power house mechanic working on steam pump. Records of the Work Progress Administration. (69-RH-4L-2)

One of his "work portraits", shows a working class American in an industrial setting. The carefully posed subject, a young man with wrench in hand, is hunched over, surrounded by the machinery that defines his job. But while constrained by the machinery, the man is straining against it—muscles taut, with a determined look—in an iconic representation of masculinity.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics- one of the projected industries with fast growth over the next ten years is independent artists, writers & performers!!

Artists are laborers, too!

Three cheers for artists!! Make that independent artists!! or would that be independent thinking artists?? 

Whichever!

Enjoy the three-day weekend! And be sure and thank your mother for having labored for you on this day, as well as your blue-collared artist/worker.

U.S. Dept of Labor site

Classic Humor

What's the best remedy for the whatever ails you? Even if you're not ailing... a dose of classic humor is necessary for a premium outlook for the day!

Abbott & Costello's "Who's on First" sketch!

Counting Turtles!

Kerplunk!

I heard this guy when he fell off the patio onto the steps leading to the woods behind our house. It was a hollow sound. Not the usual "tree falling in the forest" kind of sound. Not even a branch like sound.

Must be something else.... worthy of checking out!

Ut-ow!




Poor guy!


Gave him a hand upright! and away he went!

The state of Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission is conducting a Citizen Survey of boxturtles!!

Be a pal, whydont'cha and enter your own personal turtle "find" into the database!!

Happy Birthday 2 BARN!!!

This is how I like to envision my guys... happy smiles with sunshine on their shoulders.

Happy Birthday, Byron!

May the Lord Bless You on this, YOUR, special day.

And, a shout-out to Muhner, who birthed this baby.
I think Mothers should be honored on birthdays... they did all the work after all!

Something is just not right.....

Don't get me wrong... I'm not complaining.

It's just that.... it's... "off". Yes. Off is the word.

The weather, I mean. Who ever heard of a wet August in ARkansas? whoever heard of an August with below 95 degree temperatures? Again, I'll say- I'm not complaining! It's just that it kinda messes with my inner timing.

The whole biologic thing.

I have the oddest sensation that I need to go and change out my wardrobe because the season has already changed.

WEIRD.

Other facets of life

The great DAR pre-planning is almost complete. Yeah-hoo-ray! Having to learn as one goes always makes the first year a total drag; but, it's also fun and exciting to anticipate how it will unfold. Much the same as previous years of AWANA ministry- the energy put in before the program year even begins is nerve-wracking at best and mind taxing. Saturday's big meet 'n greet with the State Regent and other chapter Regents should answer a lot of my loose-end questions; and Mom's agreed to go and help me take notes! Good thing as it's her shoes I'm trying to fill and she hadn't really filled those shoes long enough to know how to fill them out.

I'm most excited about my "Hello, Dolly Dimples" reproduction campaign/contest whatever cuz I'll have to do some real creative artwork and won't feel like I'm piddling with my art supplies. Speaking of... I'm also to the half-way point in reorganizing (yes, again!) the studio. Some people (read that certain husbands that shall remain anonymous, but his name begins with a B*Y*R*O*N) think that I just like to move stuff around because I'm crazy!! I keep trying to explain that I move the resources around so that I can better utilize what I have!

And, on that happy note... I found this article (think K*I*S*S) on Haiku Productivity about streamlining in order to create less chaos! Pretty neat in an elegant poetic way, eh?

I'll quit rambling and maybe write shorter blog notes. Concise, brief and to the point. DANG. That sounds boring. But, I like to embellish! Whether it be with language, art or domestic vignettes. Shoot. I need more hours in the day.... or maybe just a steroid shot- I'm not competing in a sport after all! I'd just like to have more time to think pretty thoughts, lay them out and admire them. Oh, gosh. I'll never find zen in an cerebral way.... I have too many random ideas taking up too much of my mind to ever find any peace and harmony. If I can't even unclutter my brain, how on earth am I going to unclutter the workroom?

The Dogs Woke Me Up & I Can't Sleep....

so.... I'm surfing.

... and surfing.

.... and what thaheck is THIS???


Late night internet can be almost as informative as infomercials.

Printing on your toast.

Yeah. Just what the world needs.

I guess if I were more interested in food presentation this idea would be appealing. As it is.... from the graphics standpoint... well... hmmm..... the later it gets, the more appealing it is!

Wonder if I made the dogs some toast they'd settle down?

