Oh, GRACIOUS! What have I done NOW???

note: this is the first installment of a saga.

It all started innocently enough.

I needed a particular image for a little craft project and I needed it hand-drawn. I gave it my best shot- and wasn't pleased. My goodness! If I took a drawing class I might could get it at least to look half way like what it represented!

Hmmm..... maybe I should just sign up for a class?!

Uh-oh!

Somebody should have STOPPED ME!

I'm going to live to regret this! I just KNOW IT!

Since there is no local hobby store, I took myself up to the local University. To take the drawing class, I had to enroll for the course. To get enrolled, I had to be readmitted. To be readmitted meant they had to dig out my old transcript. OUCH! No- no one was injured in the registrar's office! And, the file wasn't 6-feet under like it should have been! But, it's UGLY!

Suffice it to say.... all this just to draw an ELK is over-board as usual!

I am now taking not one but TWO classes for the Summer II semester and neither are drawing! It's only offered in the Fall. Duh.

But, the classes I'm taking are fun! Well, sort-of. They might be.

WHAT??? Why AM I doing this? Oh- yeah. I remember now. The elk.

I thought to self- "Self, might be a good idea to see if you can even endure sitting through class period FIRST!".... that's when I signed up for an advanced English course on American women authors. Turns out- that's only an option for grad- students AND as it's a TBA topic during the summer and the instructor decided on African-American lit instead. UGH. Well... not exactly what I had in mind.

Back to the "drawing board" (pun intended!). Okay... I'll take one of those Mickey Mouse courses (required) and therefore mundane in my thinking. Why, OH WHY do I keep doing that??? THINKING??? You can bet trouble is looming. After reviewing the schedule- I opted for Oral Communications (3 hours) and Life Fitness Concepts (1 hour credit) thinking "this'll be a piece of cake".

OH MY LORD! I think I'm going to be sick! 'er... no... I AM SICK! Sure enough. I got so intimidated after the first class and listening to all his expectations of what all we'd have to cram into four weeks, preparing and giving speechs and taking tests that I had to excuse myself. I had fully expected (and given him notice) that my leg would dictate just how long I could sit still and might have to be allowed to "walk it off"- who knew this other (IBS) would flare?

Classic.

The original project was insignificant.... the preparation time with hurdles to conquer before even beginning to see the results will take weeks if I can endure. I'm turning into my mother AND I'm going to have to take medicine just to get through it!

I only hope it's worth it! After the fourth day- I'm finally getting "in the groove" of being a student. Even took my first exam yesterday!

This could be fun... even if I'm little scared.

Fireworks.... ala Kim & Sally!

The colors of freedom!

Red, white & blue ('er... green if you believe the photo here, haha!)!

Hope you had a lovely 4th of July!

The photo is from the fireworks display over Lake DeGray. Enjoy!

Itching & bitching!

OUCH!!

I got stung (or is it bit?) by a few dozen fire-ants yesterday. Immediately I put bleach on it- stopped the pain right away. But, today- they are all whelped up and MAN! do they ever burn and itch! Adding insult to injury- the majority of them are on my legs and wearing compression stockings over them is atrocious!

So... I'm NOT a HAPPY camper!

I was intrigued to discover the chemical composition of ant venom! Makes me wonder.. do those little guys have to pass chemistry in order to exercise their stingers? NO! So... since I didn't TAKE chemistry... and I certainly don't understand the "Asymmetric Induction via an Intramolecular Haloetherification Reaction of Chiral Ene Acetals" should I have to suffer?? HA!

Home remedies? Please send ASAP!

Happy Flag Day, G-mom's B-day and Valley Forge

It's Flag Day! Our nation has had this special symbol for almost the entirety of our nation's existence! THANKS, BETSY!

And... it's always easy to remember Grandmother Nancy's natal day because it's the same date! I wish she were here to celebrate it... we did certainly miss her and all of us shared special memories of her over supper.

Earlier in the day, Robin and I drove the eight DAR delegates to Hope for the Caddo district Flag Day meeting. While it was a lovely meeting, full of interesting historical presentations- it was the climate that got the most comment. It was FREEZING in the conference room at the Country Club. Even the women with hot-flashes were cold! A few smart little ladies keep afghans in their vehicles (obviously their husbands keep the thermostats on "snowflake") and they actually retreived those and we all wished we could huddle with them!

