Laura Ingalls Wilder... quote & more

"Memories! We go through life collecting them whether we will or not . . . Let us make them carefully of all good things, rejoicing in the wonderful truth that while we are laying up for ourselves the very sweetest and best of happy memories, we are at the same time giving them to others."


- Laura Ingalls Wilder -

I have long been a fan and admirer of Laura I. Wilder. I still reread at least one of her books every year. My favorite? Well- the first of course! And, the "Big Winter" which I can only read during the Summertime as it makes me so cold!

One of my fondest desires is to take a "pilgrimage" to Laura & Almonzo's home at Mansfield MO, Rocky Ridge Farm. I'm hoping that the sisters will join me. Too- my dear friends, Kim & Doralisa, are also die-hard Laura fans. Perhaps we will all get to gather there and enjoy the stories that transcend the geographic distances of where we all grew up, but that unite us in girlhood!

Here's another link:
http://www.lauraingallswilderhome.com/

This month is the 75th anniversary of the publcation of Laura's first book. ENJOY!

Rune-Sore-Bees

I've written many times about how I love a good "Spoonerism" or "Monde-green".

Well..... here's yet another! Enjoy!


Rune-Sore-Bees
===============

Language proficiency is part of the international contracting
scene. This exchange between an English-speaking traveler and a
member of the hotel staff in a Far East hotel was recorded in
the Far-East Economic Review.


Room Service:
Morny. Rune-sore-bees.

Hotel Guest:
Oh, sorry. I thought I dialed Room Service.

Room Service:
Rye, rune-sore-bees. Morny. Djewish to odor sunteen?

Hotel Guest:
Uh... yes. I'd like some bacon and eggs.

Room Service:
Ow July den?

Hotel Guest:
What?
Room Service:
Aches. Ow July den? Pry, boy, pooch...?

Hotel Guest:
Oh, the eggs! How do I like them? Sorry. Scrambled please.

Room Service:
Ow July dee baycome? Crease?

Hotel Guest:
Crisp will be fine.

Room Service:
Hokay. An Santos?

Hotel Guest:
What?

Room Service:
Santos. July Santos?

Hotel Guest:
Ugh. I don't know... I don't think so.

Room Service:
No. Judo one toes?

Hotel Guest:
Look, I feel really bad about this, but I don't know what "judo
one toes" means. I'm sorry.

Room Service:
Toes! Toes! Why djew Don Juan toes? Ow bow cenglish mopping we
bother?

Hotel Guest:
English muffin! I've got it! You were saying toast! Fine.
An English muffin will be fine.

Room Service:
We bother?

Hotel Guest:
No. Just put the bother on the side.

Room Service:
Wad?

Hotel Guest:
I'm sorry. I meant butter. Butter on the side.

Room Service:
Copy?

Hotel Guest:
I feel terrible about this but...

Room Service:
Copy. Copy, tea, mill...

Hotel Guest:
Coffee! Yes, coffee please. And that's all.

Room Service:
One Minnie. Ass rune torino fee, strangle aches, crease
baycome, tossy cenglish mopping we bother honey sigh, and copy.
Rye?

Hotel Guest:
Whatever you say.

Room Service:
Hokay. Tendjewberrymud.

The QUEEN! and other royalty.

For a long time, we have referred to my dear grandmother as "the Queen"!

She truly is a marvelous woman and has the dignity and grace that is the quintessential epitome of royalness.

Even though Mae's circumstances have changed so much of her world (i.e. the isolation that immediate hearing loss leaves one with); she has remained true to her character. She still tries to stay up to date with current events and when the conversation is one-on-one she offers insights and wisdom that are well-thought out. She keeps herself occupied and while she's frustrated with her lack of production- she doesn't dwell on it or make excuses.

The problems of adjusting our habits to accommodate her limitations have got to be frustrating to her. We so often forget to turn and speak to her directly- and oftentimes I realize it too late and the conversation has totally passed her by.

We had a guest yesterday that came to see all of us- but, particularly her. The seating arrangement in the living area has been carved out to accommodate her comfort- but, doesn't allow for the participants in a conversation to focus in her direction.. thus- the natural tendencies to focus lively dialogues in the direction of the ones participating in it leave her "out". I think we all realize it; but, remembering to turn aside and loudly emphasize a potent part of the conversation to her often disrupts the flow of speech and for this- I regret. There were several sweet little anecdotes that I'm sure she would enjoy and because she was actually physically there in the room (and we assumed that she heard them) when the guest left and one of us mentioned one of the stories- Mae was completely blank.

