Friday

This little sketch tells it all . . . how we love Fridays when we are still out in the working world;  come to think of it we love Friday even when we are not out in the working world.   A weekend coming up to enjoy;  so get to it. 

This picture may have been on my blog before, but it is worth looking at.  makes me smile, makes me want to get up out of my chair and do a little dance.   Music, dance, feeling good, yep that is what it is all about. 

Maybe you would like to go skiing this weekend.  Fresh air and exercise and it is good for you. 

Maybe you would like to take a boat ride around an island and just look out and enjoy the scenery. 

Maybe you would like to go for a boat ride to the Caribbean and walk along a sandy beach.  I just hope you have choices and you choose the right one for you.    Rest, relaxation is all a part of what makes you healthy, wealthy and wise.

Of course, a truism . . . what fun would it be if we only made the same mistake twice.   We do have to be sure so keep practicing until you get it right.

The last day of February, 2014 and a new weekend to enjoy.    I had a ride out yesterday to Crescent City and treated my daughter Patricia to lunch at the Chart House.    They sure know how to serve fish in all its different ways.  I ordered a cup of chowder and a half sandwich of crab meat and I didn't have to pick it,  Patricia had the fish tacos and said they were delicious.   The sea lions have taken over the sidewalk now that their floating barge has disappeared.  I wonder if the city did away with them in hopes of getting rid of the sea creatures.   They are huge, brown, fat, and I didn't have my camera with me to take a picture for you.   They are noisy and bark.  They don't seem to care if people come close or not;  they are not about to move unless they have to.   I suppose they go into the bay and catch their dinner.   It seemed so strange to see them up on the sidewalk lolling in the sunshine.  I think this area is home to them and they are not about to move.  It will be interesting to see who wins in the long run.   Hopefully the city will put back their floating island and let them enjoy their home right there by the restaurant.  

So, if you are in the area, go take a peek and stop in the Chart House for lunch.    Be sure you have your camera with you.    We are to have stormy weather for the weekend and wind is supposedly part of it.   I hope you have good sunshine weather where you are and have a chance to go out and enjoy yourselves.   Let a smile be your umbrella on a rainy, rainy day, tilt your head back, open your mouth and catch a drop or two.    Be graceful, be good, be wise and don't forget to walk into a hug or two.   Hugs to all.

New Stuff

One can only hope!     Wonder if a wheeze is as good as a smile.

Clever new idea.  I wonder what it weighs?    Looking at the picture I do not see smooth riding roads.   I'd need a three wheeler and then I'd have trouble trying to get around mountain terrain.   I'll stick with my walking. 

This picture came in with a joke and I had to laugh out loud;  some folks do not communicate well.  In this little tale the lady of the house is working hard in the kitchen;  her spouse comes in an offers to help and asks what he can do.  She tells him there is a bag of potatoes on the counter so would he take and peel half of them . . . well he did.... 

Clever idea which should have been around years ago.  what a boon it would have been for waitresses and ladies who entertained a lot.     

Now this one is confusing.  Imagine stopping at a light and having to wait for the colors to change.  I don't think this one is worth changing from what already works very well.   Change is not always for the better . . . yikes, we certainly are finding that out in our current world.    Maybe our leaders could use one of these in making decisions.  

Are you up and dressed and ready for your new day?    I'm not. . . I'm up, not quite awake and need my coffee but I have to go and make it.    It rained a tiny bit yesterday afternoon and we may be in for some more today so that means I can continue with the new Alex Cross story that just came out.    It was on sale which was a treat.   I usually get my books at yard sales but yesterday I thought I needed a treat so I treated myself to a paper back.   That James Patterson has a way with words.    So, if you have some time on your hands today, find a cozy nook and grab a book . . . enjoy some peace and quiet, although a story can stir you up, wake you up and all your peace and quiet is lost in a world of mayhem and mystery.   Fun!!  Don't forget the smile, from the eyes please and thank you . . . don't forget the hugs, make them meaningful and do hum a lot it is good for the brain, gives it a bit of rest from that unrest you have been feeling.   February almost gone, March will be here with all its frills and foibles and Lent starts on March 5th.  A time to plot and plan what you can give up for forty days to prove your own mettle.    Try it, you may find you have what it takes.    Be good, be careful, be kind today as someone is waiting just for YOU.  Hugs to all.