The photo is from when we got home. Mae of course hadn't gone with us- and the ribbons that we are proudly sporting weren't delivered until after we'd left (so disappointing!)! But we wanted a picture of three generations of "Daughters" and while it's against protocol- we pinned on the emblems and Dad snapped the shot. The ribbon I'm wearing is actually Mae's- she's never had one until today; but, she wants to share it with me- yeah! Mom's had hers (with Alexander Turrentine as the patriot) for a while. Robin's has the newly proven Ellis Cannon as the designated patriot on hers. While mine and Mae's also has Alexander for the ancestor bar- she is the first in our family to be eligible for the second bar as she's the only one with a supplemental line officially recognized. More explanation on that at another time!

Suffice it to say- some of the women that were in attendance at the conference had upto twenty ancestor bars. GOSH! That's a l-o-t of research!

At any rate-- celebrate being an American! And, fly your flag proudly!

Mack's Swell Car Was a Maxwell!

Country roads... take me home!

I've been going down memory lane a lot lately... seems only fitting that it should be in a vehicle of the appropriate age!

So... in honor of Grand-daddy- here is a 1910 Maxwell. This image is actually from a Revel model kit; but, will suffice until the actual 1908 model is restored and ready for pictures! I'm putting together quite a collection of photographs and articles dedicated to the project.

A few interesting tidbits about the Maxwell Motor Company.

It was started by Jonathon Dixon Maxwell. Would love to know the genealogy behind his middle name! Maybe I'll chase that rabbit later.

Maxwell automobiles were considered to be among the best racing machines of the era. In 1916, a Maxwell touring car set a coast-to-coast record, speeding from New Jersey to California in just ten days and sixteen hours!

One of the most famous non-owners was Jack Benny! While he and his sidekick, Rochester, routinely made reference to his old Maxwell; and it was often-time heard- it was actually Mel Blanc (the legendary voice of Bugs Bunny, etc) that made the engine sounds! In the comedy gag- tightfisted Benny would never "upgrade" his old jalopy and at one time during the War effort he contributed it to the scapmetal drive, thus creating a whole 'nother bogus myth. Many pilots would claim that their aircraft was sputtering or worse and blame it on Benny's Maxwell having been part of the recycled material in their craft until finally it had to be revealed on the show that it had never actually existed.

There was a popular song around the 1910's titled "Mack's Swell Car Was a Maxwell". I wish I had a copy of that sheet-music! Bet it's a delight! Or even better an Edison copy. haha.

One of the advertisements for it claims "only costs 29 cents a day to run this Maxwell 100 miles a week" WOW! Sure wish it were true today! I'm sure it's gonnaa cost a whole lot more than gasoline just to get it up and running!

But, for a labor of love- it'll be worth it. I just wish Grand-daddy were here to enjoy it.

Seventy three years ago...

My grandparents were married!

Mae's recollections of "the day" were that she wore a pale pink dress that she had embroidered large flowers on the netting. Pa was almost late to the ceremony because he had sent his suit to the cleaners and the lady that ran the boarding house had to track down the owner of the shop as they had closed early that day. They were married in the Methodist Church in Hope and drove that evening to Dallas in Pa's old model A. They were on their way to Austin TX to grad-school for the Summer... little did they know; but, my Mama would be born exactly 9.5 months later!

Mae and Pa (pictured here) on a much later vacation to one of their favorite Western destinations! Yellowstone and the Tetons.

Happiness! to June couples everywhere!

Moonriver

Yes! I've fallen in love with this tune AGAIN!
For the umpteenth time! I just can't seem to help myself!

I'm beginning to wonder if I'm being controlled by some weird moon-beam or somethang considering how I seem to keep having lunar thoughts! Oh! Duh! I get it... Sheer LUNACY!

Back to the topic: Mnozil Brass is an Austrian group. Phenomenal! I just wish they had more on iTunes!

Click here to go to the utube performance!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JkiZlL0YI0s&mode=related&search

And, for a truly FABULOUS cover of Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody:
I just wish I knew the language to get all the jokes at the end!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBLm747tyn0&mode=related&search=

Perhaps it's the GROUP, though! They are just so uber-excellent! Oh!! And... in case you're wondering? Those are European instruments they are playing! A tad different than what we're accustomed! But, they sure do sound good!

Without further ado... to their site!
http://www.mnozilbrass.at/home.html?&L=1

All Propped Up and Nowhere to Go....

Tis the season after all! June.
The month for brides, beautiful landscapes and flowers!

And, if ya over-do it on either event- you're gonna pay the price. My expense in this? Three days minimum on the sofa. While my muscles and adrenaline are still at a high-peak - it's hard to make the brain slow down! I've just got so many ideas swirling around- why is it that levels of creativity and inspirations avalanche when the rest of the body can't participate? Thankfully- the lap-top has begun to work again and I can finally surf in some comfort! Can't edit photos from here- but, I can write. I'd much rather be playing artist with paint and ink, though!!

