Endings

Red Sky in the morning, sailor take warning.   This was our sky yesterday morning and the wind was cold in spite of our sixty degree weather.    No rain.   Strange weather this year but then there is a lot of strangeness going on  this year.    2013 has been a banner year for the political cartoonists and they have been right on the money.   The Obama hope and change promised when he first ran for office has hit the ground running as he did his best, and is still trying, to make the USA socialistic country designed after his beliefs.   

Holding a grudge wont change his mind but making up your mind to change the political arena for the future has to be first on your list of things to do this new year -2014- an even year with a few oddities in it.  Maybe odd enough to give us the courage to repeat the Prayer of Serenity . . . "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change.  Courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference."     

There was a special on last evening about these men who went off to war when they were very young men, they had the courage of their convictions and gave their all to fight Hitler, socialism, genocide and hatred.  They went off to foreign lands and beaches and jungles and never once asked for hand outs but gave their hands up to millions suffering under the threat of Communism and Genocide.   Those still around, hanging by a thread, remember every brother they left behind  on foreign soil.   The consensus of opinion is they feel very sorry for the men and women fighting in the political wars with their hands tied.      

So today be sure your thoughts go to those men and women over in Afghanistan doing their best to keep sanity in an insane world of hatred. 

The beginning of the new year and the ending of the first month of the new year and we will see what we used to call Harvest Moons.    If you are up around Lake Tahoe riding down the highway to Carson City, there is an area where the moon looks big enough to light the world.   It is an awesome sight and one I got to see many times.   

So I leave you with thoughts about what you can do to make your world a better place.    The old adage of  'you can't lick city hall' is not a truism but an excuse not to exert your God given right to the pursuit of life, love and happiness.   It all starts with each one of us . . . together we stand . . . together we win.    You do have to separate the good from the bad and know the difference.    

I'm smiling, my lecture for today. . . you didn't know when you started to read my blog some six years ago that you would be harassed on a daily basis with old adages and a few truisms to a lot of political cartoons and a lot of 'lectures' on how to stay that beautiful, wondrous person you are . . . just keep up the good works.    Believe in yourself and don't be stingy when it comes to handing out a few walk in hugs and a lot of smiles.  

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ONE AND ALL.  Thank You, one and all, for the pleasure of your company and all those verbal hugs.

Be good, be kind, be loving and watch your world go around and around.

May God keep you safe and well loved.   Hugs to all.

Teacher

A healthy well blooming holly bush.   I laugh every time I see one as one year, many years ago, I gave a lovely potted holly plant to a special lady and we all thought it to be the most beautiful plant we had ever seen with all its bright berries, only to find the berries were fake and wired on.   I often wondered if it ever sprouted berries on its own. 

How we love to see this little bird show up on our windowsill.   It is a bit early, January, February and March have to wend their ways to our windowsill before this guy shows his pretty face.    With our odd weather this winter, we may see him any day now.    It has been sixty degrees around here but we are waiting for the 'other shoe' to drop.    The whales are going by on schedule but the ocean white caps are hiding them from view. 

This was a great story.   This marine decided to become a teacher and was assigned the most unruly of all classes;  those wise acre preteens who think they know it all.   Just before school was to start he had an accident and wound up in a plaster cast on and around his chest.   He covered the cast with his shirt, put on a coat and walked to the desk.   He informed the class that he was a no nonsense teacher and proceeded to take out the staple and stapled his chest....there wasn't a sound in the room and he had a very peaceful year with students ready to learn. 

We haven't heard all the facts or anyone coming forward with good news about this one for all, all for one plan yet.   Some of the stories are scary as tales of woe are coming forward.   How much truth, how much fiction we have yet to find out.    We are all going to pay a price for our leaders signing a bill they couldn't or wouldn't take the time to read.    Keep this in mind when you next vote . . . maybe they will have time out to read and we will find some new leaders who are willing to do the job they are sent to do by the voters who care what they do. 