A hundred little things....

Kellie's post about 100 things- got me to realizing just how similar and different we are!!

I felt compelled to explain to her just why and how! But- it also got me to thinking in another list... a hundred things about the people I love! That link will be posted later... (it takes a while to type these things, ya know??) and I really should be addressing other more critical topics today!

Anyway.... my s'planation to the not-so-similar-or-otherwise to Kell's list!

2- I'm not married to Terry.
3 - Wrigley, Reddie, Sam, Max & Tom would be sad if I traded them for a sweet Dachshund.
4 - I'm an ART fanatic! Scrapbooks are just a teeny part of the big picture!
5 - I like Beth Moore's studies... I just never seem to finish 'em.
12 - I attended but didn't graduate... and should have stuck around and hung out with you!
16 - I have lived in Arkadelphia longer than in Texas.
22 - I appreciate calligraphy and collect it rather than practice it.
26 - I was married at age 20. Sheesh!
28 - I rode motorcycles- but, the p'rents didn't allow racing!
31 - I also have a large derriere but Terry doesn't love it.
41 - Sometimes I need band-aids after I've lashed out with my tongue.
42 - I tried to be a church librarian assistant. I think I misfiled the books.
44 - I am much more organized in my head than I am in actual life.
50 - When I travel, I would rather not come home! I'd be a gypsy if I could.
51 - I live closer to Doylene and haven't heard from her in months. I hope she's ok? Tell her I said "hey"!
55 - I have short hair because the longer it gets- the more stressed I get. When I'm really stressed I want to shave it all off.
66 - I'm not afraid of snakes and have pictures to prove it.
67 - I met a lifeguard once.
70 - I'm always wrong no matter what the issue... the fences around here all have holes in them anyway. So I wander from side to side.
76 - I adore a frosty mug but was ignorant enough that I didn't know they had 'em at Cracker Barrel.
77 - Only 2 cups? I need 2 gallons.
78 - I won a costume contest at Camp Fire Girl camp one year... my costume? I wore a Jaws mask that I made from paper and masking tape.
83 - I like to look for the ruled lines and then see how they far they'll bend.
84- I tripped over a jump rope once.
85 - Mornings begin at 11:59 AM.
86 - Only the monkeys and the trees scared me. My feelings soar when Judy sings!
90 - I've never met Ginger; but, I'm sure I'd love to get to retreat with the three of ya! Maybe next year.
92 - I don't want to hear ANYbody snore if I'm asleep....
93 - I've worn glasses since I was 2 years old and always will. Surgery didn't help.
95 - I massage my fingernails when bored or worried.
96 - I love Fall and Spring.. can never decide which is better. You can cuddle with Terry, I'll take Maggie (or Wrigley, Reddie, Sam, Max, Tom or Katrina.)
100. - No forests? Oh? How do you breathe there? I thought it was absolutely essential to have trees in order to breathe. Maybe that's why I get so short of breath in the dessert.

Oh, the crazy music ear worms!

Ear worms.
You know what I mean when I say that? Not actual WORMS, silly!

Little dittys that get stuck in your head and you just carry them around with you all day or even weeks?

I get them all the time. Sometimes they are ancient tunes, nursery rhymes and even jump-rope poems that run over and over in my mind and just won't leave! And, when I say ancient- I do mean ancient!!

Growing up Keyton was unique in that we listened to Victrola and Edison records and cylinders from the late 1800's to the mid 1900's that belonged to our great-grandparents. There were some really silly songs and then of course the classics and opera.

One of those silly songs that just got stuck today- was Alice.

Alice, where art thou going?
Upstairs to take a bath.
Alice with legs like toothpicks
And a neck like a giraffe.

Alice in the bathtub.
Alice pulled the plug.
Oh my goodness, oh my soul,
There goes Alice down the hole.

Naturally... I had to google it! Turns out... this may have been written about Pres. Teddy Roosevelt's daughter!
Written by: Gumble Heelan, 1906
MP3 sung by Billy Murray & the Columbia Quartet (while I did find other mp3's with credits to a Haydn quartet)

Strangely... the words I recall are to a playground ditty and not the actual words in the song!

oh brother where art though songs
download free music | download free mp3

Notice the strong resemblance of our dog, Wrigley, to Nipper (pictured above!)... maybe that's why we love him so much? Nah.... he's pretty wonderful all on his own!

Peach Season!

To get these... you have to go to the orchard!