To her credit- she's not upset. But, it's so unfair.

Then... there's that other queen... Elizabeth.

Watched the newly released movie last night! What an eye-opener! I'd not read anything about the movie except that Helen MIrren had been awarded an Oscar for her portrayal. Didn't realize it was about "THAT WEEK" of Di's death. Lots of interesting perspective into the possible mindset of HRH.

Great movie. Great acting. GREAT scenery.

Also watched "The Last King of Scotland". The title alone intrigued me. Again, hadn't read anything more than Forrest Whitaker had won the Oscar. Very difficult to watch the graphic parts of this. Well made; but, I don't like watching psychos.

Think I'll have to watch something lighthearted and not near so thought provoking next! Hmmm.... "Night at the Museum"? That title appeals!

Random Rabbit Chasing

I need to exercise something awful! Both physically and mentally.

I'm healing (it seem so slowly!) but still have unexplained pain, fatigue and nausea. The nausea is the weirdest and most bothersome. The least bit of activity (especially the contortionist positions of putting on the compression stockings) seem to trigger it and some sort of dizziness. I don't know if it's from the gallbladder or the hyster- but, it sure puts a hiatus on participating in much "life".

The rib area pain still catches me off-guard; but, I'm more than accustomed to anticipating it and have an arm or pillow ready to press against it. I must look akin to Napoleon! Haha!

All this to say- I've got to do something to clear the cobwebs from the brain. I find that writing works! In reading over my journaling- it seems disjointed and jumps from topic to topic; but, that's the way I seem to be functioning these days. Thoughts are random and sometimes it takes great effort to "force" a complete thought without fluidly taking off in another direction. Now, why is this? My pain med is non-narcotic and I only take it late in the evening, I'll be glad when this hung-over feeling goes away.

One of the random thoughts that keeps repeating is Lady McBeth's quote: "Out, OUT, damned spot!" I was hopeful that I'd quit spotting within a few days of the surgery... alas- it can go on a few more weeks. Ugh. At least it's nothing like what it was even a month ago... imagine! I thought I was going to have to endure two immense menses a month for the rest of my life!

A pleasant diversion that one of the sisters left me is a whole bunch of slides that were discovered during the "great move". There are pics from Mae's trip to Mexico with cousins Sue & Ray; lots of Key--- family trips, Christmas holidays, birthdays and even some of my darling son that I'd never seen! Why the family always took slides rather than traditional pictures is beyond me-- but, at least we have technology to recover them... now... if I could only stay focused long enough to scan, edit and title them. By the time the scanner completes the task (and it's a newer scanner, but it still takes a couple of minutes) my brain has chased another rabbit and it may be a while before I complete the whole batch.

Have sat up too long for now. Must go recline. Thanks for the encouraging emails, friends! I leave you with a photo of me in a state of bliss! Dreaming of canoeing down the rapids! This is about as close as I dare get to them these days! Note the stylish cats-eye glasses! Doesn't my front yard look different!

Blasts from the Past...

This darling little image is from a music box that was a gift to our very dear Grandmother Nancy.

The tune it plays is Eidelveiss; a favorite that we sang together over and over.

But- the little girls were always representative of the three Key--- sisters. Though we were never that close in age- any time we found art that had three little girls featured- we always "claimed" it!

I'm happy to say that many years later- though we haven't always been geographically or emotionally close; when a crisis crops up... we are quick to make contact to reaasure one another and to reaffirm the appreciation and love we hold for each. This week- I have heard from both of them.... and I know that no matter how HARD and difficult our futures can be; we are in one another's corners.

So- I offer this comforting glimpse of beloved sisters. And, can only say that seeing both of them this past month (in real life) was not only physically healing but heart-warming as well.

Celebrate the shared moments and sisterizms.

Aloha, Don Ho....

Life is so coincidental and spontaneous. Earlier this weekend, Doralisa and I were talking about Hawaiian dialects spoken by her family who grew up on the Islands. My reference is of course, Don Ho- and I interjected that into our conversation.

I loved "Tiny Bubbles" growing up (among other songs) and remember fondly watching his specials growing up.