The old year about to end, and what a year it has been.   We are about to embark on a new year and it is off to a rocky start with the Obama Care, a misnomer for what could have been a crowning glory to his presidency but will go down in history as the silent bomb of the century.    Not so silent when folks learn more about a shill game.    Speaking of shill games....smile....I am about to end my blogging days.   It has been almost seven years of words and you have all been such fun to visit each morning.    You have put up with a lot and I thank you for that.   I have a novel to finish, in fact it was the very first attempt to write and it sits waiting for me to make something out of it.   I've learned a lot as the years have gone bye and time is going faster than I can keep up with it.    So I will love you as I look upon each of you with smiling eyes and know I send a big bear hug to each of you.    Enjoy your moments each and every day;  make them stand up and be accounted for.    Bring love and laughter into your lives and remember to always be kind, be good, be that person who everyone looks up to.    Love one another as it is what makes the world go around.    Tomorrow is the last day of 2013 so a good date to end a trail of words.  Hugs to all.  

Old Time Pictures

Jesse James at Sixteen 

Billy The Kid, only known photograph -1879 

Recovering bodies after the Titanic disaster 

Measuring the length of the bathing suits  1912  and the ladies could be fined  .I wonder if there is any fines for the current bikini styles of today.

Mother and Son watching the mushroom cloud of the Atomic Test, some seventy five miles away,  in Nevada, 1953 .

Illegal alcohol being poured out in Detroit ... Prohibition 

Great Depression Christmas dinner, turnips and cabbage. 

1963, Last prisoners leaving Alcatraz.. 

A bit of history.     Wonder if we are heading for another depression?    We keep hearing things are improving but it is hard to tell when there are so many places folding and our main streets are filled with empty store fronts.   I think I counted eleven here in Brookings yesterday.   There is one complex with two hotels, a huge restaurant and they held an auction and there was not one bid.  Our town is close to bankruptcy  along with others along the Oregon Coast.    History has a way of repeating itself  and we have much to learn from our past.  Give it some thought as you may have to come up with an idea or two to survive the Obama onslaught of making the poor poorer and the rich richer and his kingly crown worn in the style he has become accustomed to.     Maybe you will learn to like turnips and cabbage.   

 

Sunday morning and we are going to have sixty-five degrees today.   Sounds like a walk out day today.  Our last Sunday of 2013,  make it your day to rest, relax, and fill your seconds doing the things you love to do best.   Get ready to ring in the new year with a heart filled with hope for a better and kinder world for one and all.   Add a new person to your friendship list;  visit the sick, light a candle for a soul or two and while you are at it, invite a family member or two for  a pizza an a movie night or make some tacos and top it all off with a delectable desert.   Sounds good to me.    Don't forget two hug are better than one.    Hugs to all. 

Frost

Another beautiful picture of hoar frost ;  a winter cover of crystal beauty.  Sometimes winter weather brings out the best in us as we walk or drive carefully as the first snow falls and reminds us how beautiful winter can be.  A reminder to slow down, breathe deep and be happy to be alive. 

It has been a while since we have seen these two beautiful children.   Cesar and Alice, the great grandchildren of Pauline Shea , a Sullivan cousin who lives in Newport, R.I.    Time sure goes by fast when there are little ones around.   I think I had a picture of Cesar just after he was born.  They look so happy and healthy.   Thanks for sending the picture Pauline.

Be sure you stand up and salute our flag this morning and pledge allegiance  loud and clear.   We have no reason whatsoever to be afraid to stand up and be counted;  it is our nation, our flag, our way of life and if there are those who are not happy with our way of life, well there are other places they can go with our blessing. 

The political cartoonist have a way......they just don't miss a beat.

The weekend is here.  When we have a holiday mid week, it seems that there are two weekends in one, and it seems like December is lingering on and on.....well, there is another holiday in the works and one where you can dress up and dance the night away as you see the old year out and the new year in.   2014  !!!  As an octogenarian I have memories of the Big Band era and 'bring your own bottle' affairs . . . "Jeremiah Was a Bull Frog" got folks out there swinging and swaying ;  and Guy Lombardo and his band played a sweet goodnight to end our old year and see the new one in.    The feet say no, but the heart says yes . . . so, put on your dancing shoes and  make merry while you can.   Celebrate the new year and have hope that it will bring in a loud wake up call to put us all on the path to  a much brighter future.   I'm about to get political, so I best wish you all a healthy and happy weekend doing the things you love the most.  Don't forget the hugs and the smiles.    And think.....what it is you want out of life . . . you only get out of it what you put into it. . . so go put lots of loving in your life.     Hugs to all.