The reason for confinement this time? Though my yard desperately needs some hedge-trimming and I'd sworn that it was to be the next "big" project- a friend and a wedding took "the cake"- haha. I just hope the city doesn't decide to fine me for the overgrown privet.

This past weekend was the wedding of a young man (a class-mate of DS's). They are just 20 years old and beginning a new relationship- so young! I couldn't help but look at them and realize that we were at that same age when we were married. Just children! I just can't imagine our parents allowing us to do such a thing while still wet-behind-the-ears! Except of course, that it IS the idealism of youth and the natural progression of growing up (especially if you are Southern) and of a Judeo-Christiam background!

The groom is a personable young-man who has already experienced a lot of growing up during his few years. His parents divorced while he was very young and his mother died in a car accident before he was a teen. Since that time, he has lived here in AR with his grandparents. His bride is a lovely young-woman from a nearby town whom he met at a band contest four years ago and since then, he's only had eyes for her.

They are both very laid-back college students (think budget conscious)- their choices were very simple and they wanted to host the entire event themselves. Being that the best-man's mother, Kim, has been a mother-figure to the groom all these years; she chose to provide the reception food as her gift to the couple. She's very VERY good at hosting these types of events and her husband makes the most delicious of cakes! My part in all this? She's my dearest friend and I'm second best at reading her mind and able to do general flunkie work for the right price (free!). Besides- I have a soft spot for young couples!

Kim has spent hours mapping out, preparing lists and researching the most cost effective (and tasteful) recipes. I love being a guinna pig!! When it came time to set it all up- I figured it would take an hour or two to dress the tables (banquet and seating) and since so much of the food was pre-prepped; I just knew it was gonna be a "piece of cake"! I'm so glad I'm not the one who drew up the master-plan! I would have passed out if I'd actually known the estimated time of each activity required to prepare for an hour long reception! She truly could be an event-coordinator for any major entertainment venue!

We started Friday morning. The wedding was at 3 pm on Saturday afternoon. By 6 o'clock Saturday evening, I was TOAST! She tried to give me all the sit-down jobs there were, but I finally cried "uncle" and went directly to my grandmother.

I didn't see much of Mae (or my dog- thanks to some wonderful dog-sitters!) all weekend; but when it was finished... I had to go and thank her again for such a wonderful banquet she and her sister, Clarice, had made for us on our wedding day (almost 25 years ago). I remember knowing at the time that she'd stayed up all night the night before my wedding (it's a tradition in our family that the wedding dress is still being sewed upon until the very last minute!) but, I recalled too- of their tale about going to the grocery store at 3 AM for more chickens for chkn-salad cuz they were just sure they didn't have enough! Amazing to me that we even had markets that were open 24-hours back then or that she had the stamina and energy at that age! I most assuredly come from strong-stock!

Clarice or "Pargie" as our maiden-aunt was known to us- was very sick at this time with pancreatic cancer; she died just a few months later. One of the recollections of that particularly weekend was that she laughed aloud (like we'd not heard her do in months during the treatments) when my mil's friend, Johnnie, joined them in the kitchen while putting out the buffet. I get all weepy when I think of my Pargie- how she was suffering, how much she loved me and my groom (she thought he hung the moon!) and how she was a romantic at heart and wanted nothing but happiness for young-lovers. I'm a lot like her in all those respects!

My! How time flies and how life goes in circles.

To young-newlyweds and to the young-at-heart... may you have a lifetime of happiness.

And as so happens in life- along with the joy comes the saddness. Kim received a phone-call from one of her staff that one of the physical-therapists had been found dead (possibly from natural causes). The woman was our age and has two daughters (one a senior in high school and one a college student) that she has raised as a single-mother and loved gardening. She was well-liked by all her co-workers (this is the fourth recent death in the extended family of the department); her family and the staff need lots of prayers and uplifting.

Once in a Blue Moon

Tonight's moon is BLUE! and just WHAT does that mean??

Interestingly enough-- there is a mathematical equation for it!

once in a blue moon = 1.16699016 × 10-8 hertz

Go figure!

Another explanation is found here:

http://www.obliquity.com/astro/bluemoon.html

and.... http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2007/30may_bluemoon.htm?list61925

This photo is a false-color composite image of the Moon from 425,000 km



The image was created using 3 exposures through different filters. The exaggerated color helps determine surface composition (blue is titanium-rich, orange lower titanium, purple pyroclastic, red iron and titanium poor). Mare Tranquillitatis is the blue area at right, Oceanus Procellarum is the blue and orange area on the left, the 85 km diameter Tycho crater is at bottom center, and Copernicus crater is just above and left of the center of the image. The moon is 3,476 km in diameter and north is up. (Galileo, P-41491)

While the image isn't blue... it does offer a totally different view of our lunar companion.

