and aphorisms

the face says it all. . . Jock should see this as he has skunk visitors in his yard that love to spray his dogs. 

Gold Star Mothers . . . A heart wrenching cry for those who have lost a child in war. 

The ladies don't mind walking behind their man  as someone has to check out the bomb run.


Andrea and Bob sent Aphorisms .  According to the dictionary a aphorism is a 'tersely phrased statement of a truth or opinion'  . .
"It's not whether you win or lose, but how you place the blame."

"We have enough 'youth'.  How about a fountain of 'smart'?

"A fool and his money can throw one heck of a party."

"If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is not for you."

"We are born naked, wet and hungry.  Then things get worse."

"Artificial intelligence is no match for stupidity."

"You know why a banana is like a politician?"   "He comes in and first he is green, then he turns yellow," 

"I think Congressmen should wear uniforms, you know, like NASCAR drivers, so we could identify their corporate sponsors."

"The reason Politicians try so hard to get re-elected is that they would 'hate' to have to make a living under the laws they've passed."

A rainy, stormy, windy Monday to enjoy.   We have a new mystery puzzle on the table and my new "Decades" is on the table for a fast read;   plenty of nibbles to partake in and a trip out in the rain drops to watch the storm waves roar . . . a good Monday;  hope you are going to have one too.   Get up, get going and enjoy the day.   Put a smile in your eyes, let it shine through as you meet and greet today.     A latte or a smoothie, a breakfast bar or ham and eggs, enjoy and make it your best day yet.  Improve each one, it can only make you feel good.  Hugs to all.

New

Out with the old and in with the new....our latest fighter jet, a real beauty.

This is what happens when we jettison a fuel tank . . . clever folks, nothing goes to waste.

Halloween is coming.    Cute!

Here it is Sunday...all day, I thought yesterday was Sunday for some reason and had my garbage cans put out for pickup;  well they are still there waiting by the curb.    Some days are like that, feel like a  Sunday, most likely because the rains came in and the storm that was to be here last week came in today.   My company has arrived and what fun.   They brought me a basket filled with goodies, wine . . of course, fresh fruits, cookies, a new Halloween kitchen towel, crackers and dip . . . yep, we opened them up and ate them all and had a welcome party.    Along with the goodies we had a gab feast and it was fun to listen to the grandmothers talk about their children and grandchildren while Helen and I sat backed and laughed as we had already been there and done all that stuff and nonsense.    Erin and Donaleo joined in the fray and promised to come back this morning and Erin is going to make some of her special pancakes.  Judy had once taken off and traveled Europe when she was a teenager and it was fun to listen to the differences in her travels in the sixties as opposed to Donaleo and Erin's recent travels.    It made us all want to pack a bag and take off for parts unknown.   

Time flies when you are having fun. . . an old adage that is so truthful.     We plan a ride out in the rain today, no beach walking, but nothing says we can't sit in the car and watch the waves roll in.    Hungry Clam here we come, fish and chips today.    I think that is what the girls came for...smile.     I hope your Sunday is special, just like you.     Call up a family member or a friend and make plans to go out to lunch today, dance in the rain if you have some pelting down on you where you are;   if not, go out and dance in the sunshine and share a smile and a hug, you have no reason not to . . . Hugs to all. 

This and That

Lest WE Forget!    A short prayer never hurt anyone. 

Now if we all put this advice to work for us, just think of the truly happy person we would and could be. 

A little humor goes a long way in making our day better.

A beautiful scene makes our whole being come alive.

It is Saturday, all day, that weekend we work so hard to get to.   My company is on the road and will be here later this afternoon, and the fun begins.    I am hoping the predicted storms are slow moving and take their time to get here.     The ladies love to walk the beaches and look for agates. 

My new novel is out.    Kindle or Amazon, take a peek.    I got my copy yesterday and sat and reread my story, a sort of edit after the fact when it is much too late to make changes.   
"Decades" is a tale of a senior lady who has to come to changes in her life, a bit of life story and a bit of love story.   Daughter Christine who made it possible for my last two books to get 'out there' said she found it very interesting but sad as my characters die.    Well, when you write about octogenarians the expectation is that the walk to the garden gate is a given;   their journey of a lifetime of living.    A reminder not to waste your seconds which fly by faster than you think. Read it and let me know how you like it . . . or not.