Tiny Bubbles

Tiny bubbles in the wine,
make me happy, make me feel fine,
tiny bubbles make me warm all over
with a feeling that I'm gonna love you 'til the end of time.

So here's to the golden moon,
and here's to the silver sea,
and mostly here's a toast to you and me

Tiny bubbles in the wine,
make me happy, make me feel fine,
tiny bubbles make me warm all over
with a feeling that I'm gonna love you 'til the end of time.

Tiny bubbles in the wine,
make me happy, make me feel fine,
tiny bubbles make me warm all over
with a feeling that I'm gonna love you 'til the end of time.

With a feeling that I'm gonna love you 'til the end of time.

Anyway- his death this weekend is poignant and coincidental to our conversation. Click on link above to read of him through yahoo.

Life's like that, I reckon. Anyway... aloha, Don.

ala Sallllllleeeee

Thanks to K.H for the avatar!

Real Answering Machine Messages

Some days... I just need something hysterical. Today must be one of those days. These are from mil, enjoy!

Real Answering Machine Messages
================================

WE ARE BORG. RESISTANCE IS FUTILE. YOU WILL BE ASSIMILATED.
But we're not home right now. So leave a message at the tone, and we'll assimilate you later.

Hello, this is KVKE, you're on the air. (or) Hello, you're caller number nine!

This is the Literacy Self Test Hotline. After the tone, leave your name and number, and recite a sentence using today's vocabulary word. Today's word is "supercilious."

Greetings, you have reached the Sixth Sense Detective Agency. We know who you are and what you want, so at the sound of the tone, please hang up.

I can't come to the phone now because I have amnesia and I feel stupid talking to people I don't remember. I'd appreciate it if you could help me out by leaving my name and telling me something about myself. Thanks.

Thank you for calling the CSU Automated Hearing Test Line. Prepare for Test 1. Is this tone louder in your left ear or right ear? ... BEEP

(Rod Serling imitation:) You're dazed, bewildered, trapped in a world without time, where sound collides with color and shadows explode. You see a signpost up ahead -- this is no ordinary telephone answering device... You have reached, "The Twilight Phone".

Thank you for calling 434-2322. If you wish to speak to Tim, push 1 on your touch tone phone now. If you wish to speak to Lynn, push 2 on your touch tone phone now. If you have a wrong number, push 3 on your touch tone phone now. All of this button pushing doesn't do anything, but it is a good way to work off anger, and it makes us feel like we have a big time phone system.

Lucifer speaking. Who in hell do you want?

This is a test. This is a test of the Answering Machine Broadcast System. This is only a test.

(Recorded directly from AT&T:) We're sorry, but the number you dialed is disconnected or no longer in service.

Hi, you've reached 340-2359. We're not peeb eht retfa egassem ruoy evael esaelp os ,won thgir emoh. gnillac rof uoy knahT.

The number you have reached, 226-0477, has been changed. The new number is 226-0477. Please make a note of it.

You have reached the CPX-2000 Voice Blackmail System. Your voice patterns are now being digitally encoded and stored for later use. Once this is done, our computers will be able to use the sound of YOUR voice for literally thousands of illegal and immoral purposes. There is no charge for this initial consultation. However our staff of professional extortionists will contact you in the near future to further explain the benefits of our service, and to arrange for your schedule of payment. Remember to speak clearly at the sound of the tone. Thank you.

(Klingon voice:) ANSWERING MACHINE. SPEAK.

You have reached the number you have dialed. Please leave a message after the beep.

Now I lay me down to sleep; Leave a message at the beep. If I die before I wake, Remember to erase the tape.

Hello, you've reached Jim and Sonya. We can't pick up the phone right now, because we're doing something we really enjoy. Sonya likes doing it up and down, and I like doing it left to right... real slowly. So leave a message, and when we're done brushing our teeth we'll get back to you.

A is for academics, B is for beer. One of those reasons is why we're not here. So leave a message.

Hi. This is John. If you are the phone company, I already sent the money. If you are my parents, please send money. If you are my financial aid institution, you didn't lend me enough money. If you are my friends, you owe me money. If you are a female, don't worry, I have plenty of money.

(Narrator's voice:) There Dale sits, reading a magazine. Suddenly the telephone rings! The bathroom explodes into a veritable maelstrom of toilet paper, with Dale in the middle of it, his arms windmilling at incredible speeds! Will he make it in time? Alas no, his valiant effort is in vain. The bell hath sounded. Thou must leave a message.