History Bits

The iceberg has black and red paint scrapings which is thought to be the iceberg that sank the Titanic 

The sister ship of the Titanic.  Didn't know they build another. 

The Statue of Liberty during a blackout in 1942.   I think of 'defiance; when I look at this picture.
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New Hampshire Volunteers in the 1846 war with Mexico. 

The soldiers in the Korean War, 1960.   Caring never goes out of style.  You can only imagine the horror they faced at the start of the new day.    Maybe the politicians and the soldiers should trade places for a day or two, bet that would change the war zones.

Here it is Hump Day and you have a your taste of history for this morning.  The attachments that come in are fantastic and remind us a little of what has gone on in our world.     Yesterday was a good sunshine day so I took a walk up to get my hair cut.  Gina, the lady barber, had three men ahead of me so you know I have one of the shortest haircuts imaginable.  I like it, easier to take care of but I'm not sure of the bangs this time.    Gina is a character, a talker, there is nothing that she cannot talk about and the strange part is she has a ton of trouble at her own doorstep and it is a wonder she can work at all.   She is the bread winner for her family so I guess that is what keeps her on her feet.    Her husband is dying of a strange cancer within his mouth and throat.  It came out of nowhere, fast and furious and the doctors are stymied in trying to find some way to treat him.  Right now it is chemo and radiation in hopes of stopping  it.  Her son is hospitalized due to taking a drug that really sent him over the top and it may be something that cannot be reversed.   Say a prayer for this family please.   So many of us think we have problems but when you hear about your neighbor and friends who are beneath a black cloud, you realize how well off you are.   So today make up your mind and heart to help someone in need, any one little deed you can do to alleviate the pain and suffering just because you can.     A donation to the cancer fund would be a start;  lighting a candle would help and don't forget to be thankful for all of your blessings of today.    Be strong, be good, be kind and gentle and magnanimous.   Hugs to all.

Travelers

A reminder . . .  

A train moving slowly through the setting sun;  makes for a beautiful picture. 

Erin  and Jessica, two ladies who rally love to travel and do as often as they can.;   Right now Erin is on hold, waiting for her starting date with the Peace Corps and her stint in Guyana, South America.   Jess if off in Africa and she writes so well.   I'd like to be walking along beside her enjoying the sights and sounds. A striking example of courage and conviction as both are hearing impaired and it doesn't stop them for following their dreams.

 

The travelers will soon be winging their way to more exotic places and I can hardly wait for their blog. 

Meanwhile, here is a tasty fruit dish.    I wouldn't mind if someone put that on my table.  Kiwi, strawberries, peaches and grapes . . . It is almost to pretty to disturb, but that thought wouldn't stay long if it were right here. . . It sure wouldn't look like that.

Yesterday proved to be a delightful warm spring like day, showing that soon we will be enjoying more good weather, or at least hope we will.  With all the strange weather patterns this past few years, it is hard t tell what is going to be next on our plate.    Sunshine is always good, but not without a rainy day here and there.   I'm not much for the cold anymore, slows me down on my walking exercises.    Daughter Pat chauffeured me around and I did get a few things accomplished.    La Verne came over and decided to join us;  we made up our minds to have Chinese food for our dinner.   We went to our newest restaurant where the food is very tasty and enjoyed our visit.    I even had leftovers for lunch today and I ordered from the senior menu.    The proprietor knows how to keep his customers coming back.  

A friend send me a few of Henny Youngman's quotes so I thought you might enjoy a smile or two.

"If you're going to do something tonight that you'll be sorry for tomorrow morning, sleep late."

"The secret of a happy marriage remains a secret."

So, find reasons to smile today.    Finish up the chores you set for yourself, make it a point to go outside in the fresh air and look around at all that garden work that needs doing, go back in the house and make a list and put it somewhere that you will be sure to find it when you want to go shopping for all those needed items to spruce up your garden, then sit down with a cup of your favorite drink and grab hold of that good book and read for awhile.  There is no rush to get everything done in one day, tomorrow is just fine . . . now that is what is called being 'old';  see, it does have some compensations.    Friend Sharon stopped by for a visit and that is always special.   Tea and conversation in which we agree we cannot save the world but we can try, at least our little corner of it.    So stay positive, good attitude, good deeds and lots of music in your soul as you set an example on how not to waste your seconds.   Go, make your day special, just like YOU.  Hugs to all.