I'm off to have my coffee, wake up and go shopping for some extra special treats for my company.    A little cheese and crackers, some Merlot, the makings of a light repast and a desert or two.    Yep, off to have a great weekend and have hopes you will do the same.   Get up, get out, plot and plan and share your seconds with those you love.     And, remember smile and' the world smiles with you and cry and you cry alone';  so don't waste your tears, find reasons to be silly, a bit crazy as you listen the beat of the music and dance, dance, dance your way to a end of September weekend . . . October coming up, and I'm humming . . 'there'll be a change in the weather' . . . and there will be so get busy and get ready for the start of the holiday season. Don't forget hugs are life giving.    Hugs to all.

Sayings

A huge earthquake in Pakistan and a new island was born.   Take a good look at what the hard work of an earthquake's hot cinder bed created as the experts do not expect it to last very long.

Everyone has an opinion, good, bad and indifferent. I just read an excerpt on the computer stating Russia has decided to send troops if the Syrian dictator does not follow through on his promise to give up his chemical weapons.

Amen to that.    

It is Friday, got here fast this week.   You can't have family company and not have the time fly by.  Mike leaves this morning and he will be missed.   He did very well after his fourteen wasp bites.  His arm is not as fire red as it was although it isn't healed yet.    He has a long drive ahead but he can take his time and enjoy the ride and the stops along the way.  He is heading for rain I hear as the three ladies are going to leave up there in Nevada and head here for a few days vacation time.   They will arrive tomorrow afternoon as they take a half way stop along the way. 

Our turkey dinner was okay but.   The turkey breast was a bit on the tough side, probably an old bird.  It tasted okay so I can't really complain but it wasn't like the big butterball we usually cook up for a holiday dinner.  It was Erin's Thanksgiving dinner in case she isn't around this year.    The sides were great and the left overs few so I guess everyone did enjoy the early holiday fare.

I hope you are planning a lazy weekend and get all those garden chores done.  It is time to 'button up' for the winter months ahead.  Fall cleaning inside, yeah, lots to do, so put a smile on your face as you get natural exercise making your 'diggins' bright and shiny inside and out.   Halloween coming soon so stock up on some candy for the kids, and you . . . you know you will buy your favorite as well as the big bag of mixed candies to pass out.  Frozen Milky Ways aren't hard to take as they melt in your mouth.   Go shop, and enjoy the weekend.  Hugs to all.

Bonnet

Now isn't that the truth.    Peat and Darlene, good friends and neighbors, both in wheel chairs see themselves as fit as fiddles and have the wherewithal to prove it.   How much we admire them and how much we enjoyed their company when we went for a fish taco lunch yesterday.   Donaelo isn't up on Mexican food and found he really likes fish tacos.   He also found he liked enchiladas as he tasted a bit of every one's specialty.    He and Erin were telling us of some of the dishes they tasted in the far off places they spent some time , names we never heard of and ingredients we are not familiar with.   He made us a soup with beans and rice topped of with avocado and it was delicious.    Sharing food and conversation is one of the real fun things in life.  Try it, you will find something to smile about.

Marcia loves to tease herself with good recipes and doesn't mind sharing.  These are muffins that would taste good any time.   Preheat the oven at 350 degrees'  get out your  muffin tin and put in some of those little papers .
2 cups of flour; 1 teaspoon of baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon of salt; 1/2 cup of applesauce/ 3/4 cup of honey; 2 eggs beaten; 3 mashed ripe bananas.
Combine flour, baking powder and salt.   Mix applesauce and honey , then add eggs and bananas.  Stir into flour mix , put into muffin tin and bake for sixty minutes or until you test and it is clear. They sound delicious and healthy.

That Jennifer is a doll.   Such a sense of humor and loves to act.  She should have been an actress.   She makes life a true joy and it is always fun to spend time with her.   The hat reminded me of Easter Parades many years ago when hats were in style.  The bigger the hat, the more flowers and decorations made you the queen of the Easter Parade.    Way to go Jennifer . . . Happy Times to you too.

The week is flying by.    The good news is that Erin is on hold for the Kenya trip.   The Peace Corps folks are waiting for news from Kenya about new people coming into the country right now.   We are hoping Erin gets reassigned to another post.    She and her group are waiting for a November start.  Hopefully it wont be so far away and she can still follow her dream and help those who are deaf to the words and music we take for granted.   

Today stop and listen to sounds.   Put on some music .   Take time to talk to a family member or a friend who needs to hear kind words.     Don't forget a word or two for your animals who give you such undivided attention;  pure love.     Have a 'good to yourself' day and sparkle.  Hugs to all.

Indeed

So simple, so easy, hope there isn't a catch to this as I am going to try it on a couple of table legs that could use some spit and polish.  All it takes is 3/4 cup of canola oil and 1/4 cup of vinegar, mix, put in a jar and wipe away and the wood soaks it up...wow....