Hi. I'm probably home, I'm just avoiding someone I don't like. Leave me a message, and if I don't call back, it's you.

I'm sorry, the number you have reached is imaginary. Please rotate your phone 90 degrees and dial again.

Factor V Leiden and the consequences....

Just what is Factor V Leiden (or FVL) and why am I writting about it now?

Visit the link above for "what" it is (in layman's terms). The reason I'm focusing on that today is because it explains some of what is going on with me. Not that I'm anxious to add yet another disease or illness to my ever-growing list.. but, had the test been around years ago and had I been tested- I might not be in quite the predicament I find myself in today.

For instance... I probably wouldn't have tried to bear children. I would have definetly found a different gyn to treat more agressively the female organs rather than believing the old rule of thumb "if it ain't broke-don't fix it" cuz it WAS broke and should have been out of there a long time ago.

I would have been on coumadin therapy for life after the first round of clots and the bum leg might not be in such bad shape.

I would have been a lot more astute about recognizing gall-bladder attacks for what they were. Yes- these may be related. Sister- go and get yourself checked NOW. If you need your g/b out- we'll do it together! Surely, the surgeon could offer a two-for-one special?? LOL!

I would have given more consideration to chasing dreams earlier in life rather than waiting til a more opportune time. Now that I have the time- I don't have the phsyical stamina or "shape" to chase them. Oh, well.

At least now- TODAY, I know. Finally. Definitevely. Without a doubt. I'm a FVL carrier/patient and hope that there aren't any other mutations to follow... problems with that mean that they cascade and cause certain other complications to other body parts. Joy.

Questions? Comments? Prayers? All of the above.

lorum ipsum dolor (sit amet)

"Neque porro quisquam est qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit..."

I was told I REALLY needed to say SOME thing... there, I've now said some.

Ciao.

The Wit & Wisdom of Benjamin Franklin

"When you're an Anvil, hold your sill, when you're a Hammer, strike your fill."

"William because his wife was something ill, uncertain in her health, indifferent still, h trn'd her out of doors, without reply: I ask'd if he that act could justif. In sickness and in health, says he, I am bound to keep her, when she's worse or better found, I'll take her in again, and now ou'll see, she'll quickly either mend or end, says he."

"Many princes sin with David, but few repent with him."

"To be intimate with a foolish Friend, is like oing to Bed with a Razor."

"You may sometimes be much in the wrong, in owning your being in the right."

"He is a Governor that governs his Passions, and he a Servant that serves them."

"Prodigality of Time produces Poverty of Mind as well as of Estate."

Oh, JOY! Oh, RAPTURE!

It's not the Canon Digi-Rebel I'd dreamed of... nope. BUT-- I feel like a whole person again! It's really hard being an artist without a pallet. So! I finally broke down and though I just couldn't commit to the one I really wanted- I did commit to something! Yeah!

Took it straight out of the box and had it flashing within moments of the battery going in! Ahhhh... I felt instant relief. As if I'd been panting for liquid and had just been doused! Of course- hadn't any superb subjects to snap, so just got chur basic cat and dog being petted by the Mr! Made Mom cheeze it up with me for a self-portrait.. showed her how easy it was to use. I think she wants one, too-- hint, hint- Daddy! I figure you'll want one, too- as it's so much quicker than our old outdated digi cameras that are only three years old! Imagine! Such speed and quality-- and as Byron was commenting: he'd paid $400 something for a top of the line 1.5 megapixel five or six years ago and had a real "Christmas story" fiasco and the last one available kind of story to go along with the present!

Anywhoo-- I'm in business again. I was commenting to Mom that thankfully- the old camera had died almost within hours of my departure from visiting friend, Doralisa- that was back in September! I've been THAT long without a lens! OUCH!

I feel almost like a human again-- no.. better! Am singing today! And, yes- I did go out really early and snapped a few pics of the heavy frost and the sunlight pouring into our old oak tree that was shedding leaves like a shower. Kinda pretty-- the bright orange glow and the leaf show. I'll hook everything up and post it later-- I'm off to dash off after more scenery!

~S

Melodius Morning!

OHMIGOSH. I'm just sooo behind the times.