  


 

Birds of a Feather

Isn't it wonderful to find a tiny bird living in one of your bird houses.    A hole to peep through, feathers to keep her warm and a nest to nestle into . . . ah, life is good. 

A red robin in winter;  maybe spring isn't far behind, but don't count on it as we have the winter months to live through and I don't remember January, February and March being picnic weather. 

This one made me laugh.    We should never be sorry for being a 'me' . . . we are who we are and we never have to make excuses for being the wonderful persons we are . . . I like his attitude, don't you?   

One of the best Christmas gifts we receive are pictures and news of old friends.    Here is Jane Read visiting one of her favorite brothers.  I'd say they look happy to be sharing Christmas together, now she has to get busy and make her way this way before 2014 is history.

A picture of Deidre Moy who looks so lovely.  I haven't seen her in years.  It is nice to see her happy and smiling.    She is wearing the red dress right in front. 

Donaleo looks handsome and content.    He and granddaughter Erin are spending a few more days together before she flies off to Port Orchard, a visit with her aunt, and her flight out of Seattle to Guyana, South America.    Yes, we know just how he feels.   By the way, Donaleo, thanks for the tin of tea bags with a variety of tastes I have yet to try.    

So all the packages didn't arrive on time . . . for heaven sake the weather throughout the country, for the most part, was horrible and icy and snowy and windy and planes, trains and automobiles just couldn't keep up with it.   I feel sorry for the blast of fury the workers are getting;   calm down and put yourself in their shoes.   The end of your world didn't come because of a Christmas gift or a flower that didn't arrive;  admit it, you didn't even notice until some one put out a red flag and reminded you that you will
receive it today or tomorrow and it will still bring a smile to your face.

I had a surprise yesterday when a lovely lady came to my front door and handed me a package sent to her by a mutual friend who is in Ecuador.   Joyce sent us gifts from there and I am sporting a beautiful serape of bright red colors.    It is made of the softest materials;  probably a little lama type wool.   Thanks Joyce.   I have it draped over a couch in the living room, it is just to pretty to put in a closet until worn.

So as your New Year starts, think patience, understanding, and a bit of love for those who have the job of delivery everything from mail to packages.    Do your bit to spread the word that each of us does the best we can under trying circumstances.   Spread a little holiday cheer with a smile from your eyes and extend those arms and give a big walk in hug to those you meet and greet today.    Watch their eyes light up.   Hugs to all.

Over

The lights linger , the moon sets, the air is clear and Christmas is all over . . . it just got here after all that waiting and preparation  to disappear for another year. 

Santa did a great job and deserves to sit back and do nothing for a while.   That jolly elf worked hard to keep the merry in Christmas, and all those helpers, what would we do without them?    A toast to you Santa enjoy your 'down time;. 

This picture reminded me of Santa's beard.   

The day after Christmas and we head into the end of another year.   2014 coming up and we have much to look  forward to.    Let us hope and pray for a light at the end of the tunnel.   Christmas was a little lonely this year with my family weather bound, but they are all safe and sound and that is important to me.   I talked with them on the telephone and just the sound of their voices was a gift I cherish.   I have nothing to complain about as Jock came in and cooked some wild duck.  I've never eaten wild duck before but I can tell you I will add it to my list of delicious morsels to eat.   Dark, rich, tender, and Pat made her special recipe of escalloped potatoes and some of that brocolini.   The razzle dazzle mixed berry pie with vanilla ice cream wasn't at all hard to demolish and demolish it we did.    I took time to visit Peat and Darlene, favorite friends and neighbors, and brought over some wine cake.    