Words

Buster Brown, now that goes back away.    Handsome or beautiful or just plain well made shoes at a price you could afford to pay.   I think the prices for shoes has changed to 'high end', agree?  Eater Mary Jane shoes, remember wearing those?     

Amazing what has transpired over the years.    Most of these new small gadgets I haven't even held.   I can tell you I love my computer here on my desk.   I am lost when it doesn't work.   I was so happy to see the technician yesterday and be back up and running.    We are living in changing times so keep up with all the new gadgets and stay in close touch with those you love and like. 

Isn't that the truth.    Some days our moods get the best of us and it takes all day to get over ourselves.;  Make today one that you command. 

Another oldie.  I think some folks still find these jumpsuits wearable and comfortable .   I don't believe they were made for style, but for hard work and to keep your good clothes clean.     

Yes, I am humming the tune, aren't you?     Sure is cute and funny.  A good way to start our new week.

What is this week going to bring?   We will soon find out as we face a new beginning and hopefully a change in the weather for some folks who have had a really tough winter.  

An old friend, up there in Nevada, is ninety-one today.   Hey there Bob, have a great day .. . Happy Birthday.

Monday is a honey do day and seeing I don't have a honey around to do, then I guess I had better think of all the chores that go with a Monday....laundry, vacuuming, dusting, retrieve the garbage cans. . . yes, chores to do and that means getting dressed putting the shoes on and get started . . . but not yet as I haven't had my coffee yet and I have news to listen to and, if I am smart, I may find a way to spread the chores around so I can try and find another piece of that 'god' awful puzzle which defies finding a piece.   Bob and Andy are smiling but I am not going to get mad, I am going to get even and you know who is going to get the puzzle in first class mail...yep, they deserve it.

So be of good cheer, lighten the load, practice smiling with your eyes and for heavens sake give someone a hug today.  Hum a lot it helps to chase those moods away.   Hugs to all.

 

I'm Back

Men to be admired . . . weather means nothing more than what it is...weather.    Brave and true. . sure makes me feel the pride of our men in uniform.  

The dauntless ones.    time to let them know how much we appreciate them  . . . pass time really, but they know as we never stop praying for them. 

Leave it to the New York Times . . .   bet the predictors wish they had bought stock in that new contraption. 

Now you have to smile at least a little . . . Bill is still making headlines even though the 'rag sheets' say he is dying...well his libido seems to be healthier than ever. 

Here it is Sunday and I had a technician just leave after putting in an up-to-date router;  think the words he used were ,   " I am amazed it lasted this long."      Son John never said anything last time he was home...maybe  because it was still working.   It is so nice to be back on line and blogging.  I caught up on some e mails but not many.    So I'll say hello... I hope you missed me a little, but love me a lot.

I'll be back....stay healthy, wealthy and wise.     Hugs to all.

Goodmorning

Good morning.    I am over at Patricia's house trying to use her computer and it is not easy.   I cannot find my way around the key board without entering all the wrong letters;  very frustrating.    She has a lovely lap top and I am not insulting it, just finding it a bit different than the one I use at home.  

Son John got busy yesterday and cleaned up my computer from his home in Delaware.    He was doing me a favor and making it better so I could blog easily and faster.    But, the proverbial but, whatever changes were made crashed my computer and now I am waiting for someone from Charter to come and get me back on line.       So be patient and I'll be back.

Computers......aaarrrgghhhh!!!!

Know I am thinking of you and wishing you a sunshine day filled with a lot of love and laughter.  Hugs to all.

Care

I read a short article yesterday about elephants which I thought was a special tale to share this morning.  

The elephants show their hurt by flared nostrils and an erect tail.   When this happens the others gather close and start chirping and touch the hurting elephant with its trunk letting it know they are there for it and want to help.     The folks in Thailand are doing a study on the Asian elephants.      We can learn a lot by watching our friends in the animal kingdom.     Caring and Sharing, good words for today.