While viewing a friend's blog (DL has a great blog! http://cyranogal.blogspot.com/) I realized that the "quote of the day" changed all by it's little self! Now, I'm not a really dummy.. I just act like one (somedays!) and had realized what a RSS feed was- but, hadn't thunk to put a clever QUOTE one (or something much more interesting than the weather stats) to use on a blog! DUH! Anyway.. I had to go the quote site.. and instantly found a lovely quote!

Music is the soundtrack of your life.
~Dick Clark

LOVED it! So appropriate! Now.. why didn't I think of that??

I guess that thought explains why I love my iPod so much! cuz... I can orchastrate my whole day with it! Set the mood! For instance.. I drove to LR yesterday in the Firebird and went shopping. It was definitely a bluesy kinda day! All Stevie Ray Vaughan, Louis Prima, Storeyville, Steve Winwood and Steve Miller Band. Uh..never though of it-- but, I have a lot of St's and Steve's there!

On my kind of date with dh-- if I had the chance to make a play-list (not happening with that strong-will!) it would include Michael Buble, Rod Stewart's Standards remakes, Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett. Mmmm.. can't forget Harry Connick! Since I live in the real world-- and dh, has a very different set of taste- it would be a little Chicago, SRV, classic 70's rock selections and plenty of southern boogie.

Ahhh... the soundtrack of your life! That'd make a great title for a scrapbook page as well!

And since I posted this... another musical quote came my way... don't know whom to attribute it- but, it's good!

" Music is the only sensual pleasure without vice. "

Enjoy!

Brownie Points!

I received a clever e-card (a Nestlé chocolate one at that!) from my girlfriend, DL, this afternoon-- just had to join the website and they offer "brownie points" for submitting a baking memory... well.. that's not too hard!

This is what I immediately thought of--

One of my fondest childhood memories is learning to bake cookies under thetutelagee of my very dear great-aunt, Clarice, a spinster that we called Pargie... a toddler's version of "partner".

Pargie made the best cookies in the world- and when I married, the only thing I was any good at cooking was Toll-House cookies and a few other baked items. I didn't even know how to boil pasta for macaroni. My husband had to teach me that! I think he married me for my cookies!

I always think of my Pargie when I stir up a bowl; I live in the same house and bake in her old kitchen now and have taught my son nieces and nephews to appreciate a really good chocolate chip cookie! I know Pargie would be proud!

Go there.. join up.. spread some chocolate cheer and read the recipes... YUM!!

Down right dirty art....

... and NO! I'm not talking about porn!

Scott Wade is a graphic artist in Texas and has discovered a most unusal medium for his art. His car! after having driven it down his dusty road!

Gotta give the guy credit... he's a real down-to-earth kinda guy!

Link to his site (from my subject title above) to see lots more of his creations.

My favorites of course are the VanGoghs and the Vermeer... but, he has a lot of other masters and original art as well.

Enjoy!

Help me! Somebody help me!

Commercials. You either love 'em or you hate 'em.

I have a new one that I just laugh myself silly over (and have to imitate) every time I hear it! I even like it so much I learnt myself how to import it into a sound-mixer program and edit the darned thing down to just the funny part! How SICK is that?? LOL!

Oh! So you're wondering just WHICH TV advertisement I'm finding so amusing?? It's none other than the Geico commercial featuring Little Richard assisting (read that embellishing) an everyday consumer tell about her experience of having a traffic accident (on Thanksgiving Day, no less!) and the wonderful customer service she had from the insurance giant.

"WHOA! Look out! Look OUT! Help me! Somebody HELP ME! Mashed potatoes, gravy and cranberry sauce... wooooo-hooo--hoooo!"

What a HOOT!


As I was doing my search for the video- I discovered that Burt Bacherach had one, too... haven't seen that one yet (except on you-tube) and wasn't too impressed with that. The MB reviews I found on it weren't all that complimentary either. However... the Charro commercial was fairly well received, I like it, too- but, not on the scale that I like the Little Richard ditty. For the record.. the opinion seems split on the reviews about Lil' Richard, too-- but I like it! My Mama likes it! We get the giggles (pretty often) and when we REALLY get silly--- one or the other of us will spout off that phrase! It just seems the perfect exclamatory remark for so many situations!

Shopping on eBay and ya just sniped that lovely pewter plate you've been wanting? "Whoa! Mashed potatoes and gravy and cranberry sauce... wooooo-hooo-hoooo!"