As for Santa, he outdid himself as usual.  I am sporting not one but three new tops from my daughter Patricia, all beautiful and different.   I have two new books to read and three new jig saw puzzles to do;  in fact one is on the table already and the frame started.    Andrea and Bob sent luscious dates that are so tasty.   I might take a few and make some date and nut bread which is one of my favorites.   I have a tin of different teas  at the ready once the breads are made.    I even received a check so can treat myself to ribs at O'Halloran's  and see the New Year in.  I might wear the new deep purple sweater daughter Christine bought for me.  I 'll  have to take a picture of the olive wood vase Jock gave me.  He has a friend who does beautiful work in wood.  He also gave me a calendar for the New Year and it has the most beautiful pictures of the Gold Beach area done by a very talented photographer.    I am blessed a thousand fold and am truly thankful to all of you who sent the lovely cards and verbal hugs.    So put on your dancing slippers and plan to see the New Year in.    Kick up your heels and share some hugs and kisses .   Hugs to all.

MERRY CHRISTMAS MORNING

GOOD MORNING.   IT IS CHRISTMAS MORNING.    FIVE A.M.  TIME TO GET UP AND OPEN THOSE GIFTS.  EXCITEMENT REIGNS.   ENJOY ONE ANOTHER AND MAKE THIS CHRISTMAS MORNING THE BEST EVER.'

LOOK AROUND AT THE HAPPY FACES AND SAY A PRAYER THAT YOU CAN SHARE TODAY.

FOR THOSE OF YOU ALONE, LOOK IN THE MIRROR AND SMILE FOR THAT PERSON YOU SEE IS VERY SPECIAL.

   GO TO THE TELEPHONE AND WISH SOMEONE YOU LOVE  A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND BE SURE TO TELL THEM HOW MUCH YOU LOVE THEM. 

AND DONT FORGET TO SING HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO JESUS FOR IF HE HAD NOT BEEN BORN WE WOULD HAVE NOTHING TO CELEBRATE TODAY.

BE GOOD, BE KIND, BE GENTLE, BE LOVING AND HAVE A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS DAY.   HUGS TO ALL.   

Christmas Eve

Angie said Emerald Bay was one of her most favorite spots . . . who could blame her . . .not me, I agree.  It really is so beautiful up there in the high Sierras.   This picture certainly captures the feeling of serenity. 

Everybody needs a helper.

Patterns in the snow. 

And here is the snow walker who loves to make the patterns in the snow.   A clever artist who just loves to make good use of God's pallet on a winter day. 

How sad.    Quantity and no quality.   Well we can't complain as we are the ones that do the shopping.  

Speaking of shopping I have  a little more to do today.    I am going to brave Fred Meyers store today and see what is left of the all weekly specials .   I hear that the Razzle Dazzle pie is on sale, one of my favorites, and the ice cream is on sale too.  The pop eye muscle wont let me bake this year, a first, hopefully not the last though.  A special ending to that wild duck dinner Jock is going to cook for Patricia and me tomorrow.    I am going to light a few candles today so know you are covered.   I want to be sure you are in the best of hands.

    It is Christmas Eve and there are so many folks that need a helping hand and a hug this year.  so do not be stingy. . . share prayers for the military folks over in a strange land far away from those they love;   the homeless who choose to live on the streets for whatever reasons, those that are suffering from the auto immune diseases with little hope for a cure.   So many more who have suffered due to the strange weather patterns this year. . . join hands, bend your head and your knees and count  your blessings big and small.   Don't tune out, tune up and join the carolers;   enjoy the lights;   be thankful for the gifts of life and love.   Have a Merry Christmas.   Hugs to all.

Delaware

A few snowy steps 

Baby it's cold outside

the birds will have to wait a while for a warm bath 

Dumb  dumb   um...wonder what is under my couch . .  yeah...go look! 

John and Jo went off to see the Christmas lights in their town.   Looks like someone loves Christmas and puts on a great light show. 

That is a lot of lights and well done.  It has to be the show piece of the neighborhood.  What a boon and what Christmas spirit.   Glad I don't have their light bill.