While out walking the dog tonight- the moon was just rising through the last of the clouds from our recent rains. It was such a spectacular sight and I wished I could have photographed it myself! Since that wasn't happeneing- I decided to blog it instead! And, of course I have to research anything and everything first... so....

go ahead and google "blue moon" and discover as I did that the phrase "once in a blue moon" has several definitions; but, suffice it to mean "not very often". The most interesting thing I discovered was that it is possilbe for a year to have two blue moons! Not often- but, about every 19 years or so!

http://www.infoplease.com/spot/bluemoon1.html

After all these thoughts on the moon- "the man in the moon" naturally followed and natch I had to google that, too!
While I'll not bore you with the details of that search-- I will encourage you to find a copy of Reese Witherspoon's first movie "Man in the Moon"- a really Southern coming-of-age story that takes you back to an innocent era. It's one of those that I watch about once a month... it never occured to me that it might (or might not be) lunar tidal related!



Disclaimer: the spell-checker feature isn't working and I won't be held accountable for the typos! I can spell and if allowed to make all corrections orally, I'm sure I could compete in the Nat'l Spelling Bee... but, that's a whole 'nother blog!

In the beginning....

or how it all began!

Five years ago this month-- my dear friend, KH, begged (cajoled) and twisted my arm into attending a National Scrapbook Day event with her. "Bring a few pictures" she said. Now, by this time- I had been already resigned my graphic-arts job designing ads for the paper and freelancing for the Lady Tigers and knew that I much preffered web and digital lay-out to the paper format.

BOY! Did I ever have any idea where this would lead? NOPE!

The AR-scrappers challenge for this year's National Scrapbook Day was to revisit your first lay-out against your current work and see the changes! Oh, boy! I kept meaning to post it- duh. Anyway... without further ado....



Golly! That first lay-out could sure use some paint, ink and stamps- haha! S'cuse the quality of the image- I cheaped out and just took a photo rather than actually scanning the stuff. YU? I really did enjoy getting my very own trip down memory lane though! And, of course- "baby boy" is soooooo cute in those pics! Sheesh!

Too Punny!

Sorry-- I just couldn't resist these! I would have made them into signature lines... but, who has the time?

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

* I wondered why the baseball was getting bigger. Then it hit me.

* Police were called to a daycare where a three-year-old was resisting a rest.

* Did you hear about the guy whose whole left side was cut off? He's all right now.

* The roundest knight at King Arthur's round table was Sir Cumference.

* To write with a broken pencil is pointless.

* When fish are in schools they sometimes take debate.

* A thief who stole a calendar got twelve months.

* A thief fell and broke his leg in wet cement. He became a hardened criminal.

* Thieves who steal corn from a garden could be charged with stalking.

* We'll never run out of math teachers because they always multiply.

* When the smog lifts in Los Angeles, U C L A.

* The math professor went crazy with the blackboard. He did a number on it.

* The professor discovered that her theory of earthquakes was on shaky ground.

* The dead batteries were given out free of charge.

* If you take a laptop computer for a run you could jog your memory.

* A dentist and a manicurist fought tooth and nail.

* A bicycle can't stand alone; it is two tired.

* The optometrist fell into his lens grinder and made a spectacle of himself. [That's a story that lens itself.]

* Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana.

* A backward poet writes inverse.

* In a democracy it's your vote that counts; in feudalism, it's your Count that votes.

* A chicken crossing the road: poultry in motion.

* With her marriage she got a new name and a dress.

* Show me a piano falling down a mine shaft and I'll show you A - flat miner.

* When a clock is hungry it goes back four seconds.

* The guy who fell onto an upholstery machine was fully recovered.

* A grenade fell onto a kitchen floor in France, resulted in Linoleum Blownapart.

* You are stuck with your debt if you can't budge it.

* He broke into song because he couldn't find the key.

* A boiled egg is hard to beat.

* He had a photographic memory which was never developed.

* His parents thought he was a budding genius, but he turned out to be a blooming idiot.

* A plateau is a high form of flattery.

* Those who get too big for their britches will be exposed in the end.

* When you've seen one shopping center you've seen a mall.

* When she saw her first strands of gray hair, she thought she'd dye.

* Bakers trade bread recipes on a knead to know basis.

* Santa's helpers are subordinate clauses.

* Acupuncture: a jab well done

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
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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.