This picture caught my eye and I thought ah, beginning and end.  The old make way for the new.  A beautiful picture that makes you sad and happy at the same time.   Continuity of Life!

I like the expression on the cat's face.   Here kitty . . . here kitty . . .  

Some folks always know the answers to posers like this.   Clever and the council couldn't do or say much about it.   A thinking owner, smart man, what's that old adage . . . 'where there is a will, there is a way.'

So here it is hump day and we are continuing our week long fun of things to do with Erin before she leaves for her meeting with the group destined to go to Kenya.  We hope the Peace Corps is finding new and different places for these folks as Kenya is not a place to be right now.     Donaleo made us a special soup with beans and rice and avocado which was delicious, very light and filling.   Erin's special pancakes were delicious and then Pat outdid herself with a crock pot pulled pork that was very tasty along with a slaw made with red cabbage and orange carrots, very colorful and very delicious.    We have been eating high on the hog as the old expression goes.    Today we are meeting friends and having some fish tacos.   Christine is missing out on all the goodies as she is still fighting heavy rains and a twenty -four hour bug.  She hopes to make it before the weekend and partake of a few left overs. Mike is playing prep cook with me for Thursday we are planning a turkey dinner, then company is coming in for a three day stay and we get to do this all over again.    The word diet comes to mind .     So hopefully, I have tweaked your taste buds and you will be thinking of things to cook up for your lunch and dinner.    Invite a family member or a friend in to join you and find a way to tell tall tales and make laughter ring through the rafters.     Don't forget to let a smile light up your entire face and use those arms for a bear hug or two.    It is very important to those you love and being on the receiving end isn't all bad.    Hugs to all.
 

A pledge

A lovely orchard for today.    Each picture sent by Orchards In Bloom is more beautiful than the next.    This one reminds me of grace and peace.  The colors of Spring.

Remember when  you started your day off with the Pledge of Allegiance . . . Here it is, start today and renew your faith in God and Country.

This is a base of one of many trees carved out by an unknown artist.  Such talent.  It would be nice to have the provenance of such work.

Ha,ha, can't you hear them chirping away?  Each of us has been chirping away as we hear the news from Nairobi, Kenya and the horrific event that is ongoing in the mall taken over by terrorists.    There is no end to the horror of mans inhumanity to man.    Granddaughter Erin was accepted in the Peace Corps and hoped to teach the deaf in that area and now we are hoping the Peace Corps does not send the new group over there but finds new areas to send them to.    Say a prayer for those departed souls and for those injured and add one that my granddaughter will find a teaching position elsewhere. . . like around home would be good.   
It is Tuesday and son Michael has arrived.    He looks so good and the wasp bites on his arm still look 'angry'.  He says he is fine.    We will be taking off soon for Pat's and a special breakfast Erin is cooking up this morning.   We will bring over some gigantic squashes, several varieties in both size and shape.  Michael A. did a great job with his garden this year.    He always does and my Michael tells me the pumpkins are huge.   The zucchini are two more two feet long and will have to be whittled down for some luscious breads.  It will have to be soon as there is no place to store them as is.     Wish you were close by so I could share them with you.    Go carefully today and every day.    Take good care of you.   And, if you have some pre-teens or teenagers trying to grow up to fast, chirp gently and remember what you were like when you were that age.    Be kind, be gentle and chirp loudly.  Hugs to all.

 

Clouds

The cloud looks angry up there in the Sierras.  Mike H. sent pictures of the lenticular clouds hovering over the valley.   He called them spooky. maybe Nature is showing off a bit of early Halloween display.

Cold, Ice and a bit of snow in the Truckee area of Nevada

A softer cloud cover just a day or two before

Linticular clouds over the Sierras.

Fall brings about change and up there in the Sierras they got a taste of what is to come this year.   They have had an extremely hot summer up there, now the change they were looking forward to as son Michael is regrouping from wasp stings.  He is due in today so I'll get a peek at him.    I gather the hive was hidden in the rushes as he was clearing out the creek bed on the ranch.   He is okay, but it has not been an easy week for him.  

Here it is Monday again, didn't I just write that?  Seems like it.    We are having stormy weather and have a promise of a week of it.   A day or two is fine, but a whole week . . . better than a whole month I guess.  The rains are back and on time so now the ground should soften up.  Weather is weather and there is little we can do but accept what comes our way and make it work in our favor.    It gives us a break from the outside work and a chance to relax long enough to figure out what inside work has to be done so we will have down time to read and write during the winter storms.   