Smiling Eyes . . . I keep telling you they have a story to tell.     In this write up it has been found that some animals like this cat, along with some dogs and a few select animals may be able to see things that are invisible to the human eye.     Um . . . wonder what Emma sees when she looks at us. 

My granddaughter is so smart.   This is her latest creation for a business card.   Pretty special, very colorful and it brings thoughts of the beautiful coastal area she calls home.     

Our Emma looks just like this mother dog.  she is blonde and beautiful but spayed so she doesn't stand a chance to have any of these cuties.     Aren't they something?     Look at those faces.  Makes me smile. 

Another special creation carved by someone who knows how.      Almost to pretty to eat.   But. . . that wouldn't stop me, how about you?

We had a very beautiful sunny bright and lovely day yesterday.    The storms never did reach us as touted by our weather folks.    Daughter Patricia and I had a nice ride over to Crescent City looking for a special brand of vitamins I have used for years.   When our Chetco Pharmacy closed it left us without some special brands they carried.    I could order them through the computer and pay mailing fees but thought to look around and I was happy to find them in Walgreens.    We had stopped at the huge Walmart and got plenty of exercise up and down the aisles.  That place is huge.    I had to return my new skillet as it was uneven and had a loose handle...the only thing I found made in America and it wasn't made up to the old standards.  How sad.

 

     At one time we were known for our quality both in merchandise and in our manners and way of life.   Our word was respected and as good as a handshake, but somewhere along the passing seconds , we, as a people, have let ourselves down.  Quality is gone out of our lives both in our companies and ourselves.     We cannot change the world but we can change ourselves and we can put some of that good old American spirit back into existence.    We start with ourselves.   We take one day as it comes and we look for the chance to be good, to be kind, to be gentle and most of all true to ourselves.   When we do something,. anything, we do it right and we do it in a style that makes us proud of ourselves.    Shoddy work and a foul mouth begets ignorance . . . so remember today is a gift to open and share.  Be an elephant.  Hugs to all.

 

Hope

I have a picture on my dining room wall similar to this one.    Reminds me to ask for a blessing on the foods I eat.  So many tales out of the food industry as to what is in the foods we eat.   Now we are learning that the products have added ingredients that are not healthy and the wonder is why there is so many obese folks walking around in ill health and wonder why.    Read the labels, watch out where the foods are coming from.  Did you know Dole's pineapple products come out of Thailand?  I didn't know that . . .  why, when our 50th State is where they are grown.   I guess more reasons why we are in the shape that we are in. 

A special vacation spot in Africa 

friendly giraffe likes to walk up to the dining room window and be fed by the patrons.   The giraffe is really a beautiful and graceful animal. 

Back in Port Orchard, Washington, the Art Gallery is filled with art lovers.   Toni Nelson had a special showing for her water color students.    I was lucky to make friends with her when I visited Port Orchard and listened to her brag about the work her students did.    It is no wonder as she is a beautiful talented lady and very proud of her students as she teaches them how to make beautiful art work..     

Meanwhile daughter Christine taught a knitting class at the Gallery last evening.   I am waiting to find out how many came.    I know she has made granddaughter Erin a knitter.    I used to love to knit and crochet until the fingers decided to lock on their own.   It was and is, to this day, a very relaxing hobby and one where you can wear and or use the items you produce.    Another form of art.

 

This picture came in on  'newser' , a computer news letter which regales interesting tidbits of what is going on in our world.   This week it showed this picture of a pork pie.   It certainly is different than the pork pie I make at Christmas time.    The  whole story was not told, only that it was served at a wedding and there was a huge fight.  It would have been nice to know the outcome and the whys.   All it did was remind me that the traditional Christmas Eve pork pie was served after Midnight Mass as the older members of the family got together to put together whatever toys needed to be completed.   I believe it was a French tradition, at least it was the French family on our street that introduced the pork pie to us.   It really is a delicious dish and easy to make, so next trip to the market buy a package of your favorite pork, some Bell seasoning, and an onion.   Get out your big black skillet and cook up the pork, breaking it up so it cooks thoroughly, add chopped onion and the seasoning to your taste (a good tablespoon full, at least) and cook it thoroughly.  Meanwhile put a pie crust together and add the pork ingredients and bake at 350 for a half hour or until the pie crust is nice and brown.    You can add a cream soup to the mix and it doesn't hurt it at all, either way it is delicious.  Try it you may find you like it.