Another day... another cat & some birds

These two designs are for some needlework that Mae has in mind... I just love the Adobe Illustrator program to draw them!

Name that Cat! CONTEST!

Okay, gulls & gals-

Name this cat!

I wanted to load it onto CafePress and see how it prints out- just needed a name! or clever saying.... "tish tosh" was just the first thing that came to mind and since I'm having a brain-drain this week, figured I could count on you guys!

Email me or leave as a comment.

Thanks!

Disclaimer: No cats were harmed in the production of this image. No humans either-- just in case you thought I'd ended up on the wrong end of some claws. Nor is this patterned from the attitude of any of my cats, if it's anyone's attitude I reckon it's closest to mine. Frazzled, frenzied and afraid of what's to come.

Berry delicious!

The other day- we were talking with Nancy and she challenged us to name 12 different types of berries.

I think it was 12- anyway it was hard for the four of us to actually name 12....

Today when I was perusing an 1916 children's book titled: "The Junior Instructor, Volume 2" (initially purchased to alter, but will have to just scan a lot of it as it's soooo cute!) I ran across the subject: "How to Give A Party" and there were suggested contests!!

So... here's a Berry Contest for you to figure out!! Answers below!

1. What berry is a favorite flavoring?
2. What berry is red when it's green?
3. What berry is much used for a fabric, much loved by ladies?
4. What berry was made famous by Mark Twain?
5. What berry is found on the grass?
6. What is the most irritating berry?
7. What berry is used in stables?
8. What is the berry always in evidence at a great winter festival?
9. What is the oldest of all berries?
10. What berry always comes with the king of birds?
11. What is the most melancholy berry?
12. What berry is an indentation on the coast?
13. What berry is often used in a favorite game?
14. What berry is a help in making things clean?
15. What berry is nearly always found with the arbutus?
16. What berry is a dunce?

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HERE BE SPOILERS!!

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1. Wintergreen berry (picture left).
2. Blackberry.
3. Mulberry
4. Huckleberry
5. Dewberry
6. Raspberry
7. Strawberry, haha- had to really concentrate on that one for a second!
8. Hollyberry
9. Elderberry, duh!
10. Cranberry- (No, I don't get it!)
11. Blueberry
12. Bayberry (groan)
13. Checkerberry (nope, never heard of it and it's apparently another name for the wintergreen or partridge or what I've heard them called- turkeyberrys. See the photo for number 1)
14. Soapberry (this was a new one to me! and they grow in TX??) That's the berry featured at the top of the page.
15. Squawberry. What's an arbutus anyway?? Oh. See link.
16. Gooseberry- you silly goose!!

Happy Birthday, Baby Boy!

Happy Birthday, dearest Son!

YOU made it a happy day! and my dreams come true! Our miracle!

May you have a very blessed and peaceful 22nd year!

Just another complaint...

Aggravation and more aggravations.

I'll be so glad when this year is over. At the end of the calendar year, I can give ATT/WildBlue the boot. And, I will most willingly do so. I'd rather live without any internet service than have to put up with this any longer. Which I may very well do. 

Today- I got this warning from them:

Service Notice: Hurricane Dolly may affect your WildBlue connection

Dear WildBlue Subscriber,

Hurricane Dolly is moving towards the South Texas coastline and may make landfall soon.

Your WildBlue connection communicates with the Internet through our gateway in Laredo, inland from Brownsville where the hurricane is expected to hit first. This means that your WildBlue service may be affected, even if your local weather is mild. Even if your home or business is many miles away from the storm, you may experience a loss of service if the hurricane hits the Laredo area.

Usually, your WildBlue service is only minimally affected by inclement weather. However, a hurricane is a severe weather condition, which may result in a total loss of connectivity. If Hurricane Dolly does make it to the Laredo area, during this time there is a significant chance you will be unable to use your WildBlue connection during the storm. Once the hurricane has passed or the severity has dropped, your connection should be restored unless your WildBlue equipment has been damaged in the storm.

We hope that you remain safe through this storm, and we appreciate your business.

Thank you,
WildBlue Communications

I guess they don't even realize that if a shadow of a cloud passes anywhere between Dallas and St Louis that our service lags. Grrr...... guess I'll have to wait for it all to blow right over. Yeah. Looking for me online? You won't find me-- I'm twiddling my thumbs and grumbling.

BTW.... Laredo is 700 miles away. You would THINK that we could get service a little closer.