We are going to celebrate Erin's last days with us before she leaves for Kenya.    The news from that part of the world is very frightening as the terrorists attack innocent people, this time in a shopping mall.   We would rather she didn't go off to that area, or any area as our world changes all around us.   We would prefer to keep her right here at home but the realization is that the same ugliness can and has happened right here in our own country.  We want her safe and secure and there is no way we can guarantee that, only she can make a decision and we are all praying for a wise one.   So be wise today when you have decisions to make.    Rise above a cranky attitude and put a smile on your face and go out the door with good intentions of making your today the best one yet.  Hugs to all.  

 

grandkids

Here is our latest finished puzzle;  one of those mystery puzzles.  The picture on the box is little help as the finished product is quite the opposite .   It was not easy, but it was fun. 

Granddaughter Erin hurt her back lifting something or pushing something that required more than her muscles could handle. She is doing better after a trip to a chiropractor but Emma isn't taking any chances and is keeping her company.

Bob and Andrea would love to be spending more time with granddaughter Jenny.   What a cutie, so smart bright and alert, ready to devour that special sundae. 

Here is Jacob, Paula's grandson showing off his new cousin.      Paula is very proud of her grandson who is an outdoor man and loves to play sports and go fishing and hunting with his dad. 

Isn't that a truth!!

Sunday, a quiet day, a day to listen to your inner self and make your plans for the coming week.  September is going by in such a hurry you may have to stop and think about upcoming holidays and all that goes along with them.   Cooler weather coming up, baking weather, company coming and things to do . . . and, a garden to put to rest for the winter months.    Reasons to smile.   Keep in mind those that are less fortunate and donate to the causes as so many have been left without anything due to the fires and floods.   Count your blessings for they are many.  Play hero or heroine to someone this week, quietly, and you will hear a sigh of thanksgiving for being the very special person  you are .   Hugs to all.  

A Rainy morning

If you are a lover of biscuits and gravy, you might want to try this recipe out.    It sounds like it might be tasty  and easy to make as you place some package biscuits in a nine by thirteen pan ,  brown a pound of sausage , add a packet of pork gravy mix;  a pinch of salt to your taste; beat up six eggs in 1/2 cup of milk pour over sausage,  then sprinkle a cup of cheddar cheese on top . . bake350 degrees for forty minutes.  Friend Marcia tells me she is going to cut the recipe in half and try it.   
I usually make mine with hot sausage and cook it with a heaping tablespoon of flour until almost black, add the milk slowly and put it over home made biscuits but it is so much easier to walk out the door and have breakfast at the Pancake House where the biscuits and gravy are perfect.

Breanna , a new bride, moving with her new husband to a new city where he has found a new job.  Good luck to you both.   Moving day got mom and dad out there helping

and even the dog got into the act and as you can see got all worn out staying out of the way.   I am smiling, I used to baby sit Breanna when she was three.   Where did all those years go?    Faster than I thought.  A beautiful talented young lady, just like her mom Jennifer.

An orchid a day, not hard to take at all.    So delicate, peaceful and serene.   

Granddaughter Erin had this on her Facebook page.  Now she can do all of this but I couldn't even do that when I was young and spry.    I might get the legs up in the air at one time but the rest would become a watching game as others went through the paces.  I'd rather sit, cross my legs or even kick them up in the air a bit but those floor exercises are for the agile.    Try them, you might like them and can do them . . . I'll watch.

Saturday and it is raining at the moment.    The little clapper on the side of the house is making noises.   A thunder clap went by and sounded pretty good as we finally got the promised rain for today.   The garden weeds are glowing and growing.    Granddaughter Erin has gone down to San Francisco to say goodbye and finish up some unfinished business.   It is hard to believe we only have another week with her then a long dry spell if her plans to teach the deaf children in a village in Kenya comes true.    She has a training period to face yet and then the final pathway to her dream.    What are your dreams?  What is it that you want to have happen in your life time?    Hopefully you are all working on your dream every day and getting closer and closer to fulfillment.     Don't waste your seconds thinking about it, do it one step at a time and make yourself proud and happy in your world.   Hugs to all. 

More of the Same

Apple Crisp so easy to make, so delicious to eat especially on a rainy cold day.  All you need is 1 cup of brown sugar; 1 cup of rolled oats; 1 cup of flour; 1/2 cup of melted butter; 3 cups of cut up apples;1/2 cup of white sugar; 2 teaspoons of cinnamon and I would add a pinch of nutmeg.  Preheat the oven to 350 and forty minutes later you have a satisfied smile on your face.

Candy Crush is addictive. and a bit frustrating when you have to try, try again and again to get from one segment to another.   I have said a prayer or two, believe me and a few unkind words along with them.

Ah, you equate!

Maxine is right as usual, so many of us have gone by the 'weight' side.