Hump Day seems to come around quickly.    Our rain was heavy for a short while yesterday evening but didn't continue through the night.    The weather man tells us that we are warming up again and that is okay too as the daffodils are up and looking lovely.   There is one bunch between my neighbors yard and mine, right on the sidewalk.  It has been there for years and the bulbs never separated.  I wonder what they will be like in another few years as the one or two are now at least seven or eight blooms.    Pretty little flowers and another sign of spring, although it will take many more days before the actual spring should arrive.   A Topsy-turvy weather pattern this year.    So, go out and enjoy it n matter what it is;  be thankful not only for your food but for your new day to spend as you wish.     Don't forget you have chores to do, good deeds to accomplish, a banquet to served along with a hug or two.     Be good, be kind, be gentle, love one another today, all day.  Hugs to all.

Rocks

Opals are found in limonite, sandstone, rhyolite, marl and basil.   They are sometimes called picture opal as they show scenes from another world.  If I am correct, opal is the birthstone for those born in the month of October.  My daughter, Eileen, loved opals and enjoyed having a collection of different and beautiful opals.  Her sisters each have one of her rings and wear it and remember the love and the sense of being that she brought into their world.   

There have been words stating opals are bad luck to wear if you were not born under their sign;  utter nonsense as the beauty of the stone speaks for itself.    It is meant to be worn in whatever form you enjoy.  The black opal is gorgeous;  the fire opal comes alive, and all of the other shades within the stone bring beauty and pride to those who love the opal and wear it.   The opals are nothing short of a miracle, just like diamonds and emeralds and all the other beautiful stones that come from our earth.   So check out your jewelry box today and put on something to make you feel beautiful and loved.   Another form of a hug, so wear your jewelry in good  health and enjoy your seconds today.

Another rainy, snowy, wintry day . . .how lucky we are to be alive and enjoy the elements today.   Don't forget your one good deed for today.    Make someone you love , and or, like, feel good about themselves today.  Admire their jewelry and if they don't have some, share one of those pins you have sitting in a dark box doing a lot of nothing when it could be worn and admired and loved.    Just think of all that beauty you can share.    Hugs to all. 

 

Olden Days

You could be riding around in the storms in one of these . . . then you would have reason to be complaining about how cold it is out there. 

Mt. Rushmore and what the builders had planned it to look like,  but ran out of money in 1941. 

The very first baseball team . . . 1858.

1920, Deaf students out of Gallaudet University.  They created the 'huddle' so the other team could not see their signs.

Bobby Fisher,   April 12, 1964 . played fifty consecutive games . . . won 47, lost 1, draw on 2.

Ah, the good old days.  I always enjoy seeing the pictures and reading about those folks who worked and played hard.      Ii bet you have pictures and stories of your ancestors and their way of life.   

In the midst of the weatherman telling of the storm window being wide open, someone threw him a curve as we had sunshine and warmth yesterday;.    I walked up to the store and walked the aisles, a great way to exercise.   I also found a couple of items I remembered and left behind a few I didn't .  I got the Big X crossword puzzle which keeps me occupied for some time.    It always reminds me of the myriad of Fridays I spent with my friend Gerry and we would each have our puzzle, pen in hand, and our brains got a good workout.   So many good memories to make me smile.    It was a bit on the windy side walking back and that does slow one down a bit.   The wind pushes you along as you go up to the store but it holds you back when you return.    I'm not complaining though as it felt good to be outdoors for a change.  

I much preferred to celebrate the President's birthdays on their day;  this combining them into one and making it a big sale day is  not right.    Some changes are just not good . . . aren't we finding that out each day, every day, as the 'emperor' runs amok without his clothes on?  Some things are better left alone. So celebrate as you choose, but try hard to stay away from all those sales, and all the Easter candy and froufrou being touted as something you cannot live without.   Make a list, check it twice and decide to go shopping the day after a holiday as everything is marked half price.

Be good, be kind, be lovable and smile with your eyes.    Make your President's Day a fun one and share your seconds with those you love.   Hugs to all.