Find a really great piece of kitchen equipment (like a food-scale! or something) on the Clearance aisle at Wal-Mart? "Whoa! Mashed potatoes and gravy and cranberry sauce... wooooo-hooo-hoooo!"

You trip over a new ancestor line that somebody just posted on Ancestory.com? "Whoa! Mashed potatoes and gravy and cranberry sauce... wooooo-hooo-hoooo!"

You can see just how useful this phrase can be? Oh my! I just get revved up typing it! I'm gonna have to go play my .aif file again! Good thing I've got it uploaded to iTunes... now I can intersperse it with my great rock-n-roll I've added this week!

"Whoa! Mashed potatoes and gravy and cranberry sauce... wooooo-hooo-hoooo!"

Enjoy your mashed potatoes! Oh.. and if you want my edited version.. just email me!

a Happy kind of Tired!

or... random thoughts from an exhausted scrap-mama that should be asleep right now!

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of joining several of the ARkansas Scrappers in Central Arkansas for a day trip of chit-chat, lunch and scrap-shopping! What FUN! And, now- I'm so keyed up I can't sleep! Being with friends is so invigorating! Putting my hands on new scrapbook papers has set the creative juices to flowing! Pictured above: Melissa (Mrs C), Ally & Rachel, Carol, Gladys, Sally, Wanda and Janet- thanks to Wanda for being our official photographer.

I've tossed and turned since around 2 o'clock with all kinds of ideas swirling! Ideas for themes for upcoming events: DAR (I'm the new Constitution Week co-ordinator); two State Swaps pages I've yet to finish; the Ferncliff retreat (can I even REMEMBER them now??); and of course- home decorating!

Oh, and before I forget it! I lost yet another 1.5 pounds this week-- and that was a surprise as I weighed-in at a totally different time of day (due to the parking nightmare thanks to Car Wars held at War Memorial Stadium). First of all- I've not been exercising much (cuz of the dratted leg/foot), and secondly because I ate prior to weigh; then there's always the fact that at different times of the day the body just fluctuates- so I was most pleasantly surprised to achieve this! The weight loss has slowed down in recent weeks; but, I'm still a LOSER and next will plan on breaking 75 pounds!! WHEW! What a relief!

Oh, and lunch was at one of the Hunan restaurants in NLR (and the little bit of veggies I snatched that weren't from the salad bar) were delicious! Mmmmhhhh! No fried foods- I just couldn't bring myself to do that yet. I've almost gotten this mind-set of an obsessed weight-conscious teenager.. I guess better late than never, right???

I had totally forgotten about FORTUNE COOKIES! Ahhh! Man- I miss junk carbs! Anyway-- friend, Gladys opened hers and decided I needed her fortune! Thanks, Gladys! It read: "You have a charming way with words and should write a book"! Well-- I love the word "charming" and I've read a few books.. does that apply?

Totally off the subject (but very near to my heart) is Sam and the other cats! Since Katrina has discovered "the great outdoors" and that she needn't be afraid of the DOOR to that wonderful world (or how to ask to get out and then back in again) she's gotten fiesty-er. She wallops poor old Samson when she comes back in- just pesters the bee-geebies outta him... poor Sam. But, he seems to have also accepted the newest outside-feline, "Tabby Tom", and when he comes in (which he LOVES to do!) he usually hunts up Sam and just hangs out with him! Odd cat-behavior for sure- but, I'm so glad that Sam seems to have "friends" in that weird cat kind of hierarchy.

Before I dozed off last night there was a special on TV about "Medical Mysteries" and one of the features was on these two young men that are both totally sightless but have developed "clicking" methods to allow them to triangulate (think sonar) sounds and judge what and where objects are. The really amazing thing was that they are so attuned to their surroundings that they could even determine the texture and type of building materials of new environments (such as a fence that was made of board fencing) rather than a brick structure from a distance of over six feet away. I mean to walk across a street and just by clicking the tongue and listening to the differences in how the sound returns and make path adjustments without falling down and tripping over obstacles is amazing! These two young men have never met, yet they both discovered the clicking methods on their own-- WOW!

I don't think Sam needs to "click".. but, he can sure identify a warm soft spot from a few yards away... he'd taken refuge earlier during the night (between me and Byron) when Katrina wanted to "rumble". He's followed me in here now and has claimed my lap and is purring almost loud enough that I need to turn up my iTunes.

Ah... this a happy kind of tired. Nat King Cole and Sam.