Good morning.    My unwanted advice this morning is not to bother relining a plate if you have one, just get a new one and forget the whole thing.   Putting out hot spots every day for a week is not fun, although I have to admit I think my new dentist is a peach and so funny and caring.   I am glad I made the change and I would recommend her to everyone close by.  She really knows her stuff, besides she is reading one of my novels and enjoying it   Speaking of novels I had word yesterday that my latest and probably last novel is ready to come off the press.  It is called "Decades" and I hope you all buy one and enjoy it.  It will come out on Amazon and Kindle.   Wish I had been able to get my first novels out there like this.   

Yes, I did, I really tried belly dancing but the muscles refused to cooperate, with the exception, as this little quote says and the extra avadopois had a mind of its own.

A lovely sight  as a river does run through a sot of its own.    The tune "Love is Everywhere" is running through my head.    It really is if you let it.   

So today, Friday has arrived and with it comes a weekend to enjoy.    How fast they come and go.  Make good use of your seconds, work on having a bit of fun .   A big storm has been predicted for our area and a threat of flooding  . . . of course, we are to have family coming in for a Farewell party for Erin before she leaves for Kenya.    I sent out warnings just in case the roads get as bad as predicted.    Let us just hope the weathermen are second guessing and the storm goes higher or lower and we stay cozy and clear.   A bit selfish on my part but it isn't often that I have almost everyone here at one time.    But, one day as it comes and deal with it . . . we do it all the time.    As I said, have a little fun for a change, what is that old adage . . . all work and no play makes for a dull person and I know that not one of you is dull.   So change the tune and start humming 'rain, rain, go away, come again another day' or 'put on a happy face' and get on with your weekend.    Hugs to all.

WELL!!

Bill Cosby, a funny man who makes us laugh out loud and usually tells it as it is. 

Leave it to Maxine.    She does have a way with words. 

A simple way to make caramel apples and much easier way to eat. 

A new beauty from Orchid Blooms.   It has the look of ballet dancers spinning and twirling .The feeling of softness in a world of its own, delicate but strong. 

Here is Jock with his new puppy Gunner who has taking to training like a duck to water, but those are pheasants lined up and ready to be devoured this winter.    I have heard of Pheasant Under Glass but have no idea what it is or what it tastes like.  I put my order in for a taste and promised the side dishes, um . . . wonder what goes with such a delicate bird;  where is a French chef when you need one?    Garden green beans, fresh beets and a bit of Hubbard squash would add a bit of color to the plate.  Au gratin potatoes might do it. or, maybe just a nice big tossed salad.   We will have to decide and then choose a date for our master chef to come in and bring his pheasants even without the glass.   Talking about food makes me hungry so I'll go have my breakfast and wake up.  Coffee....coffee...here I come.    So go grab your cup and fill it with your favorite drink and enjoy something to go with it.    Put a smile in your eyes, give the first one you meet and greet a hug and get on with your day.    Hugs to all.

 

Creative

Some one has a sense of humor.    

So true

Reminds me of a special Indian dance, love the color combination.   A graceful bird. 

My friend Sharon Guinn has been painting again.  She is so funny and so clever.

Hump day, and I am still visiting the dentist office.  I told the ladies I was taking up space.   Having a plate relined is always such a pain as it takes time to get it back in position.   The sore spots are not fun, nor is the wait to get checked out each time.     We had it almost right the other day but my new lady perfectionist wasn't satisfied and did a little addition of some horrid smelling 'stuff' and it seems as it is too much, so here we go again...pray for the right tack as I'm getting tired of soft food. She is really a very good dentist and very caring and very thorough so when the job is finished and all back as it should be I'll be able to 'chow down' and stop complaining.    Change, change, it isn't always for the best.    So today, look around and see what if anything needs changing then be sure you look it over twice and make sure as it could lead to something you might not like.   

Folks are beginning to feel Fall in the air, time to check the fire places and the furnaces.    Time to take the fall coat to the cleaners and check out the your winter clothing to make sure the moths didn't have a feast while you ran around in peddle pushers and sandals.     It is time to winterize the gardens and keep the rake handy for those wondrous leaves that will be piling up in your yard.     We have some more beautiful weather coming up so we still have time to do the outside windows one more time.    Fall cleaning, curtain washing, and a bit of wall dusting....yes, Fall is in the air and you will feel a bit of new 'zing' in your step and soon an awareness that we are truly heading for the holiday season . . . someone said it is only one hundred days to Christmas.   I thought you might appreciate that remark.     Go, put a smile on your face, hum a tune or two and sparkle today.   Hugs to all.