Two more days, two more days and it will be Christmas . . . bet the children think it is never going to get here.    Erin leaves for San Francisco  this morning, and a wedding shoot for Christmas.   Then off for a visit to  her aunt and her travel date out of Seattle.     We are hoping for one more visit before she goes off to Guyana.    I met some lovely folks yesterday at daughter Pat's home.  Friends and neighbors of Jock.  We not only had a crab feast but a conversation feast as well.   It was such fun to sit around and relax and enjoy each others company. Jocks  son brought him huge crabs and he didn't mind sharing them with us    They were huge and fat and full of luscious crab meat.  I even have some already shelled for today.    I just can't make up my mind if I am going to have a crab omelet or a sandwich later.  

Christmas means love and it floats in the air, so celebrate with  friends and strangers alike.    It is time to light a candle; time to visit family and friends. . . don't forget the cookies.    The empty chairs will be filled when the weather breaks and the family members plan a second Christmas celebration down the road.    We have thought to make May the official date so everyone can arrive on time.    So choose a date you like and know that eventually you will all be together and celebrate each other.    The attachments of the carolers on the computer are a true spirit of the heart.    You find your self with a tear of pride and a lot of humming going on as you watch the expressions of the crowds as they join in.    In spite of all the grousing, we love Christmas and all it means. . .love, hope and a brand new year coming to give us  a new start to be the best we can be.    Smile with your eyes as it shows you mean what you say and say what you mean.   Walk into a bear hug or two and give as good as you get.     It really is the best of the best when you think of a gift for someone.     Hugs to all.

Soltice

I know, I know, we would all like to have a warm holiday in an exotic place but it wouldn't be Christmas without the cold and snow and ice.   Here on the coast we may get a bit of rain.   "Oh the weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful" . . . with good company . . . who cares? 

Advice . . . not hard to take. 

A day late as December 21 is the shortest day of the year...Daughter Christine reminded me when she put this picture on facebook.   It has a nice feel to it.   A rising sun over Stonehenge;  wonder if we will ever know the what and why of the huge rocks encircled like a shrine.  I had a chance to visit and was amazed at the size and shapes.   

Ha, Ha, this could be the next step in communication.    On our recent trip back from my vacation trip; we were stopped by a police office as Pat was driving through a misty fog with sun filtering through and the road all but disappeared.   A strange phenomenon.  She was driving at 56 mph so was wondering why she was being pulled over.  It seems we went through a construction zone, not a person working, no sign or signal lit which we couldn't see anyway . . . but the ticket was written and  three hundred and twenty dollars seems like a cruel punishment under the circumstances.    Not fun . . . hopefully a trip to court may reduce the penalty..   So beware when you are out driving this time of year. 

 

There is an artist named Zheng Bhunhui who spotted this tree and being a wood carver of renown, he spent 8,760 hours  carving awesome detail into its trunk.

Imagine the work this entailed.  Imagine the imagination and the detail.    

A closer look at some of the villages he carved. 

People come from all over the world to see his work.    I would like to see it too.   I think the pictures may have been shown on my blog before, but a second look can't hurt.    It is so beautiful and such a wonder, I wouldn't mind checking it out in detail.

It is Sunday all day, and there are so many things to do.    My Popeye muscle is acting up as I pulled it not once, but twice within the last month.    I can't use the arm to mix anything and this is not the time of year to have a gimpy arm....so, next best thing was to enlist my neighbor who loves to cook and bake.  I had all the ingredients ready to make the Christmas wine cakes and she just happened to love wine cake and agreed to put them together and share . . . a good deal for both of us.     No cookies this year, but granddaughter Erin has been on a cookie baking spree and is going to share some.   She leaves us tomorrow and we are going to miss her;  what a bit hole she leaves.    Hopefully she will get one more visit in before her plane takes off the first of the new year.    She is such a joy.    Well if you have grand children I bet you are bragging about them...if not, why not?   I can't think of words strong and loving enough for this young lady;  a true blessing.   Make your Sunday a day of joy.  Find some wonderful people to share time with today and laugh, or cry, with them, and make the seconds resound with love and laughter.    Hugs to all.