Is Life Nothing but a Numbers Game??

Somedays... perhaps!

Try this number on for size. One hundred eleven...

or- one hundred two *depending on the read-out you look at. Yup. You guessed correctly if you thought I was discussing the temperature! But, HERE? in ARKANSAS?? OUCH! That means with humidity factored in- it actually feels like 115 degrees out there!

*the higher figure was actually from the Weather Channel's site a few moments ago and the lower figure is because I could barely believe it and I ran to our handy-dandy outside thermometer that actually reads that figure and transmits it to me inside so I didn't have to go out the door again and actually feel it for myself! But- I have already today and I'm not going back out if I can help it! LOL!

If you guessed that I was meaning my weight-loss... well.. .that's another story.

Today's number from clinic is a ZERO.

No loss.. but, no gain either! This is the first time I've had a week with NO loss!

But, the encouraging number news is SIXTY-SIX. I'm still sixty-six pounds lighter than from where I started in January! So, all numbers aren't necessarily bad either in the great big scheme of things.

Here's another number for ya.... NINETY-SEVEN.

Yup! My grandmother, Mae, turns ninety-seven tomorrow! For someone that has seen an awful lot in her lifetime and relatively few personal illnesses- she's in remarkable shape! Except for today. She has a horrible sinus ailment that is causing fluid in her ears and she's having some vertigo. We had to cancel her "cousins" party in LR because of it- but, this afternoon she seems to be toughing it out (as is her typical character) and won't allow much help. We're all staying pretty close by in case she should get "tippy" and require anything.

Oh! Another number! TWENTY-FOUR!

That's the number of roses she received from a generous grand-daughter delivered by FedEx this morning from Hallmark Florists. And, MAN! They are GORGEOUS!

Another number coming up this week. TWENTY. Kid will turn two decades old on Monday.

That's all the numbers of interest I can think of right now.. must be the heat!

"A Real Woman Has..."

this list is from a recent book I read, "The Beach House" by Sally John, published by Harvest House Publishers.

The book follows four high-school chums as they reunite for their fortieth birthdays. They have all gone their different paths- and think that each are so different from where they had begun that they think that there is really no common denominator in their lives other than their past... it turns out that each has something in the way of life's wisdom to contribute to the other's circumstances as they are individually challenged in their current situation.

The list is from "Grandmere Babette" who tried to instill inspiration and encouragement in them as moldable young women.. they review the list as part of the storyline.

"A Real Woman Has..."

* A nest egg for personal use
* Something perfect to wear if the employer or date of her dreams wants to see her in an hour
* A youth she's content to leave behind
* A set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, a hammer, and a black lace bra
* A black dress and a white silk blouse
* One friend who always makes her laugh
* And one who lets her cry
* A good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in her family
* Eight matching plates, goblets, and a recipe for a meal that will make her guests feel honored

"A Real Woman Knows..."
* How to fall in love
* How to quit a job
* How to cconfront a friend without ruining the friendship
* When to try harder... and when to walk away
* How to have a good time at a party she'd never choose to attend
* That she can't change the length of her calves, the width of her hips, or the nature of her parents
* That her childhood may not have been perfect, but it's over
* How to live alone... even if she doesn't like it
* Whom she can trust, whom she can't, and why she shouldn't take it personally
* Where to go... be it to her best friend's kitchen or a charming inn... when her soul needs soothing
* What she can and can't accomplish in a day, a month, a year

Six; Twenty-six point one

I'm melting, I'm melting!!

haha... no! It's NOT that hot here, YET! Though it was 80-something yesterday!!

I kinda like the numbers this week... and before you go thinking I'm meaning Racing Numbers... not those either! Though it is Oaklawn season and as "on top of the world" as I'm feeling I'm sure I'd be able to pick some good numbers!

I mean.... numbers accomplished.

For me- it's numbers shed. Lost. Left behind. Six pounds this week; Twenty-six total for six weeks.

My most serious EVER endeavor to deal with some serious health issues began on January 16, 2006. With the UAMS very successful Behaviour Modification program addressing weight loss, I'm making some strides towards a healthier lifestyle. I actually made the decision some months ago- but, the program dictated a start date in January. So... on January 10th, I weighed in a whopping 296 pounds. UGH. I've really had a struggle even admitting to that number. So there's a milestone in and of itself... that I can actually type that number (and not delete it!)